Flying in general can be stressful, flying with an infant can be chaos… but flying with a breastfeeding infant on standby status is just plain crazy. So let me tell you, if I can do it, so can you! But non-reving is a WHOLE other story for a select few so we will focus on the baby tips. This particular trip was the worst because we flew to Portland, Oregon to see Daddy on a fire and ended up flying back the very same day. 8 hours in airports, 6 hours on planes, and only 2 hours in Portland. Enough said.
Let me start be saying that the MOST important item I bring to the airport EVERY time (aside from her carseat for travel outside of the airport) is a stroller. A good stroller will save your life. Seriously. When our daughter was born we looked into a carseat roller for the airport but I can honestly say that I’m glad we didn’t purchase it. The majority of flights I take with the kids are without their dad so I’ve literally got to plan for the worst… including the possibility of lugging around two kids, a carseat and EVERY bag we bring on two arms with infinite in-between scenarios. I stick a carry on bag underneath the stroller, a backpack on my back, drinks in the cupholders, and the baby can either nap or relax in the stroller or in the baby carrier on my chest while I throw the rest of our carry on bags in the seat. Plus, once you reach your destination you will be SO glad you brought it!
This trip was taken at around 6 months old on a complete breastfeeding diet. In this case, bottles and formula and snacks were not a problem. I did have to plan for comfort and discretion but I must admit, it is much easier at this age then it is with a toddler! Make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes because you will not be able to find these items in the airport should you need them. A few small infant toys to chew on or hold will also help. I took two breastfeeding covers which were necessary because if you have ever had the pleasure of feeding you also know how many people stare ( I honestly had to ask some man to switch seats after he sat right next to me on the plane while I was feeding and stared at my boob). Feeding your infant on the plane will help with ear pain, the sucking will relieve pressure. Although I was anxious that she would cry the whole flight, she never did. She fed until take-off and then passed out both flights.
I would definitely suggest a small throw blanket, larger than a baby blanket but small enough to fold and carry. It may be difficult to get comfy on the plane or in the airport so this was a big help. Also, if you need to put your baby on a blanket on the floor for play-time at the airport this will do (sometimes you got to do what you got to do). Don’t forget to do your research and make sure you have ALL the necessary documents needed for a lap child. When you purchase a seat for a child over 24 months, you don’t need to bring any documentation. However, if you are flying with an infant you will need the most recent shot records, birth certificate and any medical insurance information you can bring. And if you have a special needs child, like ours, you will need to fit your entire medicine cabinet into one TSA approved Zip Lock Baggie. If you bring a bottle through TSA, you can leave the liquid but it will need to be tested. If you are traveling with an infant, you can also bring a water bottle through TSA for formula but it may or may not be worth the trouble.
You definitely want to be prepared when flying with an infant or child, but the most important thing to remember is not to stress. That being said, doing your research and being prepared will eliminate most of the stress! If you are worried about your child fussing on the plane, don’t. It doesn’t last forever and if it makes other people uncomfortable to hear your child cry then just try and remember how much MORE uncomfortable it is for you!
Please comment below with questions or suggestions! Also, check our instagram @sandfamadventures for more traveling tips and pics!