Traveling on a plane with a baby can be a frustrating, exhausting experience, especially when the baby stays awake for the entire flight. Babies that skip their naps or part or all of their nighttime sleep because they are excited or overstimulated on a plane often become fussy and difficult to console. Ideally, your baby will sleep for all or part of the flight, making the experience much more pleasant for everyone involved. While there is no guaranteed way to get a baby to sleep on a plane, there are several tips that have shown results.
Book a flight that coincides with your baby's normal naptime or bedtime. Under the right conditions, most babies will be tired and fall asleep during the flight, since they are used to going to sleep at that time every day.
Reserve a window seat for the baby. Whether the baby has his own seat or will be sitting on your lap, it's easier to get a him to sleep on a plane when he is seated by the window. There is usually a lot of activity in the aisle, with flight attendants going back and forth and other passengers moving around, so a baby seated on the aisle will likely by overly distracted by all of the movement. Window seats allow a baby to be somewhat isolated from all of the commotion, making sleep more likely.
Pack all of your baby's normal nap or bedtime items--like pajamas, her favorite stuffed animal or blanket, and bedtime stories.
Bring a bottle or sippy cup of milk to feed your baby during takeoff. Not only does the sucking motion of drinking help babies to relieve the built-up pressure in their ears, but it also has a soothing effect that may promote sleep.
Keep your baby alert and active while waiting for your flight. If the baby is old enough to toddle, find an empty gate nearby and let the baby walk or run around to let out some energy. If your baby is too little to toddle, keep him alert by singing, clapping or playing with toys.
While waiting for the flight, feed your baby a snack or meal that is high in protein. This way, your baby will not be hungry during the flight; with a satisfied stomach, she will be more likely to fall asleep.
Just before boarding, change your baby's diaper and dress him in his pajamas. This way, you are less likely to have to change diapers during the start of the flight, eliminating an activity that will keep the baby from sleeping. By dressing the baby in pajamas, you are signaling that it will soon be time to sleep.
If your baby is old enough, explain to her before boarding that the flight will not be exciting, and that it will help time to pass faster if she sleeps on the plane.
Make sure all of your baby's nap or nighttime necessities are easily accessible in your carry-on luggage for easy access once you board the plane.
Once you are seated and awaiting takeoff, read your baby some of his favorite bedtime stories, and give him a special stuffed animal or blanket that he is used to sleeping with.
During takeoff, give your baby her bottle or sippy cup and encourage her to drink.
Hold your baby and pat him soothingly while he drinks.
Know that many babies will fall asleep during takeoff because of the sound of the plane and the soothing action of drinking from a bottle or cup. Be sure to limit movement or noise near the baby as much as possible, to avoid waking her.
Stay calm if your baby does not fall asleep right away. The more relaxed and comforting you are to your baby, the more likely it is that he will fall asleep.
