A sleeping baby is a happy baby, right? Worried about if your baby will be able to sleep on the plane? I know it can be quite challenging because of the new environment and all the noises that makes it more difficult for your baby to fall asleep. But after many, many flights with my daughter I have learned a lot that I really want to share with you, because if I had known those things before, it would have been much easier. So, here are my 10 ultimate ways to help your baby sleep on a plane.
And if you would like to see more visual tips and tricks on how to make traveling with babies and toddlers easier, make sure to follow us on Instagram @ellafamilytravel.
There is a chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we use to keep this blog running) at no extra cost to you.
1. Airplane bassinet
An airplane bassinet is perfect for your baby to get some sleep. A bassinet is a detachable cot that is sometimes available for those flying internationally with a lap infant. It will give your baby its own space and give your arms some rest, too. But there are a few things to consider:
- Every airline has their own policy regarding booking and/or using bassinets. Make sure to check out their policies upfront on the internet
- Bassinets are reserved in advance or on a first come, first serve base. Once you have booked your flight call the airline and ask for the baby bassinet.
- There is a weight and dimension limit. Most airlines suggest to only use them for infants that are six-months-old or younger and/or under 20lbs. You can check out the dimensions beforehand to make sure you baby fit. Ella was 8 months at our first international flight and barely fitted into the bassinet, but still, it was great to have it.
- Airplane bassinets are set up on the bulkhead seats. Some airlines charge an extra fee for those seats because of the extra leg room, so check out their policies.
- During take-off, taxi, landing, and during turbulence when the seat belt sign is turned on, you must take your baby out of the bassinet and hold them in your arms, which is annoying if your baby just fell asleep. But during all our international flights, I never had to take my daughter out of the bassinet due to turbulences.
2. Bring comfort items
Having a comfort item helps your baby to feel more secure and puts your infant at ease in new surroundings. This can be a stuffed animal, a lovey, a blanket or any other item that your baby likes and helps him/her to sleep.
3. Use babies car seat
One of the advantages of bringing your baby’s car seat on the plane is that they will have their own space. It’s a familiar, cozy place which gives them a perfect sleeping environment.
4. Dark environment
Try to create a dark environment to help your baby fall and stay asleep. If having a window seat close down the window sheds next to your baby. If traveling with your babies car seat you can hang a lightweight breathable cover over the seat. Make sure to place the cover in a way that air can circulate. Another great way is to strain a cover between you and the tray table and place your baby below. Or you can use a breast feeding or car seat cover. What has also helped us when traveling with our daughter as a lap infant is placing a cover over her eyes at the time she is getting drowsy.
5. Fly during nap time or chose a red-eye flight
For short flights I recommend trying to find a flight that is scheduled during your babies nap time. Of course there is no guaranty that your baby will sleep, because everything is new and exciting, but you have a higher chance for your baby to be sleepy. For long haul flights I would recommend choosing a red-eye flight (late afternoon / night flight) so they are asleep most of the time. We did this when we traveled to Germany and it was perfect (especially because I was traveling solo). It was just a little bit more tiring for me, as I couldn’t sleep having always an eye on my sleeping daughter. But if you are not traveling solo, you can take turns to rest at least a little bit.
6. Sound machine
Honestly my daughter never really liked the sound machine, but I know from friends and family that using one on a flight can be super helpful. They block out other noises like the drink and food cards or announcements over the speaker. There are awesome portable and affordable travel sound machines on Amazon like this one.
7. Stick to your routine
Try to stick to your nap and bedtime routine as closely as possible. Change them into their PJ, sleep sack, do a night feeding and read stories or sing. This will signal your baby that it is time to sleep. But don’t stress out if baby still does not want to close their eyes yet. Everything is new and your baby loves to explore and touch new things and might just not want to go to sleep.
8. Physical activities before flight
Let your baby move around as much as possible before the flight by having them crawling or walking/running around the airport. When they are not able to do that yet you can place a portable changing pad or a blanket on the floor and lay them on there to move their arms and legs.
9. Full belly
Make sure to bring lots of foods and drinks with you on the airplane. Not every airline provides kids menus or enough snacks. Your baby will sleep much better if they are fed and happy.
Not sure what foods and drinks you are allowed to bring when flying with your baby? Click here, I got you covered 🙂
10. Pick the right seat
When flying with a baby (as long as they are not crawling/walking yet) I totally recommend a window seat because its more private and less noisy. Once they get older I would prefer the aisle seat to be able to move around easier and without having to ask other passengers to let you through all the time.
I also suggest not choosing a seat close to the lavatories or galleys, because there is more passenger and flight attendant traffic which may distract your little one from sleeping.
If this post about the my 10 ultimate ways to help your baby sleep on a plane was helpful to you or if you have more questions please leave a comment below. I also love to connect with other travel passionate parents over on Instagram @ellafamilytravel
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.