changing a baby on the plane:
it’s true most planes don’t have a changing table for babies. you can use your lap (MUST have assistance) for a little baby. have your helper hold the ready diaper and some wipes while you hold baby and juggle those legs….
for a baby that can stand, provided it’s not a massively dirty diaper, let baby stand on the seat next to you while you do a quick removal and wipe. then strap that new diaper on as best as you can. expect to need to readjust it several times to ensure it’s on well.

and if you have the luxury, lay your little baby out on the seat next to you. ALWAYS lay a blanket or changing pad down first — especially if attempting the lap change

So most airlines in the U.S. allow you to “gate check” items like strollers and car seats for free. We show up w/baby’s car seat and stroller even though the baby’s technically a “lap child.” Then when we’re at the gate we wait about 10 minutes after the gate attendant arrives (if you catch them too early they’re busy communicating w/the plane and are much less likely to help you) and ask if there are any open seats on the plane. If so, ask if there’s any way you could use an open seat for your baby (involves changing your seat). I guess it depends on the airline, but sometimes you may ask this when checking in your checked bags. If they have no open seats when you check in, check the car seat instead of taking it through security and gate checking it at the plane.

But worst case scenario is you take the car seat and stroller to the gate and they say there are no open seats, and you must gate check them. I also carry a huge black contractors trash bag (i keep it folded up in a ziploc baggie, taped to back of car seat) just in case i have to gate check the car seat and don’t want it scuffed or dirtied.

Okay, I’m done

Some of my own tips: for the baby, bring two of their favorite blankets for sleeping/cuddling, but pack away at least one of those in the checked luggage. Bring a third not so nice blanket for the airport and any public places you may end up (i make my own by sewing together two one-yard pieces of cozy flannel). Perfect for placing on the airport floor while waiting for a delayed plane so baby can stretch out! You won’t feel badly getting it dirty since you have 2 others, and you and baby will be MUCH more capable of handling the flight afterward.
This is then the blanket that goes on the ground when we’re at parks, etc.

I second the “bring extra ziploc baggies” suggestion. From placing messy clothes to a radioactive diaper (think ON the plane–been there, done that)–your passengers will thank you for keeping the stinky/messy items nicely sealed away.

Also, when I go through airport security, I have a system. I always bring a fold-up (VERY compact) cheap umbrella stroller and have baby IN it when I enter the line. Everyone first takes off shoes, belts, and jackets. Then the bags go on the belt. Every person’s liquids ziploc is next to their bag, in its bin. Baby’s bag is the last of the bags–it contains the massive gallon ziploc baggie full of water for bottles, juice (for the older kid–they don’t know it isn’t for the baby), and anything gel-like like sanitizer (yes, a MUST).

Then the stroller gets folded up and placed on the belt (they have to search larger strollers which takes much more time). We then all walk through security. Phew! I’m tired just thinking of it all!

Our baby has skin allergies and has special sunscreen and lotion. These must accompany us. We either place them in travel containers or we keep a doctor’s note WITH the items in the bag. Trust me–this will save you so much time and arguing w/TSA…or being fully searched like I was once. They said, “you want to take that? It requires we thoroughly search you and every one of your bags.” really, i could have averted this nuisance with a simple doctor’s note.

And lastly, when going through small U.S. airports, don’t carry on any liquid/gel snacks for kids that are sealed and greater than 4 oz. It really isn’t worth the hassle. Too bad–the yogurt was my great idea for a quick kids’ breakfast for our 6am flight….my mistake It’s alright. The TSA agent I got very well-acquainted.

Ooh, and one more (maybe i should start a blog–i’m so long-winded!)–It is a guarantee that my youngest WILL knock over my drink while on the plane. No matter whether he’s in my lap, in the seat next to me, strapped in his carseat–he WILL knock it over accidentally. And where does it always end up? One of two places–either on the spare change of clothes in the diaper bag OR in my shoes. Usually the latter. Really. OJ has filled my shoes several times. So please, bring an empty travel drink mug for yourself. When the flight attendants hand me my drink, I immediately pour it into my own “sippy cup.”

Happy traveling!!!

On our last trip to Hawaii, I bout a magna doodle for my then 13-month old. It is the best $15 I have ever spent as she still loves this thing. It has an attached pen (very helpful) and 4 magnet shapes (hard to find when they fall on the plane floor, but I digress…)I got it at target and highly recommend.

For the lady that asked about tips for changing…some might find this rude, but I change my daughter in the seat (easier if you’re flying first class). Most of the normal sized planes don’t have the pull down shelf in the bathroom and it is DIRTY and really awkward to try and change without the shelf. You could use swim diapers if your child is too small for actual pull-ups. We’ve never had an issue with changing, though. I carry the little mat from my diaper bag, the disposable absorbant pads and a roll of plastic bags to discard the dirty ones.