Let’s be honest; traveling with a newborn isn’t like traveling with a toddler or a teenager. Just think about the nasty looks of other people when the baby starts crying since no matter how short the trip is, it’s a real struggle. If you are a new parent who is concerned and wants to know can a 2 month old baby travel on a plane, there are a few things you must learn, and I’m going to share them with you; I know, I’ve been there.
As a mom of two daughters, I’ve traveled quite a bit while my husband was working in Australia, so all the tips I’ll be sharing come from a mom who went through quite a bit of a challenge traveling with babies.
Here is what you’ll need to know.
Can a 2 Month Old Baby Travel on a Plane?
To relieve you from that concern – you have nothing to worry about, but I would recommend you talk with your pediatrician first and get their approval. Since the baby’s immune system isn’t fully developed yet, you want to make sure they don’t catch any virus or infection. Also, don’t forget to carry an FAA-approved car seat and pack extra clothes, diapers, milk, a blanket, and some toys.
Flying with a 2 month old without anxiety – What you need to know
Fly if it’s necessary
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend any new parents to fly with an infant as long as it’s not an emergency, so if it’s a leisure trip, I advise you dearly to postpone it. The main reason why I’m telling you this is because the truth is, airplanes are nasty, and there are a lot of bacteria and germs around, and since the baby’s immune system isn’t fully developed, there is a possible risk of catching viruses.
Other than that is, of course, the unpredictable sleeping schedules. Especially if this is your firstborn, you will be stressing too much about anything that might go wrong.
Book an extra seat for your baby
Looks like babies like to sleep anytime except when it’s time to, so to avoid the struggle of making your little one fall asleep when it’s not their usual time, make sure you book the flight that matches their sleeping schedule.
And a very smart piece of advice on my part, book an extra seat so you can let the baby sit comfortably in their car seat. Some airlines even offer discounts for children under 24 months; alternatively, check if the airline offers bassinets; if not, book the aisle seats so that it will be easier for you to move and go to the bathroom to change the baby’s diapers.
If you are flying on a budget, ask if there is an open seat option.
Read more: How to Fly With a Car Seat
Equip yourself with baby essentials
Since every airline has its guidelines, check what you are allowed to bring with you in your carry-on bag. And we all know how delays are a common thing, so in this case, make sure you load on food and drinks.
Here is a list of the baby essentials that you should carry with yourself no matter if it’s a short or long-distance trip:
- Diapers
- Diaper rash cream
- A lot of wet wipes
- Changing pad
- Formula and breast milk
- Breast pump(if needed)
- Blanket
- Extra clothes for the baby and you since you never know when a spit comes
- Extra pacifiers and bibs
- Plastic bags for dirty clothes
- Your baby’s favorite toys
- Sanitizers
- Medications if your pediatrician has prescribed
Get the little one ready before boarding the plane
The old rule of arriving at the airport still applies, especially now when you aren’t traveling alone. This way, you don’t have to stress even more, and you’ll have spare time to hit the restroom last time before you board.
One of the best tips I can give you is to make sure to prepare your little one to be nice and clean, no matter the longevity of the flight. Instead of one, put two diapers and add extra diaper cream to prevent leakage.
Another absolutely useful piece of advice to all new moms is to nurse the baby before the flight, so you don’t have to worry about them being too distracted and unwilling to latch throughout the flight.
Don’t rush to enter first
Even though the general rule suggests that passengers with small children enter first, imagine that you and your baby will be watching for about half an hour or even longer for everyone else to board. That will add to your anxiety, and your baby will become disturbed by all the noise.
Just stay relaxed
Babies are human, the same as everyone else, and whatever they do, it’s a normal human reaction. I understand that feeling stressed is inevitable, especially if this is your first time flying with your infant; still, don’t worry too much about it. If anything goes wrong, the airline crew will be happy to help as they are flying with small children all the time.
Treat the other passengers with earplugs
There is no doubt that the worst part of flying with a little baby is when it starts crying and the fact that you are feeling more uncomfortable than the other passenger. So why not do a good deed and treat them with earplugs when your baby starts crying? I assure you they will appreciate your gesture.
Also read: How to Get Baby to Nap Longer
Possible concerns when flying with a 2-month-old
- Middle ear pressure
Your baby can suffer from ear pressure and discomfort, same as us adults do, so in this case, make sure you give them a pacifier or a bottle and don’t let them fall asleep during the plane descent.
- Breathing problems
It’s not uncommon for infants to suffer from breathing problems during flights since there is less oxygen in the cabins when they are on air. In this case, ensure your baby burps after they’re fed, and always put them on the back while sleeping. No tummy sleeping!
- Dehydration
The low humidity in airplanes can cause dehydration which is why you need to ensure both of you stay hydrated throughout the flight. This is especially important if you are breastfeeding.
Conclusion
If you still wonder can a 2 month old baby travel on a plane, scroll up to read my answer and tips. Although I wouldn’t recommend it, it’s better that you consult with the baby’s pediatrician beforehand. You should consider your baby’s health and safety more than having leisure trips.
