Flying with a newborn

This bright smile masks the stress: Please don't let MY baby be the one that screams for the whole flight.

As many of you know, my job before becoming a mommy was as a flight attendant.  So it should come as no surprise that Cillian was up in an airplane when he was only eight weeks old.  One thing that might surprise you, is that Cillian's first flight was with me.  Only me.  I made the insane decision to travel alone, transborder, with an eight week old baby.

I use the term "insane" very loosely, because it actually was insanely smooth.  Cillian was a perfect angel throughout the entire trip, even during the long line at customs.  I'll be honest, I was so stressed the day before the trip that I considered cancelling the
whole thing.  What if he cried? What if he had a blowout on the plane? what if the blowout was on me? Who would hold him if I needed to pee?

Here are my tips for traveling with a newborn baby:

1.  Arrive early to the airport.  I am usually a late to the airport type person.  I hate spending unnecessary extra time playing the waiting game.  This is not true with a newborn because a newborn fills all the time with necessary things like....

2. Feeding your baby! Feed your baby on the ground about an hour before your plane will be taking off.  This was great for two reasons.  The first is Cillian was lulled into a mini nap, which meant he was in great spirits for the plane ride.  It also meant that the food went through his system and I was able to give him a fresh diaper right before the flight.

3. Change your baby on the ground.  This is a big one.  For new parents out there, you have probably never really thought about changing a baby mid flight.  If the airplane has a change table, the airline I work for doesn't, you will be dealing with the possibility of turbulence and also long lines of other passengers at the lavatory.  Chris changed Cillian on our flight to Florida right after the seatbelt signed was turned off.  Once Cillian was on the table in the lav, he realized how much we were still climbing, as Cillian started sliding towards him.  Try to plan it so you don't have to change your baby on the plane.

4. Nurse/bottle feed for takeoff and landing.  I nursed Cillian for almost the entire flight to Boston because I was scared he was going to scream.  This is not entirely necessary, but I would try and be feeding for takeoffs and landings, because of the change in ear pressure.  This also lulled Cillian into sleep to and from Florida, and I was able to pass him off to Chris to snuggle with for over an hour.

5. Have everything you will need handy.  You will have to properly stow away your bags, so think of the things you might need before the seatbelt sign is turned off.  A soother? A cozy blanket for when the baby falls asleep? A bottle?  Have those in approved places before takeoff/

6. Finally, hold on tight to your little one.  You don't have to pay for lap held babies under two, but this privilege comes with responsibilities. I could write a book about things I have seen parents do while working flights.  Once you have preboarded your flight with your little one, please pay attention to the safety briefing you will be given by a friendly flight attendant.  Hold your baby in the burping position for takeoff, landing and anytime the captain feels the seatbelt sign needs to be on for your safety.  Also please use common sense and never put your baby down unattended on a seat.  Turbulence can come out of nowhere, and I have seen things go flying and hit the ceiling and come smashing back down.  Please don't let that be your baby.

Would I do it again? Absolutely! He was such a good little traveler, and I look forward to our next flight together.

Happy Friday!!!