How to prepare to travel by plane with a baby or child?

For some parents, traveling by plane with a baby or toddler can be a challenge. The very thought of long waits at the airport, going through passport and security checks with an irritable baby and boarding a plane can seem complicated. However, flying with small children can be easy. As a parent, you have the opportunity to turn it into an unforgettable adventure.

What can you expect from a flight travelling with your little ones? How should you organise yourself and make everything go smoothly? What should you pack, how do you keep the children happy?

Find the answers to all these questions and more - it will come in handy on your next trip.

Almost all airlines allow children up to the age of two to travel in their parent's lap. The ticket is either free or a symbolic 10-30% of the full ticket price. Many parents, especially those traveling for the first time, do not know that in this case they are not entitled to additional luggage for the baby, except for a folding stroller or a solid carrier.

Despite the fact that your baby cannot sit on their own, buying a ticket for an extra seat will give you more space and make your trip more comfortable. You will be able to take more luggage with you and as a result have fewer packing dilemmas.

Check how long the boarding process takes - is there priority boarding for parents with children? Some airports also have special counters for families, so check what kind of service you can expect.

Airlines pay special attention to the seats of parents with children when deploying passengers on the flight. Namely, they will more often place parents with children in the first seats in order to improve comfort and lessen any feelings of turbulence during the flight.

It is a good idea to adjust to the rhythm of your child. Book flights for those times when they are in a good mood. In order for the child to enjoy the trip, they should be well-rested, fed, and changed. Check the departure times offered, and choose one that best suits you and your baby's daily routine.

Older children can be introduced to the upcoming flight in advance, prepare colouring books with airplanes, explain who pilots and flight attendants are, and make the whole thing out to be an amazing adventure.

Download colouring book with airplanes →

The amount of luggage that can be brought on the plane is limited. However, this does not include baby food. Everything should be carefully packed, and fit within the accepted dimensions.

Look for detailed information on the airline's website - how liquids should be packaged, what is subject to control, what the allowed dimensions and weight of luggage are, etc. You should have enough food, change of clothes, diapers, wet wipes, etc. in one piece of luggage.

To begin with, make a list with all the things that you will need during the trip. The biggest dilemma is created by multi-hour flights with children, because it is crucial to bring enough supplies, and that everything can be brought on the plane.

Bring more diapers and changes of clothes than you would for the same time period when not flying. The child can be dressed in layers, which will make it easier for you to quickly undress the baby and reduce the nervousness that is guaranteed if the child is too hot. Be sure to bring necessary medication, and report them when boarding.

Have at hand: a bottle of water, a pacifier (if the baby uses it), a bib and at least one toy, because the boarding period is sometimes long.

Since you can't bring all your child's toys, choose some that will best keep their attention. Books, colouring books, crayons, cartoons, tablets or phones for games are all good options. You don't have to offer everything to your child, but you will be calmer if you have a special emergency supply on the flight.

For older children, favourite cartoons or video games help, but it's a little different with babies. Pack a few rattles, colourful toys, and think of ideas on how to make ordinary things fun.

When you’ve picked out the necessary items, carefully choose a bag that will allow you to have everything at hand. Plenty of pockets and compartments with easy opening are necessary to react quickly, especially during the boarding period, which upsets older children as well.

In the first place, a comfortable and pleasant flight should be assured for all passengers, especially the youngest ones. To put the baby to sleep, use a kangaroo carrier to walk it through the plane.

Babies are especially upset during take-off because they are bothered by airplane ear pressure. Breastfeeding is a great remedy for this, so spend time feeding and cuddling your baby. It is important that you do not get upset and be understanding of your child. Periods of nervousness are normal, but children also get tired quickly, so you will have peace during their nap.

Don't give up on your travels just because you have a small child. On the contrary, provide yourself and your children with an incredible adventure in which a plane flight is a magical journey among the clouds for a child, and the arrival at destination is a continuation of an adventure already begun.