First Flight with a Baby: A UK Mum’s Honest Experience & Lessons Learned

Flying with a baby for the first time is something every parent wonders about—what to pack, how to prepare, and most of all, how to manage the experience when you’re in the air. As a first-time mum, I was filled with excitement and anxiety all at once. The idea of taking my little one on a flight felt overwhelming, but after finally doing it, I realised it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought. Here’s my honest experience flying solo with my baby, and the lessons I learned along the way.

Preparing for the Flight: It’s All About the Details

Booking and Airline Policies

The first step to making the journey smoother was picking the right airline. Not all airlines are the same when it comes to their policies for babies. Some are more accommodating than others, so it’s essential to do your research. I opted for an airline that had a great reputation for family-friendly policies, which made all the difference.

What I Learned:

• Always check the airline’s baby policies. Does the airline provide bassinets for long-haul flights? Can you bring your own stroller to the gate? These are essential factors that can help you plan better.
• I booked a bulkhead seat with a bassinet. For long flights, these seats are a game-changer. My baby had space to sleep comfortably, and I had a little extra room to stretch.
• I chose a direct flight. While connecting flights may seem like a good deal, the extra time at airports can be exhausting, especially with a baby. I wanted to minimise the hassle, so a direct flight was the best option.

Packing Essentials: What to Take (And What Not to)

Packing for a baby’s first flight was an art in itself. You want to make sure you have everything, but you don’t want to be bogged down with too many bags. After a lot of trial and error, I found the perfect balance.

My Must-Have Items:

• Nappies, wipes, and extra clothes: Always pack more nappies than you think you’ll need, just in case of delays or messes. I ended up using more than expected!
• Formula and baby snacks: I pre-measured formula into small containers to avoid the hassle at security, and I packed plenty of snacks for the journey.
• A baby carrier: Navigating through airports with a stroller was difficult, so the carrier became my lifesaver. It made boarding easier and allowed me to keep my hands free.
• Toys and distractions: Little toys, especially ones that could keep my baby entertained without making a mess, were essential.

Airport Experience: More Than Just Security

Arriving at the airport was when the reality of flying with a baby hit me. The check-in line, security, and boarding process seemed daunting. I was nervous about how my baby would behave, but what helped most was being prepared.

What I Learned:

• Arrive early: This was a lifesaver. Having extra time allowed me to settle in, change my baby’s nappy, and prepare for the flight without feeling rushed.
• Family security lanes: If you’re flying with a baby, always use the family lanes at security. It’s much quicker, and the staff are usually very understanding and helpful.
• Keep baby food and liquids organised: Airport security is strict, but having all baby food and liquids in a separate, clear bag made the process smoother.

Boarding the Plane: The Calm Before the Storm

Once I boarded the plane, I was both relieved and a little anxious. The reality was that I was now on my own with my baby, and the flight was just beginning. Here’s where having a good seat (and good preparation) made a world of difference.

What I Learned:

• Boarding early: Take advantage of early boarding for families. It gives you time to get settled, unpack your essentials, and ensure your baby is comfortable before takeoff.
• The cabin crew was incredibly helpful. I asked for the bassinet immediately, which they set up quickly, giving me and my baby space to relax during the flight.

In-Flight Challenges: From Takeoff to Touchdown

The Takeoff: Managing Baby’s Discomfort

Takeoff was one of my biggest concerns. I’d heard so many stories about babies crying from ear pressure during ascent and descent. Luckily, I was prepared.

My Survival Tips:

• Breastfeed or bottle-feed during takeoff and landing: This is crucial. The sucking motion helps babies relieve the pressure in their ears, which can prevent discomfort. I breastfed my baby during takeoff, and it worked like a charm.
• Bring a soother: If you’re not breastfeeding, a dummy or pacifier can help, especially during the descent when the pressure changes are most noticeable.

Keeping Baby Occupied: The Long Stretch

The flight itself wasn’t the hardest part—it was keeping my baby entertained during those long stretches of the journey. The cabin crew were kind enough to offer some activity packs, but I had also brought a few of my own toys to help.

What I Learned:

• Toys, toys, and more toys: It’s essential to have a variety of small toys to rotate through. I kept a few in my bag and swapped them out every 20 minutes to keep my baby engaged.
• Walk the cabin: Once the seatbelt sign was off, I took my baby on small walks up and down the aisle. It helped soothe my baby and gave both of us a change of scenery.
• Interacting with other passengers: If your baby is social, don’t be afraid to let them interact with other passengers. Most people love to smile at a baby, and this helped my baby stay distracted.

Baby’s Nap Time: Turning Chaos into Calm

Flying at nap time was a total game-changer. The flight was so much easier when my baby slept through most of it.

What I Learned:

• Timing naps: I tried to schedule the flight during my baby’s usual nap time. It helped that the bassinet was available for my baby to sleep in, giving me a moment to relax.
• Blankets and comfort items: A familiar blanket or stuffed toy made my baby feel secure, and it helped with napping in an unfamiliar environment.

Arriving at Your Destination: New Challenges Ahead

Immigration and Getting Through

When we arrived, it was time to go through immigration. This was one part I hadn’t anticipated—my baby needed a travel consent letter since I was travelling solo. It’s something that caught me off guard, but fortunately, I was prepared.

What I Learned:

• Travel consent letters: Some countries require this document when one parent is flying solo with a baby. Always check the requirements before you leave!
• Prepare your documents: Keep all the travel documents, including the consent letter, baby’s passport, and flight tickets, in an easily accessible place.
• Immigration lines: We were able to use the family lanes, which saved us time and reduced stress.

Settling into a New Place: Baby’s Comfort Comes First

After a long journey, the last thing I wanted was for my baby to feel out of sorts. Adjusting to a new environment can be hard for both babies and parents, but with a little preparation, it was manageable.

What I Learned:

• Stick to routines: I did my best to follow my baby’s usual schedule, including feeding times and naps, which helped them adjust.
• Bring familiar items: Having familiar toys and blankets made a huge difference. It gave my baby something familiar in an unfamiliar place, which eased their transition.
• Be patient: Babies take time to adjust, so give them (and yourself) the space to settle in.

Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?

Flying with a baby was a lot of work, but it was worth it. I learned that with the right preparation, a good attitude, and a bit of flexibility, flying with a baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about managing expectations, staying calm, and making sure you have the right tools in your bag to handle whatever comes your way.

If you’re a UK mum considering your first flight with a baby, don’t let the unknown scare you. With the right planning, you’ll have a memorable experience—one that you’ll be ready to do again!