Have you ever been on a flight, watched a baby wail, and thought, "That will never be me"? And now you are a mother, so it's time to think about how to be smart when you travel with a baby. 

A little bit of planning will help prepare you for various situations that may come up.

This article provides 6 simple tips to travel with a baby in flight. Read on to learn about the precautions and care to be taken to make your flight easier and happier.

Tips to Travel with a Baby in Flight

1. Getting the right place

This is step one of a happy journey. Choose seats that afford you privacy for feeding and offer space to keep all your baby gear.

Inform your airline in advance that you are traveling with an infant for special accommodations such as bulkhead seat assignments, onboard baby bassinets, and infant lap belts.

2. Organizing things together

Organize all your baby items separately in sealed pouches or bags such as clothes and accessories, diapers, wipes, baby powder, emergency medical kit, comfort toys, and snacks to ensure easy, quick access.

Keep all these sealed packets in one large backpack. This way, your hands are free to hold your baby, and you can locate your things quickly.

Keeping all your travel-related documents together and handy is beneficial to ensure quick access.

3. Packing it all up

Of course, you know the lighter the better! "How light?" you ask. A stroller, a large backpack, and a small shoulder bag should accommodate your and the baby's belongings for the flight.

Ensure that all your bags and boxes close completely to prevent any accidental and embarrassing spills and leaks.

4. Wearing a baby carrier

It is wise to wear your baby in a carrier or a harness while traveling. This not only reduces the chances of disturbing the baby if he/she is sleeping but also keeps your hands free.

Nothing is more frustrating than having to wake your sleeping baby for a security inspection.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows mothers who wear their babies in carriers to go through airport security without removing the baby from the harness.

5. Letting your baby relax

Mix up the new and the old. Carry the chewed-up soft toy and a new book. Sensory overload can result in the baby having mood swings during travel.

All the stimulation experienced during travel can take a toll on the emotional health of a baby. Keep baby relaxed with his/her favorite blanket, book, or toy.

Walk around the aisle onboard so that baby is not bored sitting in one place for too long.

Anything new will keep the baby distracted, and familiar objects will keep him/her relaxed.

6. Comforting your baby in every way

A baby knows only one way to voice an opinion – by crying out loud.

Be sympathetic that the baby is going to feel some discomfort while traveling. Try your best to comfort the baby.

When someone offers help or suggestions, use your judgment when deciding to accept it or not.

In the end, be prepared, but also be flexible. Don’t get hassled about things not going as planned. Expect the unexpected and stay calm.

Keep smiling and travel safely with your baby!

Check out the Baby Care section for more blog posts on baby's health, diet, and so on.

Explore the Himalaya Wellness blog for more useful articles.