The complete DadProved Dad Guide to newborn travel checklist, including tips for air travel with infant.
Infant Travel Checklist
Packing appropriately for your flight with a newborn is crucial to ensuring a smooth trip. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Diapers and Changing Supplies: Pack enough diapers, wipes, and changing mats for the journey. Make sure to include puppy pads, poop bags, as well as a portable diaper changing mat – trust us, the diaper changing station on the standard B737-800 flights are and you will sorely miss one should you forget to pack this.
- Weather appropriate Baby Clothes: Don’t forget to pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing for your baby.
- New Toys: Pack some new toys that your infant has not seen before so their interest is maintained in the new toy.
- Feeding Necessities: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, make sure you have all the essential supplies, including water for babies above 6 months of age. They also get thirsty on flights.
- Baby Carrier: A baby carrier can be a lifesaver, allowing you to keep your baby close and explore airports hands-free.
- Travel Stroller: A lightweight and compact stroller is a lifesaver when it comes to traveling with a newborn by plane, especially if there are layovers. Even otherwise, you are allowed to carry the stroller till the boarding gate, or even in the flight if your’d like (and it fits the prescribed size). If your baby insists on being in your arms instead, the newborn travel system / travel stroller becomes a luggage carrier for the diaper bag and other handbags!
- Medical Kit: Bring a basic medical kit with baby-specific items, just in case. This may include medication for colic, fever, cough, as well as prescribed supplements.
Tips for Air Travel With Infant
Nowadays, traveling with a newborn by plane is generally inevitable. Here’s how you can make the most of the experience when you have to fly with a newborn:
- Flight Timings: Check for flights that are in line with your baby’s wake windows or sleep windows.
- Book Layovers for International Flights: For international travel, we suggest you book for flights with layovers instead of direct flights. Yes, the travel will be longer, but having a layover will help you to stretch your legs and hep your baby get some movement as well. We’ve found Changi Airport, Singapore, to be an amazing layover stop when flying internationally with our baby.
- Travel Time: Keep in mind that a flight travel would involve travelling to and from the airport. Keep the travel time in mind and ensure you travel preferably during the day, keeping in mind your baby’s sleep schedules.
- Get there early: Generally, airlines will allow priority checkin and boarding if you are travelling with an infant. That being said, try and get there early to get through security especially if you are carrying baby food.
- Carry a Stroller: Airlines will allow strollers of approved dimensions in the cabin. This means you can use the stroller until boarding and as soon as you deplane. This is immensely helpful, especially if your baby is sleepy.
- Lounges: If possible, try and use the lounge facility at the airport so you have some time to relax and let your baby relax before the flight.
- Family Toilets: Look out for Family Toilets to change your baby instead of the usual baby care rooms or the changing stations in the gender segregated bathrooms. Family Toilets are a boon – allowing the entire family to use the space at the same time so you may use the washroom while your partner changes your baby’s diaper or vice versa. Even if you are travelling alone, we strongly recommend Family Toilets because they have the wall mounted infant protection system so your baby stays in one place! We have seen Family Toilets in Mumbai and Bengaluru (T2) Airports in India.
- Bassinets: If the flight is of a longer duration, make sure to book well in advance and ensure you have purchased seats with a bassinet. While you wouldn’t be able to place the baby in the bassinet during takeoff or landing, it is immensely helpful when you put the baby to bed. Plus, they are usually the front row seats, ensuring you have extra legroom for the same price.
- Feed during takeoffs and landings: IF they are awake, try to feed your baby during takeoff and landing. The motion of swallowing / chewing helps ease the discomfort caused in their ears due to the air pressure.
- Packing List: Ensure you have a dedicated bag with baby essentials for the train journey. This should definitely include toys that your baby is comfortable with as well as some new toys to pique their interest.
- Baby Food: Airlines often allow you to purchase baby food, or bundle it with your infant seat booking.
- Be Kind to the Cabin Crew: We have generally had amazing interactions with the cabin crew when we’ve flown with our baby. It always helps to be kind to them – it will help make the experience better for everyone!
Conclusion
Airplane travel with a newborn can be an incredibly enriching experience for both you and your baby. With the right planning, essentials, and a flexible attitude, you can create lasting memories while ensuring your baby’s comfort and well-being. So, go ahead and explore the stunning landscapes, delicious cuisines, and vibrant cultures that the world has to offer with your little one.
If you still have questions, check out our FAQ’s on Newborn Air Travel in India.
