Flying with Babies

Our baby has been a traveler for a while already. In fact, when my husband and I found out we were to be parents, we were at the beginning of a month-long vacation in Europe. We found out in Italy (I kept practicing the words, “sono incita” so as not to perplex the waiters when I kept declining the wonderful Italian wine) and we promptly began calling the baby “the traveler,” enchanted at the thought that on some level, our baby was experiencing the wonderful trip with us. As a result of our adventures last summer, the baby’s in-utero “passport” already boasts stamps from England, France, Italy and Switzerland. Not to mention one for the heroic genetic journey this baby is still on, just to get here.  Travel is in my blood and in my heart. Nothing matches it in terms of education, relaxation and the sense of wonder it can bring to life. That’s why I am determined to be a traveling mom. I was a baby who traveled, through countries and continents from the time I was under one year of age, mainly because of family overseas. My parents never missed an opportunity to travel with my sister and me when we were small, so it’s second nature to me to believe that families should travel together– no matter how small the smallest member. I have talked to friends of mine who have babies, who have cautioned me against allowing babies to take over my life: to remember that with a little patience and planning, they will fit into my traveling lifestyle quite nicely. Still, I have to admit; that the more I learn about the needs of babies, and the more I anticipate upcoming trips to France, the more I am in awe of traveling parents with babies. I keep wondering: will my definition of a travel destination suddenly shrink to become the neighborhood library or the local park– or (taking a baby tip from someone I know who has a two-year old) the city airport, where there is a vast amount of “stroller space” to roll up and down, and many airplanes for the baby to marvel at as they rise into the sky (airplanes taking other lucky people to exotic places)? My wanderlust is trembling a little. Yes, my next trip to Paris will most likely be with an infant in tow. In between daydreaming about being one of those chic mamans pushing a pram through Luxembourg Gardens, I am gripped with worries. Will I learn to wrestle with a collapsible stroller and infant seat as I amble onto the plane? In my rush to pack everything for the baby, will I be left with my own bag packed full of mismatched clothing, nothing I actually need, and only one shoe? Will I be filled with anticipation for the duration of the flight, as I have been before, waiting to descend on the city I love? Or will I be counting the minutes until the flight lands, trying to change my whimpering baby’s diaper on the tray table in front of me? To help allay my anxiety, I have pooled together travel tips of some of my favorite Mothers Who Travel: Timing Waiting until the right time is crucial. Because of the concentration of poor-quality air on a plane, it’s better not to travel with a newborn and risk infection unless absolutely necessary. Waiting until the baby is around three months old is probably best. Too early? Probably not: apparently, it’s easier to travel with babies under one year or so, which is when they are least likely to find the stresses of travel disruptive to their routine. Plan Ahead Make lists of things you need to take, both for yourself and the baby. Keep checklists on hand so you have a quick place to refer when frazzled. Reserve a bassinet for the flight ahead of time and streamline your own packing. Never underestimate the value of backpacks to keep your hands free. Check with your airline to find out if certain amenities are available. Does the airline provide pre-reserved bassinets or should you take your car seat? Do they keep some infant formula and diapers on board? Are there diaper-changing facilities on board? Do you have to check your stroller, or can you take it on the plane? Are there seat discounts for babies (they vary by airline and destination, with discounts for international flights usually less than domestic ones)? Ask For Help Enlist the help of your flight attendants– for incidentals like extra blankets or assistance with bags, and make sure they allow you to board early (some airlines don’t have pre-boarding announcements, so check with them when you arrive at your gate). Stay Calm Keep your cool if the baby is having a crying jag and passengers get irritated (and some will). Being polite in the face of insensitivity is a challenge, but the little one’s comfort is the priority. If you are nervous about breastfeeding at 35,000 feet, bring along a couple of safety pins, ask for a window seat, and pin up a little blanket screen using the seats in front of you and next to you for added privacy. Mothers swear the sucking motion of a nursing baby also helps regulate the baby’s ear discomfort from changing cabin pressure, so be sure to nurse at takeoff and landing! Enjoy the ViewFinally, remember to try and enjoy yourself. Travel is a pleasure and an adventure– and who better to share it with than your children? Start early and you’re more likely to view traveling as a family not as a chore but as the most fulfilling way to experience the world!