Air travel can be a stressful business, from long security lines and flight delays to cramped seats, rude passengers and a host of other inconveniences. When you add a baby to the mix, the anxiety only increases – now you’re navigating it all while also trying to keep your little one safe, comfortable, and entertained. Not easy !

Getting on a plane during COVID-19 brings its share of worries: how to get to and back from your destination while minimizing your family’s risk of contracting the virus. Although air travel is considered relatively low risk due to the masking requirements and ventilation systems used in airplanes which frequently circulate air through quality HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. hospitable, other aspects, such as eating in airport restaurants and standing in a crowded jet bridge, can be problematic.

Additionally, children under 5 are not yet eligible for vaccination and those under 2 cannot wear face masks. So it’s understandable that some parents feel uncomfortable flying with little ones (or decide not to travel by plane at this time).

We asked parents to share some mental health-saving tips for flying with a baby right now – the ones that will get you through the COVID era and beyond.

“No matter how organized you are in day-to-day life, navigating an airport with a baby is likely to overwhelm you. Arrive about 30 minutes earlier than you would have before baby. Consider spending a little extra cash on a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck that dramatically speeds up your time in the security line. For example, the benefit of the TSA PreCheck is automatically given to the child if he is under 12 years old.

The program lets you glide seamlessly through safety lines without removing electronics or taking off your shoes, leaving the parent’s hands free to care for their baby instead of juggling their luggage. – Karen L. Gentile, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at National Jewish Health

“When you get to the airport, ask for the TSA fast-track line for families with babies. Most airports allow immediate access via the TSA when traveling with an infant in a stroller. – Katrina Morrison, Owner of Mocha Travel

“Don’t believe the hype about red eye flights! Some would say that it is good to fly at night with little ones so that they sleep during the flight. Unfortunately the only time we tried it no one slept and we spent the first day at our destination literally sleeping all day. I’ve never liked sleeping on an airplane, and it turns out neither have my kids. There is no such thing as a great time to fly with children. It’s very different from flying alone, no matter what time of day. My advice is to pick a time when you are at your best, so that whatever happens you can handle it. – Gina McMillen, illustrator at @ginsasdrawingclub

“This reduces the possibilities of flight delays, especially during peak travel season.” – Morrison

“Flying with the baby under 2 years old is free, but he must sit on your lap. Some airlines will allow you to use an empty seat to secure the infant in the car seat as long as the seat is not purchased by another customer. (Think flexible seat airlines.) In these events, I will ask the boarding agent if there will be any open seats on the plane, and if there are, I will use my car seat. FAA approved to “secure” this place for my baby. Flying in the car seat is the safest place for the baby in turbulent times. [Note that if you want to guarantee a spot for your car seat, you’ll need to purchase a seat for your child. Check with the airline for their specific policies regarding using car seats on board.]

In addition, the car seat is a familiar space for the baby and also keeps them in a safe and germ-free “bubble” on the plane. Once baby reaches 22 pounds and can sit up unassisted, the CARES sling is an easy-to-store, convenient, and safe method of securing your baby in their own seat. – Kind

“Between arrivals and departures, there is necessarily a lost sock or plush. Avoid toy sterilization anxiety (another type of ASD) by making sure any gadgets, teething rings, or pacifiers are clipped onto you or your baby to keep them away from dirty surfaces at the airport . For other loose items like the endless contents of your stroller b, contain what you can in packing cubes to make safety less complicated. – Caroline Hershey, blogger at Jet With A Set

“For wet wipes, leaky food pouches and in some cases dirty diapers when you find yourself making a dishonest change, dog poop bags are great for hanging off your stroller or luggage. hand and be ready to clean up the mess when there is no trash in sight. – Hershey

“Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or breastfeeding your baby with a pacifier can reduce the pressure that toddlers experience during descent. However, they may still experience temporary discomfort. It can be extremely stressful, but try to stay calm and do what you can to comfort your baby. – Morrison

“Always have some of their favorite snacks on hand. Babies tend to be happy when they eat or snack. – Kind

“As a mom, I flew in the window and aisle seats with children, and I preferred the window seat when my little ones were young. I looked after most of the trip and found that little extra space between the window and the armrest was nice, instead of getting your elbow slammed by a drinks cart. Plus, it felt a bit more private than an aisle seat. Have you ever had to avoid eye contact with half a dozen strangers for six hours? It ages quickly. “- McMillen

“If it works within your budget!” The very first seats on the plane are the best because there is no one in front of you. Your little one may get restless and may want to be on the floor, sitting or standing, and the extra space gives them the room they need to wiggle their hips! – Lina Forrestal, parent blogger and host of “The New Mamas Podcast”

“Your baby’s feeding and napping schedule is bound to be disrupted in flight, so check your fears at the door and don’t worry about the clock. Instead, focus as much as possible on your regular routine, whether that’s putting on pajamas to signal it’s time to go to sleep, using the same familiar setting on a sound machine. laptop or take your daily walk down the aisle. “- Hershey

“I always have new games, toys and books that my child has never seen before. Toddlers love to explore and play with something new and new; even their favorite toy or stuffed animal may not be exciting when they get on a plane. Make sure the play or toy is quiet so it doesn’t disturb your neighbors, but include some fun lights or textures to really engage the baby. Have these items handy so you can grab them quickly in the blink of an eye. – Kind

“Yes, the small bathrooms on planes have a small changing table. I was worried about changing my toddler on our first flight and for some reason never thought to research whether the flights had change areas or not. In most airplanes, there is a small section that lowers just above the toilet seat; it extends the counter to give a tiny but usable changing space. – McMillen

“I brought my huge Uppababy Vista V2 with us on our trip and it was great to have a place for my little one to sit and relax until the flight. The stroller was fine at security and was checked at the door without a problem. Most airport staff are familiar with strollers and know how to help you fold them up! – Forrestal

Answers have been edited slightly for length and clarity.