Flying with a little one (0-3 years) stress-free

Hello there !

Tu es en pleine préparation de ton voyage mais tu transpires rien qu'en pensant aux heures de vol qui t'attendent ? Inspire profondément - souffle. Dans cet article, je vais te partager tous mes tips pour que tu vives sereinement cette expérience. 

Petite, j'étais le genre d'enfant qui grandissait d'avion en avion. Nous étions une fratrie de 4. Oui, tu as bien lu : 4. Et maintenant que je suis maman, j'essaie de transmettre le même goût du voyage à ma fille (autant que je le peux), en faisant régulièrement des voyages en train, en avion, en bateau et en voiture. 

How to choose your flight?

Choose a start that will perfectly match your child's mood.

• I have always preferred flights that coincide with nap times. In my case, my daughter sleeps anywhere. Otherwise, choose your flight based on your child's rhythm: mid-morning, when you can keep them well occupied. 
• Focusing on direct flights - the changes may stress you out more and tire the baby. 
• For ultra-early departures, book a night near the airport. It avoids fatigue from other transportation to reach the terminal. 
• Night flights? It's hit or miss. As a child, I remember taking them and I would fall asleep quickly after takeoff. It depends on the day the baby has had. 

 We always book our seats well in advance, so that we can all sit together. 

The little reminders

Preparing the baby bag is essential! 

• Most companies include the registration of certain items for free, in addition to the baggage allowance. (foldable stroller, car seat) 
• Baby food (jars, bottle water, purees) is allowed in the cabin. 

 Prepare a small separate pouch with everything needed for the baby's meal ​ ​(biberons, cuillères, bavoirs, lingettes)

 Prefer closed original jars (less stress during inspections) 

And to keep the baby occupied?

If the baby senses your stress, they will be stressed. True, I tested it for you. 

In airports, there are two atmospheres:

• Cafés for Parents
• Play areas for little ones

Combine the two before departure and it will zenify everything! And then you think: what about during the flight, then? 

Here are my essentials for "surviving" the flight:

• Small snacks 
• Candy or lollipops 
• Books (that baby doesn't know)
• Little surprises during the flight
• What to draw - doodle - stick (long live the stickers!)
• What to chew on (besides a security blanket)
• An audio headset (for listening to stories, music)
• In case of emergency: little cartoons 

And what if everything doesn't go as planned?

It might not go as planned. But that's okay. I used to be a perfectionist, but the best thing is to let go. It's human! 

Yes, a crying baby on the plane will make more than one person grimace. But you will always have kind people who will offer you their help. 

And if flying stresses you out, maybe start with short trips of 1-1.5 hours to gradually familiarize the baby? 

Souffle un bon coup et c'est partie pour finaliser tes valises ! 
Bon voyage ! 🛫