Just thinking about it makes your heart race: " What if my baby cries the whole time? What if I forget something? What if I get judged? "
In episode 2 of The Parents' House , Jen, a single mother by choice and travel planner, shares her first flight with her 7/8 month old son.
His message is reassuring:
"Yes, it's intense, but it's doable and it can become a very beautiful memory." "
✈️ First tip: choose the right flight when possible
Jen prefers night flights and direct routes , because a baby who sleeps for a good part of the journey means less stress for everyone. But she also reminds us that no plan will be followed to the letter.
You can make a perfect list, pack your carry-on like a pro, and plan every step, but there will still be unexpected things happening. It's not a failure; it's the reality of traveling with a child.
🎒 Second tip: organize your carry-on bag
As for cabin baggage, a few essentials always come up: plenty of snacks, double diapers and wipes, a change of clothes for baby and, ideally, a change of top for you, two or three small toys or new activities to capture attention (drawing tablet, small sensory toy, book, pop-it), and anything that reassures your child like a cuddly toy or pacifier .
Jen also advises distributing certain essentials between several bags so you're not left without anything if your suitcase gets lost. Then come the tears and those infamous looks. A crying baby on a plane isn't a catastrophe; it's a baby who might have sore ears, is teething, tired, or overstimulated. You have the right to feel unsettled, to go to the restroom for a few minutes, and then come back.
You're not responsible for the emotional comfort of every passenger . Most people sympathize or simply tell themselves they've been there. A key point is often overlooked: in all this stress, the parent is often completely forgotten.
🧘 Third tip: Include a relaxation element
Jen insists that mothers also pack something for themselves in the bag: a small treat like chocolate, a face mist, a podcast or a meditation to listen to while baby sleeps.
These are not whims, they are tools that help to sustain over time.
🧠 Fourth tip: Take a step back
Finally, remembering why you're taking this trip helps you stay on track: seeing family, introducing the baby to the grandparents, taking a well-deserved vacation, getting a change of scenery. The flight isn't the whole trip; it's just the beginning.
➡️ And to travel lighter in Quebec, Bébé Solutions allows you to rent strollers , wagons , travel beds and car seats directly at your destination, so you can keep your energy for what's essential: your first flight with baby, for real.
🎧 To go further
This article is inspired by an episode of the podcast La Maison des Parents . To delve deeper into the topic and hear the expert's advice, access the full episode .