If you’ve just booked your first family holiday, you’re probably dreaming of splashing in the pool, giving your baby their first taste of gelato, and building sandcastles. Flying with a baby under one can be daunting… However, it needn’t be stressful. Here’s our top tips for avoiding meltdowns (you and them!), overpacking, and navigating last minute changes to your travel plans. You’ve got this mama!

Be smart about booking flights

Booking your flights strategically can make a big difference. Direct flights are obviously preferable to help you avoid the stress of stop-overs. Timing is everything. Booking an overnight flight or one that coincides with nap-time will increase the chances of your baby sleeping on the flight.

Babies under two can usually fly as a lap infant, meaning you don’t need to pay for an extra seat for them. However, if you can afford it, the extra room will make your journey more comfortable. If you haven’t booked a seat for your little one, you can usually ask at check in if there are any spare seats available. We’ve found that airport staff are usually happy to accommodate you if they can. However, this is obviously not guaranteed.

Reserve an airplane bassinet

When you book your flight, you should be able to reserve an airplane bassinet if there’s one available. These are usually positioned on the bulkhead seats of the plane.

Airlines have different policies on age and weight restrictions, so make sure you check this in advance. Cabin crew will ask you to remove your little one from the bassinet when the seat belt sign goes on (generally for take off and landing, and if there’s turbulence). However, having the option to put them down in the bassinet, can make the flight a little bit more comfortable for you.

Pack essentials in your hand luggage

There can be a huge temptation to overpack when you’re travelling with a baby. However, making sure you’ve got all the essentials is key. Some airlines will provide items like nappies and wipes, but we recommend packing enough for the flight and extra incase of delays.

Other must-packs include: baby snacks/food/formula, favourite toys, spare clothes (for you and baby!), and a changing mat. A light muslin can be useful as a shade or blanket. A travel nursing pillow can also make the flight more comfortable. Don’t forget essential medications.

Think about entertainment as well. We love fidget spinners you can stick to the plane window. Favourite toys and comforters will provide familiarity and make your little one feel more secure. A baby carrier is great for getting through the airport hands-free.

Basically, put anything that you couldn’t survive the holiday without in your hand luggage.

Prepare for take-off and landing

Once you’ve boarded the flight, make yourselves known to the cabin crew. We’ve always found them to be really friendly and helpful, heating up baby formula and showing you where the baby change facilities are.

Babies can feel discomfort during take-off and landing, due to the change in air pressure – which can cause ear pain. Sucking can alleviate this, so try to feed your little one at this time (whether that’s breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a dummy).

Comfort on the flight

Dress your little one in layers that you can add or remove according to the temperature on the flight.

If your little one is too big for a bassinet, check in advance with the airline to see if you can bring a bed-box (or similar) to make the seat more cosy for napping. A lightweight blanket, or travel pillow can also make the journey more comfortable.

Navigating airport security

Allowing extra time to get through airport security will make you feel less stressed. Some airports have separate queues for families, so check that in advance.

You’re allowed to bring baby food, formula, and breast milk in your hand luggage, even in quantities exceeding the usual liquid limits. These items will need to be screened separately, so make sure they are easily accessible.

We like to bring a travel stroller and a baby carrier to make getting through the airport easier. Check if your stroller can go in the overhead compartments on the plane. Even if the crew wants you to check it in, you should be able to keep hold of it until boarding.

Don’t forget your travel documents and passports etc!

Go with the flow

Travelling with a baby can be unpredictable, so try to stay calm and just go with the flow. Allow as much time as you can to avoid unnecessary stress. If your little one has a meltdown on the flight, remember that most passengers will be understanding. At least you’ll be able to laugh about that huge poonami later! Safe travels mama, it does get easier with practice!