If you’re flying with baby on lap anytime soon, don’t miss these new mom hacks!
“Your baby was soooooo good on the flight! I didn’t hear her at all!”
I’ve almost always gotten that comment when I’ve flown with my kids as infants.
You probably know, but babies are notorious for screaming on flights.
I’ve seen “the look” as I’m stumbling down the aisle with a baby, carrying way more than appears possible. The look of “oh phew they’re not sitting by me” or “oh crap they ARE sitting by me.”
If I’m totally honest I’ve had those thoughts as well, especially because the enjoyment of the flight depends more on the efforts of the parents than the actions of the baby.
Everyone just wants to have a peaceful, relaxing flight. So how do we make it happen?
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No one wishes for a peaceful flight more than the parents flying with baby on lap!
No one wishes for a peaceful flight more than parents flying with lap infant! Get these 7 new mom hacks for travel with a baby. #flyingwithababy #newmom Share on XTo help you get that calm, relaxing trip, I’m going to give you 7 new mom hacks for flying with an infant.
These are seriously life-savers for you and your sweet little one, and they’ve has saved me a ton of agony.
If you’ve ever held a screaming baby on a flight (and I have) then you know that I do mean agony.
7 New Mom Hacks For Flying With An Infant
1- Always feed your baby during takeoff and landing
Babies can’t control when their ears pop. As the pressure in the air changes, their ears start to hurt.
Cue baby screams.
Instead, feeding your baby as the pressure changes will allow them to naturally release the pressure in their ears by swallowing food. They won’t even know their ears are popping.
The best food is liquid, so breastmilk or formula.
If your infant is over 5-6 months, it could be some sort of puree, pouch, or yogurt melt. But solid food can be messy! Plus, the liquid food will last longer through the duration of the altitude change.
When To Start Feeding
Try to time your feeding session for the exact few minutes the plane is climbing through 5-15,000 feet. They usually ding the flight attendant bell at 10,000 feet to alert you that electronics can be used.
You’ll also recognize it as the time your ears start to pop, but you want to try to start a tiny bit before that so your baby’s ears never feel the pressure.
A few exceptions:
- If you’re baby is asleep, let him or her sleep. They most likely won’t wake up during the ascent. If they do awaken and seem fussy, feed them then. But otherwise, enjoy the peaceful snuggles!
- Timing for baby meal time can be tough during travel. (It’s easier if you already use an infant sleep schedule!) From experience, I know it’s not always easy to time it so your infant needs to eat exactly when the airplane is taking off. What if you sit on the tarmac for 45 minutes? It happens. I’ve nursed my baby right before takeoff and she did fine during the climb. I’ve also had to nurse one of my kids about a half hour before boarding, so she wasn’t really hungry at takeoff. I fed her during takeoff anyway and she ate enough to let her ears pop. Moral of the story: When you’re flying with baby on lap, do the best you can and have grace with yourself and your little one.
2- Don’t hand out treat baggies, for the love.
Have you seen the posts floating around social media where anxious moms hand out baggies of candy and treats for everyone sitting near them on a plane?
It’s totally ridiculous to do that. Here’s why:
- You don’t need to apologize for bringing your baby on a plane.
- People around you don’t expect treats, nor should they need bribes to be kind and understanding.
- Your baby will be a lot quieter than you imagine. Even if they’re loud to you because it’s in your ears, people a few rows away won’t hear AT ALL. Once when one of my babies was loud, someone from the back complimented me that she was so quiet! I was shocked but glad to know they hadn’t heard her.
- When you do your best to keep your baby entertained, you will have a lovely flight and will have wasted all that time spent on making the baggies.
I could go on, but seriously– don’t sweat it if baby cries. All babies cry at some point. Just show that your are being diligent to soothe them and people will understand.
If others aren’t kind about it, they’re being rude. Don’t pay them any mind.
I suggest getting yourself a treat instead– something to enjoy after baby finally conks out!
Have you seen the posts floating around social media where anxious moms hand out baggies of candy and treats for everyone sitting near them on a plane? It's totally ridiculous to do that. Here's why: #flyingwithababy #lapinfant Share on X3- Flight Attendants Know All The Tricks
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Flight attendants are a great resource before and during flight.
How, exactly?
- They can fill up your water bottle or grab you a plastic bag.
- They can show you how to use the bathroom changing table, and where it is if you’re not sure. #ad Don’t forget your Skip-Hop Diaper Pad!
- Some will even offer to hold baby while you go to the bathroom in that tiny box! I don’t let the general public hold my kids but I’ve had a flight attendant do so when I was without my husband.
- Sometimes you just need an extra set of hands, and if they offer, you know they would love to hold baby!
- What’s more, flight attendants can bring you a plastic cup for baby to chew on.
- They’ll often let you stand back in their station to stretch your legs while holding your little one.
- Sometimes you need to get up and walk or rock your cutie so they’ll fall asleep, and the area in the back is a great spot to do that.
Thank goodness for flight attendants!
4- Pack Extra Supplies In Your Carry On
Always bring a bit extra of all your baby’s supplies on board.
If you need formula, measure some into a plastic bag and bring the scooper too, rather than bringing the big can on board. I usually brought an extra can in my suitcase so I could have access to more upon arrival.
Don’t forget extra diapers and wipes, too! Running out would be a huge problem.
5- Bring Water When Flying With An Infant
You’ll want a water bottle on the flight. I usually buy a plastic water bottle once I get past security, then I can refill it and use it for the rest of my trip.
You could also bring an empty plastic one or a reusable one of your own. I don’t like to bring my own in case of losing it, but brining one is definitely a good way to reduce your use of plastic.
You might need water for mixing formula or for yourself if you’re nursing (I always felt so parched when nursing!) Also airplanes tend to be dehydrating, so it’s good to stay tanked up.
6- Protect Your Supplies
When flying with baby on lap, be sure to separate items in your diaper bag into smaller containers or bags.
One time someone spilled a water bottle onto my diaper bag. Everything was completely soaked- all the baby toys, diapers, and extra clothes.
I didn’t want to have that happen again, so I started using gallon ziplocks to keep everything protected.
When flying with baby on lap, be sure to separate items in your diaper bag into smaller containers or bags. (One time someone spilled a water bottle onto my diaper bag. Everything was completely soaked!) I didn't want to have that… Share on X7- Accept help from others.
It’s easy to feel like you need to be independent and show that you are a competent mom. But it’s actually a huge blessing to receive help from others.
I’ve traveled with my babies but without hubby quite often– I even flew with my youngest at 5 months old to meet her daddy after he got back from a deployment.
People have always been so helpful when I’ve been flying with baby on lap. They’ve grabbed my bags, helped me carry my diaper bag and baby items, and simply encouraged me. Many of them said that they had been in my shoes and knew what it was like to fly with a baby.
They were a huge help to me, and it made them feel good too. I encourage you to let others help when they offer.
14 Essential Tips For Flying With A Lap Infant- Free Download
Knowing the above new mom hacks will get you a long way toward that enjoyable flight.
However, you don’t want to miss my 14 Essential Tips for Flying with a Lap Infant. It’s a free printable that will make your trip SO much more relaxing!
I’ll give priceless tips and solves issues such as:
- The best travel changing pad that I use personally
- When to board to make it best for you and baby
- What to do with your stroller and car seat
- Toy suggestions to keep baby entertained
- What you need in your diaper bag
- and more!
Enjoy the friendly skies with a smile and a happy baby!
Unfortunately, the resource 14 Essential Tips for Flying with a Lap Infant is not currently available. Please click here for our current free offer!
