Google searches for tips for flying with a baby have grown by more than 5000% over the past 30 days in the UK research by leading UK baby brand Nuby has revealed.
Going on holiday with your baby should be exciting however this can be tainted by the daunting experience of navigating a busy flight with someone who expresses their feelings through crying (and screaming…) much to the delight of other passengers.
However, this shouldn’t stop you from flying with a baby and although there’s no magic solution to making it through a flight with a baby hiccup-free, Nuby shared 10 tips to help keep you sane until you reach your destination – including the best seat to book.
- Book an aisle seat for easy access to the baby-changing facilities
You may be wondering what seats to choose when flying with a baby and while there is no correct answer, booking an aisle seat will allow easier access to the baby changing facilities. The last thing you want is to have to navigate past the obstacle of sleeping passengers to get out of your seat.
- Plan short flights around nap time
If your baby has a nap schedule, try to plan your flight time around when they usually nap as this will increase the chances of them falling asleep on the flight. Follow your usual nap time routine as closely as possible to replicate their home comforts. So, if you sing them to sleep, be prepared for the people sitting next to you to hear your singing voice.
- Order extra baby essentials to collect after security to save space in your hand luggage
Taking a baby on holiday means your hand luggage is 90% theirs and 10% yours and you’ll still feel like you need more space for baby travel essentials. Luckily Boots offers an airport click-and-collect service meaning you can get your hands on more baby travel essentials after going through security. You can place your order from two weeks before you fly and Boots ask that you select a delivery date that’s three days prior to your flight date to allow enough time for the parcel to be prepared.
- Breastfeed or give your baby a bottle during take-off and landing
Did you know breastfeeding during take-off and landing on a flight can help ease discomfort in a baby’s ears due to air pressure changes? You can replicate this for formula feeding with a baby bottle, or if your baby isn’t due a feed, you can use a dummy instead.
- If you can’t board the flight first, board last
If your airline doesn’t offer priority boarding for families with young children, or you’re late to the gate, wait and board last instead. Some parents even decline the invitation to board early. This gives you time to do any last-minute nappy changes and then board the flight with less time to wait until take off.
- Don’t forget to bring a portable baby bottle maker
If you formula feed, having a portable baby bottle maker will allow quick, fuss-free and convenient feeding whilst on the move. The RapidCool™ Baby Bottle Maker conforms to NHS guidelines, and it’s travel-friendly, fits in most nappy change bags and no power supply is needed. It cools baby formula milk from boiling to the perfect temperature in just two minutes. Security measures may differ between travel providers, so we recommend you check with both your airline, as well as the airport(s) you are travelling through to ensure you can take your RapidCool™ onboard.
- Pack a change of clothes for the adults as well as the baby
Packing a change of clothes for your baby will feel like second nature but if you’re about to take a flight with a baby don’t forget a change of clothes for you too. If your baby is sick (or even worse) during the flight, there is a high likelihood it will end up on you and no one wants to spend the duration of a flight smelling like baby sick.
- Create an on-the-go nappy bag for the flight
Trying to juggle your baby and baby changing backpack down the aisle of an aeroplane can be a challenge. Within your baby changing bag, pack a smaller bag with the essentials you need for a nappy change, so you don’t have to carry a bigger bag through the plane mid-flight. As for your pram, if you have a foldable pram that fits within the maximum dimensions for your airline, you can take it to the gate with you rather than putting it in the hold luggage.
- Bring a wearable teether to stop it being dropped
Your baby’s teether will inevitably be dropped on the floor when you’re out and about however this is the last thing you need mid-tantrum in a busy airport or flight. To prevent this from happening opt for a wrist teether, like Nuby’s Wrist Pal Silicone Teething Mitt, for your baby for the duration of the journey.
- Don’t pack your baby carrier with your luggage wear your baby instead
Don’t make the mistake of packing your baby carrier in your luggage as you will most definitely be cursing yourself throughout the journey for doing so. Wearing your baby in the airport and whilst boarding and exiting the flight will free up your hands allowing you to navigate any tricky stairs or busy airport bus.
Amy Howard, Product Development Manager at Nuby added on her experience of flying with her baby “Before flying with a baby or young child, I’d definitely recommend looking for tips that have worked for others to help ease your stress about the journey.
“Every hack I found before our flight made what could have been a stressful trip much easier. I was relieved to see how a few simple tips could make the flight more comfortable for everyone.”
