Family Travel: Air Travel Tips

15 AIR TRAVEL TIPS FOR PARENTS WITH INFANTS

Keep it short-haul. My sister-in-law recently asked me, “What do you do with a one-year-old on a six-hour flight?” Honestly, I don’t know. If you have any suggestions, please send them my way. I’m just happy for her that she’s not taking a two-year-old on a six-hour flight. Personally, I wouldn’t take a toddler on a flight longer than two hours.
But what if you can’t? Luckily, pre-mobile infants are pretty easy to please for the most part. They don’t mind just sitting there for long periods of time because, well, that’s what they’d be doing anyway. Help them keep their blood moving by playing with them on your lap, using a little baby massage, and picking them up for short walks around the cabin. (Visit the restroom and check it out every so often. You won’t be in anyone’s way and no one will think you are strange. And baby can be sure to have a nice dry diaper throughout the flight.)
Make sure the older ones keep those muscles moving. Toddlers have such a strong need for large muscle movement, restraining them is rarely successful, and when it is successful, the tension is often released through crying. Small toddlers can walk across laps of game adults in your party. Consider seat dancing with bigger ones. Show them how to stretch arms, legs, and backs. Walkers can take that long walk to the restroom. A good bout of movement every hour or two will help these active litle bugs to settle down to calmer activities in between.
Have tickets, passports, and other documentation in one place. A travel wallet is a handy way to store all your important cards and cash zippered away while keeping passports, I.D., and tickets close at hand.
Know luggage limits. Most airlines have size and weight restrictions for luggage on their websites. Make sure both your check-in luggage and carry-on bags fulfill the requirements before you head to the airport. Some will allow an extra bag and/or carry-on for a non-paying infant.
Know security protocols. Do you need a passport or a visa? Are you allowed to bring that water bottle on board? Do you need written permission to travel with your child if your spouse is not on the same flight? These things vary from one country to another. Check with your travel agent before you go.

Ditch the stroller. Seriously. The times I have brought a stoller, I have spent more time and trouble juggling stuff and curious/lonely child. Invest in a quality soft carrier (not a bag sling — those are dangerous!) and carry your baby up where they can see things, feel you, and keep out of harm’s way while you deal with the ins and outs of traveling. Many parents like slings. Myself, I like two-shouldered carriers to truly have two arms free while handling bags and/or other children. If you really want your stroller, use it for carrying luggage. It won’t miss you or want to be part of the action.
Take advantage of pre-boarding. It is nice for both you and fellow passengers that you can get settled onto the plane with your baby without fighting for space with everyone else. Get to the boarding area a bit early and jump on when they call for pre-boarding.
Enlist the help of the people around you. (Well, not directly. “Hi! Will you play with my baby?…”) We have all heard stories of people who are incredibly put out by young children on airplanes, but in my experience, there are countless more who display the instinct to connect and play with children, especially babies. Let your baby smile at and flirt with the other people on the plane. If your baby is not going through a lot of stranger anxiety, they will be entertained by the faces around them as they smile and coo and steal the hearts of your fellow passengers.
Feed your hobbit. With all the excitement, distractions, and new experiences, your little one will probably nurse and/or nibble more often than at home. Help them feel secure, comforted, and taken care of while they build those dendrites.
Prefer privacy? Tuck a couple of safety pins and a baby blanket into your carry-on. Attach the blanket to your seat and the one in front of you for a privacy screen. Or if you have a wrap carrier, it doubles as a privacy screen or nursing shield quite nicely.
On ear popping: Jaw movement helps to release air for tiny ear canals. Let your baby nurse as you take-off and land. A juice box works as well.
Pack a carry-on with a few familiar books and toys, and a few new books and toys. Add in a few diapers, a couple of wet cloths in a ziploc bag, and a plastic bag or two for changes. Include a change of clothes, just in case, and a few snacks if baby is eating solids. Candied ginger is handy for settling restless tummies.
Seperate the messy ones. Let cabin crew know if you need to change a messy diaper. Many prefer that you wrap it individually in a plastic bag and give it to them for disposal. Some will even set up the change table for you.
And finally, ignore rude people. You know the right way to handle your child and your responsibility is to your baby’s well-being. Don’t let others’ emotional baggage stress you out.