Like my other post about How to Make Flying with a Toddler Smoother, this article is designed to make that dreaded flight with your little one become much more bearable and even — dare we say it — fun? Ok, maybe not fun. But the flight will hopefully smooth enough that you won’t mind booking another one!

Flying with a baby can be tough, especially if you’ve never done it before. Here are my best tips for flying with a baby who is under 1 year old: 

1. Let them crawl around before.

If your baby is already crawling, let them get that energy out before you board the plane. Airports may not be clean but they can certainly be fun for little ones to explore. Our little ones have loved looking out the gate windows at the planes taxing and the airport employees.

If your little one is crawling on the airport floor, don’t let the germaphobe in you freak out too much. Just use some extra wipes and hand sanitizer to clean them up when it’s time to be done crawling around. I remember at one airport my 14-month old son’s knees got almost black from crawling on the not-so-clean floor. But did I regret letting him crawl around when we were on the plane and he was peacefully tired? Of course not. It was worth every wipe.

2. Have 30-minute shifts (if you’re with a partner).

If I had to boil it down to one big thing, this would be it. Splitting the flight into 30-min shifts for me and my husband was a lifesaver! Not to say you can’t help each other during your “off-time,” but it definitely helpds to have one of you “in charge” at one time. And it is really nice and necessary to get a break. Doing the 30-min shifts made it easier for all of us.

If you aren’t traveling with a partner or grandparent, don’t sweat it. You can still do this!

3. Have food and snacks that take a long time to eat.

If your baby has started solids, you can have some small snacks like Cheerios or Puffs. Feed them to your baby one one at a time for maximum effect and to pass the time. Lots of little snacks like that are easy to prepare beforehand and make the flight so much smoother. 

4. Board the plane as close to last as possible.

Board the plane as close to last as possible. Of course the flight attendants will likely announce, “families with young children please board” in the first group. Just ignore them. The less time you have sitting on the tarmac, the better. You and your little one will appreciate less time sitting on the plane without moving. But also, don’t be *that* parent that delays takeoff because they’re taking forever to get their luggage in the overhead bin and arrange things. Give yourself enough time to get settled, but not so much that you’re sitting there wishing you hadn’t booked the flight. 

5. Try to have naps in the plane, not before.

This can be difficult if your flights are at the wrong times, but having them sleep in the airplane makes things easier for you and them! If you have a really little one, don’t let them get overtired (read: screaming on the plane), it’s just not worth it. If they are between 10-12 months, you might be able to delay your kiddo’s nap by an hour and be much happier on the plane. Ultimately, you know your child best so trust your gut on this one!

I have so many more customizable tips for you in my Traveling with Kids course. Check it out today to see how it can help you on your next family vacation.

6. Have them chew and/or drink during take-off. 

Hopefully your baby’s ears aren’t bothered too much with the take-off and landing. If your little one takes a bottle, have them drink during take-off so it works their jaw and hopefully pops their ears for the altitude adjustment. If your baby is still nursing, you can start that at the same time. You can also do a small snack like Cheerios or Puffs if your baby has started solids. Liquids tend to be a better option though since it works their little jaws a bit more. You can also do some big exaggerated yawns when they’re looking at you to help them do the same.

7. Walk or crawl around during the flight.

I have had some really long flights (12+ hours!) with my babies! When my baby is restless, I take some crawling (or walking) trips down the aisle. You can let our child go in front with you following close behind. I usually do this in the middle of the flight because most people are sleeping or settled in and not walking the aisles as well.

8. Flight attendants are your friend.

Flight attendants can really make the flight such a smoother experience. I’ve had some really helpful ones who made a huge difference. Whenever I fly, I try to be really friendly to the flight attendants as well and they have always been willing to help me out. This doesn’t translate to anything extravagant — I just make eye contact and say thank you and try to be polite. In return, flight attendants have been really willing to help, getting extra water or blankets for my baby. Multiple times, a flight attendant has moved me so that my little one had his own seat since there was an extra seat! Flight attendants can really help out and usually notice before you ask, but don’t hesitate to ask them for help.

For another example, these seat belts are so helpful. I didn’t even know about them but a flight attendant offered me one and it was such a game changer. I would recommend them for babies who can walk/stand. Think of it as an extended seat belt that attaches to yours and can function as a leash. Your little one can have a little more freedom but it still keeps them attached to you. Thank you flight attendant!

Here’s another example about how flight attendants can be angels.  Once I had a very long flight (13 hours!) and I had a little 8 month old baby. We happened to be on the first row of our section and the flight attendant offered us a bassinet that connected in front of us. Then my baby could sleep and it was so so helpful!

9. Have fun! 
When your baby cries, try to soothe them but don’t stress. Sometimes we would worry about bothering other people on the flight but I think most people are more understanding than we think. And if not, who cares? You probably won’t see them again.

10. Wear a carrier (with a seat)
This carrier has been worth its weight in gold for me, especially while flying with young kids. It’s affordable and highly functional. You can wear your baby which leaves you hands-free to hold luggage, get out your ID, etc. Plus even while sitting on the plane, babies love it. They can feel close to you but it will take way less effort on your part. I highly highly recommend taking it on your trip. Plus you can put your diapers and wipes in the storage area below the seat — double win!

11. Pack the right gear. 

Having the right stuff with you will make or break your flight experience with a baby.

That’s why I’ve created the Ultimate Packing List for Every Trip. There’s a whole section for flying (domestic or international) if you have a baby coming with you. Make your own copy and tweak as needed. 

Having the right stuff with you will make or break your flight experience with a baby.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Wishing you the best of luck on your next flight with a baby less than one year old. What do you think will help you most on your next trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.