For most parents, flying for the first time with a newborn might seem like a terrifying chore but when we knew we had to travel back to Indonesia with Allie we were really excited. My husband and I are aviation geeks so to us taking our little baby girl on a plane is an important fun milestone. Allie by that time was about 8 weeks old and many mamas were surprised that she was already allowed to fly. Newborns are allowed to fly with most airlines from two weeks onwards. Just keep in mind that planes use recirculated air and that baby's immune system is not as strong as an adults.

Allie's first flight has been an absolute breeze. She slept all the way through, did not even bother waking up for take off and landing. I am a firm believer that if you travel during pregnancy it will carry on to your baby and she will hopefully become an easy traveller.

Here are some of our personal tips and some helpful travel facts for baby's first flight:

- babies are flying "for free" (or a minimal percentage of the tickets price) until they are 2 years old. From 2 years onwards children pay full price. So do your travels now!

- fly with your partner/friend, you don't want to go through this stressful time alone

- change baby's diaper prior to flight, breastfeed/bottle feed baby during takeoff in case she gets cranky, feed before just as necessary and the rest up in the air

- book the front row seat, you can also ask at the checkin counter again for the front row seat. If it is not available, ask for a free row. For mama, sit in the window seat. It makes breastfeeding more private.

- avoid low cost airlines for your first flight. Spend the extra buck for your extra comfort. Who knows you might need hot water, a blanket, an extra pillow?

- wear your baby in a carrier through security controls and consider checking in your stroller

- pack as lightly as possible (i know, easier said than done), you will bring a lot of things for the baby so try and cut down on your personal belongings. do you really need that book for a 90minutes flight?

- most airlines let you take liquids such as milk or water if it is for the baby. If you are unsure, pack everything into bottles and make sure to not exceed the 100ml mark on your bottle

- if you are worried about noise, baby headphones can be bought at most babystores

Questions and Answers from Instagram

@erika_hesty: "caranya buat bayi ga merasa sakit dibagian kuping saat naik pesawat gimana ya?" - Disaat takeoff dan landing make sure baby sedang breastfeeding atau pakai pacifier untuk regulasi pressure dalam kupingnya

@edelweisjvncaa: "Apa allie minta surat dokter untuk her first flight?" - buat penerbangan bersama baby tidak dibutuhkan surat dokter kecuali usia baby kurang dari dua minggu

@alvina_ty & @gila.buku: "Allie disusui atau pakai earplugs waktu take off?" - Allie saat take off dan landing super chilled dan tidak membutuhkan disusui jadi kita tidak paksakan dia

@naf_clothing: "Aku penasaran apakah emang sengaja Allie nga ditaro di bassinet?" - Tidak semua pesawat masih menyediakan bassinet. Biasanya pesawat besar dan untuk long haul. Kalau tidak ada bassinet baby di pangku aja

The most important thing while flying though is that you do not panic. I believe a relaxed chilled mama will be set off the right mood for baby as well. If you have any tips to share feel free to comment in the section below.

Safe Travels!

flying with a newborn