Stress- Free Flying with Infants
I have been asked several times over the years how I managed to cope while traveling internationally with three children. I am compiling this blog to share many of my tips and tricks. Flying can be one of life’s most challenging experiences with infants. For the parent who is struggling with screaming infants, it can be one of life’s worst days!! Many travelers are not at all compassionate. You may feel very scared and alone. If you are a parent who has experienced an inconsolable child, you survived! But you are searching for a way to cope better next time. If you are reading this in preparation of your first flight, then know it may happen to you too. Your precious, most perfect gift is capable of creating a traumatic journey.
For me, there was one such situation with an 18 month-old toddler who had an undiagnosed ear infection. At that time I was using Tylenol for soothing measures with my children. I left the medication in the check in luggage. I’m not sure I have even now recovered. After reading this, you will have many suggestions in your toolkit for no stress flying with infants and toddlers. However, even with all of these tricks up your sleeve, you may find yourself walking the isles and counting the minutes until the plane lands.
An essential component is to have a small shoulder bag or fanny pack close to your body allowing you to have many necessities easily attainable while hands free.In it will be the following:
Essential oil bottles of lavender, lemon and Palo Santo
(Lavender aids in stressful situations and calms both mother and child. This oil can be applied directly to the skin. Lemon will help especially if it is an overnight flight and you need a little pick me up upon arrival. Palo Santo will add a blanket of spiritual and emotional protection around your seat. Put a few drops onto the floor around you.)
Rescue remedy for stress relief
(Homeopathic pellets that can be bought at your local health food store which can assist your immune system under a stressful situation- if you are concerned, speak with your doctor before taking)
High protein snacks for you
(pack goat cheese (easier for the digestion **more on this later) cubes, shelled nuts, seeds, dried salmon, turkey or whitefish, dried (crunchy) chickpeas)
Moisturizer
(airplanes can be so drying for the orifices so I like to pack a small bottle of oil to line the nose. Coconut is my favorite and it is safe for infants as well. It can be used to sooth a sore bottom. Just be sure to not double dip into the bottle after applying to the anal area.)
Water bottle
(I like to bring a large empty bottle (even now) and have the staff fill it up for the duration of the flight. This way, I know I am staying hydrated throughout and I don’t have to ask repeatedly to the attendants for more water. I like to drink sparkling water too, so I will get a can of bubbly and then have them fill me up with still water. This also avoids using plastic cups)
Face spritzer
(After a long and dry flight you may want to splash your face with water, but who can go to the bathroom with an infant in arms? So, bringing a small spritzer of water and a few drops of lemon essential oil can be a nice pick-me-up.)
Small brush
(this may seem indulgent to many parents, but remember that you have your dignity too and having a brushed hair style may help you feel so much better. Your choice)
Small container of powder
(let’s admit, there are those days where our deodorant just does not work well and having powder to apply may make all the difference in feeling like you need a shower immediately to feeling refreshed is a nice perk about this tool set.)
Earbuds
(Some planes do not equip you with ear buds. You will want to have a pair for that short moment where your baby is asleep and you are able to watch something or listen to music.)
A chamomile tea bag
(Ask for a hot cup of water and sip chamomile to aid in sleep. If you are breastfeeding, the benefits will also be helpful for baby.)
Sugarless gum
(Infants do much better breastfeeding during take-off and landing to relieve pressure in the ear canal. In the same vein we may also benefit from some pressure on our jaws and gum chewing can help.)
A small face cloth
(You can ask for another hot cup of water and dip a face cloth in it to relax you and/or baby to rest well.)
Foods to avoid
Anything that will help with easy digestion is probably to right way to go. Flying can take a toll on digestion causing constipation for days. Therefore, eating foods like fresh and dried fruits, light proteins, vegetables, goat cheeses, beans or rice crackers is best for you (and essentially baby). Drinking plenty of water will ease jet lag. It is best to avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugars(especially fruit juices), inflammatory foods like pastas and breads and red meats. Unfortunately, airlines do not do well in supporting this system so you may be best off to bring foods with you. It will not always be the case, but is important during this vulnerable period of parenthood.
Larger bag stored under the seat
In order to get really comfy and fall asleep on a plane, I like to have a cozy pair of socks with me. I may take an old pair and throw them away after the flight. In the middle of the night I do not want to scrounge around for my shoes to go to the bathroom. Again, some planes will provide you with socks but not always. A neck pillow is another necessity because you will most likely sleep sitting upright. I do not suggest the inflatable ones because they deflate after some time. Make sure to buy it with a snap so it can be hung around your bag. Keep a phone charger in your bag so in case you lose charge, you can recharge when you arrive, or during flight for those planes that are equipped. In this bag will of course be diapers, wipes, a change of clothing for baby and a favorite blanket. You can use the plastic bag in which the blanket was wrapped for diaper disposal. Include a change of tops for you in case of spills, leaking breast milk or odor. In the event of a need for pain relief, you can include a bottle of Tylenol, but be wary of the effects of this drug on the child’s immune system. Many alternatives to this are less harmful and just as effective including, for earaches a clove of garlic placed in the ear. Yes, you can have garlic on flights- who will ever find that in your bag? For fevers, let them run the course or find an appropriate homeopathic approach including belladonna, aconite, chamomile or pulsatilla. If you use pacifiers, be sure to have several in both bags. In this bag you can store the favorite front carrier. For very young babies it is important to consider using a reclined type of carrier such that babies may sleep more horizontal than vertical.
Stroller
A stroller with one handed folding mechanism is the most ideal type of stroller for those times where opening and closing in a quick manner is critical. An important factor in purchasing a stroller for travel is the size of the wheels. In many European countries, such as Italy where I have spent many years, the asphalt is full of holes or the sidewalks are lined with trees where the roots are fully exposed and create little hills, or the streets are cobbled and are just the right size to catch tires and a large tire stroller is a smoother ride.
You will no doubt be very tired, but incorporating these measures into your trip may be just the thing needed to get you to the final destination without losing your mind completely. Finally, while you have prepared yourself for a stress-free, relaxed and calm flight you can rely on breastfeeding to meet your babies needs for hunger, warmth, altitude change sensitivities, comfort and a reassuring place to feel at home while traveling. Traveling with infants although seemingly daunting may actually be much easier now while they are easily portable, being non-verbal and drinking directly from you. Many of these tips will also be helpful to the families who supplement. Hope you all have safe and stress-free adventures!