Flying solo with a baby (12 tips!)

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

If you’ve ever spent a full day with an infant, you know it’s no easy treat. Now, what if on top of that you throw in security check, a plane, layovers and crazy schedules? I know it may sound like a nightmare, but it turns out… it’s not that hard! If you prepare for it. Once you know these tips to make flying solo with a baby easier, you’ll want to hop on a plane right away.

These are lessons I’ve learned after flying solo with baby Isabel when she was just 2 months old! We visited my parents in Panama because my husband had to go away on a business trip and I needed some help taking care of her. Isabel is 5 months now and has flown 8 times already (we just came back from Guanajuato, Mexico!) so, even though I’m no expert, I can shed some advice on what helped me along these voyages. These are tips for when you travel and carry baby as a lap child, but you may also find many of the tips helpful even if you purchase an extra seat to bring baby along inside his or her car seat.

First, watch this short video and see below for more details on my tips for flying solo with baby :

* The video was sponsored by Ergobaby, but all opinions are my own.

1. Dress baby in something comfy: this could be one-piece pajamas or a two-piece set but with comfy fabrics and easy access for a diaper change. Make sure baby isn’t too bundled up so that she doesn’t “overheat”; if it gets chilly on the plane, you can just cover your baby with a blanket.
2. Arrive at the airport ahead of the usual wait time: traveling usually brings unexpected long waiting lines, slow processes and whatnot, and handling a baby on top of everything is not a good combination if your flight is about to leave. Check-in ahead of time and make a point to get to the airport early, at least 30 mins or an hour before the usual time you would normally arrive.
3. Check-in as much as you can: I know you’ll be tempted to bring a carry-on but resist and try to load everything you need in your purse and a backpack or diaper bag. I do bring my stroller along but only if I’m going to have a long layover. I have the Doona, which is also convenient because it’s lightweight and it converts to a car seat (and if I have to check it in at the gate they will treat it better than if I check it in at the counter).  

4. Use a baby carrier to pass through security and walk more freely: I cannot stress enough how much I LOVE ERGOBABY CARRIERS. My Omni 360 was a game-changer since the day we started using it, not only to squeeze in some work during the day while carrying my baby, but especially for traveling. When you carry your baby guess what: you have your hands back! And sure, you could also bring baby inside a stroller but what happens after you have to turn it in? Believe me, a baby carrier will make it easier to handle other things, especially security check. **Important note on this though: most US airports allow you to pass through security with your baby in its carrier, but some Latin American airports are not that keen of the idea. I had no problem in Tijuana airport but they did have me take Isabel out of the carrier in Panama and in Guanajuato.

5. Change baby’s diaper prior to boarding: since baby will usually fall asleep with the white noise of the plane, they’ll fly comfier and happier in a clean diaper!

6. Get an aisle seat on the plane: you’ll be going many times to the bathroom. I usually prefer the aisle seat anyways, so this was even easier for me. Having baby inside a carrier makes it easy for you to go to the bathroom as well. However you also have to be extra careful if you’re sitting in the aisle seat and you breastfeed, given that baby’s head or legs will probably pop out into the aisle, and passersby may not be aware they are there!

7. Red eye flights are great: if you can, try to book red-eye itineraries. Baby will probably sleep most of the trip and you can also wear them to catch some sleep on your own and not worry about baby falling. Just keep in mind the FDA doesn’t allow baby to be in the carrier for take off and landing, so take them out briefly in these 2 moments.

8. Choose a baby carrier that adapts to weather conditions: I love the new Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh carrier, it has soft and breathable fabric so baby is comfortable even in hot and humid weather (like on our previous trips we had to Panama and Miami). It also has a fabric you pull out to cover baby’s head if it’s too sunny or you’d like to give them privacy if they fall asleep while in the carrier. 

9. Keep essentials always near: I always carry a few essential items either in my baby carrier (love the Omni’s low pocket) or my purse. Some things I can’t miss are hand sanitizer, burp cloth or facial tissues, pacifier, lotion and phone charger, among others.  

10. Remember to take care of yourself first, eat & drink well: you’ve got to be on your feet when traveling with a baby so remember to get your energy levels up! I know coffee dehydrates you, but I usually have a latte once I’m in the airport and just chug more water afterward.

11. Feed baby during take-off and landing to help ease ear pain: if you notice baby getting fuzzy on the plane it’s probably due to the change in pressure. You can prevent this by letting them suck on a pacifier or feeding them prior to take-off and landing. However, if your baby is asleep there’s no need to wake her up – she won’t complain! **If you breastfeed, wear one of those cover-ups that also double as scarves – like this one they’re great to keep warm on the plane too!

12. Bring an extra set of clothes for mom/dad in the diaper bag: vomiting or poop accidents happen on planes too, and you don’t want to be the smelly passenger! Some babies also get sick easily due to turbulence. Isabelita recently suffered that on our plane to Guanajuato and it was like a scene from The Exorcist! If your baby vomits a lot just remain calm, give them more cuddles and try to keep her in an upright position longer.

And there you have it! 12 tips for flying solo with a baby. Are you about to embark on a trip or have you traveled with your baby already? Do you know any other secret tip or trick I might’ve missed? Any other things that worry you? Would love to know in the comments! 

Safe travels!