FLYING WITH A NEWBORN
The majority of surrogate births occur at a significant distance from your home. In many cases, the distance will necessitate a plane ride home with your newborn. This reality can send chills down the back of any new parent. Flying with a newborn doesn’t have to be a stressful event; it just takes a little pre-planning and a lot of patience.
How To Fly With a Newborn
#1. Travel Documents
As an intended parent, you’ll want to make sure you have your paperwork updated and easily available.
For domestic births, this simply means calling the airline after the birth to add an infant in lap to your ticket.
For international couples you’ll need to add the infant to your reservation as well as ensure that your child’s passport is ready and stored with your own.
#2. Be Flexible
Be prepared for anything. Many times, a newborn’s behavior during that first flight will vary slightly from what you’re becoming used to. Regularly hearty eaters may sleep through feedings, while a light eater may consume twice the amount they normally do. Try to follow your newborn’s lead.
#3. Prepare for In-Air Feedings
Plan on having more food on hand than your newborn would usually consume. If using formula, have it pre-measured (single-use packets or snack-sized Zip-Lock baggies work great) and in an easily accessible location.
Airports in the U.S. do allow unlimited ounces of breast milk and baby formula to be brought through security, despite the standardly enforced three-ounce maximum rule. Your fluids may be subject to additional screening, but they should not be confiscated.
#4. Pack Plenty of Changing Supplies
Also plan on having more diapers than you think you could need. Perhaps the only thing worse than running out of food is running out of clean diapers! While you’re at it, you may want to throw in a spare outfit or two in case of a diaper blowout. An aisle seat may also be a good idea for ease of diaper change and bathroom trips.
#5. Dress (You & Your Baby) for Success
Another great tip is to dress your newborn in layers. Airplanes are predictably unpredictable when it comes to the onboard temperature, and you’ll want to make sure your child is prepared for both hot, stuffy environments as well as cool, breezy ones. This is also a solid tip for yourself. Layers can help not only your comfort, but your potential need for a change of shirt in the event of spit up or a bad diaper encounter.
#6. Choose the Right Airline
Remember that not all airlines are created equal when it comes to caring for their tiniest passengers. Before you book your flights you may be well served to look into a few different airlines and compare their newborn policies against each other. This is especially important for international intended parents. (Read our related blog post for information about the best airlines for international travel with a baby.)
#7. Try To Relax
Finally, try not to stress over the flight too much. It’s been a long journey just to get to this flight, try to take time to enjoy the moment as you fly home with your new family. Not only will this more relaxed approach benefit your stress levels, but research suggests it can prevent your baby from feeling stressed too.
Growing Generations attends to your needs throughout your surrogacy journey. If you're ready to take the next step toward building your family through surrogacy—and looking forward to flying home with your new baby—contact Growing Generations. You can also apply today online to get started.