First Time Flying with a Baby? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Flying with a baby can be challenging. Y’s first long-distance flight was at 9 months old, and it wasn’t the most pleasant experience. Thankfully, the trip was fun and memorable, especially for the grandparents, who cherished the time spent with him. After his first flight, we waited until he was 15 months old for his second trip. Fortunately, that experience was much better. I hope by sharing these can help your reduce stress! 

Start with a Short Trip Before the Big One

I still remember the anxiety I felt when preparing for Y’s first flight from Singapore to Japan. Before his first long-distance overseas trip, we took him on a short trip to Desaru, Malaysia, to see what worked and what didn’t. It helped us better prepare for the big trip!

Booking Your Flight

·       Choose Flights That Align with Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule:
We booked a red-eye flight to Japan, hoping Y would sleep during the flight. Both times, he slept for hours, giving me some time to relax. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a red-eye return flight, so we opted for a morning flight instead. He managed to nap onboard, which made things easier.

·       Book a Bassinet:
After booking your tickets, the first thing you should do is call the airline to reserve a bassinet! Whether or not you plan to use it, the extra space is invaluable. Request one early, as bassinets are often limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, do request for baby food too! It will not be provided if you did not indicate 

·       Seating Arrangement:
Consider booking a window seat for more privacy or an aisle seat for easier access to walk around. Think about your dominant hand as well; I prefer a window seat on the left side of the plane because I’m right-handed.

Things to Bring Onboard the plane

·       Baby Carrier:

A baby carrier is incredibly useful for navigating the airport, boarding, and even during the flight if your baby prefers to be held. I used a baby carrier when Y was 9 months old and switched to a hip seat carrier when he was 15 months old.

·       Baby Stroller:

Strollers and car seats can be checked in for free. If you don’t plan to check in the stroller, you can gate-check it just before boarding. Check with your airline/airport for their policy. We brought our stroller to the gate and used it as a trolley when Y wasn’t sitting in it. Traveling with elderly parents and a toddler requires a lot of effort!

·       Cabin-Size Luggage:

We brought a mia-milly cabin-size luggage on our second trip, and it was a lifesaver. Y was active, and the luggage kept him entertained. Plus, we could wheel the essentials instead of hand-carrying them. Plus, it was a great help during hotel check in. 

 

·       Food/Milk/Bottles:

A thermal flask filled with hot water is allowed as a carry-on item. We brought enough hot water for a day’s supply of milk and packed milk powder into individual packets for easy access. 

Besides milk, we brought some comfort foods like fruits to keep him occupied during take off. We also brought food pouches, though he wasn’t a fan. Be sure to finish fresh food items before entering your destination country, as many countries have restrictions on bringing fresh produce.

I started weaning Y at 6 months and stopped breastfeeding before the trip. If your baby is still breastfeeding, don’t forget your pump and essentials.

·       Diapers/Clothes/Bibs:

Bring at least three sets of clothes and a day’s supply of diapers. Pack plastic bags for dirty clothes and diapers. Don’t forget bibs, burp cloths, and a nursing cover if needed. Bring a jacket for layering and adjusting to cabin temperature changes.

 

·       Wet Wipes:
Bring plenty of wet wipes—both multi-purpose and baby wipes. The first thing I do when I board is wipe down all the seat surfaces, including the tray and screen. Don’t forget baby hand sanitizer!

·       Medication:
I always carry emergency medication with me, including Ru Yi oil, Jing Feng Shan, baby paracetamol, Zyrtec for flu, Santecare night patches, and mosquito patches.

·       Toys:

I brought a variety of toys to keep Y entertained, such as magnets, magnetic blocks, watercolor books, and etc. However, his favorite toys were often the plane’s emergency brochure and containers. As he got older, he preferred keys and snacks.

·       Comfort item such as blanket or soft toys:

On top of his toy, we brought his favourite blanket and pillow along so that he have something familar to hold on to. 

Other Items to Pack in your check-in

·       Cleaning Tools:

I brought a portable sterilizer, bottle brush, and bottle cleanser. Don’t forget a foldable waterproof bag and sterilizer tablets.

·       Electric Kettle:
We brought our own electric kettle to boil our own hot water. On some days, we filled a large thermal flask with hot water from the hotel restaurant, though not all hotels offer this service. If you are travelling to countries without much food option, consider bringing a cooker too! 

Things I Regret Bringing

·       Bulky Baby Plates and Utensils:
 I didn’t use any of these because airline provides kids meal and utensils. 

·       Too Many Toys:
I bought several toys based on online recommendations, but Y got bored of them quickly. He was more interested in random plastic containers.

·       Too Much Snack
I had a bag full of snacks because i don't know what he likes the most and they take up space! The next time i would just bring a few and keep the rest in the check-in luggage

Before Setting Off to the Airport

·       Dress Well for the Flight:
Make sure your little one is warm enough. Don’t forget to change their diaper before the flight!

·       Plan Feeding Times:
Ensure that your baby is fed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. Work the schedule backwards to time it right.

At the Airport

·       Plan Your Airport Itinerary:
Give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and get to your gate without rushing. Consider whether your baby needs to burn off energy before the flight or if they are a deep sleeper.

Our flight was at 1 a.m. Y followed his usual routine, sleeping around 8 p.m. We fed him, changed his diaper, and set off around 10:30 p.m., reaching the airport 2.5 hours before the flight. He was wide awake during the car ride and remained excited once we arrived. Thankfully, we had time for him to burn off some energy before boarding.

During the Flight

·       Takeoff/Landing:
The change in air pressure can be uncomfortable for babies. Feeding during takeoff and landing helps equalize pressure in their ears. Fruit juice, a pacifier, or a favorite snack can also help.

On Y’s first trip, he finished his bottle of milk before takeoff, which made him uncomfortable. Lesson learned: hide the bottle until it’s time. On his second trip, I gave him unlimited blueberries before and during takeoff, which worked like magic!

·       Milk Onboard:
If your baby sleeps through the night, great! If not, have bottles and milk powder easily accessible. If the water is too hot, pour some into the bottle to cool it down, then add the hot water when needed. You might also consider a portable milk warmer.

·       Plan Onboard Activities:
Bring age-appropriate toys or your baby’s favorite activities. Y loved playing with keys and finding holes to slot them into. I was prepared to allow unlimited screen time, but he wasn’t interested.

Top Tip: Forget the rules you have at home! Y even got to finish a small packet of fruit juice!

Ultimately, everyone’s flight experience will differ based on their baby’s temperament and routine. Traveling with a baby is tiring, so plan ahead and discuss with your partner what the maximum flight time you can handle is. Consider a layover if the flight is too long. For us, the maximum we can handle is 6 hours because Y is pretty active and couldn't be sit for long period of time.

The flight is the most challenging part of any trip. Once you survive the flight, everything else will fall into place! Good luck to all parents! We’ve got this! We have two more trips to go before Y turns 2 years old. Hope this helps!