10 tips for flying with a baby.

In the days and weeks leading up to our first plane trip with Fischer last month, I have to admit I was pretty nervous. But I solicited tips and advice (special shoutout to my good friend Meredith!) and got so much great feedback that by the time we left I felt pretty prepared. The information you find in the tips below are the 10 biggest things that helped me plan for our trip, as well as some info that I learned from the experience of our travels. I hope it helps!

1. Take your stroller and infant car seat with you through the airport. They’ll check them free of charge at the gate and will have them waiting for you when you get off the plane. Something to think about: whether or not you’re going to a place that requires you to use a car seat. For example, when we went to Bermuda, we didn’t bring Fischer’s car seat because 1, you can’t rent a car there you can only take a taxi – and car seats aren’t required. And then 2, the island is so small that the speed limit was never over about 35 mph. So we left his car seat in our car that we parked at the airport and just took the seat insert for his stroller (we have a Nuna).
2. This isn’t so much a tip but I think it’s a helpful piece of info that we learned. When you fly domestically, a lap infant can fly for free. But when you fly internationally – even if you’re planning to have them sit in your lap – you have to purchase a ticket. However, if you’re not buying them a seat you only have to pay 10% of what you paid for your own ticket.
3. Feed baby a bottle or nurse them during takeoff and landing to help with the air pressure and their ears! You can bring a bottle on the plane – just keep it at or less then 8 ounces.
4. Bring gallon-size ziplock bags for storing wet/soiled clothes during the flight.
5. Bring at least one extra outfit for both you AND baby on the plane just in case!
6. This isn’t a guarantee, but I’d recommend trying to fly on Wednesdays if at all possible! When we find ourselves flying on Wednesday, our flights usually aren’t full at all. Coming home from Bermuda, we were able to get a whole row to ourselves. Having Fischer in his own seat made things so much easier!
7. If possible, schedule flight times during nap time.
8. To save some space in your bags, pack up sheets and extra sleep sacks in your Pack ‘n’ Play. OR to save the expense of a checked bag, call the hotel where you’ll be staying and ask if they’re able to put a crib in your room! We did this in Bermuda (but still brought our own bedding).
9. Be sure to bring a wrap or baby carrier. Makes boarding the plane easier and especially if baby needs to be snug to sleep.
10. DON’T STRESS about meltdowns. If it’s one thing I learned from flying with a baby, it was that people are much more understanding than you give them credit for. And the ones that aren’t – well.. you’ll never see them again 😉 Just do the best you can and enjoy!

Some of the best advice I received about traveling with kids in general was to simply “make due and enjoy making memories together.” So, no matter how the plane ride goes, that’s the mantra I’ll be choosing to keep in mind when we travel from now on. Happy exploring, friends!