Baby Sleep N Play Outfit: Target (3 pack for $12.99!)
Baby Veer took his first flight at around 5 months in May 2021 to Arizona to visit family. Leading up to the flight we did alot of googling and reading through the airline website on what we could and could not bring for a baby. For all you parents out there having major anxiety on traveling with a little one, below are some tips on flying with a baby. It doesn’t have to be a scary process and with the right tools this can be a seamless process if you are prepared. We were really surprised at how well he did and can’t wait to plan our next vacation!
Book a Direct Flight
Where ever possible try to book a direct flight or a flight with a longer layover. Landing puts pressure on babies ears and causes pain, so less time having to take off/land (thus avoiding any tantrums) is worth it in my book!
Book a Spacious Seat
If you are able to do so, upgrade your seat to business or first class especially if your child is under 2 years old and are doing a lap seat so that you both will have more room. You can always use miles or points to upgrade!
TSA Precheck
We have had TSA Precheck for years now and I highly recommend having this especially if you are traveling with a baby. What makes it easy is that all items go through the X-Ray machine and you do not need to take anything out of your bag and do not need to take off your shoes. My husband put all our belongings (including our car seat and stroller base) onto the X-Ray machine while I took myself/baby through security. Veer is mostly on formula so we were able to bring a box of formula and a water bottle through security. Our diaper bag did get flagged because of the formula powder and large bottle of liquid so just know that TSA will look through your diaper bag if you plan on bringing formula, water, breastmilk., etc.
Gate Check
Why carry your baby around the airport when you can just stroll them around? We gate checked our UppaBaby car seat and UppaBaby stroller base and found this so helpful. Leading up to our flight we honestly did not know what to expect. American Airlines website says any strollers over 20 lbs cannot be gatechecked and for those of you who have the UppaBaby stroller know that the base itself weights 20 lbs so I wasn’t sure if we could bring this through the airport or not. We ended up bringing our stroller base with the car seat and did not have any issues. I do recommend buying a car seat cover (cheaper option) for the car seat and stroller cover because trust me, they will it get scratched up.
Another alternative way is to buy a travel stroller. There are so many out on the market but some of our favorite ones are: BabyZen YoYo and Doona (car seat and stroller in one!). We didnt feel like buying a stroller just for flying so we took our UppaBaby stroller.
Visit Restroom Before Flying
Right before we boarded we did a diaper change. Depending on how long the flight is you should be prepared to change a diaper in the small airplane bathroom (there is a tray that comes down in the bathroom for changing a baby). Make sure you bring wipes to wipe down the area in the bathroom, diapers, baby wipes and a changing pad.
Organize Your Diaper Bag
I always said to myself that I would never carry a backpack and here we are (lol). This is the diaper bag we use and I have found it so helpful to have my hands free - especially while traveling. In the diaper bag I have two large ziplock bags. One is for diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. The second ziplock has a extra set of clothes, bibs, burp cloths. I also kept a 9 oz bottle and water bottle on the side of the bag and a box of formula inside the bag. This diaper bag also comes with a changing pad which I have used multiple times. I also have a blanket in the backpack since it can get quite chilly on the plane. We kept the diaper bag easily accessible under the seat infront of us.
Pre Board
If possible, pre-board the flight. I always find it helpful for my husband to board infront of me so that he can wipe down the seats and put away our luggage. My husband had also already broken down the stroller base and car seat was in it’s bag ready to be gate checked. Another tip is to baby wear (using a baby carrier or wrap) instead of carrying them onboard.
Bassinet
Some flights (mostly international) have a bassinet you can request. I believe you can call the airline ahead of time to request this. Our first flight with the little one was domestic and there were no bassinets available.
Feeding
Feed your baby on take off and landing (nurse or give baby a bottle!). Encouraging swallowing really helps with their ears and I felt it kept Veer distracted.
Keep Baby Entertained
Bring your babies favorite toys and give it to them one by one. We love this and this - he hasn’t gotten bored of them yet!
Everyone was super nice to us and I would definitely travel with baby again!!
