My daughter Tilly, now 7 months old has been on 4 domestic flights so far. Not long flights, just 2 trips to Adelaide (from Brisbane) of just over 2 hours to visit family.
During our first trip Tilly was 4 months old and I have to say the younger they are the easier it is to travel with them as they require less entertaining. Feeding and snoozing was really all she did so it was a piece of cake...that was until we had a 'poo-explosion' during descent! To make it worse the seat belt sign was on so we couldn't do anything about it until we disembarked! (Gross!)
Poo explosions aside...the actual flight is not too tricky and the cabin crew will do anything to help you.
The tricky bit is the lead up to the flight, being super organised is key. My top tips are...
- Enquire with the airline as to what they will let you check in when flying with an infant. Most will let you check in a porta-cot, a car seat and a pram for no extra cost. However they won't let you check in an extra suitcase, therefore you'll have to make space in yours.
- If you're not taking the child's car seat with you, arrange for a friend or family member to drop you off at the airport in your car so that your bubba can be in their own car seat. Booking a cab with a baby car seat can be tricky, especially if your baby is still rear-facing. Likewise for leaving the airport at the other end.
- Take your usual nappy bag on board, including enough nappies and wipes for a day or two. Then buy a packet of nappies when you arrive; don't waste valuable suitcase space with a weeks supply!
- Pack medicine even if your child isn't sick. Paracetamol, teething gel, etc as you never know what you might need. I learnt this the hard way! Lucky for me, my folks ducked to the chemist for us.
- Wear an easy to use baby carrier or sling throughout the airport. Once checked in, your pram-less and if your bubba is anything like mine they'll get heavy real quick! The reason I say to wear an easy to use baby carrier is because your bub can't be in it when you go through security (annoying!!!) so it's best if you can get them in and out quickly and easily. Practice at home a day or two before, especially if flying alone.
- Packing a spare outfit for your bubba seems obvious (we always have one in our nappy bag) but I think its a good idea to pack a spare top for you too. Plus a little towel or rug to have on your knees as protection during the flight...because yes, poo (and vomit!) happens!
- When packing your suitcase don't forget sheets for the porta-cot, little towels (spew rags), bibs, hat, sunscreen, bathers and bath supplies. Pack plenty of clothes too but don't over pack as you still need to fit some of your own things in the suitcase too!
- Protect baby's ears when the flights descending. As adults we can move our jaw or block our nose to pop our ears but babies don't know how to do that. For this reason it's recommended that you feed your baby when the plane starts it's descent. Its perfectly acceptable to breastfeed as I did or the cabin crew can help you to prepare a bottle.
- If possible borrow baby gear when you get to your destination. Cots, car seats, walkers, toys, etc. (This is of course if you're travelling somewhere to visit friends and rellies.) The more you can borrow, the less you have to pack!
- Book morning flights as bubbas are much happier earlier on in the day. You don't want an overtired little darling kicking the back of someone's seat!
There you have it! They're my top tips! I'm sure I've forgotten something, nevertheless I hope you find it handy.
Megan x
Ps - Some happy snaps of us with loved ones from our last trip. A few favourites missing though x
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