Flying with Kids: Essential Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel
Flying with a baby can be a daunting experience for many parents, but with the right preparation and tips, it can be a smooth journey. In this guide, we share our top tips for flying with a baby, toddlers, or kids, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle everything from managing ear pressure to packing essential items. By understanding your child’s travel needs at different ages and keeping them informed about the journey, you can turn what might seem like a stressful adventure into a memorable family experience. Let’s dive into our essential tips for flying with a baby that will help you navigate the skies with confidence!
Understanding Age Differences in Travel Needs
Age truly impacts kids and their travel needs! The younger they are, the more sleep they need, making it easier to manage them on our laps. However, as they grow—like our curious 3-year-old, Hailey—their restlessness increases, and flying can become a challenge. Now that she’s past the two-year mark, we find it much easier and less stressful to book her a separate seat.
Investing in that extra seat is worth every cent! Plus, using a baby car seat in-flight allows you to buckle them in securely, keeping the wiggling at bay and making the journey smoother for everyone.
Bring Spare Clothes for Every Family Member
Weather can change, and accidents may happen during your journey. Having an extra set of clothes ensures you’re prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Managing Ear Pressure for Babies
For take-off and landing, we recommend waiting to feed your baby. The swallowing motion can help equalise the air pressure in their ears, preventing discomfort. A dummy can also help if you can’t hold off on feeds.
Hailey catching some Z’s with her cozy Kooshion from Kooshy Kids! 😴💖
Best Times for Flying with Babies
The best time to fly with your baby is during their nap time, as they’re likely to sleep through the flight. Booking a night flight aligns with their natural sleep schedule.
Hot Tip: Take turns with your partner for sleeping or napping so someone has their eyes on the baby at all times.
Keep Your Child Informed About the Journey
When Hailey was just nine months old, we didn’t need to explain much while travelling up the east coast of Australia. But as she grew older, we made sure to tell her where we were going and how we’d get there by plane. Building her excitement about flying helped her know what to expect.
Check the Airline Policy for Travelling with a Baby
Airline rules vary, so it’s essential to research before heading to the airport. Some airlines allow you to bring 2 to 3 baby items for free, like a stroller or car seat, while others may charge. We usually bring our travel pram, as most hotels provide free cots for children under three years old. You can also rent baby accessories in Bali.
Hailey making her way to the plane, sporting the backpack we surprised her with! ✈️🎒
Items That Help with Sleep on the Plane
We love the Kooshy Kids Couch that inflates into bedding and fits perfectly between the footwell. Every parent should get one of these!
Bring Entertainment for Your Baby During the Flight
If we’re flying during the day and know Hailey will be awake, we pack toys and books for her to play with. We limit screen time as it can make her restless, so we only use the iPad as a last resort.
Opt for an easily accessible backpack
Choose a backpack that allows you to quickly retrieve your phone or passports during check-in. This way, you have everything at your fingertips, even when your hands are full. We have a link to a backpack we use, designed with thoughtful accessibility in mind- click right here to go directly through to the bags.
We always opt to sit above, right behind, or in front of the wings to avoid the noise at the back of the plane. I tend to get headaches up front, but above the wings, I’m usually just fine! ✈️🛫
Pack Extra Essentials for You and Your Baby
We cannot stress this enough. Sometimes, your luggage may not arrive on time, or you may experience unexpected delays. For example, we once ran out of formula due to a delay before our flight could depart. When we reached Bali, we were informed our luggage didn’t make it from Melbourne. Although you’ll eventually get your luggage back, it’s crucial to stay in touch with fellow passengers.
Stimulating Toys for Your Baby
Hailey adores her activity book; it stimulates her thoughts on colours, shapes, and everyday objects. Each page can detach easily, thanks to clever zipper attachments. Everything in this book is Velcro-compatible, making it versatile and user-friendly.
Don’t Forget Snacks for the Journey
Snacks can be key to preventing meltdowns, so research what food items you can bring into the country you’re visiting. When we went to Vanuatu and Bali, we packed fruit bars and snack bars in our carry-on, and airport security had no issues with it. For long trips, we usually pre-book meals for all of us, so we can eat and then take a nap, depending on the flight’s timing.
We always snap a photo of our luggage before traveling—just in case it gets misplaced or someone thinks it’s theirs! We also use different tags and add stickers to make it easily recognisable. 📸🧳✨
Items Allowed Through Customs for Babies
When it comes to baby items like formula or milk products, the usual 100ml rule doesn’t apply. You can bring these items in bottles, bags, or containers, regardless of their form. Inform the security checkpoint that these items are for your baby’s needs. You can travel with the necessary supplies for your little one without hassle.
Using a Baby Carrier for Convenience
A baby carrier is extremely convenient. It allows you to keep your little one close while handling check-in procedures. I also love having one to walk up and down the aisle on the plane, bouncing the baby to sleep. If you’re travelling to Bali and prefer to travel light, you can rent a baby carrier from us!
Take a Photo of Your Luggage and tags for Safety
Taking photos of your luggage can help prove ownership in case of loss or theft. However, it’s not a foolproof method. Always use secure locks, keep valuables with you, and follow the guidelines provided by airlines and travel authorities.
Here’s our stunning morning sunrise from Alito to Manila in the Philippines. We highly recommend visiting this phenomenal destination! 🌅🇵🇭
Pram Considerations for Travel
Bringing a pram is usually a good idea, especially when your child is young. They’re great for airports, nap times, and when little ones need to rest. However, in places like Bali, where paths can be narrow and uneven, it might be more practical to use a baby carrier instead. We navigated Vanuatu, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Bali just fine by lifting the pram when needed. If you prefer not to carry your pram on the plane, don’t worry! You can hire one from us during your stay in Bali.
Car Seat Essentials for Safety
Having your own car seat is highly recommended, especially when renting a car. It ensures you know how to install it properly, guaranteeing your child’s safety. Renting a car seat can often be unpleasant, as they are usually not adequately cleaned. We prefer having control over the fitting process. In some countries where scooters and taxis are common, car seats may not be necessary. If you’d like to avoid the hassle of bringing your car seat, we offer rentals to make your journey easier in Bali.
Travel Tray for the Plane or Car
A travel tray is a versatile accessory while travelling. It provides a convenient space for various activities. In the image, you can see a travel tray with an iPad for watching movies, whiteboard markers, and a larger tray for eating. It makes enjoying entertainment and meals easier and is cleaner than the trays provided on the plane. Consider getting a travel tray from this Link for your next trip to enhance your travel experience!
In this photo, you can see me sporting a backpack and a side bag. I keep all our passports and some cash in the side bag, while my backpack holds laptops, toys, and clothes. Our backpacks come with portable chargers and plenty of pockets! Grab yours from our Amazon storefront here; Link to Amazon Backpack! 🎒💼✨
Airline Travel and Baby ID Requirements
Always inform the airline in advance if travelling with a baby, and bring proper identification. Some airlines may charge a small fee, which often includes additional baby luggage allowances. We pay for Hailey’s seat now that she’s two, but before that, it was a cheap flight—though airlines don’t charge for full-priced seats depending on age.
Comfortable Attire for the Flight
When choosing what to wear for a flight, comfort should be a top priority. Gone are the days of dressing up for air travel. Opt for simple yet stylish attire. Consider wearing leggings and a comfortable jacket with pockets for essentials like your passport, boarding pass, and phone. Having a spot to stash items for your little one, like a dummy or snacks, allows for easy access.
As you can see, I’m wrapped in a lovely blanket we got from Bali, originally called a ‘sarong.’ It’s perfect for covering up at temples! If you’re anything like me and tend to feel cold, I always bring extra blankets to keep cozy during our flights. 🧣✈️
Preferred Seating for Your Family
Choosing where to sit depends on your child’s age and preferences. When Hailey was younger and less interested in her surroundings, I loved the window seat for scenic views. Now that she’s older and curious, I prefer the aisle seat. This makes it easier to let her stretch her legs and interact with fellow passengers.
The Golden Rule Before Boarding
Before boarding, use the parent’s room and ensure both you and your baby visit the restroom. Airplane bathrooms can be challenging while holding a baby, so take care of your needs beforehand. Also, ensure your baby is in a fresh nappy before boarding to save time and avoid immediate changes after settling into your seat.
Letting Kids Run Around at the Airport
To tire out your kids before the flight, let them run around and expend energy at the airport. Many airports have designated play areas or open spaces for children to play and stretch their legs. This can help them feel calmer during the flight.
Using a Travel Cushion for Better Sleep
Investing in a travel cushion, like a Kooshion or neck pillow, can greatly enhance your little one’s comfort and help them sleep better during the flight. Choose a cushion that is age-appropriate and suits your child’s needs. A well-rested child makes for a more enjoyable flight for everyone!
Remember to check with your airline regarding specific rules about travel cushions and ensure they meet safety standards. Happy travels!
We sincerely hope these tips help you have a pleasant flight with your baby! Safe travels and best wishes from one parent to another.
