aden + anais

Flying during the holidays, especially with a baby, can be a little rough. However, it’s no different than flying on a particularly busy day. With these tips, you can fly with your baby and keep them—and yourself—relatively calm, surviving the trip with minimal fuss.

Get There Early

While it may sound counter intuitive to get to the airport early, as that means entertaining your baby inside the airport longer, getting there early means far less stress. You can take your time checking your luggage, such as a car seat, stroller, or suitcases, and have plenty of time to get through the security checkpoint.

Remember, it’s the holidays, everyone is flying, and the TSA agents might be on edge. Babies can also pick up on their parents’ stress, so if you are not stressed, your baby is less likely to be stressed as well. Plus, it gives you time to break out the baby bibs and entertain them with food at an airport restaurant.

Bring an Umbrella Stroller

While you can carry your baby in a carrier on your front and a diaper bag on your back, it’s worth bringing an umbrella stroller along too, in case the flight is delayed, and you want to walk around. You can gate-check it while boarding.

Buy a Seat

Children under 2 years old with proper documentation, such as a birth certificate, do not need to have their own seat. Instead, they can sit on a parent or guardian’s lap for the flight. However, you can instead buy them a seat and use a car seat, strapped in using the seat belt. They won’t have to bounce on your lap the entire flight and will be safe and secure. If your baby does nap (more on that in a moment), they will be in the seat, rather than your arms, freeing up your arms. If you do end up checking the car seat instead, buy a travel bag with backpack straps to make it easier to carry and protect it in the cargo hold.

Fly During Naptime

Try to book your flight during your baby’s usual nap time. They could be too distracted by the experience of going to an airport and getting on a plane, especially if it’s their first flight, but your baby stands a better chance of sleeping during a regular naptime. Be sure to bring a comforting, familiar receiving blanket to wrap them up or tuck them into the car seat.

Feed at Takeoff and Landing

Keep burp cloths handy, as you will want to bottle or breastfeed during takeoff and landing. Your baby’s ears are sensitive, and the pressure change will likely be uncomfortable, which leads to screaming. Nursing or feeding means they are swallowing, which helps alleviate the pressure, preventing a meltdown. If they have already fed or aren’t hungry, try a pacifier instead.

About aden + anais

aden + anais is loved by parents and babies alike for their signature super-soft cotton muslin products. Their blankets are highly versatile, and favorites of parents and gift-givers alike. They double as everything from stroller covers to changing pads and swaddles to burp cloths. aden + anais has provided new and seasoned parents with cute, practical, and versatile baby must-haves since 2006, focusing on safety, simplicity, comfort, and style. Their Insta-worthy, stylish, high-quality offerings include baby bibs, burp cloths, blankets, swaddles, and more.

Shop aden + anais for winter baby essentials at Adenandanais.com