TIPS

On the Ground

1. Passenger Brief & Sterile Cockpit. Make sure to give all passengers a briefing appropriate

to the aircraft. An infant may not be able to understand the briefing but the accompanying adult should understand how to assist the infant if needed. A helpful memory aid is SAFETY. To learn more about SAFETY please click on the FAA Safety link.

 

In the Air

1. Make sure your infant has been medically cleared by his or her pediatrician to fly

2. Have an extra adult available to help address the infant's needs during the flight if you are

the pilot for the trip

3. Have a bottle(s) with breast milk or formula readily available

4. Bottles and pacifiers can help with equalizing ear pressure during descents

5. Be prepared for blowouts (bring spare clothing, diapers, and consider using a car seat

cover)

6. Infant carriers approved for air travel do not need the base for installation in the airplane.

Be sure to reference the car seat manufacturer's manual for installation guidelines.

7. HEARING PROTECTION. Try a dual layer of ear protection. Use silicon ear plugs first to cover

ear opening. Then place hearing protection over the ear plugs. This will help if the headset shifts during the flight.

8. Sunshades. If possible, place child on side of aircraft that will not be in direct sun. Also,

consider buying reusable vehicle sunshades to place on passenger windows. As altitude increases so does the intensity of UVA and UVB rays. 

9. Travel early morning, late evening, or night to avoid the heat during summer months in

aircraft without air conditioning.

10. Beat the heat with an ice cube placed in a mesh fresh food feeder. Use an insulated travel

mug to carry ice cubes. (Ice cubes are great treats for family pets too!)

11. Travel during nap time or normal sleeping hours for older infants.

12. For babies on solid foods, pack some puffs or other age appropriate food in a snack cup

for in-flight entertainment.

 

Saving Weight and Space 

1. No crib or playpen at your destination? Consider a travel light crib or bassinet

2. In lieu of a stroller, opt for a baby carrier like a Baby Bjorn, a baby wrap, Ergo carrier, etc.

3. Need a high chair? Try a wriggle wrap or hook on travel high chair and a placemat

4. If traveling to civilization, pack only the food and diapers you need for travel and a few spares. Plan to purchase the rest once you reach your destination.