Top Tips for Travelling by Plane with a Baby

The thought of travelling by plane with a baby is daunting for many, and we get it! Being away from the comfort of your own home, and baggage restrictions mean you cannot take your full Mary Poppins bag with you. All whilst you are still getting to know your baby. It is anxiety-provoking, to say the least. BUT – lots of new parents do it. Whether you’re travelling to see new sights, to escape for a getaway, or to introduce your new little one to family abroad – it is doable and doesn’t need to be all stressful. 

Here are our top tips for travelling by plane with a baby.

Airline Allowances

First things first, look at your airline’s allowances for young travellers. Some airlines allow you to take a significant amount of extras at no additional cost, like strollers, travel cots, and car seats.

What to pack for the plane

Next up, packing. Work out the time from door-to-door of your travel. Then work out what you usually need in that time frame and pack a few extra of items like nappies and spare clothes. Consider plenty of snacks if your child is above weaning age, and things to keep them entertained. If your child is of TV-watching age then some kid’s headphones can be great to allow them to watch some of the films or shows available on the plane. Remember if you’re lap sharing then this may give up your ability to watch a film or show of your liking so a tablet or phone with something downloaded can be a great alternative.

In terms of toys, a few new things work well as they then retain some excitement. Don’t get them all out at once – stagger them throughout the flight. Buckle toys are great for under 2s to fiddle with and while away some time, whilst also practicing their motor skills.

If your baby has formula, you are allowed to travel with ready-milk or pumped breastmilk if needed. Have a look at your airline’s rules on this. You can also often pre-order your baby’s formula to collect at the airport once you are through security. Another packing tip is that planes can get cold so maybe pack an extra pair of socks, a cardigan or jumper, and/or a little blanket. If your child has comfort items like a lovey, don’t forget this either!

Do be mindful when packing though, whilst it can be tempting to pack the kitchen sink, remember that you will need to lug it around with you. If you are travelling alone with your baby, you need to have a plan for how you will get your baby, suitcases, hand luggage and anything else you’re travelling with from car to check-in.

The Airport

Speaking of navigating the airport, consider the method of transport you want for your little one here. A pushchair can be checked at check-in or can be taken right up to the gate as you board the plane. Some strollers even can be stored on the aeroplane itself as hand luggage. If you want to keep your hands free, and also keep your little one close for comfort, a sling can be a brilliant option for travelling.

Take a look at what amenities the airport you will be travelling from has. Some airports, like London Heathrow, even have dedicated soft play facilities for young travellers. Perfect to help them burn off some energy before you fly. Many airlines offer infant bassinets too, so again check out who you are flying with regarding this ahead of time.

Final Words of Advice

Lastly, try your best to go with the flow. If baby screeches during nap time or has extra feeds, try not to worry. This is all temporary and soon you will be at your destination (or home!).

Happy travels!

Are you soon to be travelling by plane with a baby? Let us know in the comments! Do you have any tips to add? If there will be a time difference where you are heading then you may be able to take some tips from our blog, how can I get my baby to sleep with the clock change?

This blog was written by one of our team, Jamie, who has a dad, sister, father-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew all living in the states. In 2018 she travelled to America with her 18-month-old; they had two long-haul flights and also two 10-hour car journeys. She also recently took the trip again with her daughter who was now 4 and her 8-month-old son.

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