Parenting Pointers: Babies and Planes

I had a request to offer some tips for traveling on planes with babies. I've never actually flown with a baby, but I have taken long road trips, and I've also picked up flying tips from friends of mine who have flown frequently. Here's what I've got - feel free to add more in the comments if you have any more tips!

First of all, pack as light as possible. As parents we often have a lot of baby gear at home. Evaluate what you absolutely have to have along. Can you have a safe place for baby to sleep at the destination? Can you use a backpack carrier instead of a stroller in the airport, and just borrow or buy an inexpensive umbrella stroller at the destination? If you're visiting friends or family, can they buy a pack of diapers ahead of time so you only need a few for the plane trip? The fewer bags you have to carry, the less you have to worry about schlepping around the airport and the faster you'll be able to get through luggage claim.

Secondly, make sure your carry-on has kid-friendly things in it. This is the exception to the "pack light" suggestion. Kids can be entertained by the simplest things, but when they're cooped up in tight quarters, you may need to have more things to be able to keep them entertained. With luck, you could time your flight to coincide with a typical naptime.

Evaluate whether or not you can afford an extra seat. It does mean you'll need to carry a carseat, but it will also give you a lot more room on the plane.

Be prepared for discomfort on take-off and landing. There are pressure changes, and adults are able to yawn and pop their ears, but babies can't always. If you nurse and have the baby on your lap, that can help. So can bottle-feeding. If your baby is able to eat finger food, chewing can help, especially if it's something like a granola bar with a slightly chewy texture.

Finally, have a sense of humor and be polite, but don't beat yourself up. If your baby is fussy, apologize to the people right next to you, but don't get bent out of shape. It's only a few hours, and you'll never see them again anyway!