Flying with a baby can be stressful for families — especially if it’s your first time. After all, it’s a new environment for the little one, and being holed up in a cabin for a long time can make them feel uneasy. Fortunately, having the proper baby equipment can make a family trip much easier. Nowadays, many airlines like Air France, provide in-flight amenities that include feeding spoons and bibs. But there are other items that parents can have to keep their babies calm and comfortable throughout.
So with that being said, here are some suggestions for families when flying with a baby.
A Travel Nappy Bag.
A good nappy bag should be durable and be able to hold all your essentials while on the plane — from milk bottles and snacks, to extra clothes. The changing bags on Women’s Health are worth checking out, as they are roomy and have multiple pockets for storing separate items. Some even come with thermo-insulated pockets to keep milk bottles warm. Consider the type of backpack you take as well such as the T+M x Selfridges Eco Elwood, which evenly distributes the weight of your belongings — preventing any back pain while you travel around.
A Baby Carrier.
Going on a flight can be an overwhelming sensory experience for your baby. But as you can see from The Independent’s list of baby carriers, you can use a sling or wrap as a solution. This will make them feel more secure and calm, especially in case of flight disturbances. For bigger babies, a baby carrier can keep them secure too — while still allowing them space to move around. If you want the best of both worlds, the Chicco Boppy Comfy Fit carrier provides the same softness of a baby wrap and the structure and padding of a carrier.
A Breastfeeding Pillow.
This may seem hard to manage on a flight because of its size, but it is well worth the hassle — especially if you’re on a long-haul flight. Thankfully, nursing pillows like My Brest Friend’s are inflatable, so they can easily fit in your bag. They’re also sturdy and comfortable enough for both mother and baby. While feeding, the back rest allows users to maintain a good posture. Plus, breastfeeding pillows also double up as actual pillows your baby can sleep on. This way, you don’t have to hold them during the entire flight.
A Convertible Pushchair.
A pushchair may not seem like the most compact piece of equipment for plane rides. To make it simpler, you can opt for a convertible model. As you can see from iCandy’s convertible pushchairs, many models nowadays can be transformed into a carrycot with ease — which many airlines allow onboard. Not only will a carrycot be more comfortable for your baby while they sleep, but it’s certainly more secure too. As an added bonus, modern pushchairs also come with their own baby bags — providing you with more storage options while you travel.
In-Flight Entertainment.
Toys and books can help keep your baby occupied during the flight. Lamaze toys like Freddie the Firefly and Flapping Fiona are great as you can simply clip them anywhere so they don’t get lost. On the other hand, The Strategist suggests baby board books if you prefer something more educational. Either way, keeping them occupied will prevent them from getting restless.
