Alanna Panday gave birth to her son River in July 2024 and will soon be flying with her newborn. Find out how you can do the same.
Flying with a baby? Take cues from Alanna Panday for stress-free travel
Alanna Panday recently embraced motherhood with the birth of her first child, son River. The Los Angeles-based social media influencer recently flew across the USA with her husband Ivor McCrae and their newborn. She shared a glimpse of “River’s first flight” on Instagram on Sunday. It showed Alanna and Ivor seated in the first class section of the plane. The couple took turns to hold their baby in their arms and take care of him. Meanwhile, the two enjoyed delicious food served on the flight.
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Also Read: Alanna Panday’s “Baby’s Day Out” gives a glimpse of her son and motherhood
If you are planning to travel by air with your baby soon, here are a few tips you can follow to make it easier for your baby:
1. Use the option of holding your baby in your lap
Airlines offer two options for infant seating: either you buy a special ticket or you can carry the baby on your lap. If you buy an extra ticket, you can choose to use the airplane bassinet or sky cot for the baby, as Alana did. If you are not buying an extra ticket for the baby, you can still add them to your reservation with a confirmed ticket. In case of traveling abroad, you may have to pay for the baby on your lap, but it will not be the full price of the ticket.
2. Change the diaper before boarding the flight
While most flights have diaper changing tables available, they can be a hassle and changing diapers during the flight is not easy. A more convenient option is to change your baby’s diaper before boarding the plane. If the flight is short, your baby may not need a diaper change during the flight.
3. Match the flight time with your baby's sleep pattern
If possible, choose a flight time that suits your baby's sleep pattern. This may coincide with the time your baby takes naps. Instead of going through security checks with your baby fast asleep, you may find it more convenient if they take a nap during the flight.
4. Use noise-cancelling headphones
To block out external noise on the plane, you can put noise-cancelling headphones on your baby, which will allow him to nap more peacefully, giving you and other passengers on the plane more time to rest.
5. Align feeding times with flight and landing
While it may not be easy, try to time feedings to coincide with takeoff and landing times. Your baby's Eustachian tubes open during feedings, which distributes the pressure in their ears and also reduces discomfort and crying spells.
6. Travel Companion
Alana found help in the form of a very helpful travel companion, namely her husband Ivor McCrae. But if this option is not available to you, reach out to your friends and family who can travel with you. If even that is not possible, ask at the counter before you check in if you can sit next to another mom who could potentially become your travel companion and support for the duration of the flight.
Also Read: New parents Alanna Panday and husband Ivor McCrae welcome baby boy, go all “blue” in cute matching outfits