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You booked a trip! And now your leaving soon! Don’t worry, this is what I need you to know about Flying with Baby because we did it. We take short trips, long trips and international trips with our babies. It’s so much fun, and it doesn’t have to be stressful!
It’s asked everywhere on the internet: Flying with Baby, how will I survive. Forums, chat groups, and amongst friends: I’m flying with baby. What’s your best advice?

Tips for Flying with a Baby

These tips are definitely most suitable for flying with smaller babies under 9 months. Once my baby became a walking toddler, we had to change up our game. For instance, I will never fly with a lap baby again. It is just too much work! 

1. Wear your baby. 
   Soft Structured Carriers make life easy. Check out the selection at LagoonBaby.
   
2. Pack light (or at least try).
   •  don’t forget to check out my post on what’s in my carry on.
3. Check ALL your bags.
4. If you want your stroller, bring it because it makes a great stuff holder.
5. Toys are over rated;  think your water bottle, the wrapper from you lunch, random things from your bag.
6. Choose a seat with lots of room and flexibility to move.
   • I like aisle seats at the back of the plane (close to the bathroom and often the last seats to fill up).
   • Ask at the desk if the plane is full, sometimes they can seat you next to an empty seat.
   • Consider upgrading to PLUS for more room.
7. Bring a reusable bag so you can stash your big bag and only keep what you need at your feet in it for more space.
8. Expect to be fast tracked, but there will be other mothers with tons of stuff in the fast track to slow you down.
9. Preboard! Helps me settle into my seat without people pushing by and ensures you get an overhead compartment for all that baby gear.
10. The Flight Attendant is your friend. (Bathroom breaks!)
11. Plan flights with baby in mind and fly when they might be willing to sleep.
12. Scope out the airport before hand and check to see if there is a nurse, parents room, play space, and food resources.
13. It’s okay to consider  medicine, it doesn’t make you a bad mom, especially if that baby is already sick, teething, or tired. Be practical and safe about it, and consult your doctor.
14. Breastfeed, bottle feed or give a pacifier during elevation changes.  My babies never seemed bothered by elevation changes while flying, but driving yes.
15. Don’t stress about a crying baby because it happens and people will glare at you, but most understand. Trying to stay calm and cool will help you in this situation.

Have you flown with children? What’s your number one tip?
Haven’t flown yet? What’s your biggest anxiety?