I don’t think we are that adventurous of a family, but when I tell people both my children have taken their first plane t
rip around 6 weeks of age, they look at me like I have come completely unglued. I just have a philosophy that the smaller they are the easier they travel. Nowadays a 2 hour flight to Florida requires a carry on full of entertainment but during the infant stage, since I breastfeed, it was just a matter of packing enough diapers to survive whatever delay the airline decides to throw at you.
Some things I have learned along the way…
1. Buy a seat for your child. I am sort of a fanatic about this part. Yes, children under 2 can fly without a seat, but it is a lot safer to secure a spot for your child. Most airline offer infant fares, although you usually need to call rather than booking online. Having a seat is also a Mommy-sanity-saver. The thought of bouncing my 21-month old 25 pound plus toddler on my lap for 2 hours makes me break out in a cold sweat.
2. Go hands-free. I typically bring both a lightweight stroller such as a G-lite and a carrier such as a Beco or Ergo. In an airport I use the stroller to push the car seat through the airport and the carrier for the child. This is especially helpful when boarding, you can leave the stroller at gate check, and have your hands free to carry the car seat and diaper bag on board, while your child is safe and secure.
3. 21-point inspection. Before flying to Greece last summer I took both children to the pediatrician for a once over. Now obviously this was more important because we were going to a small island in another country, but I think it’s helpful to have a baseline on your child’s health, their current weight -and depending on the physician a bottle of unconstituted penicillin- in your hands when you fly the friendly skies.
4. It’s the small things you pack that make a difference. While certain liquids (breastmilk, formula etc) are allowed most are not. You can however pack easy airline snacks – raisins, granola bars, cereal bars, dry cereal etc. Make sure you bring a cup appropriate for your child to use on the plane since the wide-mouth plastic tumblers they use will lead to a big spill. I also always pack those plastic self-stick placements (great for the airline table trays), antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, and a backup to the backup pacifier. I am also a fun of a couple extra large plastic zip-lock baggies in case of a mid-air diaper or dining disaster. Small toys and your child’s favorite lovey are also a must for carry on. Remember Airlines lose a lot of luggage and if your child’s can’t-go-to-sleep-without-it lovey is in there it might make for a rough vacation. Lastly, to avoid luggage disaster, print a couple of your itinerary and place it in an outside zipper pocket of all bags (my husband laughed at me on this tip…till my insistence is the only way he saw his bags again on a long overseas business trip).
Lastly remember that even in the Happiest Place on Earth, children still need to nap.
The best part is since its vacation Mom and Dad get to nap too!
Excellent advice. I have been flying with my kids since they were both about 6 months old and your advice is spot on. I think people worry way too much about what an ordeal it can be. Like anything, a little preparation goes a long way. I’ll gladly take 3 1/2 hours in the air versus 18 hours in the car thank you very much! P.S. My husband was not a big fan of purchasing a seat for our kids (when they were under 2) until our youngest daughter insisted on spending the longest part of a trip on his lap. Imagine!