1 . Choose the right flight .
The best way to fly with a baby is when they ’ re sleeping . Try to schedule a flight that leaves an hour before nap-time or consider a red-eye for longer flights . You ’ ll , of course , avoid a layover if possible , but that ’ s not always the case . If you have the option between a 30-minute layover and a 90-minute layover , choose the latter . Scrambling to get on another flight with a baby in tow is stressful . And even a baby can benefit from a seventh-inning stretch between long flights .
2 . Choose seats wisely .
Purchasing a seat for your baby means more safety and room . ( If you ’ re bringing a car seat , make sure you ’ ve figured out how to transport it . And check to see that your car seat is FAA-approved ). If you opt to lap-sit , however , choose the window seat for privacy ( a good option for nursing mothers ), or the aisle seat for easy access to the bathroom .
3 . Register lap-children . Your infant may need his own boarding pass before you go through security .
4 . Request the bulkhead .
Sitting in the front row provides more room to change diapers . It also means you won ’ t have to worry about your baby pulling off someone ’ s headphones or kicking the seat in front of them .
5 . Wear your baby . You ’ ll have access to two hands this way .
6 . Be early .
You want to leave room to deal a missing shoe that ’ s slipped off or an explosive diaper . Check your flight status before you leave .
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