When Remi was just a few months old I decided I wanted to go to a wedding for a family member which unfortunately was WAY too far away to drive. I reluctantly took on the daunting task of flying with a small baby- ALONE, as my husband had to work. After checking several lists, much preparation and having way too much anxiety about the whole thing we flew on our 4+ hour flight, and SURVIVED. If I did it, you can too.
1. THINK TIMING.
Be smart about the flight times you select when a baby is involved. Carefully consider their schedule. Picking a flight where checking in and security is required during the baby's nap time will likely result in a fussy baby that makes everything a much more stressful experience, especially if they don't eventually fall asleep on the plane. I like to book flights where she will sleep in the car on the way to the airport ( usually an hour drive), is pretty awake and alert for drop off, security, diaper change, putting her in my wrap - then she usually dozes off again in the plane as well.
2. BE PREPARED
Though it's not necessary, I like to be extra prepared and call ahead to let the airline know that I will have a lap baby. You can also do this at the counter when you check your bags. Make sure you have the infant's birth certificate ready- just in case they ask for it. They've never actually asked for mine but I've heard it's more common as they get older.
3. THINK SMARTER
Are you going to visit family? Prior to our trips, I check with friends and family to see if we can borrow a car seat and stroller. Every time we have gone on a trip someone has volunteered theirs. This makes the whole process so much easier, especially when flying alone, that way you don't have to haul a ton of extra stuff around with you.
4. CHECK ALL YOU CAN /
When traveling with Remi, I can usually get away with a large suitcase as well as a carry on and her diaper bag as my personal item. Check your airline's policy on weight as far as a stroller/ car seat goes and plan accordingly. My husband and I are flying to another wedding in July where we will need her seat and will likely check it and stroller at the gate - we've had baggage lost several times at the airport and I don't want to take any chances when it comes to her car seat. Be sure to get a bag for your stroller and car seat if you don't want them to get damaged, they aren't exactly gentle with your things and oftentimes it will come back with scuffs and marks.
5. TSA / FLYING WITH BREAST MILK
TSA is the single-handed thing that freaks me out almost every time I fly- but it shouldn't. Although it's a total pain, it oftentimes has gone a lot smoother than I thought it would. When flying, I prefer wearing her as we can step right through the scanner without any crazy screening, and I can have my hands free to tend to her and our things ( they will still expect you to remove your shoes, take out liquids, etc ). I have worn her in multiple carriers for flights and I prefer the Moby wrap to anything else as it is the most comfortable on my back as we sit down and distributes her weight well. When I wear her I like to tuck a burp cloth on the top of the wrap where her head lies to ensure she doesn't get spit up all over me. Remember breast milk is an exception to the 3.4 oz. rule. Because flying alone tends to stress me out I've had issues with my supply dipping so I've always brought a little cooler ( I keep in my diaper bag ) with a few ice packs and some extra milk and a bottle or a full water bottle ( unopened ) and some backup formula. There is no limit to how much breast milk you can bring. Remember, they will screen any liquids for the baby over that 3.4 oz limit as well as swab your hands. If you are an exclusive pumper- remember that some airlines will not count your pump as an additional medical device, so you'll need to pack accordingly as that will take up a good amount of space. I always just stuck my pump back in my carry on after security. Give yourself plenty of time to rearrange everything you had to pull out of bags before the boarding process begins. Typically after TSA, I hook my diaper bag back onto my carry on and I'm off to find my gate.
6. CHECK FOR EXTRA SEATS
When I arrive at the gate, if an attendant is there, the first thing I do is walk up and ask if the flight is full. If it is not, I ask to get my seat reassigned so I can have an empty seat next to me to lay her on. Oftentimes the flights are full, but I experienced a seat of her own once- and it was a GAME CHANGER.
7. ASK ABOUT PREBOARDING
Apparently, it's not a thing anymore that they have to let you preboard. Typically when they call for anyone that needs extra assistance I walk up and ask if I can go ahead to get her situated - usually it's a yes, but I have been told no before also. It depends on how strict the attendant is. If I am able to get on early, as I board the plane usually someone offers to put my carry on in the overhead bin for me, then I can easily arrange her and her things before the mass amount of people start loading onto the plane.
8. CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS
When selecting your seat previous to your flight, consider your options. Do you have a squirmy baby? If so you will likely want the window seat to avoid him/ her kicking or grabbing everything in the aisle at risk of them being in the way. Do you have a fussy child? If so you will likely want the aisle seat so you can easily maneuver around the plane and get back to the lavatory if its a long flight. I typically try to be friendly with anyone on my row and apologize in advance if she's being fussy. I've sat by many types of people who all have been very friendly to my baby as well as extremely accommodating.
9. ESSENTIALS FOR THE DIAPER BAG
Be sure to pack not only multiple extra pairs of clothes for the baby but also for yourself in case of an emergency. Prior to boarding the plane, I make sure that Remi is dry or head to the restroom to change her. She usually needs to be changed again before we get off the plane, so I head back to the lavatory. Because I have the best luck ever, she's blown out before which is a total nightmare in that tiny bathroom. Luckily, they have a super small " changing table " above the toilet. Be sure you have plenty of baby essentials in your diaper bag/ carry on. If your plane gets delayed, or they lose your baggage you want to make sure you have plenty of materials to last and for your babe to be comfortable.
10. PROTECT THEIR EARS
Be sure to nurse or have your baby suck on a pacifier at take off and landing to protect their little ears and help them adjust to the pressure change. This has never seemed to bother my little girl or seemed to make an impact on her at all really, but she's always used a pacifier for the majority of the flight.
11. MAKE IT COMFORTABLE
I always tried to make it as comfortable as possible for my little one to sleep if she wanted to on the flight. I brought muslin blankets to roll up and would use my sweater also to make a makeshift pillow and blanket for her. I have seen people bring a pillow and lay it on their lap with their babe on top, and it's worked wonderfully and helped them easily fall asleep. The good news is- the plane is like a natural white noise machine, along with the vibrations- it often soothes the baby right to sleep. When I flew with her as she was younger she'd sleep almost the whole time, now that she's older ( she was 8 months on our last flight ) she still has always napped somewhat for me during the flight.
12. MY BIGGEST TIP // DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!!
You'll be surprised at the number of people that are willing to help in any way they can to make this an easier experience for you! I've had people offer to hold her while I use the restroom, ask to carry my things, play with her and make faces the whole flight to keep her entertained and even meet me at the baggage claim and offer to wheel my luggage out to my car. Most people are super sympathetic. The ones that are not? Who cares.
Worst case situation your baby is screaming the whole entire flight. Just remember, one way or another the plane still has to land in your final destination and you WILL eventually get there! ANNNNND you'll probably never see any of those people ever again!
Now sit back and relax. You got this!
XO, Sierra
Here's some pictures from our past flights -
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