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Traveling with a baby can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation it can be a smooth process. Here are a few tips on how to make your next plane trip with a baby a success.
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Booking your flight
When you’re ready to book your flight, you’ll need to decide whether to book a direct flight or one with a stopover. A direct flight is usually quicker and easier, but it can be more expensive. If you have to make a stop, it’s a good idea to choose a stopover that’s in the same time zone as your destination so you don’t end up jet lagged.
You should also think about what time of day you want to fly. If you have a young baby, it might be better to choose a daytime flight so they can sleep during the journey. If your child is older, night-time flights can be cheaper and they might sleep for part of the journey too.
Packing for the plane
When you’re packing for a trip, you need to make sure you have everything you need for your baby. Here are some tips on what to pack when traveling by plane with a baby:
-Bring a diaper bag packed with all of the essentials: diapers, wipes, snacks, and changes of clothes.
-Pack light! You don’t want to be lugging around a lot of stuff.
-Bring a travel stroller or car seat for your baby.
-If you’re flying with a lap baby, bring a nursing cover or bottle feed on the plane.
Checking in and security
When you arrive at the airport, you will need to check in at the ticketing counter and receive your boarding pass. You will also need to show your government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. If you are traveling with an infant, you will need to present the child’s birth certificate.
After you have your boarding pass, you will proceed to the security checkpoint. You will need to remove all items, including shoes, belts, and jackets, and put them into a bin for x-ray scanning. You and your carry-on luggage will also go through an x-ray machine. If you are traveling with an infant, you may carry the infant through the metal detector instead of putting the baby on the conveyor belt.
If you have any questions or concerns about security procedures, please ask a TSA agent for assistance.
Boarding the plane
Board the plane last so you’re not rushed and can take your time. Find your seat and stow your carry-on items. If you have an infant in a car seat, place the seat in an aisle seat and secure it with the seatbelt. If you’re traveling with a baby who doesn’t require a car seat, ask the flight attendant if they have any extra seats so you can put your baby’s car seat in front of you to create a little more space.
Taking off
If you’re traveling by plane with a baby, you’ll need to take some extra steps to make sure your trip goes smoothly. Here are some tips for taking off:
-Get to the airport early. This will give you plenty of time to get through security and find your gate.
-Dress your baby in comfortable clothing. You don’t want them to be too hot or too cold during the flight.
– Bring along some snacks and drinks for your baby. A full tummy will help them sleep better on the plane.
-Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your baby has an accident during the flight.
– Nursing mothers may want to bring along a shawl or blanket to cover up while they feed their baby.
In-flight entertainment
If you’re flying with a baby, you might be wondering how to keep them entertained during the flight. Fortunately, most airlines now offer in-flight entertainment options that are perfect for keeping little ones occupied. Here are some tips for choosing the right in-flight entertainment for your baby:
Choose age-appropriate options. If your baby is under two years old, look for airlines that offer child-friendly in-flight entertainment options. These might include TV shows, movies, and games specifically designed for young children.
Consider carrying your own entertainment. If you’re concerned about the quality or selection of in-flight entertainment options, you can always bring your own. Portable DVD players, handheld gaming devices, and tablets are all great options for keeping babies entertained during a flight. Just be sure to pack any necessary cords and chargers in your carry-on baggage.
Take advantage of airplane amenities. Many airlines now offer inflight Wi-Fi, which means you can stream child-friendly content directly to your personal device during the flight. You can also take advantage of airplane amenities like coloring books and crayons, which can be a great way to keep older babies and toddlers occupied.
Changing diapers
Remember to bring enough diapers for the flight, as well as wipes and a travel-sized changing pad. Most airlines will allow you to pre-board so you can get settled with your baby before takeoff. Make use of the lavatory on the plane for diaper changes—it’s often larger than the ones in the airport and will have a changing table.
Feeding your baby
There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling by plane with a baby. The first is that you will need to bring along food and water for your baby. It is important to have enough food and water for the entire trip, as well as snacks and formula if you are formula feeding. You will also want to pack extra clothes in case your baby has a blowout or spill.
Another thing to keep in mind when flying with a baby is that you will need to plan for diaper changes. Be sure to bring along plenty of diapers and wipes, as well as a changing pad. You may also want to consider bringing along a small toy or something else to occupy your baby during the flight.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that babies under two years old do not usually require their own seat on an airplane. You will likely be able to hold your baby on your lap during the flight. However, you may want to purchase a seat for your child if you feel that it would be more comfortable for everyone involved.
Landing
The thought of landing with a baby on a plane is enough to make any parent panic, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the experience much less stressful for both you and your baby.
Here are a few tips to help you survive the landing with your baby:
1. Time your feedings so that your baby is not hungry during the descent. A full stomach will help reduce the discomfort of pressure changes.
2. Give your baby something to suck on during the landing. A pacifier or bottle can help ease the discomfort of changing pressure.
3. Use white noise to help soothing your baby during the landing. The sound of an airplane engine can be overwhelming for a tiny infant, so try to drown it out with some calming music or another noise source.
4. BREATHE! The most important thing you can do during the landing is stay calm yourself. Babies pick up on our stress and it will only make the situation worse. So take a few deep breaths and try to relax.
Dealing with jet lag
Dealing with jet lag can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially challenging when you’re traveling with a baby. Here are a few tips to help you and your little one adjust to the new time zone:
-Start by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule in the days leading up to your trip. If you’re traveling east, go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night; if you’re traveling west, do the opposite.
-On the day of your flight, try to stay awake as long as possible. Getting on the new schedule as soon as possible will help minimize jet lag.
-Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the plane ride, and keep yourself (and your baby) well-hydrated throughout the flight.
-Once you arrive at your destination, expose yourself (and your baby) to natural light as much as possible. This will help adjust your internal clock to the new time zone.
-Finally, don’t forget to be patient! It can take a few days (or even longer) for your body to fully adjust to the new time zone.
