How to Survive a Solo International Flight With a Baby

My daughter was 6 months old the first time she was on a plane. We flew from Madrid to New York (about an 8-hour flight) at a time of year when my husband couldn’t make the trip with us and I had to learn real quick how to survive a solo international flight with a baby.

At first, I was terrified. I couldn’t wrap my head around all the plates I’d have to juggle without him. Breastfeeding, diaper changes, carrying luggage through the airport, getting through airport security -let alone being able to sleep and eat myself.

I scoured the internet for other mom’s (and dad’s) who had also survived a solo international flight with a baby. At the time, it seemed impossible. But thankfully, I was able to come up with a game plan that made the trip a bit easier.

How?

Planning ahead. Thinking about each leg of my journey. And simplifying.

Tip #1: Decide what your nonnegotiables are when booking a ticket.

Some people suggest booking flights that coincide with baby’s nap schedule, choosing a seat (window or aisle) that either makes breastfeeding more discreet or walking up and down the aisles more practical, etc.

I could go on, but we don’t all have the money for that. In our house, the cheapest ticket wins. And cheap tickets, more often than not, don’t allow you to choose very much.

That being said, my absolute non-negotiable was a checked bag. Because while I can travel around the world with a backpack, my baby cannot. (Which the minimalist in me is slightly saddened by.)

I also try to book direct flights. They are a godsend. Less time traveling by myself with baby makes for a happier mom.

Think about what will make you less stressed and try to book a ticket that suits your needs and your wallet.

Tip #2: Pack smarter (and don’t over pack).

I packed as much as I could in our checked bag -even going so far as to put our winter coats in there. The more that’s in your suitcase, means you have less to carry through the airport.

While the airlines I’ve flown with (American, Iberia, and Southwest) allow passengers with babies to bring a stroller, diaper bag, carry-on, and a personal item to the gate. I elected to only bring my daughter’s stroller (which was checked at the gate) and a diaper bag. That’s it.

I didn’t want to juggle multiple bags, so I packed the bare essentials.

Diapers, burp clothes, wipes, changing mat, an extra outfit for baby, an extra shirt for me, and my irreplaceable items (like my glasses and iPad).

I also packed so what I needed immediately would be at the top of the bag. I never wanted to be in a position of hurriedly rooting through and pulling things out. Everything had an assigned place and stayed in that place the entire trip.

Tip #3: Plan ahead for diaper changes.

Changing a diaper on a plane should be an Olympic sport.

Airplane bathrooms are tiny. The changing tables I’ve used are flat and don’t have a strap to secure baby. And, you know, you’re on a moving object that’s subject to turbulence.

Ask flight attendants which bathrooms have changing tables and if one of them happens to be larger than the others.

You’ll find a hook on the door. Use that to hang your diaper bag, and get your diaper and wipe ready before you get started. Stuff them into your shirt or pockets. The changing tables are tiny enough that you won’t have space for baby and baby’s things.

Lastly, think about what baby is wearing. I dressed my daughter in footie pajamas, even though we were flying in the middle of the day, because they were the easiest to take on and off for diaper changes. This isn’t the time to dress baby in a cute outfit.

Tip #4: Even if you bring a stroller, bring a wrap (or carrier) too.

It’s a life saver!

You’ll use it when you have to break down your stroller while going through security and while checking your stroller at the gate. It’s easier to do this if your baby is strapped to you. However, if your wrap has metal rings like mine, you won’t be able to wear it through the metal detector or scanner.

On the plane, it’s easier to soothe a fussy baby while walking up the aisles in a wrap. I loved being able to put my daughter in and walk around once the fasten seat belt sign was turned off.

There’s also going to be a point where you need to use the restroom. Your choices are: hand your baby to a flight attendant or willing passenger OR put them in a wrap and bring them into the bathroom with you. Pro tip: Tuck their arms inside the wrap. Otherwise, little baby fingers will want to touch everything.

Finally, once we landed, I put my daughter in the wrap to get our belongings off the plane and set up her stroller at the gate. If you have additional bags you can always use the stroller for heavy items and wear your baby out of the airport.

Tip #5: Don’t forget to eat!

Look, if baby is new to eating don’t worry about bringing them food on the plane. They can wait (as long as you’re breastfeeding or giving them a bottle as usual).

My daughter started solid foods the day she turned six months, which was a few days before we flew. I wasn’t about to deal with the mess and the cleanup of her eating on a plane. She survived just fine.

You, on the other hand, will need to eat. If you have a bassinet on the plane, that’s a perfect time to see if baby wants to lay down for a few minutes so you can eat. Another option, put him or her in your baby carrier or wrap (tucking their arms in). Lastly, if a passenger offers to hold baby so you can eat, take them up on the offer.

Battling your baby for food on the tiny tray in front of you is not fun.

Tip #6: Breastfeed (or give your baby formula or a pacifier) frequently.

I breastfed my baby the second she got fussy on the plane. It helped her stay calm and deal with the change in air pressure. If you don’t breastfeed, a pacifier or a bottle will do the trick.

I did worry that someone would complain about me breastfeeding because you read such horrible stories on the news. But no one said a thing. And if they did, I think we’d all be happier with a calm, fed baby then a screaming one.

Tip #7: Ask for help if you need it.

I was so overwhelmed and worried about my daughter that I forgot how genuinely kind people can be. Other passengers offered to help us multiple times. And if they didn’t, a quick request for help had people eagerly lending a hand.

I was incredibly grateful to another mom that held my daughter while I folded up her stroller going through airport security. And a flight attendant who saw me going to the bathroom and offered to hold my daughter so I could have a few (much-needed) moments to myself.

The kindness of people is genuine and astounding. They know traveling alone with a baby is a major feat, and they are happy to help.

Tip #8: Get a bassinet if you can.

This ones tricky because it’s based on the weight of your baby, availability, and how *let’s say…respectful* airlines are.

The airlines I flew with did not allow me to reserve a bassinet until I was at the check-in desk (Iberia) or at the gate (American). When I called several times in the weeks and months prior to my flight I was told to get to the airport early, and they would see what they could do.

I would have preferred knowing I was going to get a bassinet ahead of time instead of worrying about what I would do on an 8-hour flight without one.

So while I suggest you try your best to request a bassinet, consider it a stroke of luck instead of a given.

Tip #9: Break all your rules.

If you have a strict schedule about wake times, nap times, screen time and feedings, I suggest you loosen that schedule up for the flight.

Before flying, I had been used to feeding my daughter every x amount of hours. On the plane, I fed frequently. To be honest, I probably fed her the moment she got fussy.

Want to feed every 20 minutes? Go crazy. Have your little one watch an episode of Peppa Pig? Be my guest.

An international flight means you are in survival mode, so do what you have to do.

Remember:

A solo international flight with a baby is doable. I promise. Yes, you are alone with your little one, but you certainly aren’t without help from those around you. Plenty of other passengers are parents too. They know what you’re going through and are happy to lend a helping hand.

For more on traveling internationally check out The Beginner’s Guide to Flying Internationally with a Baby and 5 Tips for Surviving Jet Lag with A Baby.