Flying with a Baby

We’ve been on a few flights from Vancouver with Mikayla. We flew to San Diego when she was 5 months old and most recently, Hawaii at 10 months old. After doing a bit of research before going on our first flight, I think we’ve figured out a system that works for us. Everyone is super different but here’s what we do…

I usually make a packing list before going on a trip, with a list of what we would take on the plane. I make this, because it’s so easy to forget something we use everyday, like the bottle warmer or formula. If we forget it, it’s not a big deal, we can get these things wherever we are, but it obviously makes things easier if it’s not forgotten.

Here’s what our packing list for Mikayla’s carry on (diaper bag) looks like:

• 6 Diapers
• Wipes
• Change Pad
• 3 kinds of snacks (we like Baby Mum-Mums)
• 2 fruit smoothie pouches
• 2 bottles of milk
• Formula, pre measured out in a container
• Ziplock bag for any soiled or wet clothes
• Clean pjs
• 1 Bib
• 1 Washcloth
• 3 books
• 2 teethers (including Sophie the Giraffe)

Tip: Put the food pouches and bottles of milk in a cooler bag but make sure the re-freezable gel pack is frozen when you get to the airport, because you can’t fly with it if it has thawed. If it’s the start of your trip and you’re departing, be sure to declare it (fruit & dairy), it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re arriving and going home, just toss your fruit pouches in the garbage (or leave it on the plane) before you get to the declaration area that way you can get home faster and avoid any extra questioning.

Before going, I wear comfy, light clothes, slip on shoes and no jewelry. I also have all our liquids at the top of my bag in a ziploc and her milk and fruit pouches in her little cooler that Chris carries in his backpack. Our passports, boarding passes and ID are usually in my travel wallet that I keep handy. Everything is super organized before we go to the airport and Chris and I are familiar with where everything goes so we can help each other out and not be stressed.

At the airport I wear Mikayla in the Ergo Baby Carrier and we gate-check our stroller. Only one time did we bring our carseat with us, and that was on our trip to San Diego because we rented a car when we got there. We were able to gate check the car seat too. I didn’t buy a travel bag for any of my stuff, it’s kinda a risk you take, because I’ve heard stories where other people’s strollers and carseats got damaged, torn or dirtied on the plane. At the gate, while we’re waiting to board, Chris usually takes Mikayla around so she can crawl, walk and he does his best to tire her out. When she was younger we tried our best to keep her awake.

On the plane, I keep the diaper bag under the seat in front of me so I can easily access it. I get myself ready for the flight first, and get Chris to hold Mikayla. Headphones, blanket, Mikayla’s toys and snacks come out and are put in the seat pockets and I buckle up. Then I grab MK and put her on my lap. I nurse her at take off and again at landing. This is so her ears don’t get all plugged up. If she falls asleep right before take off or landing, I just let her sleep.

When Mikayla was younger and not eating solid foods or drinking formula, we didn’t have to bring so much stuff. It might be hard to believe for new moms, but it’s actually WAY easier flying with a younger baby than an older one. When they’re younger, all they need is breastmilk or formula and younger babies sleep easier in your arms and are easier to entertain. Older babies or babies that start eating solids and are more mobile, need books, toys and all kinds of snacks to keep them entertained plus they’re awake for longer periods of time.

As of right now, we’ve had nothing but positive experiences flying with Mikayla! In fact, on our latest trip to Hawaii, West Jet upgraded us and gave us an extra seat  I can’t wait for our next trip… but she’ll most likely have to have her own seat! She’s 21 pounds and having her fall asleep on me isn’t as comfy as it used to be!

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