Spring/Easter break is right around the corner, which means a lot of us are getting ready to go on a much needed vacation. As you are preparing for that week of rest and relaxation (oh wait, you have little kids, that’s NOT going to happen), you are probably stressing about the “getting there”. I know I would be!
As someone who has traveled with infant twins on multiple occasions, I would like to share with you how to prepare for flying with lap children (twins in specific, because we know that’s my jam). I know the idea is daunting, and you can never be completely prepared (who can predict when Baby A will have a meltdown or when Baby B will have a blowout?), but my list below should help ease the anxiety a bit. I promise!
TRAVEL TIPS FOR FLYING WITH TWINS (OR LAP CHILDREN IN GENERAL)
- Lap children are FREE when under the age of two (on the majority of airlines). This means one lap child per adult over the age of 18. So if traveling with twins, you need two adults. Otherwise, you will have to purchase an extra seat.
- Call ahead to let the airline know you are traveling with lap children. When you do this, also see if you can pre-select your seats. Every airline we have flown only allows one lap child per row of seats (row meaning on either side of the aisle, the group of seats) because there is only one extra oxygen mask. We call ahead and ask for aisle seats in the SAME row, so we are as close as possible.
- Aisle seats are where it is AT. Having the freedom to get up, walk up and down the aisle and go to the restroom anytime, without disturbing your neighbors, is so much easier.
- You can check car seats and strollers for FREE (again, this is with most airlines). I suggest checking your car seats at the curb/ticketing, and then checking the stroller at the gate.
- If you are flying with an infant, I suggest baby wearing during the flight. This allows you to be hands-free and is helpful with turbulence. They also feel snug and safe!
- If each parent/adult will be sitting with a lap child, prepare TWO diaper bags. Fill each with the following:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Extra set of clothes
- Milk/formula
- Sippy cups
- Pacifiers
- Snacks
- Small toys
- Books
- Blanket
- Infant Tylenol/Motrin
- Bag for dirty clothes
- Sanitizing wipes to wipe down the seat and tray
- To help with ear discomfort, I also recommend feeding the child during takeoff and landing. Or offering up a binky!
- Night time/extra absorbent diapers. Hopefully you can make it through the entire flight without any leaks!
- Pack enough in your carry-on bag for an overnight stay – you never know when that flight may be delayed!
- Pack double the amount of diapers you think you will need. Airport diapers are not cheap.
- Use car seat/stroller bags. We bought these great car seat travel bags, I highly recommend them! And get this – they don’t weigh the car seats, so we stuffed our car seat bases and extra luggage into the bags with the seats so we didn’t have to worry about overweight luggage fees. SCORE!
- If you are a nursing mom, pack a nursing cover! I understand breastfeeding needs to be normalized, but your seatmates will thank you. They are already dreading the flight with a baby in their row, you can at least spare them a nip slip!
- Binky clips – airplane floors are definitely not the cleanest.
- Bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate (just in case).
- If bringing formula, buy a bottle of water in the airport, prior to boarding.
- If bringing breast milk, be sure to check out these guidelines!
- Check in online! You will not want to be in the airport any longer than you have too.
- A lot of parents I have talked to recommend boarding the plane early. I, on the other hand, recommend boarding late. From experience, the less time you are cooped up in a small space, the better.
I know this seems like A LOT to prepare and remember, but I promise you this will make your flight so much easier. Also, we have all heard those horror stories about babies on flights and passengers being rude. From my own personal experience, everyone has always been very kind and understanding toward us when traveling with the twins. In fact, I would be sad to travel without them based on the VIP treatment we have often received.
Good luck on your next flight, you can do it!!
The Patient Mom 