Tips and Tricks on Flying with an Infant

Celine ready for her first flight!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. 

Celine ready for her first flight!
Celine ready for her first flight!

Our recent trip to India was one of many firsts for our then 10-month-old daughter, Celine. Not only was it her first flight, but it was also a 16-hour overseas flight! Join us as we share our tips and tricks on flying with an infant.

Tip: Do your research

Not sure what to expect, we set forth doing research on travelling with an infant. We looked into general travel tips and what to expect in each of the cities we were going to visit.

The Yaps share their Tips and tricks on flying with an infant
The Yap boarding on Celine’s first flight

Tip: If front seats are already booked. Seats near the back of the plane are a great option too.

Many travel blogs and channels recommend checking in early and trying to book the seats at the front. You get more legroom and a bassinette for your child to sleep. Unfortunately for us, there were 21 children on the flight and someone already beat us to the punch. Instead, we opted for 2 aisle seats in the back of the plane in the middle section of seats.

Yaps aboard Air Canada Toronto to Delhi India Our seats  in the back of the plane on our flight to Delhi
Our seats in the back of the plane on our flight to Delhi

This worked out quite well for us, as there 2 lavatories close by and the main galley. Also, there was always something going on to keep Celine entertained.

Always something to keep Celine occupied in the galley
Always something to keep Celine occupied in the galley

Additionally, as with on our flight back. On flights that are not fully booked, back seats tend to be emptier. Possibly allowing for a whole row of seats for you and your baby, maybe with some shuffling.

Perks of seats in the back of the plane
Perks of seats in the back of the plane

Tip: Book night owl flights to coincide with your child’s bedtime.

When booking our tickets we purposely booked for tickets later in the day, closer to Celine’s bedtime.

Celine fast asleep on her Stitch Pillow during our flight to Udaipur
Celine fast asleep on her Stitch Pillow during our flight to Udaipur

This worked out perfectly, as she had barely slept all day because she was so excited about our trip. She passed out right before the plane took off, then slept for a solid 7 hours.

Yaps aboard Air Canada Toronto to Delhi India
Yaps aboard Air Canada Toronto to Delhi India

Combined with her other naps, Celine probably slept 9 of the 14-hour flight. Which still left 5 hours of time to keep Celine occupied.

Tip: Bring a few of your child’s favourite toys from home.

To keep Celine occupied for the remaining time, we brought a few of Celine’s favourite toys from home.

Yaps aboard Air Canada Toronto to Delhi India Familiar toys help bring a smile to your baby's face
Familiar toys help bring a smile to your baby’s face

We found having a few toys she was very fond of, helped a lot in all of the unfamiliar surroundings.

Tip: Feed your baby during take-offs and landings to prevent ear discomfort due to changing pressure.

Along with some of her favourite toys, we also brought a few of Celine’s favourite snacks. ( Baby Snacks / Baby Snacks – Gourmet ). That way she’d have something to eat during take-offs and landings.

Celine enjoying her  Baby Gourmet Roasted Squash Fruit Medley
Celine enjoying her Baby Gourmet Roasted Squash Fruit Medley

Overall our flights went extremely well. Between her naps, toys and snacks, Celine had plenty to keep her busy during the flights. She did get a little bored during the longer flights, but we were able to walk her up and down the aisle, where there were plenty of flight attendants and other passengers who were more than happy to play with her. We even had other passengers come and ask us what our trick was, as she was so quiet during the flight.

One Reply to “Tips and Tricks on Flying with an Infant”

  1. PHUONG LUU says:

    Great article! Keep sharing (~.~)

Comments are closed.