Travelling with a baby

I wasn’t sure about what to expect my first time flying with my daughter, she was only 3 months old. I was worried about her crying on the long flight (13 hours for her first flight) I always hated other kids and babies crying when I was flying before I had my daughter. Since she was still sleeping a lot I just hoped a evening flight would work, and made sure I breast fed her on the take off and landings, so her ears would be ok, that’s why a lot of babies do cry they need something to suck on taking off and landing. My worries were for nothing in the end, she slept the whole way only waking for her feeds, everyone commented on how well she flys, so I just smiled and said thanks. At 3 months most babies will sleep, especially with the sound of the engine humming.

The best advice I can give you is be organised and prepared. I took enough nappies for a 14 hour flight, better to be safe than sorry was my thought, and took way to many nappies my first trip, and would know better for next time. I took 2 extra sets of clothes in my carry on, just in case again of any accidents along the way especially with a 3 month old, plus baby wipes and a plastic changing pad to use when needed. Her favourite blanket and toy. Basically I hardly took anything carry on for myself, except a clean top incase of accidents or spills while breast feeding, but that’s just part of being a mum, and travelling on my own with my daughter.

I’ve found some airlines let you take your pram/stroller all the way to the departure gate, which is a great help carrying everything, but a hassle going through the security check but worth it I found, as my daughter could get some sleep in the pram/stroller while we waited.

A change table is often not available in every toilet (some smaller aircraft don’t even have a change table on the entire plane). Taking a plastic diaper bag is a great idea, the scented ones work great I fine, especially if you can’t get to the toilet and need somewhere to store nappies.

Flying with a 2 year old
Now my daughter is older, being organised is still important, I make sure I take food and snacks now as well when I fly, my daughter likes weetabix so I put some in a zip bag, as most flights will give you milk on request, and always carry a sippy cup full of milk (security let you get through with some baby food and liquids) again depending on the airlines. Make sure you request a childs meal when you book your ticket.

Flying with baby
When is it safe to fly with a baby: A newborn can fly at a week old if it's absolutely necessary, but it's better to wait until he's at least four to six weeks if you can. By then you will know whether or not he has any underlying health problems which may make it unsafe for him to travel. Also, babies are so vulnerable to germs during their first month, he may pick up a stray bug if he's cooped up with dozens of strangers breathing recycled air for hours.

It's not a good idea for your baby to fly if he has a cough, cold or ear infection, so do check with your GP before flying if you have any concerns about his health. Don't be alarmed if you hear or read that flying increases the risk of cot death. One study did appear to show evidence of this, but doctors generally agree that the study was flawed and that more research needs to be done. In the meantime, most doctors advise that air travel is safe for babies.

The thought of being stuck in a confined space for over 14 hours with a baby will probably send shivers down the spine of most people. Long haul flying, especially in economy class, is exhausting and stressful at the best of times - let alone with an infant in tow. But it can be done, and without going completely insane.

The key to having a bearable experience is in the planning and preparation of your trip. Choosing the right airline and flight, packing the appropriate equipment and clothing (without overpacking) and adopting an attitude of “expect the worst and hope for the best” (you may be pleasantly surprised!) will help you survive the journey. Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children