Tips For Flying With an Infant (So You're Not Pulling Your Hair Out)

You may already be frantic because you're seeing globs of your hair going down the drain now that you're postpartum (and if this hasn't happened to you, you're a lucky woman. Work it. And screw you). For the unlucky ones, there's no reason to make your balding any worse with a wailing infant on your lap 35,000 feet in the air.

Here are my top tips to keep your hair intact and minimize the rows of people judging you for your reckless decision to bring your baby on a plane. Did I say reckless? I meant badass. 

Have your baby suck on something during take-off and landing. 
Newsflash. Did you know babies' ears are more susceptible to pressure changes than adult ears? It's because their ear canals are smaller. This can explain why a lot of babies cry during take-off and landing.

So go ahead and give over your girlies if you're still breastfeeding, prepare a bottle, or have your little one suck on a pacifier. The act of sucking will help relieve your baby's ear pressure, and hopefully save their tears for a time when it's really appropriate: when they look at you and realize you're now bald.

Book those bulkhead seats and try to reserve a bassinet in advance. 
If you're not able to reserve a bassinet in advance, airlines usually offer them on a first-come, first-serve basis. So you'll want to make sure you get to your gate early and try to snag the bassinet there.

That said, there will certainly be a time when all of the seats are booked, an airline doesn't have a bassinet, or your child is too big for the airline bassinet. I ran into this issue on a 13-hour plane ride from Istanbul to California. In this case, I was incredibly thankful I had purchased a 3-in-1 diaper bag, bassinet, and changing table. It saved my sanity (as well as the sanity of all the other passengers sitting near us). This one from Amazon is what I purchased and has great ratings. And one of the sides goes down in case your baby is long.

Bring entertainment.
This one is obvious, but I've heard folks who remember to pack toys, only to pack it in their checked bag. Sleep deprivation does get the best of us. Unless your child is a toddler, you know that the flat screen TV on the back of each seat is not going to cut it. Bring your baby's favorite toys, soothers, and security blanket. These inanimate objects will be your best friends on that long, cramped flight.


And if you've completely disregarded the rest of this post in a daze because you're still thinking about going bald — don't worry! Postpartum hair loss is absolutely normal and this issue will usually correct itself by the time it's your little one's first birthday.

What have you found helpful when flying with an infant? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!