With a little planning and preparation, air travel can be hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone. Be prepared for any situation when traveling with baby by air. Do not ASSUME the airline will provide anything to make your trip easier or more comfortable.

Plan Ahead

• Keep your trip short where possible. Book a non-stop flight; the faster the trip, the better.

• Allow extra time for everything. You may need extra time when checking in, for changing diapers or feeding baby.

• When possible, schedule your trip for baby's naptime for bedtime. With luck, he will sleep at least part of the trip.

• Change baby just before your board the plane. If your trip is short, you may not have to change her until after you land.

• Get an umbrella stroller if possible. It is easier to stow in the plane, and it is helpful when you have to walk long distances at the airport. You can check it in at the gate before boarding and you will get it back at the gate at your destination.

• Most airlines offer pre-boarding if you are with a small child. You will have more time to settle in your seats and stow all your gear.

• Offer baby a bottle during take off and landing. This helps equalize air pressure in his ears.

• Carry extra of everything you normally have in your diaper bag. In case of delay, you are well stocked with the supplies you will need.


Seating Arrangements

When making reservations, state clearly you are traveling with a baby. You might prefer seating behind the bulkhead, which provides more legroom. Bulkheads do have drawbacks; armrests are fixed in place so you cannot raise them to have more room if it is empty. You also lose under-seat storage.
A window seat is a good choice because no one has to climb over you and baby to get in and out of seat. If you have seat for baby, place yourself between your baby and the other passenger.

Ear Advice

Taking off and landing can cause ear discomfort. The change in air pressure causes fluid to build up and a temporary hearing loss. Help baby clear his ears to relieve his discomfort; feed him during take-off and landing. If baby is asleep, wake him and try to feed him.

Baby with a Cold

It is usually ok for baby with a cold to fly but changes in air pressure can cause fluid to build up and increase baby's risk of ear infection. With an ear infection baby should be treated with antibiotics at least 48 hours before the trip. Discuss with your pediatrician about your plans to fly and all other medication issues.

Baby and Hydration

The cabin air is very dry. Offer baby fluids to prevent dehydration. Use saline nose drops to help with the lack of humidity. Spray a little into each nostril every one hour. An alternative would be letting baby breathe through a damp washcloth held close to his nose, but not over the nostrils.

When Baby needs a change

Most airplane bathrooms do not come with a changing table for baby, and even if they do, they are small. Sometimes you may have to make do on an empty seat or on your lap. If you are using cloth diapers, put soiled diapers in a plastic bag and rinse them after you land. Disposal diapers are advisable when you are traveling simply because it is easy to dispose them.

Baby and sleep during flight

Some parents plan a trip so baby sleeps during the flight; others prefer traveling after baby wakes up. Try and not change baby's schedule to fit with your flight time. Make baby comfortable during flight to induce sleep. If that does not work, be prepared to entertain baby.

Baby feeds

Bring sufficient formula and warm water for your bottle fed baby. Mix bottle as you need it. With older babies, take prepared baby food in addition to formula. Some airlines provide baby food; request it at least 24 hours in advance.

When things go topsy-turvy

Some trips will not go according to plan. Unforeseen circumstances may arise such as flight delay, rerouting or cancellation. Do your best to deal with the situation and ask for airline assistance. Ask for a family area where you can rest with your baby during waiting period. If delay is very long, you are entitled to hotel accommodations.