The Challenges (and Occasional Joys) of Flying with Babies and Young Children
Prepare yourself and your family well, and flying with your kids will be easier than you imagined. and even…dare we say…fun?
Imagine seeing this guy at the beginning of a 6 hour flight? Now imagine how his parents feel.
Flying with babies and young children can be both a logistical puzzle and an emotional marathon. As rewarding as travel can be, parents often find themselves navigating a whirlwind of challenges—from packing the essentials and managing in-flight meltdowns to dealing with airline policies. Understanding the potential pitfalls and planning ahead can make the experience smoother for both parents and little ones.
The best part about flying with your kids is that you are taking the initiative to bring them out into the world, beyond their comfort zones, to introduce them to people and places and flavors that they cant find at home. It’s one of life’s great joys, and getting them to appreciate the value of travel early is a sure way to kickstart a lifetime of interest in seeing what’s beyond the horizon. It’s hard work (no one said it was easy!), but it’s work that has value to you and your family. Here are some easy to digest tips and ideas for making your journey easier and less likely to include a dramatic issue with nothing on hand to alleviate it:
Caring for Infants While Traveling
Traveling with an infant means you’re not just managing the journey itself but also juggling your baby’s schedule, comfort, and needs. Here are some of the most common challenges parents face and strategies to address them:
1. Disrupted Routines
Babies thrive on routine, but traveling—especially across time zones—can throw even the most consistent schedules out of sync. Sleep, feeding, and playtime routines are often affected by early departures, long flights, and unfamiliar environments.
• Recommendation: While you can’t fully replicate your home routine, try to maintain some consistency. Pack familiar items like a favorite blanket, toy, or pacifier to help create a sense of security. For longer flights, plan feedings and naps around your itinerary as much as possible.
2. Feeding Logistics
Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or introducing solids, meal times can become complicated during air travel. Breastfeeding in crowded airport lounges or on packed flights might feel daunting, and preparing formula in cramped airplane bathrooms can be tricky.
• Recommendation:
• For breastfeeding: Bring a nursing cover if you prefer privacy and consider investing in a portable breast pump. Many airports now offer lactation rooms for added comfort.
• For formula: Pre-measure portions of formula powder in travel-friendly containers. Use pre-sterilized bottles and request warm water from flight attendants.
• For solids: Bring small, non-messy snacks like pouches of pureed baby food, rice crackers, or sliced fruit.
3. Diaper Changes at 30,000 Feet
Changing diapers mid-flight can be one of the more stressful aspects of traveling with an infant. Most airplane bathrooms are small and often lack adequate changing stations. Parents frequently struggle to find space to store supplies and position their baby safely during turbulence.
• Recommendation: Always carry a portable changing mat in your diaper bag to create a clean surface. Bring extra ziplock bags for disposing of soiled diapers discreetly. If the bathroom is too small, consider asking a flight attendant for assistance or guidance on where to change your baby.
Common Issues with Diaper Bags
Your diaper bag is essentially your survival kit when flying with an infant or young child. However, even the most carefully packed bag can fall short without proper planning.
1. Overpacking vs. Underpacking
One of the most common mistakes parents make is either overpacking and struggling to manage a heavy bag or underpacking and running out of essentials mid-flight.
• Recommendation: Strike a balance by focusing on versatile items. For example, pack multi-use muslin cloths that can double as burp cloths, nursing covers, or blankets.
2. Airline Restrictions
Airlines often have strict policies regarding carry-on bags, which can complicate traveling with a fully stocked diaper bag. Parents may also face confusion about what liquids (like baby formula or medicine) are allowed.
• Recommendation: Familiarize yourself with your airline’s carry-on policy ahead of time. The TSA allows exceptions for baby food, formula, and breast milk, but these must be declared during security checks. Use travel-sized containers where possible to save space.
3. Accessibility Issues
During the flight, reaching for essentials in an overstuffed bag can be frustrating, especially if it’s stowed in an overhead compartment.
• Recommendation: Keep the items you’ll need most frequently—like diapers, wipes, and pacifiers—in a small pouch or organizer that you can store under the seat.
What to Pack in a Diaper Bag for Long-Distance Travel
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of items to include in your diaper bag for a smoother journey:
Essentials for Diapering
1. Diapers: Bring one for every two hours of travel, plus extras for unexpected delays.
2. Wipes: Opt for travel packs or reusable wipes to save space.
3. Changing mat: A foldable, waterproof mat is a must for hygienic diaper changes.
4. Diaper cream: Travel-sized tubes are sufficient for most trips.
5. Disposable diaper bags: Handy for containing odors and messes.
Feeding Supplies
6. Formula/Breast Milk: Pre-measured portions or ready-to-use bottles.
7. Bottles: Bring at least two to rotate and clean as needed.
8. Snacks: Age-appropriate, non-perishable snacks for older babies or toddlers.
9. Sippy cup or water bottle: To keep your child hydrated during the flight.
Comfort and Entertainment
10. Favorite toy or blanket: Familiar items can soothe and entertain your baby.
11. Teething toys: If your baby is teething, bring a couple of options.
12. Books or quiet toys: For older infants and toddlers, pack interactive books or small puzzles.
Clothing and Linens
13. Change of clothes for the baby: Include layers to account for fluctuating temperatures on the plane.
14. Change of clothes for you: In case of spills or accidents.
15. Swaddle or lightweight blanket: Useful for warmth, privacy, or shading your baby from bright lights.
Health and Hygiene
16. Hand sanitizer: Choose baby-safe options if possible.
17. Disinfectant wipes: For cleaning tray tables, armrests, and other surfaces.
18. Baby medications: Include infant pain relievers, gas drops, and any prescriptions.
Miscellaneous
19. Documents: Bring your child’s birth certificate or passport if required.
20. Plastic bags: For storing wet or soiled clothes.
Additional Tips for Traveling with Babies
1. Choose Flights Strategically
Opt for flights during your baby’s usual nap time or early morning to maximize the chances of sleep. Direct flights are preferable, but if a layover is unavoidable, ensure there’s enough time to stretch and regroup.
2. Board Early (or Late)
Many airlines offer families priority boarding, which can help you settle in before the plane fills up. Alternatively, some parents prefer boarding last to minimize the time their baby spends confined to the seat.
3. Prepare for Ear Pressure Issues
Babies and young children often struggle with ear pain during takeoff and landing due to changes in cabin pressure.
• Recommendation: Encourage your baby to nurse, drink from a bottle, or suck on a pacifier during ascent and descent to help relieve pressure. For toddlers, offer a chewy snack or a sippy cup.
4. Pack Backup Supplies
Unexpected delays and mishaps are common during air travel, so having extra supplies can be a lifesaver.
5. Stay Calm
Finally, remember that traveling with babies can be unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans may go awry. Remaining patient and flexible can make all the difference.
To sum it all up…
Flying with babies and young children is undoubtedly challenging, but with careful preparation and a well-packed diaper bag, it’s possible to navigate the experience with greater ease. By anticipating potential issues and equipping yourself with the right tools, you’ll not only survive the journey but also create meaningful memories with your little ones. While it may take extra effort, the rewards of exploring the world as a family are well worth it.
Remember, the BEST PART of getting on a plane with your young family is landing somewhere new and exciting with them. Its what makes it all worth it, and remember to take a moment…frequently…to take it all in, and enjoy the fruits of the hard work you put in to get your family to a new and special place.