When my son Joel was a mere 10 months old, we took the plunge on a 12-hour flight to the Philippines, followed by a two-hour layover to my hometown. It’s a staggering 16 hours in total, layovers included. But let me tell you, it wasn’t just a trek; it was an odyssey, and now I’m here to spill the beans on what it really takes to hit the road with tiny humans in tow. So, pour yourself a robusta cup of coffee, and let’s dive into some no-nonsense truths that will shatter the myths around traveling with little ones and ignite your spirit for family adventures that are anything but ordinary.

Ask for a basinet from the airline in advance

When booking your flight, there’s one crucial question you need to ask—trust me, the airline agents won’t roll it out for you like a red carpet unless you bring it up yourself. This option is a game changer—it gives you precious leg room and a cozy nook for your little one. Picture it: space to stretch your legs, a decent spot to tackle a meal (because let’s face it, eating in the cramped conditions of an airplane is a culinary nightmare, especially while wrangling an energetic baby), and the bliss of a sleeping child nestled in their own tiny sanctuary during a marathon flight. Of course, if you’re really keen on the quiet life, you could always shell out for that extra seat for your baby at full price.

Exercise is good

On your arrival at your gate, walk around with the baby in a carrier like this infantino carrier. This helps you exercise and get your blood flowing before a long flight. This idea also engages the baby, allowing for bonding and helping them acclimate to the presence of large crowds, loud noises, commotions, and traffic. Additionally, this is a nice trick to encourage them to nap. I know I’ve had the kids fall asleep on me several times while taking a steady stroll up and down from one airport gate to another.

Diaper change before the boarding process

I would advise a diaper change one hour before boarding time. This gives you at least the next hour to sort things out and even have time to read the news. Prepare the milk just when you get to board the plane. I know many airlines give priority to seniors and travelers with children and infants. When you get to your seat on the airplane, prepare the milk and have it handy in advance. For my family, we have always put baby powdered milk (exact ratio to water) in a small container like this and transfer it to a baby bottle that has the exact amount of water. Always bring enough powdered milk. You can always ask for water in-flight. The bottles can also be washed clean when needed.

In flight and take off

Feed the baby just in time for takeoff to help them relax from the loud engine noise and acceleration. This will also relieve ear pressure during sudden altitude changes. My wife and I used to time their feedings so they would finish eating when we reached a certain altitude where we could move around if needed. Most of the time, this would allow them to nap anyway. The key is timing, but fortunately (depending on how you see traveling with kids), it gets easier with every successive flight.

Ready the diaper change while everyone is eating their meals. This prevents you from foot traffic on the plane, a line wait for the bathroom and a dry baby just as everyone in finishing up their meal and getting ready to freshen up. Get ready to feed the baby just before landing and a pacifier in between can help.

Bring out few toys or better yet a drawing tablet to entertain them during the flight. Make sure to save the mobile phone for emergency if ever every other toy fail and they become fuzzy! Especially during landing when you have them strapped on to you and you are secured in your seatbelt.

Connecting flights

Always have plenty of time for your connecting flight. We don’t advice lay overs less than three hours. You need time for TSA, feeding sessions and diaper changes.

Have time for play. Airports have playgrounds. Ask where they are located. Walk with the baby to the play area to get them moving, release energy, hydrate and ready for another diaper change (Yes! Unfortunately). Carry them back just in time for the next flight and nap!

Carry less

I know it’s impossible, but hear me out. Bring fewer carry-ons with you when traveling if possible. I carry a 60L hiking backpack, which you can compartmentalize to your own liking. Have a space for the baby’s diaper, milk, snacks, and medicine in a smaller ‘bag’ to pull out during the flight. Make sure it’s easy to reach overhead and easy to put back in the backpack just in time before landing. The rest of the bag has space for dry clothes (bottom compartment) while in transit, an easy-to-carry camera (middle compartment), and a space for documents.

Essentials

Continue reading on to our essential item page to learn more about gears that we have found helpful in our travel with the children. Here is a look into a 12 hour flight with children.

We will continue to create blog posts like this in the future as we adjust to the kids’ needs. It takes both you and your spouse or partner working together cohesively for a much smoother flight. Have each other take naps as much as you can. Remind each other to hydrate and eat. Simple and important things like these are easy to forget in a fast-paced transition as you travel. Enjoy each other and enjoy the flight!

Thank you for the coffee!