At some point after having a baby, many parents decide that it’s time to make a trip with baby in tow. When the trip is far and you have to take a flight this can be nerve wracking, as you aren’t sure how baby will behave. You certainly don’t want to deal with fellow passengers glaring at you for bringing a crying baby on board. However, there are steps you can take to help you prepare for baby’s first time on a plane to make baby feel more comfortable and put your fellow passengers at ease. Here are 5 tips to follow so you can feel confident and excited about your first big trip with baby!

• 1. Use a baby headrest.

When your infant is strapped into his car seat aboard the plane, it can get uncomfortable especially if the flight is long. Make sure the car seat is as comfy as possible for baby with a headrest that supports baby’s head and neck while seated. Baby Elephant Ears is a multi-use headrest and infant support pillow providing spinal/neck alignment and comfort - offered in diverse prints and organics, ethically manufactured and made with sustainable materials. Use it while traveling in a car seat, in a stroller, swing, changing table, etc.

• 2. Schedule the flight during naptime.

Having baby sleep peacefully throughout the flight is the best-case scenario for everyone. The way to do this is to schedule the flight during your baby’s naptime. This may mean flying during the early morning hours but it will be worth it when baby doesn’t even realize what’s going on. Also try to avoid scheduling a flight with long layovers or connecting flights, which can make things hectic and prolong the trip.

• 3. Prepare for the dreaded ear-pop.

The change in air pressure is what causes that ear popping and discomfort we feel on flights. Give your baby something to suck on like a pacifier or bottle to relieve the pressure. Breastfeeding is also an option, and if you want privacy on the plane there is a nursing pillow called the San Diego Bebe Eco-Nursing Pillow that comes with a privacy cover for modesty while nursing and it fits comfortably in an airline seat.

• 4. Treat your fellow passengers

We all know that flying with babies can be unpredictable so a neat idea for parents flying with a new baby is to warn your fellow passengers and offer them a treat for being understanding of your situation. One couple flying with infant twins gave every passenger on their flight an explanation note along with some candy. They let the passengers know to contact them for earplugs in case of crying. This sort of thoughtful gesture can go a long way in winning over your fellow passengers.

• 5. Bring tons of toys, snacks, and distractions.

The best way to be prepared is to bring everything you can think of to keep baby entertained on the plane. Bring baby’s favorite toys, favorite snacks, books, crayons, new toys baby hasn’t already played with, and more. Anything with buttons baby can press will be a winner. Teething toys are also a great option, as well as toys or objects with fun textures. Sticky notes can be mesmerizing for babies who will spend time pulling them off and sticking them on everything.

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for a subluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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