Flying Tips
- Babee Dreams
- Mar 4, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 29
Contemplating whether to book a flight, or have you booked and now feel a wave of regret wash over you? Travelling, especially with young children like infants and toddlers, can be challenging. The thought of being 35,000 feet up in the air, confined in an aircraft, might scream at you, "Don't do it!" But here's the important part, you don't have to feel overwhelmed or stressed about flying with your children. If you're well-prepared and follow the tips I've outlined below, I assure you it won't be as dreadful as you feared.
Top tips for flying with an infant and/or toddler
When to book the flight
Would you rather have them awake most of the flight or asleep? Most of the time, I think parents would prefer asleep. Even though we're aiming for this, be mindful that sleep may not be smooth sailing as it usually would be. Expect them to take longer to fall asleep, they may need assistance from you, they may have more awakenings, and probably more cuddles. In saying this, there is a way of encouraging your little one to sleep on the flight.
Long flight I recommend booking your flight around your baby’s usual bedtime. While daytime flights can sometimes be a bit cheaper, having your baby sleep through the entire flight is often well worth the extra cost.
Short flight If it's only a short trip, try and book your flight around their longest nap.
Which seats
Consider choosing the aisle row. While sitting by the window may seem like a good idea, babies have a short attention span. Having easier access to the toilets or the aisle, both for them and for you to stretch your legs, may be a better option.
Click here for some questions you could ask
→ "Is there a vacant row available?" Request to be placed in a seat where there is more space. → "Is there a free business/first-class seat?" Sometimes, if you ask politely, you may be upgraded to a better seat for a small or no fee.
Take-off and landing
During take-off and landing, the rapid changes in air pressure can cause discomfort in the ears. This is commonly known as aeroplane ear and can result in blocked ears, deep ear discomfort or pain, and muffled hearing.
The best way to prevent this is by keeping the Eustachian tubes open. When the tubes are open, they can help equalise the air pressure. While adults are often advised to yawn or chew gum, here are some tips for babies:
Time their feeds
Offer a dummy
Have them nibble on a snack or toy
Bring headphones
Most planes provide small earbud headphones for passengers to use, but these can be ineffective for tiny ears as they tend to fall out easily. I recommend bringing your own set of headphones. A good option is a pair of over-ear headphones, also known as "circumaural" headphones. These headphones have large earpads that can fit over your entire ear and a headband that connects the two ear cups. They also come in children's sizes, which are perfect for covering baby ears. With these headphones, you won't have to worry about them falling or slipping off, and as a bonus, they can help cancel out external sounds.
→ Target has a great selection, click here. I'm sure Amazon does too!
When to board
Parents and children are often offered the option to board the plane first, but sometimes being the last to board can be a better choice. Why? Because the boarding process can be time-consuming, it can take 30 minutes or more before the plane actually takes off. This waiting time can make babies and toddlers irritable. If you have an adult travel companion with you, I suggest they board first to secure onboard luggage space, while you and your child board closer to the end of the boarding process.
It gets cold
Planes are generally kept on the colder side, regardless of the temperature outside. Have you ever wondered why? A study conducted by ASTM International explored the relationship between fainting incidents during flights and cabin pressure and temperature. They discovered that people are more prone to fainting while flying due to a medical condition called hypoxia, which occurs when body tissues don't receive enough oxygen. High cabin pressure combined with warm temperatures can exacerbate this reaction. To ensure passenger safety, airlines tend to keep the temperature lower.
It's a good idea to bring extra layers of clothing and blankets to keep yourself and your child warm and comfortable during the flight.
Bring the essentials
Try to make them feel comfortable, regardless if they're a frequent flyer or it's their first time.
Flying isn't everyone's favourite experience, as it can be a little terrifying for some. To help ease their discomfort, consider bringing along items that provide comfort and familiarity.
Comforter and favourite toy
Sleeping bag
Dummies
Portable sound machine: I know a plane is a giant white noise machine, but the closer and more familiar sound from a portable sound machine can provide comfort to your child during the flight. Click here for my recommended product.
Be prepared
Download Babee Dreams' Flying Checklist
Start with a good sleeper
A solid sleep foundation can make tricky situations, like flying with a baby, so much easier. My sleep plans and guides are designed to help your little one take consistent naps, sleep 10-12 hours overnight, and develop healthy, independent sleep habits. With the right support, travel doesn't have to throw everything off.
I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant, and a mum of three. Everything I share is from evidence-based research, professional training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, real-life success stories from families I've worked with, and the instincts that come from being a mum.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance regarding your baby's health and well-being, Babee Dreams does not give medical advice.
