How to fly cross-country with a newborn

By Dr. Marguerite Barnard

So how do I take a flight with my newborn? I sat across the table from my paediatrician, nervous but naturally curious as to how we were going to make this work.

My husband had business out of town and I had the opportunity for much needed extra 'hands on' with my parents who live in the Garden Route. My parents had graciously volunteered to help me out if I could make my way to them from Pretoria.

When I got the go-ahead from the paediatrician to fly with my tiny two-week-old, it was time to start planning the big day. I’d done a lot of research about how to approach the flight, but ultimately nothing quite tops experience.

Here are my suggestions on how to make flying with a newborn as pleasant as possible.

1. Choose a morning flight

Newborns are less fussy in the morning because they are rested, so aim for a 10am flight. It's not peak time so you’ll also end up saving on the ticket cost. Because this flight is less popular you might find yourself with a less crowded plane and perhaps even an empty middle seat.

2. Enquire about your airline’s minimum age rules

Every airline is different and has different rules, including the minimum age of a passenger. For us the minimum age was two weeks – so we just made the cut. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and have a dispute with a flight attendant.

3. Document readiness

You won’t be able to board a plane without a valid and certified birth certificate. Needless to say you should apply for this at your hospital/ local authority in plenty of time as it takes time to finalise. Make at least 10 copies and have them certified to keep on file. Lastly, make sure you always carry one in your diaper bag.

4. Splurge on an airport lounge entry

The calm music and relaxing environment of the premium airport lounges will help you and your newborn relax before you board your flight. Some bankcards offer complimentary entry, so find out if yours does and use it.

The comfy couches are less crowded so you’ll have space to stretch out with your luggage.

Baby changing facilities in the elite restrooms are also more spacious – you won’t struggle for a space to

create a changing station.

It also gives you the opportunity to eat something as you’ll find little time for that during boarding and luggage collection. straighter than yours and will become blocked much easier. I had no problem during the flight as a lt of strategic breastfeeding. I hope you’ll have the same success.

5. Aim for the window seat

The last thing you want is to be disturbed by a fellow traveller with a nervous bladder halfway through the flight. Especially if you just got your baby to settle down. The idea of squeezing from the middle seat with your baby on your lap seems like a nightmare. You’ll also be aiming to breastfeed so the window seat is more private.

6. Breastfeed during lift-off and landing

This is probably the most important take-home message here. Have baby latched as soon as the aircraft starts moving and don’t stop until the seatbelt signs come off. Do the same with landing. Your baby’s Eustachian tube (the innermost part of the ear canal) is a lot smaller and

7. Use your car seat and pram

One of the few perks to flying with a baby is the extra baggage allowance.

Moving around the airport can be a breeze with your baby seat mounted to your pram. However, moving the airport trolley and the pram is a challenge until you’ve checked in your big bags, but airport attendants are more than willing to offer a helping hand if you ask for it. Once your bags are checked in you should be left only with the pram, baby seat and diaper bag. Try to take as little as possible on to the plane with you.

Dr. Marguerite Barnard is a general surgery in training at the University of Pretoria. She is a new mother to a baby girl and enjoys writing and traveling in her free time. She values the lifestyle balance between career and motherhood and is constantly striving to optimize the ease of transition. Follow her on Instagram @surgeon_mommy Use this transport system until you get to the flight doors, then simply fold everything up neatly and carry baby in arms to your seat.

8. Ditch the caffeine

You’re already nervous for the flight, so don’t add to the jitters with extra caffeine on board. Your baby can also sense your discomfort and react.

If you have been prescribed something calming that is safe to use while breastfeeding, you might want to take it the day you fly.

In conclusion, taking a flight with a newborn is difficult but not impossible. These are hardresearched, tried-and-tested tips to make it easier. I’ve taken four flights with our newborn using these strategies and they were all successful. The feeling of relief when you can carry a sleeping baby from the flight door to arrivals makes it all worthwhile. Not to mention the excitement of finally reaching your holiday destination.

* Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I‘m in no way endorsed by any brand. Opinions are not supposed to replace medical advice given.

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