Flying With A Baby?! Here’s How To Do It!
Okay, mamas, let’s talk flying with a baby. If you’ve ever looked at a flight schedule and thought, "How am I going to survive eight hours stuck in a window seat with a squirmy little human who’s used to crawling all over the house?"—you’re not alone. The thought of flying with a baby can be terrifying. It’s like you're a newbie traveler all over again—except this time, your carry-on includes a little person who has zero concept of personal space.
But, spoiler alert: You can totally survive this! And, actually, it might even be *fun* (or at least semi-tolerable). When I recently took my 8-month-old daughter on an 8-hour flight to Florida, I was a bundle of nerves. Flying with a baby can feel like an international adventure in survival tactics, and let me tell you, I gathered all the tips I could from seasoned traveling mamas. Some of them worked like magic, and others were life-saving. So here’s what I learned from my own flying fiasco:
### 1. Ziploc Bags = Your New Best Friend
Forget everything you know about your diaper bag. Ziplocs are the real MVP. And no, I’m not talking about a single sandwich bag. Think **multiple bags** for multiple purposes. Here’s why:
- **Surprise factor:** You don't want your baby to see every toy and snack at once. Keep the goodies hidden in bags and pull them out one by one for some mystery entertainment.
- **Diaper changes:** You won’t have room to carry your entire diaper bag into that teeny-tiny airplane bathroom, so make a “diaper change kit” in a Ziploc. Just grab it and go—easy peasy. Trust me, this hack will save you from playing *squirmy baby* Tetris in those bathroom stalls.
### 2. Liquids? No Problem!
So here’s the golden nugget I wish I knew sooner: **You can bring whatever liquids you need for your baby through security if they’re under 2 years old.** This means bottles, pouches of baby food, and even breast milk or formula. *Hallelujah!*
One kind flight attendant shared this gem with me just before boarding. You’d think she told me I won the lottery. You’ll need it, too—especially when your little one is drinking during takeoff and landing to help with the pressure change. Pack more snacks than you think you’ll need and load up on bottles. You’ll thank me later.
### 3. Bring What They Need to Sleep
I get it. You might not be able to create the perfect sleeping environment on a plane (hello, overhead lights and the *general lack of real estate*). But here’s the deal: **Bring whatever your baby usually needs to sleep.** A blanket, lovey, sleep sack—whatever makes them feel cozy and safe.
The white noise of the plane will help, and if you’re lucky enough to book an extra seat for a car seat, the motion will work like magic, just like it does in the car. And if you’re lucky, someone on the flight will play peek-a-boo with your baby for an hour. (Shout-out to that angel who entertained my little one for a solid chunk of the flight. You're a hero.)
### 4. Give Yourself Some Grace
I can’t stress this enough: **Give yourself grace.** Flying with a baby can feel like the ultimate test of patience, but it’s just a short-term struggle for long-term gain. Remember, this adventure is temporary, and it’s totally worth it once you reach your destination. Whether it's a vacation or visiting family, you'll be in a new place, creating memories. *And*—spoiler alert—it’s okay to ask to swap seats if you need a little more elbow room! You are your baby’s advocate.
Now go enjoy that flight and your trip!
Safe and happy travels,