7 Helpful Tips for Flying with Babies

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it's travel season! It's time to pack up your baby and take him or her on their first flight.

Are you ready for this? Fear not! You will make it. Thousands of parents fly each day with their babies and arrive safe, sound and somewhat sane. Don't let an airplane flight put you into holiday overload!

As with all things babies, flying is just another adventure that will include crying, spit-up, poop and who knows what else.

Related: How to Change a Diaper on an Airplane

To help ease the chaos with air travel and babies, check out these 15 helpful tips for flying with babies:

1. Pack Appropriately. Call a hotel to see if their is a crib available. If there is, I recommend bringing your own sheets and wipes to clean it. Are you going to buy diapers or formula while at your destination? If not, make sure to pack enough. Pack your carry on with items for the flight. Bring your babies favorite blanket and toy. Pack a snack. Load up your iPad or phone with your babies favorite movie.

2. Be Early. When traveling with a baby there are sure to be bumps along the way. It's fine, as long as you allow time for it! Leave early.

3. Check In Before You Leave for the Airport. Now a days, you can typically check-in online 24 hours in advance.

4. Know Where You Are Going to Park. This may sound silly, but remember that if you are parking outside of the airport and shuttling with a baby, it isn't quite as easy with the extra luggage and person. If you are using a taxi or car service, remember you will need to bring a car seat. Typically you will need to install the car seat - as it poses a liability to the car company.

Related: The 26 most disturbing kids movies of all time

5. Be Prepared for the Security Check. Don't let the people who are running late and trying to get through the security line stress you out. Your baby's bags and items will need to go through the x-ray machine. This includes toys and blankets. Strollers, car seats and baby slings that fit - will also be required to go through an x-ray inspection. Any child-related equipment that does not fit through the x-ray machine, will be visually and physically inspected. You will be able to carry your baby through the metal detector. If you are wearing a sling, you maybe required to remove him or her.

6. Change Your Baby's Diaper Before Boarding. While nothing can prevent a dirty diaper in flight - at least start the trip off with a dry diaper. Unfortunately, kids and their bowels have their own schedule!

7. Purchase any snacks or drinks before your flight. With limited supplies of bottled water, it's best to bring on board your own.

For 8 more helpful tips for flying with babies, visit Babble

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Baby's First Year | Babble.com
Baby's First Year | Babble.com

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