Our first-time travel abroad with L was when he was 4 months old. We went to Peru to visit my family and to enjoy Lima summer time in February-March. Because there wasn’t a direct flight to Lima from SF, we decided to take a mini vacation on the way by stopping in Miami for a few days. We chose Miami because it was halfway to Peru with 5hr in between.
L was great during both of the flights because I timed it right. I breastfeed him right on time for the
I think I was a bit
Here are some of ideas on how to prep in advance:
- Time the flight so his/her nap time can be taken during the flight. For example, if his/her nap is usually from 1:30pm-2:30 pm, then book a flight that at least takes off 30 min prior to that nap around 1 pm. So he/she can fall asleep for a portion of the flight.
- Request a bassinet which most of the international flights have (there is limited availability so make sure to call the airline in advance, they are handy and so comfortable at least to put the baby on it for a bit even if is just to play. Keep in mind, if the flight does not have bassinets available, then you most likely need to book a seat that has a double oxygen mask, which is typically on the window).
- The aisle seat is better to stand up quickly when fussiness starts without disturbing anyone. But the window is easier to lean and for privacy.
Avoid the tail of the plane (it is busier, noisier and shakes way more) and avoid seats near bathrooms (people line up in front: less privacy & extra noise may wake the baby) - Try for he/she to have a good night sleep the night before, and avoid those early flights because those will mean to have to wake your baby up at 4 am for example. If they lack sleep, they are not well rested, and therefore they will be fuzzier and even make their immune system weak and that’s not fun for a trip.
- Wear the baby in the carrier and use the stroller to help you carry other bags
- Bring new toys or bring the ones he/she didn’t play with them for a while.
Flighting with a new baby can be stressful but I think it was more in my head than the real experience, however, it is important to prepare and I am glad I research before booking our flight. I hope these tips can help others too :). Are there any other tips and tricks? Please, I would love to hear from you, feel free to drop me a note and share with us what has helped you to travel with your little one.
