By my calculations my 10 month old son has been on roughly 25 different airplanes so far. That’s 25 take offs, 25 landings, and more than ten TSA screenings. In his 10 short months he’s traveled more than a lot of adults I know. His first flight was when we was 10 weeks old. A lot has changed for him since then, but I’ve learned a whole lot too.
LESSON #1 – The Importance of Toys
Before you even get to the airport to check in, consider what you’re going to pack to make your little one happy on your flight. Think about what will keep him content for the longest amount of time. I usually bring a couple toys he hasn’t played with for a while (this makes them more interesting), versus a toy he plays with or sees every day. **Important side note** Keep in mind the other people on your flight. You may already get a few looks just by bringing a baby on an airplane, so pick toys that don’t make a lot of noise. Also, nothing that rolls. You’ll lose it pretty quickly if/when it falls to the floor.
LESSON #2 – The Pacifier Clip
If your baby uses a pacifier, an upcoming flight is the perfect time to invest in a pacifier clip. Clip it to his clothing or yours and save yourself a bit of sanity. If it falls to the floor of the airplane it can be difficult to get it back. If you’re traveling with your spouse it’s a little easier to have him try to find it, but otherwise you have to balance your baby in your lap as you lean over and blindly grab around on the floor, hoping you happen to find what you’re searching for, while at the same time apologizing to the person sitting next to you for having to do so. I’m, of course, speaking from experience. A $5 pacifier clip will save you this particular headache.
LESSON #3 – Food
If your baby is eating solids be sure to bring snacks. LOTS of snacks. You never know how long you’ll be stuck on a plane, so bring extra. Pouches are awesome, as are puffs, yogurt melts, or any other food that’s not too messy.
LESSON #4 – How to Approach Security
Now, we all know that the TSA can be a hassle, but in my experience they’ve are pretty good when you’re carrying a cute baby with you. (Hopefully I’m not jinxing myself by saying that out loud.) The best way I’ve found to carry my son through security is in a carrier. When he was really small I used a wrap (a Moby or Boba), but when he got bigger I switched to a soft structured carrier (like an Ergo or Tula). You’re allowed to wear your baby through the metal detectors at security, which is why a carrier makes this so much easier. The only difference is that once you’re through the metal detectors, they will swab your hands and test them before you’re allowed to gather your things. This takes maybe 15 additional seconds. The only carriers that won’t work through security are ring slings because the (usually) metal rings will set off the metal detectors.
LESSON #5 – To Check or Not to Check
My husband and I differ on whether or not it’s worth it to bring the car seat and stroller with us, or check them as baggage. I find them to be too big and annoying to have to deal with throughout the airport, so I’d rather check them. He likes having the stroller, because you can carry or wear your baby and load up the stroller with all your stuff. This is admittedly nice during winter when you and baby have extra layers that will be shed once you’re inside. The few times we’ve been on a flight that wasn’t full, we’ve been able to put our son in his car seat in an empty seat on the plane. This is definitely much safer than having him on our laps, but unless you buy a seat specifically for him, don’t count on being able to do this often. Either way, you’re able to gate check your car seat, base, and stroller before you board the plane, which makes things easier.
LESSON #6 – The Value of a Window Seat
If you can, a window seat will be easiest for you if your baby will be on your lap. Everything is easier when you’re not having to worry about anyone bumping into you or your child when they’re walking up and down the aisle. If you’re on a long flight and your baby just got to sleep only to be woken up by someone walking by and accidentally bumping his foot… well, it’s frustrating. Again, I’m talking from experience. So, if you can swing it, get a window seat.
LESSON #7 – Take Off and Landing
It’s true what they say about wanting to nurse or give your baby a bottle on take off and landing. It’s the same idea that adults use when they chew gum… it’s easier on their ears if they are moving their jaw. Pacifiers work well for this too. Don’t think that this is a requirement though, because my son once slept through take off and landing with no problem at all. It can be a relief for them though, so just keep it in mind.
LESSON #8 – Start Fresh, Stay Fresh
Last but not least, try to change him in the restroom before you board your plane. If that’s not enough and you have to change a diaper on the plane, there are sometimes changing tables in the airplane bathroom on the inside of the door. If not, the closed toilet seat cover will have to do. Fortunately I haven’t had to do this, but my husband has, more than once. I’m just counting it as make-up for all those restaurants we’ve been to that only have a changing table in the women’s restroom.
What lessons have you learned when it comes to flying with an infant in tow?
