1. Packing Essentials for Flying with a Baby

When flying with an infant, packing smartly is the key to avoiding mid-air meltdowns. Here’s a checklist of must-haves:

• Feeding Essentials: Breastfeeding is ideal for take-off and landing to help equalise ear pressure. If you’re formula-feeding, bring pre-measured formula, sterilised bottles, and enough for unexpected delays. For babies over 6 months, pouches of pureed fruit and vegetables (such as Ella’s Kitchen) work brilliantly.

• Spare Clothes: Pack at least two complete outfits for your baby (and a spare top for yourself!). Blowouts, spills, and leaks are common in the pressurised cabin environment.

• Entertainment: Interactive toys, teething rings, and board books are great for keeping little ones engaged. For older infants, downloading a few episodes of their favourite TV shows onto a tablet or phone can be a lifesaver.

• Baby Carrier: Many airlines won’t return your buggy at the gate, so a baby carrier is handy for navigating the airport and boarding.

• Inflatable Plane Seat Bed: If you’ve purchased an extra seat for your under-two, these are excellent for naps or playtime.

2. Navigating Check-In and Security

Travelling with an infant involves additional steps at the airport, but family-friendly policies can make the process easier:

• Check-In: Most airlines require parents to check in at the desk if they’re travelling with an infant. This is because items like buggies or car seats need to be tagged and checked separately. Arrive early to avoid stress.

• Family Lanes: Many airports offer dedicated family security lanes. Take advantage of these to avoid long queues and rushed procedures.

• Feeding and Changing Facilities: Look for baby care rooms or family areas at the airport. These are often equipped with changing tables, feeding chairs, and microwaves.

3. Managing Feeding on the Plane

Feeding is crucial to keeping your baby comfortable during the flight:

• Breastfeeding: This is one of the easiest ways to keep your baby calm during take-off and landing, as the sucking motion helps relieve ear pressure.

• Formula: If bottle-feeding, pack pre-measured formula and request hot water from the cabin crew.

• Snacks: For older babies, bring a selection of healthy snacks like rice cakes or fruit pouches. These can double as distractions during fussy moments.

4. Keeping Your Baby Entertained at 10km Altitude

Boredom is a common trigger for meltdowns, so having a variety of distractions is essential:

• Toys and Books: Pack a mix of old favourites and new surprises to capture your baby’s attention.

• Interactive Games: Peek-a-boo, nursery rhymes, or even simple finger games can work wonders for younger infants.

• Screen Time: While it shouldn’t be your first option, downloading a few episodes of their favourite show onto a tablet can provide much-needed relief during longer flights.

5. Helping Your Baby Sleep During the Flight

Sleep can be elusive on a plane, but there are ways to encourage it:

• Plan Around Nap Times: Try to schedule your flight during your baby’s regular nap or bedtime.

• Recreate Sleep Routines: Bring familiar items like their blanket, favourite pyjamas, or a comfort toy. Mimic bedtime rituals such as brushing teeth, reading a book, and feeding.

• Inflatable Beds: If you’ve purchased an extra seat, an inflatable bed can help replicate the comfort of home. We recommend using the BlueWisk Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed!

6. Handling Crying and Tantrums

Even the most prepared parents can face a mid-air meltdown. Here’s how to manage:

• Distraction: Offer a toy, a snack, or play a game to shift their focus.

• Comfort Feeding: Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding often works to soothe distressed infants.

• Stay Calm: Remember, most passengers understand and empathise. A stressed parent can escalate the situation, so take deep breaths and remind yourself that this phase is temporary.

7. Choosing the Best Airline for Family Travel

Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to family travel. We’ve found British Airways to be particularly accommodating, offering:

• Complimentary pre-boarding for families.
• Generous luggage allowances for baby essentials.
• Friendly cabin crew who go out of their way to help parents.

Budget airlines are perfectly viable but require more meticulous planning, as services like bassinets or hot water may not be available.

8. Making Use of Baby-Friendly Airline Services

Many airlines offer services specifically for parents travelling with infants:

• Bassinets: Request a bulkhead seat with a bassinet if you’re on a long-haul flight. These must be booked in advance.
• Pre-Boarding: Use this time to stow your bags, settle your baby, and get organised before general boarding.
• Onboard Facilities: Some airlines provide nappy-changing tables and extra blankets, so don’t hesitate to ask the crew for assistance.

9. Final Tips for First-Time Parents

Flying with an infant is never as daunting as it seems once you’ve done it. Some final advice:

• Overpack Essentials: Food, nappies, and toys are better overpacked than under-packed.
• Be Flexible: Things won’t always go to plan, and that’s okay. Stay adaptable and focus on the journey, not just the destination.
• Accept Help: Fellow passengers and flight attendants are often more understanding than you expect.

Conclusion

Flying with an infant can be challenging, but it’s also a rewarding experience that opens up a world of travel opportunities for your family. With thoughtful preparation, a well-packed bag, and a calm approach, you can turn a potentially stressful journey into a memorable adventure.

Do you have any personal tips or stories about flying with a baby? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!