For babies under 4-5 months, a lap seat is just fine. They’re so little and sleepy they will (fingers crossed) spend most of the flight sleeping on you. But for us at least, once we crossed that 6 month mark (and the flight is more than 2.5 – 3 hours) a separate seat was necessary. It’s a splurge, and not feasible for every flight – but think of it as an investment in your sanity! Even if you end up holding him for 70% of the flight, it’s nice to have the extra under-seat storage, and a place to put him down if he dozes off and your arm needs a break.

If you’re flying with your car seat onboard, you’ll be required to have it in the window seat due to safety regulations. This is ideal if you’re traveling as a group of 3, (i.e. with your partner or caregiver), where you can take up the whole row. If you’re not bringing the car seat, or have the baby as a lap-child, then choose an aisle seat for sure, you’ll want to be in and out!

When flying internationally, try to get the bulkhead seat, most aircrafts will have a bassinet attachment that you can request at booking.

Wear your baby. Our babe unfortunately does not love the carrier as much as some babies do. But if you are traveling alone especially, this is a must to be hands-free.

If you are gate checking your stroller, put it in the bag before going down the jetbridge. You’ll need to be on your hands and knees to zip it up, and it’s much easier to do this (and get help from strangers) in the waiting area than it is at the aircraft with a line of 50 people bristling for you to hurry up. (Note to first-time travelers: you won’t have to fold your stroller to go through security – the TSA agents can bring it around the machine and check it for you. You will simply carry your baby – in your arms, not the carrier – through the metal detector.)

Don’t pack too many toys for the plane. They’ll fall on the ground immediately. We found that plastic cups from the beverage cart are just as entertaining as a real toy. Empty water bottles, and paper bags work just as well.

Wipe down EVERYTHING with disinfecting wipes before you sit down and let your kiddo touch anything. Seatbelts, seat pockets, and headrests a re particularly grimy. And continue to wipe down his hands (with baby wipes) throughout your travel day. I’m not particularly germaphobic personally, but airplanes are gross and your little one doesn’t have the same immune system that you do yet!

Bring extra clothes in your carry-on – not just for baby, but for you too! Blowouts and barf happens, and it doesn’t always stay confined to baby’s own clothing. We also keep multiple empty Ziploc bags in the diaper bag to put said soiled clothes in and keep the mess to itself.

Be sure to dress your baby in comfy clothes that are easy to get on and off. It’s hard enough to fit yourself in an airplane bathroom sometimes, so picture standing up and changing a baby. Now picture dealing with buttons, shoelaces, and things that need to be pulled over the head. Zip-up footie pajamas are the simplest travel outfit. You don’t have to deal with shoes or socks to keep their feet warm, and can change diapers in a second.

Load up your iPad with age-appropriate videos from Netflix or iTunes. Their attention span is short at this age, but even 5 minutes of distraction can help on a long flight. 

Breastfeeding can be a godsend while flying. If you’re bottle-feeding, make sure to pack extra formula for the flight. God forbid you get stuck on the runway or in an airport for 8 hours and run out of food! Shockingly, airport concession stands sell many things, but not baby formula. We fill a Ziploc gallon bag and bring an extra scoop just in case. If flying with breastmilk, do know that they may test it if you’re carrying over 3.5 oz.

Give yourself extra time for security and check-in, especially for your first trip. If flying domestically, bring a photo (on your phone) or a copy of baby’s birth certificate and/or social security card. If flying internationally, baby does need a passport!