Tips for flying with a baby - Our tips for a smooth flight
Flying with a baby/ toddlers/ kids: Tips for a smooth journey
Ages does make a difference
Age truly makes a difference when it comes to kids and their travel needs! The younger they are, the more sleep they need, making it easier to manage them on our laps. But 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’s much easier and less stressful to book her a separate seat.
Trust us, investing in that extra seat is worth every penny! Plus, using a baby car seat in-flight means you can buckle them in securely, keeping the wiggling at bay and making the journey smoother for everyone!
Bring spare clothes for every family member
Weather conditions can change, and accidents may happen during the journey. Having an extra set of clothes ensures that you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Pressure for babies ears
For takeoff and landing, we highly recommend to hold off on feeding your baby as the swallowing motion can help equalize the air pressure in their ears, preventing discomfort. A dummy can also help if you can not hold off on feeds.
Hailey catching some Z’s with her cozy Kooshion from Kooshy Kids! 😴💖
Best time to fly with babies
The best time to fly with your baby is during their nap time, as they are more likely to sleep through the flight. Booking a night flight can also be a good option, as it aligns with their natural sleep schedule.
Hot tip: take it in turns with your partner on sleeping/ napping also, so someone has their eyes on bubba at all times.
Keep them informed
When Hailey was just nine months old, we didn’t have to explain much while traveling up the east coast of Australia. But as she grew older, we made sure to tell her where we were going, how we would get there by plane, how excited we were for the vacation, and what it meant to us to experience it with her. We tried to build up her excitement about flying so she would know what to expect.
Check the airlines policie's
The rules may vary depending on the airline you are flying with, so it’s important to do your research before heading to the airport. We have found that some airlines allow you to bring 2 to 3 baby items for free, such as a stroller, travel crib, or car seat, while others may require you to pay. For us, we usually only bring our travel pram since most hotels provide free cribs for children under three years old. You can also higher car seats or other baby accessories in Bali.
Hailey making her way to the plane, sporting the backpack we surprised her with! ✈️🎒
Items that help with sleep
We personally love the Kooshy kids couch that blows up into a bedding and slots right between the footwell. We think that every parent should get their hands onto one of these!
Bring entertainment
If we are flying during the day and know that Hailey will be awake, we make sure to pack toys and books for her to play with and read. We try to limit screen time as it tends to make her restless and unfocused, so we only resort to using the iPad as a last option.
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 can have everything you need at your fingertips, even when your hands are full. We do have a link right here, to the backpacks we use, as they are designed with thoughtful accessibility in mind.
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 your baby
We cannot stress this enough. Sometimes, your luggage may not arrive at your destination on time, or you may experience unexpected delays. For example, we once ran out of formula before our flight could depart due to a delay. When we reached Bali, we were informed that our luggage did not make it from Melbourne. Although you will eventually get your luggage back, it’s important to stay in touch with fellow passengers.
Stimulating toys
Hailey adores her activity book; it truly stimulates her thoughts on colors, shapes, and everyday objects like zippers, etc. What makes this book incredibly convenient is that each page can be detached easily, thanks to the clever zipper attachments. Everything in this book is Valero-compatible, making it even more versatile and user-friendly.
Don't forget snacks
Sometimes snacks are the key to preventing a meltdown, so I highly recommend researching what food items you can bring into the country you are visiting. When we went to Vanuatu and Bali, we packed a lot of fruit bars and snack bars in our carry-on luggage, and airport security had no issues with it. For long trips, we usually pre-book meals for all of us so that 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 that are allowed through customs
When it comes to baby items like formula or other milk products, the usual 100ml rule does not apply. You are allowed to bring these items in bottles, bags, or containers, regardless of their form (powder, liquid, or frozen). It is important to inform the security checkpoint that these items are for your baby’s needs. Rest assured, you can travel with the necessary supplies for your little one without any hassle.
Use a baby carrier
A baby carrier is extremely convenient. It allows you to keep your little one close while you handle check-in procedures and other tasks. Instead of worrying about where your child is, you can focus on the front desk with ease. I also really like having one as I can walk up and down the isle on the plane bouncing bubs to sleep If you’re traveling to Bali and prefer to travel light, feel free to leave your baby carrier at home—we offer rentals for baby carriers right here in Bali!
take a photo of your luggage and tags
Taking photos of your luggage can indeed provide proof of ownership and help in situations where your bags are lost or stolen. However, it’s important to note that while taking photos of your luggage can be helpful, it’s not a foolproof method of preventing theft or ensuring recovery. It’s always recommended to take additional precautions such as using secure locks, keeping valuables with you, and following 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
Bringing a pram is usually a good idea, especially when your child is still young. They’re great for airports, nap times, and when little ones get tired and need to rest. However, in certain places like Bali, where the paths can be narrow and uneven, it might be more practical to use a baby carrier instead of a pram. That said, we managed to navigate Vanuatu, Vietnam, Philippines and Bali just fine by lifting the pram when needed. If you’d prefer not to carry your pram via plane transport, don’t worry! You can hire one from us during your stay in Bali!
Car seat essentials
Having your own car seat is highly recommended, especially when you’re renting a car. It ensures that you know how to properly install and remove the seat, guaranteeing your child’s safety during the journey. Renting a car seat from a rental place can often be unpleasant, as they are usually not adequately cleaned. We much prefer having full control over the fitting process. It’s worth noting that in some countries, where scooters and taxis are commonly used, car seats may not be necessary. If you’d like to avoid the hassle of bringing your car seat, we also offer rentals to make your journey easier in Bali!
Treavel tray for the plane or car
A travel tray can be a versatile and practical accessory while traveling. 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 for using on the whiteboard, and a larger tray for eating. Not only does it make it easier to enjoy entertainment and meals, but it is also cleaner than the trays provided on the plane.Consider getting a travel tray from this link- 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! 🎒💼✨
toys that stimulate
When flying with kids, it’s important to have toys that stimulate their brains and keep them occupied. We highly recommend buying such toys to make the journey more enjoyable. Here is a link to some toys we use for Hailey and highly recommend: [Link](https://example.com/toys)
Feel free to check it out and find the perfect toys for your little ones!
Airline Travel and Baby ID
Always inform the airline in advance if you will be traveling with a baby, and make sure to bring proper identification. Some airlines may charge a small fee, but this often includes additional baby luggage allowances. We recently started paying for Hailey’s seat when she turned 2, before that it was a cheap flight if I’m honest haha, although airlines don’t charge you for a full priced seat depending on ages.
Comfortable Attire
When it comes to choosing what to wear for a flight, comfort should be a top priority. Gone are the days of needing to dress up for air travel. Opt for plain and simple, yet stylish attire. Consider wearing leggings and a comfortable jacket with plenty of pockets to store essential items like your passport, boarding pass, and phone. It’s also useful to have a spot to stash items for your little one, such as a dummy, snacks, or a bottle, allowing for easy access when needed.
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
Choosing where to sit on a flight depends on your child’s age and preferences. When Hailey was younger and less interested in her surroundings, I always enjoyed the window seat for the scenic views and the feeling of embarking on a new adventure. However, now that she’s older, more active, and curious about everything, I find it more practical to opt for an aisle seat. This allows me to easily get up and let her stretch her legs, as well as interact with fellow passengers.
The Golden Rule:
Before boarding the plane, it’s essential to use the parent’s room and make sure both you and your baby have visited the restroom. The tiny airplane bathrooms can be challenging to navigate while holding a baby, so taking care of your own needs beforehand is advisable. Additionally, ensure that your baby is in a fresh diaper before boarding. This saves time and avoids the need to change a diaper immediately after settling into your seat.
Letting Kids Run Around at the Airport
To help tire out your kids before the flight, consider giving them the opportunity to run around and expend some energy at the airport. Many airports have designated play areas or open spaces where children can play and stretch their legs. This can be a great way to help them burn off some energy before boarding the plane, making it more likely for them to feel calmer during the flight.
Using a Travel Cushion for Better Sleep
Investing in a travel cushion, such as a kooshion or a neck pillow, can greatly enhance your little ones’ comfort and help them sleep better during the plane ride. These cushions provide support for their neck and head, allowing them to rest in a more relaxed position. Make sure to choose a cushion that is age-appropriate and suits your child’s needs. Having a well-rested child can make the flight more enjoyable for both of you
Remember to check with your airline regarding any specific rules or regulations regarding the use of travel cushions and ensure that it meets safety standards. Happy travels!
