The first trip with a baby is always exciting for both the baby and parents. All the more so if it’s a flight on a plane. And no matter how exciting and magical this very first journey may seem to your baby, parents should prepare for it in advance. A long flight for a child means forced restrictions in movement and often discomfort during takeoff and landing due to pressure fluctuations. There are a few simple tips to make the flight more comfortable for both the child and those around them.
At what age can I take my baby on an airplane trip?
A baby can be taken on an airplane at any age, but it is still undesirable in the first two weeks after birth. At this time, babies have a critically narrow auditory tube, and trouble may arise after the flight.
Due to the physiological aspects of a child’s growing body, it is much harder for children than adults to tolerate plugged ears. It is easier for them to suck and swallow, so you can give your baby a breast, a bottle, or just something to chew on during takeoff and landing.
Time of departure
What time to fly is best, there are different opinions. Some parents try to choose night flights, while others prefer morning and afternoon flights. On a night flight, your child is more likely to sleep. But a night flight does not mean landing at 02:00 a.m. – your child will only get overexcited and is more likely to be cranky. Try to choose the departure time so that it coincides as much as possible with your child’s usual bedtime.
It’s great to let your child run around before the flight, so he sleeps through the entire flight. However, be aware of the time zone difference.
After a long flight and sleeping in, kids may want to walk around and have fun at 2 a.m. in the hotel room. However, the next day, when it’s time to explore a new place, they’ll sleep on the go. You probably will, too.
Often parents are happy that their child sleeps through the entire flight and doesn’t bother anyone, but honestly, they don’t think about what the next couple of days have in store for them.
How to entertain your child during a flight
Most babies sleep soundly during the flight. But, of course, not everyone does. And many parents prefer to get the child as tired as possible – for example, in the airport playroom. In this sense, having a connecting flight is an advantage. On the other hand, some children are crankier from too many impressions. So here it is up to you to decide.
You can create positive motivation for your child to fly by buying new toys that you give him in the cabin. Remember that the toy should not have sound elements. Otherwise, it will irritate fellow passengers. A good option is to prepare a small set with coloring books, figures, stickers, and magnets for your child. Objects should be small, and it is better if there are a lot of them – so, until the end of the flight, the child will remain interested in new toys.
Take every opportunity to walk and explore your surroundings. If newborn babies do not need a change of scenery, slightly older children just need to explore the world actively.
No one likes airplane food
Many parents somehow think that children who are cranky about food at home will agree to any meal on a plane. Chances are, they will be cranky even more.
The key to everything is preparation. There will be no difficulties if you are breastfeeding. You only need to think about comfortable clothes. If your baby is formula-fed, take a bottle and baby formula, you can also ask the flight attendant to warm it up or bring hot water. Order lunch for the older kids ahead of time and take some snacks yourself.
Be ready for frequent regurgitation, don’t overfeed your baby during the flight.
Relaxed parents – relaxed children
On airplanes, you often find parents who are literally terrified. The vacation has just begun, and they are already stuck with their children in a huge “iron thing” airplane. They have to be nervous about flying back for the rest of the holiday.
Remember: kids easily take on your state of mind. If you worry – they will also be upset, and if you relax – the child will behave much more calmly.
Neighbors in the cabin can be a real nightmare if your children start to make noise. When a baby is crying or screaming, you have to understand that, in any case, this is your only meeting, so there is nothing to worry about.
One last thing – on a plane, a child usually behaves much better than parents expect, so feel free to go. Have a great flight!
