“It’s not the destination, but the journey that matters.” That’s a philosophy I typically agree with – unless I am flying with my 18-month old. There is no denying that those first long-distance trips as a family are what special memories are made of. But they also represent a major mom accomplishment, because flying with babies and toddlers is no easy feat. Just in time for the holiday travel season, here are some tips my family has used to ease the journey while flying during the infant and toddler stages.
Choosing Your Flight
- 1. Fly direct. If you can swing it, direct flights are worth it. It’s less travel time for your little one, and fewer planes and airports for you to navigate.
- 2. Consider purchasing a seat for your child. In my opinion, this is a justified splurge if you can. Of course, it is a valid option to carry your little one as a lap child (check your airline’s policy for age restrictions). But I’ve found that after the newborn stage, things can get cramped – and fast. I’ve typically purchased a third seat, and then brought along an FAA-approved car seat. That way, my son has a familiar place to sit during the flight. (It can double as a diaper changing space instead of the tiny airplane bathroom.) He still spends a lot of time in my lap, but it gives us an opportunity to spread out a bit, too.
- 3. Be strategic about flight times. I’ve had friends recommend flying during nap times so that kids can sleep through the flight. I’ve yet to make this work, but I think it’s a good ambition.
Navigating the Airport
- 4. Arrive early. Navigating through security and the airport can take more time with a little one (or multiples) in tow. You might find it helpful to arrive 30 minutes earlier than you typically would.
- 5. Have a strategy to be “hands free” in the airport. If you have an infant, wearing your baby through the airport is a win-win – it keeps your hands free, and your baby feeling secure. If you have a toddler, consider bringing your stroller through security and checking it at the gate. If you are traveling with multiples, consider a lightweight, foldable travel wagon.
- 6. Consider TSA PreCheck. If you have PreCheck, you can bring your kids through the PreCheck line with you. Not only do these lines typically move faster, but you’ll have less juggling and unpacking of your carry-on items.
- 7. Know the rules for flying with breastmilk and formula. Read the guidelines here. Breastmilk and formula are medically necessary liquids and allowed in greater quantities. In my experience, not every TSA agent is familiar with these rules, so you need to know them. For example, one agent told me that I needed to dispose of these liquids, and another agent told me that each container must be open – both of which are incorrect. If you’re aware of the guidelines, you can advocate for yourself by pulling them up on your phone or asking for a supervisor. Also, before TSA agents handle and inspect breastmilk and formula, you can ask them to change into new gloves to help keep these items clean.
- 8. Help your early walker burn off energy before the flight. Airports are stimulating spaces for a baby or young toddler, so it doesn’t take much to burn some “mental energy” by exploring the airport and watching planes take off. If you have a wiggly, early walker on your hands, take them for some laps around your terminal before boarding as well.
- 9. Change diapers right before you board. Especially if you have a short flight, you may be able to avoid a mid-air diaper change by doing this. I use overnight diapers when we fly for a little extra protection.
While In the Air
- 10. Bring a backpack with the necessities. For me, the necessities include: diapers, wipes, sanitizer, baby/toddler snacks, a water bottle, a change of clothes for my son, and a change of clothes for me. I also pack a mix of a few well-loved toys and books, as well as a couple new ones he hasn’t seen before for the novelty factor. (I especially like the Indescructibles book series for traveling, because they are durable, lightweight, and barely take any space.) Finally, I bring a swaddle, even for my toddler – it’s lightweight and can be used as an extra layer if it’s cold, or as a privacy cover if he’s getting over-stimulated.
- 11. If you are worried about germs, sanitize your space. I was the person even before the pandemic that brought along Lysol wipes and wiped down my seat, arm rests, and seat-back tray. I had gotten sick one too many times during work travel, and figured it couldn’t hurt. Now that I’m traveling with my son, it gives me a little extra peace of mind.
- 12. Help your child pop their ears during take-off and landing. Good strategies include: breastfeeding, bottle feeding, providing a pouch or water bottle, or giving your child a pacifier to help them swallow during takeoff and landing.
- 13. It’s ok to break your own screen time rules. If you are a screen-free family or limit screen time, it’s ok to use your tablet or phone as a tool during the flight if it makes it easier for you and your kids. It doesn’t have to be watching a show either. For example, I have spent a lot of time on flights scrolling through the photos on my phone with my son, looking at and talking about pictures of our dog and family members with him as a way to pass the time.
- 14. Try not to worry about other passengers. If it’s your first time flying with a baby or toddler, you might be worried about disturbing your fellow passengers. I try to remind myself that I have survived many flights pre-children with a crying baby aboard – and other people can do it, too. Babies crying is a fact of life. As long as you are baseline courteous about it, and doing what you can to sooth your baby, then rest assured you’re doing what’s in your control.
- 15. Take a deep breath and be proud of yourself! It is inevitable that you will experience some moments that feel overwhelming. Remind yourself that you are doing a great job. Take a deep breath. And take lots of pictures at your destination, because that’s what you will look back on and remember all those years later!
