Embarking on our first journey with a baby and our beloved wiener dog, Coco, when Hayes was just four months old, was an experience I truly wanted to share. The weeks leading up to that initial flight were undeniably more stressful than the actual travel itself. It’s a common sentiment among new parents, this underlying anxiety about traveling with an infant, but it’s an essential step to build confidence. Now that we’ve successfully navigated three flights, I can confidently say we’ve conquered that hurdle. We cherish travel and eagerly anticipate bringing Hayes on many more adventures as he grows.
Our journey began earlier this fall when my partner, Bridger, and I sought refuge from the dreary Seattle weather. We planned an exciting month-long escape to Austin, Texas. Following our time there, we flew to Las Vegas to celebrate Thanksgiving with family before heading back home. Each leg of the trip offered unique lessons and, collectively, transformed us into a more confident family of four when it comes to air travel.
I’m eager to share the strategies that worked best for us, along with practical tips that significantly reduced the stress associated with traveling with a baby and a pet. These insights are designed to help other parents feel more prepared and less overwhelmed by the prospect of flying with their little ones.
Buying His Own Seat With The Doona
Without a doubt, purchasing a separate seat for Hayes and utilizing his Doona car seat was one of the smartest decisions we made. The Doona is, by far, the best baby purchase for travel, ingeniously combining a car seat and stroller into one seamless unit. This meant we didn’t have to check any bulky equipment, nor did we have to worry about securing a car seat upon arrival at our destination. We simply wheeled Hayes through the airport, directly to the plane, and then clicked his Doona into place in his assigned seat. This process was incredibly smooth, eliminating the usual struggle of juggling extra baby gear through busy terminals and narrow airplane aisles. It provided Hayes with a familiar and secure space, allowing him to relax, play, and even nap during the flight, making the journey much more comfortable for all of us.
Positives of Using the Doona Car Seat on the Plane:
- Unmatched Safety and Comfort: Hayes was snug and secure throughout the entire flight. The familiar environment of his own car seat helped him stay calm and settled. Crucially, he managed to nap peacefully for 30-40 minutes during takeoff, a critical period for many babies due to pressure changes. This level of comfort and security gave us immense peace of mind.
- Effortless Convenience: The transition from stroller mode in the airport to car seat mode on the plane was remarkably quick and easy. This eliminated unnecessary stress and hassle during boarding and deplaning, allowing us to move efficiently through the airport and onto the aircraft without fumbling with multiple pieces of equipment.
- Valuable Hands-Free Moments: Having Hayes safely secured in his own seat, especially during the initial part of the flight and for landings, afforded us invaluable moments to ourselves. We could comfortably eat, organize our belongings, take bathroom breaks without needing to pass him to another passenger, and simply take a breather without constantly holding him. While Hayes does enjoy movement and interaction, his dedicated seat provided a crucial base. Once his nap concluded, Bridger and I took turns entertaining him on our laps until he was ready to return to his car seat for landing. This flexibility was key to managing our energy and keeping Hayes content.
Packing Smart for Extended Travel
Preparing for a month-long trip with a baby necessitates meticulous packing. We opted to check both our large suitcases and two carry-on sized roller suitcases immediately upon arrival at the airport. This strategy left us with only the essentials to manage through security and onto the plane: Hayes’ Doona stroller, a backpack diaper bag, Coco comfortably nestled in her pet carrier, and Bridger’s backpack. Many seasoned parent travelers advised against bringing too much onto the plane itself, emphasizing that less truly is more to mitigate in-flight stress. I carefully curated our diaper bag with all critical items and a few ‘just in case’ extras. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what proved indispensable:
- Diapers and Wipes: We carried 6 diapers in the immediate diaper bag, with a larger stash in Bridger’s backpack for the duration of the flight. Wipes were always within easy reach for diaper changes and quick clean-ups.
- Multiple Changes of Clothes: Two full changes of clothes for Hayes were essential, given the unpredictability of baby messes. Crucially, I also packed an extra change of clothes for myself, a lesson learned from anticipating unexpected spills or blowouts.
- Portable Changing Pad: Our diaper bag came with a convenient portable changing pad, which was invaluable for hygiene and comfort in compact spaces like airplane bathrooms or airport changing stations.
- Disposable Diaper Bags: These disposable bags are a game-changer for containing odors and messes, especially in shared spaces, ensuring a more pleasant experience for everyone.
- Feeding Supplies: One bottle pre-filled with breastmilk for immediate use upon leaving home, along with a clean, empty bottle, and a portable breastmilk chiller mug for transporting extra milk. We swear by these bottles for Hayes.
- Portable Breast Pump Essentials: My trusted portable breast pump, which I’ve used since Hayes’ birth, was a necessity. I also packed breast pump wipes for quick cleaning without access to soap and water.
- Soothing & Entertainment: A variety of pacifiers and teethers, all connected via silicone tethers to the stroller or car seat, prevented them from falling onto the floor. Crinkle books and window spinners proved to be Hayes’ favorite distractions, keeping him engaged during awake times.
- Comfort Items: An abundance of burp cloths was non-negotiable. A soft baby blanket offered warmth and coziness, doubling as a cover for the car seat during naps.
- Sleep Aid: A portable sound machine helped create a familiar sleep environment amidst the plane’s ambient noise.
- Parental Sustenance: And of course, a selection of snacks for me was paramount for maintaining energy levels.
Airplane Bathroom Preparedness: It’s worth noting that not all airplane bathrooms are equipped with changing tables; those that are usually have a clear indication on the door. To streamline the process in such a confined space, I developed a system: before heading in, I would grab only the absolute essentials – two diapers (one as a backup), wipes, the portable changing pad, a change of clothes, and a disposable diaper bag. This prevented the awkward juggling of the entire diaper bag in the tiny, often turbulent, environment.
Timing the Flight for Optimal Baby Moods
While advice often suggests booking flights during a baby’s naptime, this can be challenging to execute flawlessly, considering travel to and from the airport, security lines, and unexpected delays. My key recommendation is to book a flight earlier in the day whenever possible. Babies, much like adults, tend to become more restless and irritable as the day progresses. Morning flights generally coincide with their fresher, more agreeable moods, making for a smoother experience for everyone. Although Hayes has a significant case of “FOMO” (fear of missing out) and prefers to be awake, the hum of the airplane surprisingly acted as perfect white noise. He managed a solid 30-40 minute nap during takeoff, only to be comically woken up by Coco’s occasional cries. To enhance his sleep environment, we draped a soft blanket over his car seat, creating a cozy and dimmed space.
Feeding During Takeoff and Landing to Ease Pressure
Changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can be quite uncomfortable for babies, often causing ear pain similar to what adults experience. To help equalize this pressure and provide comfort, I made a point to feed Hayes during these critical periods. Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the act of swallowing helps alleviate the pressure. A crucial tip I learned is not to feed too early before takeoff. It often takes a surprisingly long time for the plane to taxi to the runway and actually begin its ascent. Waiting until you’ve truly started moving on the tarmac ensures that your baby is actively sucking and swallowing precisely when the pressure changes are most pronounced, maximizing the soothing effect.
Pumping On The Flight: A Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide
As I primarily pump for Hayes—about 85% of the time, as he needs to be in a very specific mood for direct feeding—my portable breast pump is an indispensable travel companion. At four months postpartum, my pumping schedule was quite rigorous; Hayes was consuming a substantial amount, requiring 7-9 feeds a day. It was a demanding routine, but one I had grown accustomed to. On travel days, meticulous planning was key. I would prepare a warm bottle just before leaving home, ensuring Hayes had a feed in the car and again upon reaching the airport. During takeoff, while Hayes was secured in his Doona, I would simultaneously pump. This allowed me to efficiently manage my supply and his feeding schedule. I’d then fill an empty bottle with the freshly pumped milk, knowing it would be safe for consumption at room temperature for up to four hours. Given Hayes’ feeding frequency of every 2-4 hours, this timing was perfect. I would then identify a suitable window to pump again 2-3 hours later, often seeking the privacy of the airplane lavatory or using a nursing cover at my seat.
Traveling with Coco: Our Canine Companion’s Journey
The idea of traveling with both a baby and a dog for our inaugural flight seemed a bit ambitious, but since we were going to be away for an extended period, Coco had to come along! Bridger and I adopted a strategy many experienced pet owners recommended. Bridger boarded the plane first with Coco in her carrier and his backpack, while I remained in the gate area with Hayes, pushing his Doona stroller until the very last minute. This strategy was brilliant for a baby who thrives on movement and quickly grows restless when still. By keeping Hayes active until just before boarding, we minimized the time he had to sit still on the plane before takeoff, greatly contributing to his overall contentment and reducing the likelihood of fussiness.
The Power of Staying Calm: Navigating Travel with Poise
This aspect proved to be one of the most critical. Bridger and I made a conscious pact to approach our travel days with an attitude of fun and enjoyment, actively striving to avoid stress. Babies are incredibly attuned to their parents’ energy and emotions, so maintaining a calm demeanor was paramount. We constantly reminded ourselves to “go with the flow” and lean on each other as a team. This mindset was put to the test when we encountered a significant delay at security due to my breastmilk. The TSA agents, requiring additional checks for the breastmilk, called in what felt like the bomb squad! While initially startling, our pre-arranged pact helped us navigate this unexpected hurdle with patience. This experience highlighted the importance of allowing ample extra time when traveling with breastmilk. Interestingly, we later learned that this heightened scrutiny was specific to Sea-Tac airport, attributed to their older TSA screening machines. Our experience flying out of Austin was completely different; they didn’t even pause us despite having a full bottle of breastmilk in the diaper bag, underscoring the variability in airport procedures. Remaining calm, even in the face of such unforeseen circumstances, made a significant difference in preserving our travel mood.
Changing a Baby on a Plane: Practical Tips for a Tiny Space
Before our trip, I gathered numerous tips on how to manage a diaper change in the confined space of an airplane bathroom. However, it’s truly one of those experiences where you learn the most practical lessons only after your first attempt. The key is extreme efficiency and minimalistic packing for the bathroom trip itself. Here’s what I found to be essential to bring with you into that tiny space:
- Two Diapers: Always bring an extra, just in case the first one gets soiled during the changing process or if there’s an unexpected second mess.
- Wipes: An ample supply of wipes is crucial for thorough cleaning, especially when water access is limited.
- A Portable Changing Pad: This provides a clean, soft surface for your baby, no matter the condition of the changing table (or lack thereof).
- A Complete Change of Clothes: Blowouts are an unfortunate but common reality when traveling with babies. Having a fresh outfit ready prevents further stress and discomfort.
- Disposable Diaper Bag: Essential for sealing away soiled diapers and clothes, containing odors, and maintaining hygiene in the small lavatory.
Remember, the goal is to be quick, clean, and prepared for anything in this tight environment. Pre-planning these items in a small, easily accessible pouch within your diaper bag can save valuable time and reduce frustration.
Favorite Baby Distractions for Travel
Keeping a baby entertained and content during a flight is pivotal for a smooth journey. Hayes particularly loved the spinners that suction-cupped to the plane windows and car windows. These simple yet engaging toys provided a captivating visual distraction. Crinkle books offered sensory stimulation with their sounds and textures, while his favorite teethers provided comfort and oral exploration. We also found that having a soft blanket, easily deployed to cover his car seat, was excellent for creating a dim, cozy environment conducive to naps. Having a curated selection of these go-to items made a world of difference in managing his attention span and keeping fussiness at bay, proving that thoughtful preparation of entertainment is just as important as packing essentials.
If you’re gearing up for your first journey with your little one, I sincerely hope these insights and tips empower you to make it a positive, memorable, and stress-free experience for your entire family. Successful baby travel is not just about reaching your destination, but also about the journey and the beautiful memories you create along the way.
All in all, Hayes’ first flights were a resounding success, transforming us into more confident and eager family travelers. We’re excited for future adventures and hope our experience provides valuable guidance. If you have additional tips for traveling with a baby under six months old, please share them in the comments below!