Flying With A Baby.
BEFORE YOU FLY.
For a long-haul flight, call the airline immediately after booking your ticket to request a bassinet and accompanying seat assignments. It depends on the precise configuration of the plane, but infant bassinets are typically located in the bulk head.
If you plan to pump on the plane and have a non-battery operated breast pump, select a seat in advance that has a dedicated power outlet. Keep in mind, there is typically no power outlet in the airplane bathroom.
Ensure you are not seated in the exit row as all passengers must be 15 years of age or older.
If you book your baby their own seat so that they may fly in their car seat, select a window seat as many airlines have safety rules requiring that car seats be placed in a window seat.
Confirm your airline’s rules regarding checking luggage. Some airlines allow you to curb check your stroller and/or car seat free of charge so it doesn’t count as one of your checked bags. Additionally, certain airlines will permit you to check both your stroller base and car seat at the gate whereas others only allow one or the other. Airlines often also have restrictions regarding the types of strollers they will permit to be gate checked.
Confirm your airline’s carry-on allowance policies. Certain airlines allow you to carry on both a diaper bag and breast pump, which do not count towards your carry-on allowance.
If you plan to stay at a hotel, be proactive and reach out to the concierge in advance to request items to make your stay more comfortable. Hotels can typically provide complimentary amenities such as a crib, a changing table, an infant bath tub, a high chair, and a bottle warmer among other items.
If you are staying in a location for more than a few days, consider ordering in advance from Amazon (or another retailer) the bulk of your disposable items such as diapers and wipes.
Consider renting any baby equipment you need from a local purveyor. We have had wonderful success with rentals from BabyQuip in the U.S. and Baby'tems in Paris.
For ease of mind, pack your diaper bag and if applicable, pumping bag, the evening before you travel.
AT THE AIRPORT.
Arrive early and give yourself extra time.
Dress in layers. Airplane temperatures fluctuate and factors like breastfeeding and/or wearing your baby will impact how hot or cold you feel.
Wear your infant in a comfortable baby carrier like this Ergo to walk through the airport rather than using a stroller and/or car set. You get to be hands-free and you can wear a soft-sided carrier through security without removing your baby. This is clutch, especially when they are napping!
If you decide to take a stroller and/or car seat through the airport, do yourself a favor and invest in either the Doona or a lightweight travel stroller like the Babyzen YOYO2.
If you are flying with breast milk or pre-mixed formula, inform the TSA agent at security, “I am a nursing/formula-feeding parent and am traveling with breastmilk/formula.” The agent will put your milk/formula through the x-ray machine and may examine it. They will not test or open frozen milk, but they may do so with liquid milk.
Before you board, use the bathroom and change your baby’s diaper.
ON THE AIRPLANE.
The flight attendant may ask you to remove your baby from their carrier and hold them during take off. As soon as take off is complete, nestle your baby back into your carrier for the remainder of the flight. If you are lucky enough to have a napping baby, keeping them in the carrier will give you greater facility to use the restroom, read a book and watch a movie.
During take off and landing, feed your baby or give them a pacifier to help their ears adjust to pressure changes, unless they are sleeping in which case don’t disturb them!
If you pump at your seat, ask the flight attendant for a blanket to drape over you for privacy. And don’t be shy about asking the flight attendant for ice if you need any for your cooler.
Flying + breastfeeding is a recipe for dehydration. Try to drink at least 8oz of water for every hour of travel.
Stay calm and be confident!
