- Do a nappy change just before boarding.
Aeroplane toilets are generally pretty horrible at the best of times. Now picture that cramped, smelly, urine-splattered cubicle with the addition of a wriggly child and changing bag. The on-board toilets are equipped with a changing table, but it’s about the same size as the tray they serve your food on, so you will need an element of acrobatic skill along with cat-like reactions to successfully change a nappy with minimal mess whilst also preventing your octopus-like child from touching every disgusting surface they possibly can.
Ensuring she’s wearing a fresh nappy for boarding, and that it’s the most absorbent nappy you own, will prolong the wait before this inevitable germy ordeal.
- Take loads of snacks and drinks.
The last thing you want is a hungry baby! If your little one is already having solid food, bring some healthy snacks, as well as food for any meals he would usually have during the flight. If he is sitting on your lap, he won’t be given his own in-flight meal (though it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have a spare!).
Remember that you can take any food or drink for a baby or toddler through security, including milk. Security staff may just ask you to taste some in front of them.
- Feed your baby during take-off and landing.
Whether you’re breast or bottle feeding, the sucking and swallowing motions will help clear her ears. Feeding will also offer comfort if she is feeling unsure about the unfamiliar environment and loud noises. This also applies during the flight, of course, but you will hopefully find that after take-off, the engine hum will help her drift off to sleep.
If your child is no longer having either breastmilk or formula, you can offer water, a dummy, or encourage her to make yawning motions to help equalise her ears.
- Bring out toys one by one.
Take a few small activities to play with and plan to bring them out one by one over the full length of your flight. Toys, stickers, books and colouring books are all good options. The smaller the better and for the sake of your fellow passengers, don’t bring anything noisy! Avoid toys with lots of parts that can easily be dropped and lost in the seats, as well as anything that will hurt if lobbed at another passenger!
You won’t need to take too much though; you will likely find that a few passengers and staff are willing participants in games of peekaboo, and if your child is mobile, he will love exploring up and down the aisles. Don’t worry about allowing him to do this; having a confined baby or toddler trapped in his seat will be much worse!
- Take some treats for yourself.
A favourite chocolate bar, a book or magazine you can get lost in when your little one finally does fall asleep, a pack of cards so you and your partner can enjoy some (slightly cramped!) one-on-one time. Whatever it is that will help you relax and make you happy, take it!
- People are generally kind, so don’t panic!
We have been ushered through security, brought to the front of long lines, and we have never experienced a negative comment on any of our flights (we’ve never had an upgrade through, even at 36 weeks pregnant, so don’t get your hopes up about that!).
Babies cry as a crucial form of communication and people know this. Everyone can see that you’re trying your best; offering milk or snacks, walking them up and down the aisle, bouncing and rocking until your arms might just drop off, and distracting them with every trick you have up your sleeve, but nothing’s working. It’s ok. No one will hate you, and if they do, you’re never going to see them again, so I wouldn’t worry about it!
Have a safe flight and a wonderful trip making memories to cherish!
Joss is an eco family travel blogger and photographer. Find tips and suggestions for environmentally-friendly family travel, as well as more destination recommendations, on her blog, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Original, extended article available at www.littlegreenglobetrotter.com.
