Baby Can Travel : Part 3- Time For Takeoff

So you have decided to fly with baby. Now what? Find out what you need to know before getting to the airport, tips for pressure changes and in flight entertainment plus how to handle time changes when you arrive at your destination.

Photo by Sarah Mumper Photography

Before you Go

1. Proof of Age: In order for your lap sitting infant to be on your lap - you will need to have proof of age. Typically this would be a birth certificate, immunization records, or (if you have one) a passport. It's a good idea to call the airline you are traveling, or check their websites to confirm acceptable documentation.

2. What to Check: Depending on where you are going, it might make the most sense to bring your own large baby items like a stroller, car seat, or pack and play. If you plan to check these items with your luggage, you may want to purchase travel bags ahead of time to keep these pricey items safe under the plane. If you are traveling with a young infant and have a snap and go stroller I recommend gate checking the seat and stroller instead of checking with your luggage.

3. Have a Milk Plan: If you are breastfeeding and want to bring frozen milk on your trip, or plan to pump and return with frozen milk you want to think through how that will work. A freezer bag that can be frozen and filled with the milk and then packed in a suitcase is a great idea. Just know, if you bring this in a carry on it will need to be inspected when going through security.

Travel Day

1. Come Prepared: Even if baby is not scheduled to eat on the plane, be prepared with 2 bottles if formula feeding or using expressed milk. You will want to offer the bottle during take of and landing, and if you have a fussy baby- having an extra bottle won' hurt! If you are formula feeding - use a formula container and pre measured bottles of water to keep this process easy (remember- you can take this through security it will just need to be checked!).

2. Clothes for Everyone: In addition to your diaper bag - I recommend having one carry on that includes a change of clothes for each child and adult traveling. If there is a blowout on the plane it's possible your babies clothes won't be the only ones that need to come off! This is a good idea when traveling anyway, in case your luggage hops a different flight! In the diaper bag- i'ts a good idea to keep lots of layers for baby, planes are often cold.

3. Toys: As I mentioned in my basics post - it's a good idea to bring some of your babies favorites (you can hide them a week or so before the flight too, this might make them more exciting!) and also pick up some new inexpensive toys that can help pass the time. Suction cup toys that stick to the tray table are great for the plane- and when you get home they are perfect for the high chair.

On The Plane

1. Family Boarding: Depending on what airline you are flying, most will offer a time for families with young children to board. If you are traveling with another adult- have them take the carry on items (and car seat if you are using one) on to the plane first and get settled. Then you and baby can board during last call- this can save you as much as 20 or 30 minutes of just sitting and waiting!

2. Window or Aisle? If you are traveling by yourself with baby- you may have to choose between the window or the aisle. There are pros and cons to each but I recommend grabbing a window seat if you can, if you are going to attempt a nap on the plane. This gives you control of the window (so you can keep things dark) and it's a little less noisy during the drink service.

3. Pressure Changes: As you probably already know, pressure changes can be rough on little ears so it's recommend to get baby sucking during take off and landing. If it's not eating time or your baby is just not interested in a bottle or breast- this can be tricky. Dipping a pacifier in something like gripe water, or a previously introduced puree is another way to accomplish this.

4. Naps: If you purchased a seat for baby or are lucky enough to grab an empty seat for your car seat (you can ask at the gate if it is a full flight- if it's not you can ask about bringing your car seat on). Use the car seat as the crib to recreate the nap environment as closely as possible. Use your travel sound machine and draped muslin blanket to help cut out the background noise and exciting things to look at.

On Vacation

1. Time Changes Bedtime and Daily Wake Time: Traveling to a different time zone can be tricky! As I mentioned in the Basic's post- you want to aim for an on time bedtime (based on the clock where you are now) even if it's a different time zone. By sticking to this plan, you have the best chance of your baby making it to DWT. IF baby wakes early in the morning (most likely if you are traveling east to west or BACK a time zone) try to feed and put back down and wake at (or within 30 minutes of) DWT. If you are traveling West to East (or forward a time zone) wake baby at DWT for the new time zone if they don't wake on their own.

2. Time Changes Day 1: Plan the LEAST number of activities for day one of your vacation, especially if you are changing time zones. Baby will most likely need some time to adjust, so stick to one activity in the afternoon and an early dinner if possible. Be mindful of waketimes during day 1. Depending on how different the time is in your new location, you may need extra naps, or fewer naps than normal. Just try to follow your typical waketimes and make sure baby is on schedule before bed.

3. Time Changes Day 2: By day two, your baby should have had time to adjust and be used to the new time zone. They will however, still need encouragement from you to stick with it! Try and keep the same schedule you would at home from this day forward on the trip.

4. Roommates? If possible, look into vacation rentals instead of a hotel so that you have some space to yourself and aren't stuck in silence during naptime or when baby is down for the night! If you are sharing a room- consider a portable solution like SlumberPod (use my code SLEEPCHICK10 to save!) to keep baby in the dark without sacrificing the rest of your evening!