Flying with an Infant

On the best of days traveling by plane is a pain in the rear end. Imagine trying to do this stressful occasion with a baby with you. Not only do you have to worry about how the infant will handle the sudden change in altitude and environment but you also have to deal with the looks from unsympathetic passengers. While there is no guarantee that the flight with your baby will be tear free here are a couple of things to help try to make the trip more peaceful.

Pacifier--the bane of parents everywhere once your child starts getting teeth, many people forget that it starts out as a very helpful aid. It helps your baby learn how to self soothe in any situation plus it also helps pop their ears once you reach your cruising altitude. You don't want to leave home without this on baby's first (or second or third) plane trip because even if they don't use it all the time on the ground, it could be a necessity for them once you are in the air.

Tylenol--there are very few cases where I suggest giving your child this pain medicine just for your convenience. Some of these occasions are teething, for shots (usually before hand to counteract any type of pain they may feel) and flying. It may help them become sleepy so they won't be awake for take off and usually landings are easier than the former so there should be no problem there. I understand how some parents may be hesitant to use this but it can really help in the long run with your baby's discomfort.

Loveys--when my niece was toddler age she had a pink blanket that she carried around everywhere. It helped comfort her and would be packed along for any road trip to help her adjust to her new surroundings. Sadly my son is not constant with his lovey affections so there is no certain one that I know will calm him down. Hopefully your child does have one particular lovey and you have something to carry with you to help them get use to the airplane ride. If they have something familiar to carry with them it should alleviate some fears.

Books--board books or paperback books is irrelevant (although board books are more durable in the hands of toddlers). Misdirection is your best friend when your child is a toddler as any parent can tell you so if you can help focus their attention on something else besides the big plane they're in and the fact that clouds are now eye level it will help the trip be pleasant not only for baby and parents but for the passengers around them.

Toys--while I want to recommend quiet toys, we all know that it sometimes noisy toys that are the favorite and if that is the case be polite and explain to the people around you (if it comes up) that it's either happy noise from the toys and child or angry, sad noises like, say, screaming? While most people no matter what they say do mind babies on planes most can block out happy noise either with headphones of their own which they will probably have to block out noises anyways.

Sometimes traveling on a plane with a baby is an easy task and you won't have a problem with it. But sometimes it's not that easy and in that case you want to have some of these items to make it a tolerable event with your baby and sanity at least somewhat content by the end of it.