6 Proven Ways to Prevent Baby from Crying on a Plane

Traveling with a little one can be a challenge. I remember one of my biggest fears when flying with my daughter was that she would start crying and I wouldn’t be able to calm her down quickly. I worried about the looks from other passengers and what they might say to me or about my daughter. If you can relate to this and feel the same, this post is for YOU!
Your will read about my 6 proven ways to prevent your baby from crying on a plane. It will help you understand why your baby might cry and what you can do to mitigate it. After now several national and international flights with my daughter I have quite learned a lot and figured out a few ways on what to do if she is crying 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.

But now let’s move on to my 6 proven ways to prevent baby from crying on a plane.

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1. Ear Pressure

Babies’ ears are very sensitive to changes in the cabin pressure. They tend to start crying, especially during take-off and landing, because they don’t know how to regulate the ear pain. To help relieve the discomfort give baby something to suck on like a pacifier or feed them breastmilk, formula or water. Be sure to wait until the plane is actually rolling to take off, because sometimes that process gets delayed, and you don’t want your baby to be full way before (happened to us and it was no fun, believe me). If your baby is already introduced to solids, you can of course also give them some fruits or crackers to chew on and swallow.

2. Full diaper

Even though Ella never complained about having a full diaper there are babies that can get really fussy. What I recommend is changing your baby into new diapers just a few minutes before boarding. Also make sure to ask the flight attendant where the lavatories with changing table are located, in case you have to change babies diaper while flying.

Want to handle diaper changes on a plane like a PRO? Make sure to read my 6 most important facts and tips to handle diaper changes on a plane like a PRO.

3. Too hot or too cold

If babies don’t feel comfortable because the environment is too hot or too cold, many babies start crying.  This is why I suggest wearing lots of layers so you can take one off if it is too hot or add a layer of clothes when it is getting too cold. Additionally, having an extra blanket helps to make your baby feel cozier and warmer as well.

4. Hungry

Who does not get cranky when hungry right? Depending on if you are breast- or bottle feeding make sure to have everything you need on hand like baby bottle, formula, breast feeding cover, etc. If baby is already eating solids bring snacks onto the flight as well. Not only does it help to satisfy your babies hunger, but also keeps them entertained for a while.  

If you are not sure what drinks and food you are allowed to take on a plane this post gives you all the details.  

5. Tired

Some babies have difficulties falling asleep on a plane due to the new environment and noises, so they express the overtiredness with crying. Try to recreate your babies sleep routine as much as possible e.g., changing into PJs (on long haul flights), reading books, sound machine etc. Also bring your childs favorite lovey or blanket. The familiar smells, touches and routines will help your little one to be calmer. Covering babies’ eyes can also help during daytime flights to keep the environment dark.

Make sure to read my 10 ultimate ways on how to help baby sleep on a plane.

6. Bored

Your baby might simply be bored and needs your attention and wants to be entertained. I recommend bringing some travel toys with you, preferably toys they normally don’t play with at home to keep their interest. But a simple plastic cup, napkin or the security manual from the plane can also be very entertaining for babies. Another thing you can do is looking at books, bounce them on your lap or walk along the aisle. You might even be lucky and have some really friendly people sitting next to you that play peekaboo with your little one.

Overall, there can be many reasons why babies cry, and that is absolutely normal as that is their way of communication. Try NOT to panic if your little one cries and do NOT care about what other passengers think. Concentrate on your baby and try to calm him down by rocking, singing or talking to him. In my experience most passengers will sympathize with you or even offer some help.

If this post 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

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