When travelling overseas, what is the best way to keep baby calm on the plane?

Question

When travelling overseas, what is the best way to keep baby calm on the plane?

Answer 1

If it's a night time flight, take their pyjamas and change the baby into them at as near normal a time as possible, even at a young age it seems to help them settle.

Try to get baby to feed on take off and landing, it relieves pressure in the ears.

Answer 2

Number one thing to keep baby calm: Keep self calm.

Familiar objects, songs (even smells) are comforting and calming. Novelty tends to excite. Be sure to have plenty of both at hand for use as needed.

Be sure to have in your possession (not packed and stowed somewhere  in the belly of the plane!)  not only plenty of diapers, wipes and burpcloths, but at least one complete change of clothes for both of you. Spitup happens, and so do poopsplosions, usually at the most inopportune time.

Answer 3

The location of many bassinet seats immediately in front of the screen is unsettling for some babies, and can be irritating to parents trying to coax toddlers to sleep.



Take cotton sheets to wrap baby or a toddler and to erect as a light shield over a bassinet. (I'm using Bubba Blue wraps just now, but any bassinette sheets will do - Ed)



A baby sleeping bag is great if you have one. This way you don't have to put baby next to those horrid, scratchy airline blankets, and you can pick her up to leave the plane without waking her is you're lucky!



It's a myth that babies are lulled to sleep by the plane's engine noise. Try to stick as much as possible to your baby's 'go to sleep' routine.



Talk to your doctor before you fly about whether using sedatives is right for your baby or child. Some children travel well with sedatives, others become even more hyperactive than usual.



Staying sane  

Take lipstick and a small mirror in your hand luggage - if you're having a bad time, take two minutes to put on some lipstick and give yourself a pep talk in the mirror.



Look out for fast track customs and immigration check points for those travelling with infants.



Be prepared to lose stuff (and don't get fussed when you do).



Treat any time to relax as a bonus.



Keep smiling at the baby.



Ignore rude people, especially those whose job it is to help. Only you can know the right way to handle your child.