How to Survive a Long Haul Flight Alone with a Baby

It’s hard enough to fly with a baby, let alone do it solo. But sometimes, you have no choice. And don’t worry – with a bit of planning, some knowhow and the right attitude, it is completely doable.

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Flying with an infant can be a daunting experience. But, it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation and mindset, you can make a long haul flight alone with your baby a smooth ride. Before leaving, invest in comfortable baby gear like a car seat, car seat stroller and travel bedding. Packing extra changes of clothes and disposable wipes is also crucial. On the day of the flight, place yourself strategically in the boarding line. If you’re in a pinch due to delayed flights or other issues, aim for seats in the bulkhead for extra legroom for both you and your baby. If possible, try to plan your trip around nap times and bring along supplies like pacifiers and distractions such as tablets or toys to help keep little ones content during the flight. Don’t forget snacks for yourself too! With all these tips in mind, surviving a long haul flight alone with an infant can be easier than it seems – just take it one step at a time!

Here are some tips on how to survive a long haul flight alone with your baby:

1. Bring plenty of distractions. If your baby is old enough to sit up and play, bring along some small toys and books to keep them entertained. If they’re still in the crawling stage, pack a few favorite items from home that will help them feel comfortable and secure. If you don’t expect your baby to sleep on the plane, you could bring a screen with some baby friendly games. Just be aware that it can keep them from falling asleep. And don’t forget to bring snacks! Lots of snacks.
2. Invest in a good travel stroller. A good travel stroller will make life so much easier when you’re trying to navigate an airport with a baby in tow. Look for one that’s lightweight and easy to fold up and down. In addition, we highly recommend bringing a baby carrier for the time on board the plane since you will have to hand in the stroller at the gate. You will often only get it back by the baggage claim area which can be quite far from the arrival gate. Our favorite baby carrier is the Ergobaby carrier which will make sure your baby will keep a healthy hip position.
3. Dress for success (and comfort). You know what they say about flying… dress for comfort. When you’re traveling solo with a baby, comfort is key. Wear sneakers instead of sandals, and choose clothes that won’t wrinkle too badly if you have to sit on them for hours at a time. And don’t forget to pack an extra outfit (or two) for the baby and you in case of accidents.
4. Plan ahead as much as possible. If you can, book a seat near the front of the plane so you can get off quickly when you land. And if you’re breastfeeding, make sure to time your feedings around takeoff and landing so that your baby’s ears don’t hurt from the pressure changes. A bottle of milk or a comforter will do the trick as well.
5. Contact the airline in advance and ask for the possibility of getting a bassinet (on longer flights, they sometimes have designated seats where it is possible to both have extra room and getting a small crib hung on the wall in front of the seat). Even if they decline when you ask in advance, do ask the personnel at check in (or even by the gate) for this possibility. Another option is to bring the genius suitcase Jetkids Bedbox from Stokke which can turn a free flight seat into a kid’s bed. Nothing beats being able to have your hands and lap free while your little one dreams away lying down completely. See our tips for getting your child to sleep on a plane. Time flies on a plane when your baby is sleeping!
6. Pack as light as possible and only have one cabin bag for you AND your baby. Having only one cabin bag for both of you will make it easier for you to navigate through the airport, board the plane and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Additionally, it will also make it easier for you to move around and take care of your baby without having to worry about managing multiple bags.
7. Take advantage of the flight crew’s help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it! The flight attendants are there to help, so if you need someone to hold the baby while you use the restroom or get something out of your bag, just ask. They’re more than happy to help out where they can.
8. Don’t board too early. Babies can become restless and agitated when they have to sit in one place for too long, and boarding early can mean that you and your baby will be sitting on the plane for an extended period of time before takeoff. It is better to wait until the last possible moment before boarding the plane, so that you and your baby can minimize the time you spend sitting in one place and minimize the time you spend on the plane overall.
9. Do some aisle walking. It can help soothe your baby and keep them calm during the flight. Walking up and down the aisle allows you to gently sway and bounce, which can be comforting and help your baby fall asleep. Additionally, aisle walking can help to prevent ear pain and discomfort, as the movement can assist with equalizing the pressure in the ears. It also helps you from feeling cramped or confined in your seat, as you can stretch your legs and move around more freely.

Also, check out our best tips for keeping your kids entertained on a long flight.

Conclusion

Flying solo with a baby is no easy feat, but it can be done! With a little advance planning and preparation, you can make it through even the longest of flights without too much stress or drama.

Remember that being flexible is key to reducing stress and making the flight as comfortable as possible for both you and your baby. It is also important to remember that it is not uncommon for solo parents to fly with babies and many airlines and airport staff are equipped to assist with your needs. With a little bit of preparation and patience, flying as a solo parent with a baby can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one.

Although it can feel rather daunting, you should not let that feeling hold you back from flying alone with your baby and getting to the places you would like to go, whether it’s visiting family and friends or going exploring. You can do it!