Visions of a screaming, inconsolable child haunt many parents preparing to fly with an infant. No one wants to be the parent on the plane with the upset baby for the duration of the flight. The anticipation of potential problems is usually worse than the actual experience. Preparation for the flight increases the odds of a smooth trip for you and the other passengers. Surviving a flight with an infant makes you feel like a traveling pro who can handle anything.
Before making the decision try this: think of how long your flight will be, then seat you child on your lap and see how long he'll last there.
Do not feel obligated to purchase a seat for your child. Children under two fly free or for a nominal fee when you hold them on your lap. Unlike in a car, your lap is safe & comforting to your child.
1. Purchase a giant diaper bag. Lap children are not entitled to a piece of luggage; only a diaper bag.
2. Plan to breastfeed if you can. Attendants do not warm bottles or formula.
3. Consider dressing your child in a one piece footed pajama if you're worried about losing clothes. Dress the child as comfortably as possible. Being on a plane, let alone in one seat, for many hours isn't fun.
4. Pack the diaper bag as if you're going on a trip for a day. Make sure you have a change of clothes or two outfits, diapers, toys (stickers, crayons & paper for toddlers), changing pad, baby wipes, and utensils.
You must declare baby food, formula & medicines. Babies and toddlers ARE exempt from the 3-1-1 rule.
5. Consider buying some new toys to surprise your child; they will keep his or her attention longer. You may choose to hold onto these toys until well into the flight, when your child gets antsy or to distracted from a temper tantrum. If the flight goes well, save the toys for the flight home.
6. Surprise your child with a piece of candy or treat you have refused in the past. Tiny lollipops are a good choice as the sucking can help with ear pressure.
7. Bring earplugs. Not for you or your baby, for the people around you. If your child cries uncontrollably, you can show your concern by handing your neighbors an inexpensive pair of foam earplugs with a kind smile.
8. Arrive early at your gate. Ask the attendant for a "Gate Check Tag" for your stroller. They will stow your stroller with the luggage in the belly of the plane, but bring it to you when you exit it the plane, so you don't have to carry your child to baggage claim.
9. While you are at the gate, ask the attendant if they will board families with small children first. This is usually a common practice, but not always. You can relax a bit if the answer is yes.
10. Serve your toddler juice or water by bringing a "reuse or toss" cup with lid & straw. Attendants will provide drinks on most flights, but they do not provide straws or lids. You could have a spill that wets you, him or the stranger next to him when he accidentally bumps his tray-table. Consider picking up a cup, straw & lid from a concession stand before boarding your flight in a pinch.
11. Bring a blanket to cover your baby, but as soon as you sit down in your seat, request extra pillows & blankets. Pillows are not items you will want to pack, as they are bulky. If you don't like the idea of your child's face on the airline pillow, cover it with your blanket from home. Your arms will need extra cushioning, if your child takes a long nap and you can't move.
12. Do not try to carry everything on board you will possibly need. You cannot quickly or easily get to things under your seat or in the over-head. They will go unused and be a useless burden to carry. Think minimalist.
13. Travel during nap time. Some children fall asleep in a plane, no different than while riding in a car.
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