How to stay sane when its the first flight with an infant?

Before a kid, packing for traveling was always the last-minute thing. After a kid, it is always about detailed planning. And when you are doing anything as first-timer, you are almost walking on a minefield. Well, almost. So how to stay sane when you have the first flight with an infant? Read on.

By the age of 9 months our boy, Penguin was well moved in train and cars. So, when we had to travel via air with a 5-hour hop I started prepping early.

How to stay sane when its the first flight with an infant?

The plan was to prepare – before travel, at the airport, during flight and baggage collection. It might seem weird to so many readers here? As what the hell am I saying. If you are a parent or caregiver, chances are high that you might agree that planning for traveling with kids is no joke. Especially when you are planning the first flight with an infant.

Initial Preparation before traveling

Flight timing

Before Penguin happened, we used to check the price of air tickets and book the least pricy. Typical! Well as parents now we choose one depending on the time of our son’s nap. Early morning and late-night flights are a big NO when other options are available. Most single flight journey in India clocks about 2 – 3 hours. And it matched our Penguin’s nap duration. So, do little planning as you book one.

Strategic seat location

It might sound like a board room discussion agenda on strategy. Crazy right? If you have an infant who is yet to crawl or walk? Then, you can choose any seat where the child can watch other people if not asleep. If you have an always ready to move kid, avoid middle rows. Get the initial or last rows. Let the child move when not sleeping. Go for window seats. It would keep babies entertained for long watching clouds, sun, sea, etc.

Vaccination if any

If the baby is due for any vaccination. Talk with your doctor and get the shots done or if mutually agreed to get an appointment for one soon after the return. Chalk out all related plans.

Pack the diaper bag

I try to carry only a diaper bag and keep essentials only, no shoulder bag or tote. Traveling light is the key. So, a day before the travel I pack all in my backpack diaper bag. My basic contents were:

• Flight tickets
• Identity cards
• Wallet (loaded enough for the journey)
• Diapers and wipes
• Changing mat
• Sanitizer
• Diaper rash cream
• Moisturizer
• Bib
• Plastic bag/ brown paper bag for soiled diapers
• A change of clothes for baby and me
• Snacks – Penguin was breastfed during that period along with solids. So, I packed a few snacks to keep him entertained and eat. Just a banana, handful puffed rice or makhana and homemade cerelac for an emergency.
• Favorite books and toys.
• Water bottle for mom and sipper for baby (above 6 months).
• Nursing scarf or sling (if breastfeeding) / if formula-fed, keep bottles and extra feeds / if bottle feeding pumped breastmilk keep all basics handy
• A book for mom
• Light blanket (I carry a light woolen blend stole, which serves as blanket and nursing cover)

At the airport

Ask for help

Traveling only with an infant is not an easy task. So, ask for help whenever needed. Especially if you travelling alone with a baby. In many Indian airports, you can find attendants who can help you with luggage during scans and check-in. If you got unlucky to get one, ask anyone else.

Wear your baby

Babywearing is a life savior for us. While undergoing a security check or check-in, wear your baby. They would be much calm and at peace. Also, you would have the freedom to deal with luggage, fill document if any, shop last-minute item. Once done with all airport work, you can easily let them explore new ground. I prefer to zip around airports efficiently.

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Tire but not exhausted

Before boarding the flight, make sure to tire out the baby. If you have a well-fed tired baby surely, they would sleep through the flight. Explore the new playground. Let the kids crawl, cruise and walk. Few airports have children play area, use the facility.

Freshen up before boarding

Just before boarding freshens up the baby, change diapers, clothes if needed. Hand over a snack. It is better to use loo now if you are traveling alone. Also, changing diapers during flight is absolutely pain.

Boarding

Either go first or wait till the end based on the child’s mood. Most Indian airlines encourage people to travel with kids to board first. If the baby is still active, let the boarding for other passengers be entertainment for him. Waved people whoever cross you. Take time to settle down. And if needed, keep a few things near you before putting the bag in the cabin. Another way, if the baby is almost tired and would retire to sleep soon, may get disturbed by people moving around, etc. Board in the end but be quick to keep things handy.

During flight

Feed the baby

Breastfeed or bottle-feed or give a pacifier to baby on take-off and landing. Swallowing would prevent the uncomfortable ear popping.

Stay calm

If you are lucky with all planning gone right and baby happily sleeps all way, relax drink a coffee or read a book. Be prepared to face the other situation when the baby refuses to sleep. Take a walk up and down the plane. The baby’s mood might change and relax. Use the packed favorite books and toys. Offer a snack to distract. But most importantly stay calm.

Be grateful

Your co-passenger might not be prepared to travel with a baby next seat. Even sleeping babies do kick them. Babies who denied nap are another story. Say thank you to them.

Baggage collection

Ask for help

As pointed earlier, ask for help to pull out your bags from the belt. Lifting luggage with a baby in tow is a tough task.

Plan transport to reach the destination

To reach your hotel or accommodation book a cab before leaving the airport. You can’t look out for rickshaws or cab with luggage and baby in the road. Too much stress.

Hop over

Few flights might have a connecting point where you need to change flights. Generally, there is a gap of a few hours before you board the next flight. So, you can plan to enjoy a refreshment. Freshen up the baby again, if needed. And again, let them explore the place.

Mantra is “Plan your entire day. And breathe”. Remember to keep babies hydrated all along. You would be just fine.

After our first flight with our infant, Penguin, I grew more confident and took a solo flight home a few weeks later. The plan was exactly the same with more deep breathes. And it was an adventure.

When did you take the first flight with an infant? How was the experience? Did you enjoy your vacation after that such a long flight with an infant?

Also, if you are planning an international trip do read 5 Tips to Make Your International Trip Child-Friendly.