Surviving Your Little One’s First Flight

Plan ahead

Before heading to the airport, take a week or two to prepare your child for the big trip. Read a story about flying beforehand to explain what you will experience as a family.

When possible, plan your flight at a time that fits into your child’s routine. Scheduling a first flight that will have you waiting in a long line at customs at the same time your child usually takes a nap is a recipe for disaster. When taking a long flight, book one in the afternoon, after a nap. It will give your child enough time to explore and enjoy the process, then have a dinner on the flight and hopefully go to sleep for the rest of it.

No matter how long the flight is, bring a fully loaded diaper bag.

What to carry-on:

• Diapers (1/hr of flight) and diaper cream
• Wipes (a full package – can be used for hands and cleaning ups as well)
• A light blanket
• A change of clothes, including socks
• Pyjamas
• A changing pad blanket (can be used at your seat or in the bathroom)
• Pacifiers (2-3)
• A empty bottle/sippy cup (bring formula on board or ask a flight attendant for milk or water)

Element of surprise

Offering your child some new toys and books when a meltdown is eminent helps a great deal. But don’t forget to pack your child’s comfort toys as well. Also, if your child is old enough to watch a show or film, download a few new and favourite episodes or movies on your portable device (and don’t forget child-safe earphones).

Did you know?

You can take your stroller right to the plane. Ask your attendant about the procedure to do so. It will make your child feel comforted until boarding.

Pressure

To help your child deal with the change in pressure in his or her ears, make sure to have them take a drink or suck on a pacifier before take-off or and landing. It will help a great deal.

Seating logistics

Depending on your child’s age and weight, different choices are offered in regards to seating arrangements. In Canada, children under the age of two do not require their own seat on a plane and are allowed to be securely fastened on the lap of a parent. However, if you will be driving once you reach your destination, you can bring your child’s restraint system for your car onto the plane and use it in your child’s own seat. The safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in a government-approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap.*

Bon voyage!

References *

“Child Safety on Airplanes” http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

“Travelling with an Infant or Child” http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/youngtravellers/infant-child.html