No one wants to be the parent with the screaming baby on board…I know I didn’t want my first solo flight with Miles to be one of those nightmare flights where everyone looks at the woman with the screaming child so here are my top tips for flying with a baby or toddler.
Miles’ first flight was also my first flight travelling alone with him. We flew from London to Montreal direct, which was just under 7 hours. We also flew solo from London to Costa Rica which was an 11 hour flight each way to join daddy on a work trip. Since then we’ve been on a few family trips including Florida last November. Flying internationally with a baby or toddler is definitely nerve-racking but I think the key is to be organised, travel light and be prepared for anything to happen. Here are my top tips as a former flight attendant and now well travelled mom of two.
But first, I have to share these two photos. How cute are my little travellers!!
Diaper bag
Having a good size diaper bag. Big enough to fit everything you need but not too big to carry around or attach to your stroller. It’s also great to have an accessible pocket for things you’ll be reaching for like your phone and passports. My top tip when it comes to packing your diaper bag is, to set it up for going through airport security and once you’ve gone through security, take a minute and reorganize it for your flight. I like to have smaller bags inside my diaper bag to keep organised, one for all the bits I will be needing during the flight and I keep that bag in the seat pocket. One for snacks, medication and one with all the spare clothes. Here’s a few things I carry in my diaper bag when travelling that I consider necessities.
Travel stroller/ baby carrier
Don’t even second guess it, go buy it!! The Stokke yoyo is honestly the perfect travel stroller, especially if you’re traveling solo with a baby or toddler. It’s easy to open or fold down, it fits in the airplane aisle/overhead bins and most crew know how to fold it. You can also buy so many accessories for the Yoyo like the newborn insert, a footmuff or even some ski’s if you’re going somewhere snowy. If your baby can’t sit unaided I also recommend bringing a baby carrier.
I found the easiest way to board the plane was by wearing them in the carrier. About 5-10 minutes before boarding, put your baby in the carrier, make sure your passports and boarding cards are handy and fold your pushchair ready to put away. Once you board most crew will offer to grab your stroller and put it in the overhead bin for you so all you have to do is walk to your seat and sit. The only carrier I ever used with my little one is the Ergo baby 360.
Preordering baby formula for airport pickup
This one is obviously for formula-fed babies and for people who travel out of an UK airport. Ordering baby formula from Boots before traveling, to pick it up after going through security. This service can help speed up going through security since you have to take out all bottles with liquid from your bag. You could also pre order things that you don’t have room for in your suitcase, like diapers but keep in mind it’s one more thing to carry with you on the day.
Airplane baby cot
The famous baby cot on most long haul airplanes.. I have a love/hate relationship with this one. My babies always slept better in my arms and I also felt more comfortable having them on me but if you have a long flight ahead, the baby cot could be very handy. If you do decide you want to book the seats in front of the baby cot just remember that those seats often have the armrest that doesn’t lift up and you could find yourself sat with other passengers who want to get up whilst your child is in the cot.
Family priority lines
I had no idea’s about these and I was a flight attendant for years…Most airports have priority lines for family’s to use. Have a look on the airport website before travelling or ask someone when you get to the airport. If they don’t have a family priority line, most airports will let you go through the fast track queue if it’s busy and you’re solo travelling with a baby.
Prevent ears from blocking
If you don’t want your children’s ears to block on take off or landing get them to feed or suck on a pacifier. I would always time Miles’ or Sienna’s next feed for when we were about to take off/ land but I know this isn’t always possible so giving them something to suck will keep their ears from blocking or “popping” with the change in air pressure. If you’re baby isn’t due a feed, doesn’t take a pacifier or is older, consider giving them a lollipop or bubblegum.
Travelling with a baby or toddler will never go perfectly but these few tips can hopefully make it easier for you and help you be as prepared as you can be. Oh and don’t forget that spare change of clothes for yourself, all mom’s know how bad a poonamy can be!!
Happy travels! x
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