How to Keep Your Baby From Crying on the Plane

Want to avoid your baby crying and disrupting other passengers? Read this to find out how to prepare for your flight.

Kymani packing for his first international trip!

First of all, I'd like to clarify that it is perfectly normal for babies to cry, especially on an airplane. You are not responsible for the happiness and comfort of the passengers around you. They bought the ticket knowing it was for public transportation and companions will vary. I do not believe you have to buy gifts or ear plugs for those around. Being a parent has enough expectations from society that we do not need to add to it.

If your baby is crying on the airplane, pay no mind to those around you and focus on your baby. Traveling with a baby on a plane can be challenging, as babies cry for various reasons. Feeling prepared will help you to stay calm and address your baby without additional stress. To prepare for such a situation, I find it helpful to have a plan in place. Here are some of the reasons your baby may cry, and how to address it.

Need to Feed:

I put this one first as to me it is the number one reason your baby will cry on the plane, and most likely your first assumption for why they're crying. How you address it will vary, from breastfeeding to formula to food. If you are breastfeeding, please do not feed in the bathroom. You can feed at your seat or ask the flight attendant if there is an empty row with more privacy. Personally, I wear my Lillebaby Airflow on the plane (when allowed) so I can nurse comfortably in it.

I have heard that on long-haul flights, airlines often have baby food available, but I have never asked or been offered any. I would recommend if your baby needs formula or pouches that you bring your own. The normal liquid limits do not apply when you are travelling with a baby 2-yeras old and under - pack water, milk, and snacks to ensure your baby's needs are met.

Boredom:

Being confined to a small space for an extended period of time can be monotonous for a baby, which should be no surprise since we also find it boring. To keep your baby entertained, pack a few toys, books, or games that they enjoy. I really liked taking walks up and down the aisle, which can provide a change of scenery and help prevent them from feeling trapped. Kymani loves being on the go and exploring new places. He especially enjoyed making friends on the airplane, he would play peek a boo with the people behind us and smile at the flight attendants.

Overstimulated:

On the opposite side of things, it's important to recognize that babies can become overstimulated during air travel, leading to fussiness or crying. It is a new environment, noise, and unfamiliar faces which can be overwhelming for them. To prevent overstimulation, try to create a calm and soothing environment for your baby. You can dim the lights around their seating area, use a lightweight blanket or nursing cover to create a sense of coziness, and limit excessive stimulation from electronic devices or bright screens. You can also provide comfort items to help them feel safe, pacifiers, blankets or stuffies are great for calming a baby. We also travelled with noise cancelling head phones, we used them most for loud places - like the streets of Hanoi. We also found them handy for airplanes at nap or bed time, it allowed us to reduce stimulation so he could wind down.

Requesting a bassinet is a great way to get some rest.

Need a Nap/Rest:

Traveling can be tiring for both adults and babies. If a baby is overstimulated or in need of a nap, they may cry. Try to maintain your baby's sleep schedule as closely as possible during the flight. Bring along a familiar blanket or what they sleep with at home so they feel comforted and can settle easier. On long-haul flights, consider requesting a bassinet to allow everyone some rest.

Pressure Changes:

Changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause discomfort and pain in a baby's ears, leading to crying. To alleviate this, encourage swallowing by offering the baby something to drink or eat if they are fussing at these times. Breastfeeding, providing a milk or water, or offering a snack can help relieve ear pressure.

Temperature:

Planes can vary in temperature, so it's wise to pack outfits suitable for both warm and cold conditions. Sometimes, the air conditioning may make the cabin feel chilly, in which case you can add an extra layer of clothing to keep your baby warm. Other times, the cabin might feel stuffy, so having a t-shirt or romper on hand can provide relief. We like to dress Kymani in his pajamas so he feels comfortable and then keep a sweater or blanket on hand.

On his first international flight!

Mimicking You:

Our babies are very in tune to us even from a young age and it's important to recognize they can pick up on their parents' stress and emotions, even during air travel. If you, as a parent, are feeling anxious or stressed, your baby may sense that and mirror those emotions. To help create a calm atmosphere for your baby, it's crucial to manage your own stress levels. Take deep breaths, practice relaxation techniques, or engage in activities that help you stay composed. Maintaining a positive and relaxed demeanor can have a soothing effect on your baby and help them feel more at ease. Be clear with your partner if you need a break to calm yourself down.

If your baby does start crying during the flight, try to remain calm and focus on comforting them. Remember that it's normal for babies to cry, and most passengers understand this. If necessary, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from a flight attendant or seek support from fellow passengers. The most important thing is to prioritize your baby's needs and not worry too much about the opinions of others.