BABY STEPS WITH AINE: Hi everyone. Hooray for the weekend. This week I will be sharing some tips to help make flying with a baby that little bit easier.
I took Ava on her first flight back to Donegal when she was 5 weeks old. I was on my own, nervous and so afraid.
In hindsight, there was no need to worry. She’s been on around 20 flights since and they really do get easier.
Yes, flying with a little one can be daunting, especially when it’s your first. However, people are more understanding than you might think and they’re always willing to help.
Preparing for your flight:
• Try and book your bags in and bring as little hand luggage as possible. This means less things to worry about at security especially if you are on your own.
• Weigh your hand luggage before you get to the airport. We all know re-organising your bags is a nightmare at the best of times, never mind with a baby.
• Airlines can be quite militant when it comes to baggage allowance. So make sure you have both your own and baby’s essentials in the one bag. That said, you can usually get away with wearing a small backpack. I do, and they never notice. Sssshh, I didn’t tell you that!
At the airport:
• If you can, check your pram in and wear your baby in a carrier. Hands free is the best way to travel.
• If this is not an option, make sure you get pram tags at the check in desk before going through security. It saves a lot of hassle on the other side.
• A lot of airports require you to collapse your pram at security, as if you didn’t have enough to do. But, don’t worry, if it means you need to hand over your little one to a member of staff for a few minutes that’s fine. Believe me, they’ll love the cuddles!
• Most airports have a family security queue. They’re not always obvious so make sure you ask if they have one. It saves a lot of time and makes life so much easier.
• Like any flight make sure all liquids are in clear sealable bags. This includes baby foods and milk. The 100ml liquid rule does not apply to baby food and milk. So you can bring as much as you need to keep that little one happy. Hallelujah!
• When you’re travelling with a child you qualify for priority boarding. This might sound fantastic but if, like Ava, your little one is quite active, I’d advise boarding towards the end to reduce the time in a confined space.
Belted up ready for her flight to Ireland.
During the flight:
• Children under the age of 2 will need to be fastened to your seat belt using an extension. You’ll get this from cabin crew
• Under 2’s don’t have their own seat. So be prepared to have limited space. However, when everyone has boarded, it is worth asking whether there are any aisles with two free seats. They’re usually quite good at allowing you that extra room.
• We all know how tiny and cramped airport toilets are. Don’t hesitate to ask cabin crew to hold your little one if you need the loo.
• Bring small toys. You’ll need them to keep your little one entertained. If they’re new they’ll probably entertain them for longer.
• It’s okay to take your little one up and down the aisle for a walk if they’re getting agitated. They’ll love the people watching!
• Bring a spare change of clothes…or two for any ‘’little (but probably big) accidents’’
• Babies do cry and scream at the most inconvenient times…. like on a flight. If this happens, try not to worry or stress about bothering other passengers. I know this is easier said than done. They won’t really mind.
• Get yourself a G&T. That always helps!
So, if you’re thinking about flying with a baby, do it!! Travelling doesn’t stop when you have kids, it just gets that little bit more eventful!
We’re off on our first long haul flight in November. Now that Ava is getting more mobile I’m sure my tips will be changing. I’ll keep you all posted.
Thanks for reading,
Áine x
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