How to Take a Baby on an Airplane

Traveling when your child is a brand new infant is the ideal time to get around. All they do is sleep and nurse. You'll be exhausted, but at least you won't have to entertain them! When your baby gets a little bigger, it's more of a challenge to contain that busy and curious little bundle. Take a trip to the dollar store before your plane ride and stock up on some interesting items that your baby might enjoy investigating (and gumming) while sitting on your lap on the airplane. There's a lot of stress when packing for flying, but be reassured that babies thrive in a new environment. Everything will be new on the airplane, and they'll most likely be so busy checking out all the new faces and scenes that you won't have as much entertaining to do as you thought. But have a bag of tricks ready just in case!

Instructions

  1. Taking a Baby on an Airplane

    • 1

      During take off and landing, try to plan it so that you can nurse during these altitude shifts. It helps keep the ears popped and reduce any ear pain your baby may have. Plus your baby might nap for half the trip.

    • 2

      Pack a bag with some new toys that require time to unwrap or open. Books with lift-a-flap are good for older babies, as are pretend cell phones. If you're strapped for something new, let the baby unload your purse , the diaper bag, or the seat pocket in front of you for awhile. Destroying that free, in-flight magazine is a great activity.

    • 3

      Bring Cheerios or other finger foods that your baby can practice picking up and lifting to her mouth. Give her little pieces of ice from your juice glass.

    • 4

      If your baby's a crawler, it'll be a harder job to keep them confined. Standing in your lap and bouncing helps, as does taking some strolls through the airplane cabin and checking out the bathroom. You can set a blanket on the minimal floor space in front of you and let the baby sit down or practice standing down there.

    • 5

      Pack extra diapers, two extra outfits (warm and cold), water, snacks, socks, burp clothes, wipes, plastic bags for yucky diapers. Beads are fun for putting over the head. Markers are fun for babies who love to take caps on and off.

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