Flying With a Baby: A Pediatrician's Survival Guide
Note: This blog was written in paid partnership with Dr. Brown's.
Traveling with young kids can be a challenge to say the least. When you are getting ready for a trip there is so much to plan for. Throw in small children to the mix and there are a lot of factors to consider. But it doesn't have to be a stressful experience if you are well prepared and have a few simple tricks up your sleeve.
Of course, no vacation comes without its own hiccups. Time spent traveling while being still and confined is a big concern for younger kids. In addition, airports and long plane rides can be exhausting for both adults, and for kids. The crowds and tight spaces can also lead to exposure to new germs and illness. So, how do you travel with a baby or young kids and keep everyone happy, entertained and healthy? With these great tips, of course!
Snack Box: Pack "grazing snacks" that are low in sugar, high in quantity, and a low choking risk! Kids have fun if you let them pick out their favorite snacks ahead of time. When it comes to babies, try picking out snacks that take a bit more time to eat. This can be a great time waster. The Dr. Brown's Snack-A-Pillar Snack and Dipping Cups has four separate compartments so your kid can pick and choose the snacks they want to eat. The Snack-A-Pillar also keeps kids engaged as you can use one pillar at a time or stack them together.
Bottle Up and Bottle Down: This tip is key for parents who travel with a baby. Try to schedule your flight around the time your child takes a nap. The airport preparations might be a little harder with a cranky infant, but the payoff is huge. Once it's time for takeoff, whip out the bottle and feed your baby. The air pressure during takeoff in combination with the bottle and a tired baby equals nap time! I always recommend the Anti-Colic Options+ Baby Bottles to my patients. I also suggest giving your baby a bottle during landing to help with the pressure that causes pain in the ears. The sucking motion equalizes the pressure in the ear canal, eliminating any discomfort your child may have.
A Plane Present: This trick has yet to fail me. Before you leave, pack your child their own carry-on bag filled with independent, engaging toys like moldable dough, building blocks, magnetic games, puzzles, and activity books. Research shows children do better changing activities every 20 to 30 minutes. Most importantly, buy one new engaging toy, and wrap it up in shiny wrapping paper the night before. Show the present to your child right before leaving for the airport, and explain that if they behave in the airport, they will get the toy right before the plane takes off. It not only helps to modify their behavior in the airport, but also provides at least 30 minutes of engagement during takeoff. The toy is new, so they spend more time investigating and playing with it.
Don't worry what people think! Don't worry about judgment: If you've traveled with toddlers before, chances are you've probably received a look or two. From one parent to another, IGNORE them. Your kiddos deserve experiences like everyone else, and I bet you're a great parent.
Extra Pediatrician Tip: Always sanitize your area on the plane. There's a lot of germs that go around while traveling, especially when flying on an airplane. Baby-safe sanitizing wipes or pacifier and bottle wipes are perfect to throw in your bag and use to clean your baby's area or items that they may drop on the floor. Make sure to bring some wipes to clean plane seats and tray tables. You may also want to buy some disposable tray table covers to keep their area extra clean and free of germs.
Even if the plane ride is a disaster or one of your children ends up getting sick, try to recover and enjoy the time away from your everyday life. Vacations are about building memories and bonding with your loved ones. Take a deep breath, relax, and just enjoy the moment. It goes by so quickly!
About the Author
Dr. Katie Friedman is a board-certified pediatrician, writer, spokesperson, and mother. Dr. Friedman completed her residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami. She currently practices pediatric emergency medicine in South Florida. She divides most of her working hours between the emergency room and the blog she created with her sisters, ForeverFreckled.com, where she serves as an educator and spokesperson.
Using her passion for preventive medicine and pediatric safety, Dr. Friedman has worked alongside several brands and companies, to guide parents through obstacles of childhood safety, illness prevention, and pediatric medicine. In addition to her hospital work and writing obligations, she also serves as a medical correspondent for Lifetime's Access Health and The Balancing Act. In her free time, Dr. Friedman loves spending time with her family, traveling, and early morning runs.