How to Survive a Flight with a Lap Child

Trying to fit in all the air travel you can before your little one turns two?  Here’s some tried and true advice for moms traveling with a lap child this holiday season.

1. Travel with Another Adult

If at all possible, bring your friend, your grandma, your mom, your partner, your friend’s grandma… anyone who you trust to be a second pair of hands so you can do things like go to the bathroom.

2. Bring that Stroller, Mama

Yes, it’s free.  All airlines must allow things like car seats and strollers to fly for free.  Bring one that’s easily collapsible and not too bulky, that way you can take it through security and stroll your little one all the way to the gate.  Ask the gate attendant to gate check it for you and you’ll see it again right when you deplane at your connection or destination.

If you have other little ones in tow, it’s also a good option to wear your baby through the airport. Just a heads up, for whatever reason you’ll have to remove your lap child from the carrier during takeoff and landing.  Weird policy, since they seem pretty safe and cozy in there but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

3. Pack Snacks

You thought I meant for the baby? Hide away some fruit or a granola bar in your diaper bag for yourself.  Especially if you’re nursing you’ll want a way to get some quick calories while on the go.  But yes, if your lap child is eating solids, pack snacks for her too.  In fact, finger foods can be the best distraction for your little one on the plane. Some mamas like to put their lap child’s snack into a pill box container.  It takes a long time to eat puffs when you only access a few at a time!  And time is money, my friend.

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4. Wrap it Up

Don’t worry about buying a bunch of new toys.  Find some at home that you can wrap in paper and your little one will be delighted to find out what’s inside.  Wrap about 5 things and reveal a new surprise every 15 minutes or so for your lap child.

5. Pray for sleep

If you’re lucky, your lap child will magically sleep for the duration or portion of your flight.  If that portion is not the last 3 minutes of the flight after throwing a tantrum, congratulations, you have a miracle baby.  Some think it’s helpful to book flights over regular nap and bedtime hours.  It just depends on the kid.

6. Walk the Aisle

If you’re feeling some mommy shame from your row of passengers, get some space by walking the aisle when the Captain has said it’s safe to move about the cabin.  Your little one will like being able to move their body and look at all the people.

7. Don’t Apologize

Listen, it’s not normal to stick a tiny human on a lap in a small crowded space for three hours.  What I’m saying is, if your lap child throws a fit or wails their body… their behavior is probably the most sane of all the passengers.  Everyone else has just learned to mask their true feelings about sitting in a pressurized tube 30,000 feet above ground. You don’t need to handout bags of candy and ask strangers for forgiveness.  They can put in some ear buds and deal.

Don’t forget to check out another post with more advice that will make you the best air traveler with kids.