Taking our firstborn on an airplane for the first time was nerve-wracking for my wife and me. We were afraid he might cry the entire flight to Chicago, earning us the dreaded titles of Worst Passengers and, worse yet, Bad Parents.
We packed the diaper bag meticulously, checked in the car seat and stroller, and anxiously awaited takeoff. There was no turning back. Following advice we found online, we fed the baby as the plane ascended to ease the pressure in his ears. To our relief, he slept peacefully through the entire flight, not making a single sound.
A flight attendant admired his serene expression nestled in my wife’s arms. “At that age, they usually sleep through it all,” she reminisced casually.
Reflecting on that trip when our son was about three months old, and considering the challenges we later faced with him as a toddler, I would argue that the best time to travel with a baby is as soon as possible.
We sought insights from several frequent-traveling moms on this topic. Here’s what they shared:
Courtney Orgias, who documents her family travels on Instagram, told HuffPost, “Our daughter’s first flight was at 10 weeks and went incredibly smoothly.” She added, “It’s not as difficult as one might imagine. We had a four-hour flight and she slept almost the entire way.”
In contrast, her older child didn’t fly until age two, which presented more challenges. “He was restless, and it was a new experience for him,” Orgias recalled. “But with snacks and cuddles, we managed a good flight.”
Stephanie Claytor, another traveling mom, echoed similar sentiments about the differences between flying with infants and toddlers.
“As a nursing mom, I think the ideal age to fly with a baby is between four months and when they stop nursing,” Claytor said. “Nursing the baby to sleep during takeoff makes for a smoother flight.”
Flying with a toddler who no longer nurses, however, “is more challenging and requires lots of snacks and activities,” she noted. Her son’s first flight wasn’t until 22 months, during which they were fortunate to have their own row.
Monet Hambrick, who also shares her adventures on Instagram with her children aged 8 and 10, believes the best time to fly with a baby is “before they start crawling.”
“They’re calm and peaceful,” she explained. “They’re not trying to squirm and crawl around the plane.”
Hambrick’s older daughter flew at just six weeks old, and her younger daughter at only 11 days. “At that age, they sleep so much that the flights were uneventful,” Hambrick said.
Benefits of flying with an infant also include frequent naps and minimal mobility. Starting early helps reduce anxiety about future trips. “The sooner you fly with your baby, the less anxious you’ll be about future travels,” Orgias advised.
Traveling with a less mobile child is also easier, both on the plane and through the airport. “It’s much easier to pick up and go,” Orgias added. “Once they’re running around and more independent, navigating the airport can be more challenging.”
For Hambrick’s family, flying with a newborn was preferable to a long car journey when they relocated from New York to Florida. “I didn’t want to drive with her,” Hambrick explained. “Two hours on a plane beats 16 hours in a car, stopping constantly.”
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However, parents should consider medical factors. If a baby was premature or has health issues, consulting a pediatrician before flying is advisable. Concerns about communicable diseases or vaccination status should also be discussed.
Dr. Christine Greves, an OB-GYN at Orlando Health Women’s Institute, cautioned about potential postpartum risks during travel. “Even with a normal pregnancy, there are risks to traveling after giving birth,” Greves said, citing concerns such as blood clots and postpartum hemorrhage.
For a smoother flight experience, here are some tips:
Allow extra time as unexpected incidents like diaper blowouts can occur.
Understand TSA guidelines for bringing breast milk onboard.
Nurse or bottle-feed during takeoff and landing to ease ear pressure.
Pack the diaper bag efficiently for easy access.
Stay calm if the baby cries, as stress can affect their mood.
Consider using a baby carrier for hands-free navigation through the airport.
Remember, asking for help from fellow passengers or flight attendants can make a big difference during challenging moments.
