I remember a video that went viral, where a mom got up with a baby in her arms and handed each passenger on a plane a small bag containing candies, earplugs, and a note that said: “Hello, I am Junwoo, and I am four months old. I am a little nervous and scared because this is the first flight of my life, which means I might cry or make a lot of noise. I will try to be quiet, but I can't make any promises. Please forgive me.”
This woman intelligently and empathetically anticipated what we all know: traveling by plane with a baby can be stressful. But don’t worry, it’s not an impossible mission. To help you, I have compiled the best tips from real moms who have been through it, and that will be very helpful to make it more bearable.
Prevent their ears from getting clogged
Pressure changes are often uncomfortable for babies. Have them suck on something during takeoff and landing to prevent their ears from getting clogged. Breastfeeding, giving a bottle or a pacifier always helps. If they are older, offer them water in a cup with a straw or snacks to chew on. There are also sugar-free lollipops they can indulge in. Consult with their pediatrician beforehand if you can give them something to relieve discomfort if this fails, and keep it handy. If your baby has had a recent ear infection, ask if it is advisable for them to fly.
Make sure they sleep
Many moms travel very early or very late to ensure their baby sleeps as much as possible during the flight. You can also match the flight time with their nap or delay it until it's time to fly. Try changing their diaper just before boarding so you don't have to wake them up later. This will work as long as your flight doesn't have significant delays. Bring noise-canceling headphones to reduce the decibel level your baby is exposed to in the cabin and keep them calm.
Dress them in layers
It's essential to dress them in the most comfortable clothes possible, without snaps, tags or seams that might bother them. Also, remember that airplane temperatures are very variable. It can get very cold during the flight, but it tends to warm up when it's on the runway. So, it’s best to dress them in layers that can adapt to any of these scenarios. Don’t forget to bring plastic bags to store dirty clothes if needed.
Keep them entertained
Prepare to bring a variety of toys and books to keep your baby entertained throughout the flight. Some moms recommend including something new to capture their attention and curiosity. Avoid small pieces or items that can easily fall off the tray table. Stickers, educational books or pop-its are excellent options. There are also toys that stick to the window, which work very well for these occasions.
Don't forget anything
A few days before your trip, make a list of everything you need to pack in your carry-on bag. For diapers, wipes and food, always bring more than you think you will need. The same goes for changes of clothes. You never know when your flight might be delayed, and you don’t want to travel with just the essentials. If your baby takes any medication, always have it with you. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to handle any unforeseen events without rushing.
Stay calm
Before flying, come to terms with the fact that your baby might cry and that the only thing you can do about it is take a deep breath and stay calm. Some passengers might give you inquisitive looks, but don't let them affect you. It’s expected that a baby will cry. If you get stressed, it’s very likely you will transmit that stress to your baby, making it harder to calm them down. Try to identify the cause of the crying: sleep, dirty diaper, hunger or discomfort. If it’s safe, walk them down the aisle. Don’t hesitate to ask the crew for help whenever you need it.
Thinking about the first plane trip with your baby may seem intimidating, but like Junwoo's mom, preparing in advance and maintaining an empathetic and calm attitude will make all the difference. Remember that you have a whole adventure ahead of you. Have a good trip!
