What You Need To Make Your Baby's First Flight A Success

Flying with a baby isn't the easiest task, and can definitely put a strain on airline travel. And let's face it, that can already be pretty stressful. Luckily, there are a host of options that can help calm restless kids during those long flights that are easy to get around with.

Anytime you're out traveling, it's going to be a disruption to your baby's usual routine. For example, when it's time to for them to nurse. A good nursing sling and pillow can help create a serene and secure environment while you're on the road. Check to make sure it's adjustable, comfortable for the both of you, and compact enough that it can slip into your diaper bag.

Speaking of disruption, there's nothing like a long trip to totally knock a kid's sleep schedule completely out of whack. Should you need to make certain legs of the journey a little more comfortable, something like a portable bed can give kids their own space, while (ideally) freeing up a little for yourself. Portability is important, but being able to set it up and take it down without a lot of unnecessary hassle is the real key here.

There's no other way to put it: traveling is loud. While you might be used to crowds, the overhead announcements, and the general white noise of the larger world over the years, your child hasn't. That level of volume can not only prove to be distraction, it could also damage their hearing — particularly younger kids. To preserve those still-growing eardrums, and their sleep schedule, there's nothing like a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones.