Cuddly sleepers may be most consoled by being swaddled or held in a baby sling. To swaddle, wrap the baby or toddler in a light blanket. Using an extra blanket, position it as a shield to block out any light that may be keeping him awake or distracted. The baby can sleep across your lap with her head in your arms or laying on your chest. Use pillows as needed under your arms to avoid getting sore muscles.
Wearing your baby may make it easier to hold him for long periods of time. Place the baby in a baby sling or carrier attached to you. Younger newborns and babies may feel very comforted being snuggled in. If you have to get up, they will also stay in one spot and be able to continue sleeping. Most carriers allow for either a cradled position or a more upright laying on chest position.
Some babies and toddlers are not used to being held or cuddled to sleep, but prefer to have their space for self consoling. Using a baby sleeping bag, sleep sack, or receiving blanket, cover the baby and lay him across your lap to go to sleep. Wrap the edge of the blanket under him to help him not roll off. He should be comfortable on his back, side or stomach.
A bottle or sippy cup of milk may help your baby calm down to sleep more easily.
Help the child get some physical activity before getting on the plane so he will be more worn out for going to sleep.
Sit in the window seat to avoid a lot of the distractions from other passengers and flight attendants. Close the shade and turn off overhead lights.
A good time to get a child to sleep is during take off, when there is little movement in the plane and the soothing engine is loudest.
