Hello there !
Are you in the middle of preparing for your trip but sweating just thinking about the hours of flight ahead of you? Take a deep breath - exhale. In this article, I will share all my tips so you can experience this journey with peace of mind.
As a child, I was the kind of kid who grew up flying from one plane to another. We were a sibling group of 4. Yes, you read that right: 4. And now that I am a mom, I try to pass on the same love for travel to my daughter as much as I canutant que je le peux, by regularly taking trips by train, plane, boat, and car.
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?
Take a deep breath and let's finish packing your bags!
Safe travels! 🛫
