Our Baby’s First Plane Journey at 3 Months Old

“What if her little ears hurt?” That was the immediate concern when I announced my plan to fly from Kolkata to Mumbai with my 3-month-old daughter, Aryana. It was a valid worry—ensuring her comfort on her very first flight was crucial. While I knew there was a chance of in-flight tears, I remained determined to go through with the trip, armed with research and a bit of resolve.

Traveling with a baby doesn’t come with a perfect plan. What you can do is be ready for unexpected tantrums and not stress about what other passengers might think. They’ll likely understand if things don’t go as planned. Even though I tried to stay confident, I was still nervous.

At the airport, a security guard even asked me if babies as young as Aryana were allowed to fly, which made me second-guess myself. But staying calm and prepared really helped.

Here are some key strategies I learned from flying with Aryana:

• Choose Shorter Flights – Aryana’s first flight was a short 3-hour trip from Kolkata to Mumbai. It’s important to gradually introduce your baby to air travel, and shorter flights are a great way to help both babies and parents acclimatize.
• Time Your Flight Wisely – Try to schedule flights that align with your baby’s nap or sleep time for a smoother journey. For Aryana, an afternoon flight worked well since she usually napped around that time.
• Choose seats in advance: Book seats near the front of the plane. If your baby gets fussy, it’s easier to ask the flight crew for help or walk around to calm them. On our flight, the crew let us walk in the front cabin area to soothe Aryana, which helped a lot.
• Feed During Takeoff and Landing – Airlines typically provide specific safety instructions for passengers traveling with infants. One key recommendation is to feed your baby during takeoff and landing. Feeding helped Aryana to adjust to the changes in air pressure.
• Pack a Well-Stocked Diaper Bag – Ensure your diaper bag is packed with all the essentials: plenty of diapers, wipes, and changing pads for the flight and any potential delays. Bring an extra set of clothes for both the baby and yourself in case of spills or accidents. If your baby is eating solids, pack some easy-to-carry snacks. For breastfeeding moms, don’t forget to include a nursing cover or shawl for added privacy while feeding during the flight.
• Check airline policies – Before your trip, check the airline’s rules on strollers, car seats, and extra bags. Our airline allowed us to take the stroller all the way to the boarding gate and pick it up there upon landing, which was very helpful.

Traveling with an infant may feel intimidating, but with some planning, it can be a great experience. Aryana’s first flight had its challenges, but these simple tips helped us feel more at ease and confident.