Travel Tips

Bryony has accrued more frequent flyer miles at 9 months old than have many middle-aged adults. And, in that vein, I have picked up a number of good tips for flying with an infant that I thought I'd pass along to my friends who are parents, will be parents, or hoping to become parents. I have found that doing these things decreases my stress level and helps make the flight go much more smoothly, which is about all one can ask for when travelling with a tired, wiggling, cranky baby. Feel free to leave a comment if you have additional tips that you've found useful.

1) Call the airline a few days before the flight to make sure your baby is added to the reservation. "Lap babies", or children who will travel sitting on your lap during the flight, need to be on the passenger manifest, even if s/he doesn't have his/her own ticket.

2) Check your luggage. I know it costs extra these days, and trust me, I am as cheap as they come, but do yourself the favor and spend the extra cash. This last time I spent $25 each way, but it was worth it to be able to keep all my liquid/gel items, and not having to lug my roller bag behind me while carrying Bryony, my purse and the diaper bag was a load off. Keep the number of things you have to keep track of to a minimum.

3) Dress lightly with slip-on shoes. You're going to have to pass through security with a baby, a diaper bag and possibly other luggage. You don't want to have to fumble with additional clothing or tie-up shoes when you have to "undress" at the security screening. I tend to pack my jacket since I'll likely spend very little time outside as I'm flying and moving through airports.

4) Forget the stroller. I don't know how many parents I saw struggling with big bulky strollers and travel systems while trying to balance baby, diaper bags and luggage, too. I have flown all over the country with Bryony now, and each time I have carried her in a sling. Not only does it keep your hands free to deal with other things like using the bathroom, grabbing your boarding pass or ordering a snack, but it also can't get damaged by baggage handlers the way that a stroller can. And, as far as a car seat is concerned, I have always asked family and friends if they can borrow a car seat from someone during the duration of our stay. It has never been a problem and it saves me from a lot of stress.

5) Board early with "Priority Access." Most airlines have special pre-boarding for people who are travelling with infants and small children. Use it! That way you can find and settle into your seat before the onslaught of disgruntled passengers creates a long, cramped line along the main aisle of the plane.

6) Pack a pacifier. I was totally anti-pacifier (or, binky) before Bryony came into the world, but I was blessed with a baby who has, as the doctor put it, "a strong suck." So we've been using a pacifier since week three of her life and if not any other time, on a plane is THE time to use it. During takeoff and landing your ears get clogged; well, so do babies', but they don't necessarily know to swallow to make them "pop." So, sucking on a pacifier is a good way to keep their ears from hurting them. Nursing is also a good way, but not all airlines will allow the baby to be held in the nursing position during takeoff and landing--United made me hold her upright with her head over my shoulder--so pack a pacifier just in case!

7) Pack toys and additional food. Bryony is on solid foods now, and it really helped to give her some mashed banana as a fun distraction from the confinement of the seat. I also packed a few toys that make noise--although nothing so noisy that it would annoy my seatmate.

8) Allow fellow passengers to help you if they offer! I often play the role of the martyr, assuming all responsibility for everything so as not to bother people. I am quickly learning to let go of that persona when it comes to flying. If my seatmate wants to keep Bryony entertained on the flight (playing peek-a-boo, making faces a her, playing with her toys with her) so I don't have to be the stand-up comedian for the entire trip, then I let them. If people ask if they can grab a dropped item or stowed bag for me, the I let them. It really really will take the stress off of you and allow you to keep a bit of your energy if you accept help from thoughtful folks.

9) Try to get sleep when baby is sleeping. Bryony is pretty good about falling asleep during longer flights (and even during shorter flights) but I am not always good about remembering to catch some zzz's myself. Catching up on your sleep, especially if you have two or more legs to your trip, is a great way to conserve energy for the rest of the day.

10) If you have room in the diaper bag, pack a thin blanket. I found that letting Bryony roll around and play on the floor at the gate got her tired enough that she was ready to sleep once the plane got in the air. A sleeping baby makes for a quiet flight!