Tips from pediatrician for flying with baby/toddler

Ok, I thought you knew everything about flying with babies but I’ve still received a lot of questions.. We have been traveling with Eliza since she was 2 months old including transatlantic flights so here are some of my tips for you:

1. Book a direct flight or one with a longer layover.

We were on Maui in January and the flight time there was the same as to Kauai (about 6 hours total time), but that was connecting flight and that made our journey not so simple. This time Eliza behaved perfectly on a direct flight!

2. It’s much better for you to take a morning flight and this is about 70% of your success! It’s the most comfortable time for you and your baby since night sleep is more important compared to day naps and it is preferable to have a night sleep at home with your evening routine.

* This tip is more important for babies after 4 months and toddlers as the time doesn’t matter that much for newborns.

3. Take your breakfast with your since it can be really difficult to find something good for baby and you at the airport/on the board.

4. You can also bring water/ hot water in a thermos with you on the board ,- security usually will pass it when you tell them it is for a baby. Of course they will additionally inspect it but that will be super quickly.

5. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for yourself and your kiddo, as shoes might be needed to take off during security check, and with a baby in your arms, lacing up sneakers is not super convenient. Pack an extra change of clothing for baby and you.

6. I always use water when changing the diaper, especially when traveling. If there is an access to warm water- use it instead of wipes.

7. Sucking or chewing helps ease ear pain caused by pressure changes in the airplane’s cabin. You don’t need any special ear pain drops for the baby to relieve pressure on the ears during flight. If you are breastfeeding- just offer the breast to your baby, if your are not a breastfeeding mom - water or any liquid fruit sauce works great for toddler (for example apple sauce).

NB! Please don’t offer to your baby/toddler crackers or something like that during the flight - it may cause choking.

8. Take 2 types of antipyretics (I prefer acetaminophen and ibuprofen but paracetamol and ibuprofen will work as well) in case your baby need it during flight.

9. I suggest you taking more activities and your baby’s favorite plush toy, books. Also take some new toys and stickers (according to the age of your baby).

Tablet works great with a toddler but this is not necessarily. And I suggest you limit your toddler’s time with a tablet.

On the last photo Elizabeth is playing with my medical tourniquet and it took her attention for about 30 minutes. So you can use everything interesting just be sure this is safe.

10. Sometimes, no matter what you do, your baby or toddler is going to cry LOUDLY on the airplane.

Take care of your baby or toddler, and ignore the haters. If all else fails, repeat this mantra, “This too shall pass!”

Soon enough, your plane will land safely and your family will be ready to explore together.