Travel arrangements are always planned to perfection, from scheduling, transportation, to even packing – everything is kept ready beforehand. However, if you’re travelling with a baby, you’re in for a tonne of surprises. You’ll have to deal with their random tantrums, make sure they are fed and changed, while simultaneously trying to navigate your way through an airport and then the plane. It will not be easy.

Top 5 Airplane Travel Tips if You Have Kids

Try not to make the mistake of arranging travel plans with your baby without fully preparing yourself for the ride. Newbie parents might feel nervous and worrisome at this point, however being aware of a few tips beforehand will help make the whole process a bit less stressful.

1. Bring Plenty of Extra Clothing and Diapers

Always dress your baby in something comfortable to make the travelling experience easier on him or her. To ensure that your baby doesn’t feel too warm or too cold, dress them up in a few soft and light layers of clothing. This way you can easily take them off or put them back on. Extra clothing also comes particularly in handy when babies get messy while eating.

Since messes can happen anywhere, anytime and flights tend to be long, always be sure to pack plenty of diapers and baby wipes in your carry on just to be on the safe side.

2. Be Prepared With Food and Fluids

If your baby is bottle fed, take enough milk bottles to last your entire journey and make sure to pack extra in case of delays. Hand-luggage restriction on liquids is not applicable for baby food and drinks, therefore, always be prepared with spare supplies every time you fly with your baby.

Cabin air tends to get very dry due to which babies often feel thirsty. It helps to bring along a prepared bottle or a sippy cup with clean, boiled water for them to drink from if it’s not yet time for their feed.

If you feel that carrying around bottles of milk is troublesome or that you prefer to feed your baby fresh/warm milk, try placing only powder in individual bottles. You can ask the flight attendants for warm water and prepare your baby’s milk when it’s time to feed them.

However, babies tend to burp and spit up, especially if they are being bottle fed on a plane, therefore never forget to take along a burp cloth while flying.

3. Feed Your Baby During Takeoff and Landing

Cabin air pressure changes during ascent and descent, which can bother the tiny ears of babies. It’s a good idea to nurse your baby or bottle feed them during this time as they begin to instinctively swallow, thus keeping their ears open.

The time when pressure changes are most noticeable is around half an hour before landing, that’s when the plane makes its initial descent. Be sure to feed your baby during that time if you want to avoid any unwanted crying episodes. If it’s not an ideal time to feed them, then you can hand them a sippy cup or a bottle with water that they can suck on to relieve the air pressure.

4. Bring Entertainment

Babies tend to get bored easily while travelling, especially during those long hours of flight. Pack their favourite toys or story books in your hand bag or carry on to help keep them distracted. Give them to your baby whenever they begin to get cranky or feel agitated, this way any unnecessary tantrums are easily avoided. Having their favourite things around, helps soothe them and calm them down, making the journey easy for you, your child and everyone on board.

For added entertainment you can even wrap up the toys before giving it to them during the flight, this keeps them busy and elevates their level of interest for the item.

However, be cautious that you don’t travel with hard objects or anything with sharp edges as they may harm your baby during turbulence. You should also leave behind anything that squeaks or makes any type of noise, your nearby fellow passengers will be eternally grateful.

5. Wear Your Baby When Going Through Security

‘Wearing’ your baby is considered the most convenient way to travel around in an airport, especially when passing through security checkpoints. The experience of navigating an airport is stressful as it is, add a baby into the mix and things can spiral down very easily. It would be much easier for you to wear your baby since that way you’ll have both hands free. It makes things more manageable, particularly while carrying out tasks such as removing your shoes, belt, or when collecting your belongings.

It also helps keep your baby comfortable throughout the whole journey. They’ll be cuddled up safely against your body while you deal with all the travelling necessities.

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