Here’s the thing about traveling with a baby: everyone has an opinion. & it feels like you're trying to solve a puzzle with a million tiny pieces. One of the biggest questions that pops up is about flight times. Do you brave the red-eye, praying your little one sleeps through the night? Or do you get up at an ungodly hour for an early morning flight, hoping for a happy, well-rested baby?
Honestly, there's no single right answer. It's a gamble either way. I've talked to countless parents, scoured forums, & read what the experts have to say, & the consensus is... it depends. It depends on your baby's temperament, your own stress levels, & a healthy dose of luck.
So, let's break it down. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of red-eye vs. early morning flights when you've got a baby in tow.
The Allure of the Red-Eye: A Sleeping Baby's Dream?
The idea of a red-eye flight with a baby is SO tempting. You picture your little one snoozing peacefully in your arms, the cabin dark & quiet, & you arriving at your destination with a well-rested baby, ready to start your vacation. It sounds perfect, right? & for some parents, it is.
One mom I know swears by red-eyes. She says the white noise of the plane's engines is like a giant sound machine, & her baby, who is a pretty good sleeper anyway, just conks out. She gets to her destination, & the baby is on a relatively normal schedule. It's a win-win.
The Pros of a Red-Eye Flight
- Aligns with Natural Sleep Times: This is the big one. The theory is that a red-eye flight aligns with your baby's natural nighttime sleep schedule. You're not trying to force a nap at an odd time; you're just extending their usual bedtime.
- A Potentially Quieter Flight: If your baby does sleep, you're in for a much more peaceful flight. No need to constantly entertain a squirmy, awake baby in a confined space. For some, this is the ultimate travel hack.
- Easier Time Zone Adjustment: Some parents find that arriving in the morning after a red-eye makes it easier to adjust to a new time zone. You just power through the day & get back on a normal schedule.
- Less Traffic to the Airport: Depending on your departure city, heading to the airport in the late evening can mean less traffic, which is always a plus.
The Harsh Reality of a Red-Eye Gone Wrong
Now for the flip side. What if your baby doesn't sleep? The dream of a peaceful flight can quickly turn into a nightmare. You're exhausted, your baby is overtired & screaming, & you're getting death glares from fellow passengers who just want to sleep.
I've heard horror stories from parents who've been in this exact situation. One friend said her baby was so overstimulated by the airport & the plane that he just wouldn't settle down. She spent the entire six-hour flight pacing the aisles with a crying baby, arriving at her destination more exhausted than she'd ever been. It's a gamble, & sometimes it just doesn't pay off.
So, Should You Risk It?
Here's my take: a red-eye is a high-risk, high-reward situation. It can be amazing, or it can be a disaster. Here's who a red-eye might work for:
- Babies under 18 months: Younger babies are often more adaptable & can fall asleep more easily in different environments.
- Good sleepers: If your baby is generally a good sleeper & can nod off in the car or stroller, they're more likely to sleep on a plane.
- Parents who can handle sleep deprivation: Let's be real, even if your baby sleeps, you might not. If you're someone who can function on a few hours of sleep, a red-eye might be worth the risk.
If your baby is a light sleeper, easily overstimulated, or if the thought of a sleepless night fills you with dread, you might want to consider the alternative.
The Early Morning Hustle: A Brighter, But Earlier, Option
Waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. to catch a flight is nobody's idea of a good time. But when you have a baby, it might just be the lesser of two evils. An early morning flight means you're dealing with a baby who is, in theory, well-rested & in a better mood.
The Perks of an Early Morning Flight
- A Happier Baby (in theory): A baby who has had a full night's sleep is generally a happier baby. You're starting the day on a positive note, which can make a big difference when you're navigating a busy airport.
- Less Disruption to their Routine: While you're waking them up early, you're not completely throwing their schedule out of whack. They'll likely nap on the plane at some point, & you'll have the rest of the day to get back on track.
- A More Predictable Experience: With an early morning flight, you're not banking on your baby sleeping the whole time. You're prepared to entertain them, which can be less stressful than the will-they-or-won't-they-sleep anxiety of a red-eye.
- Arrive with the Whole Day Ahead: You get to your destination with plenty of time to check into your hotel, get settled, & maybe even squeeze in a nap before dinner.
The Downside of a Crack-of-Dawn Departure
The biggest con of an early morning flight is, well, the early morning. Waking up a sleeping baby is never fun, & you're starting your travel day already feeling a little sleep-deprived.
There's also the airport logistics to consider. Airports are often at their busiest in the morning, so you'll be dealing with long lines for security & check-in. This can be stressful with a baby in tow.
Is the Early Bird a Better Bet?
An early morning flight is a safer bet than a red-eye. You're less likely to have a complete travel meltdown, but you're also less likely to have that magical, a-baby-who-sleeps-the-whole-flight experience. An early morning flight is a good option for:
- Parents who value predictability: If you'd rather deal with an awake baby than risk a screaming one, an early morning flight is for you.
- Babies who are good nappers: Your baby will likely need to nap on the plane, so if they're a good napper, this can be a great way to break up the flight.
- Families who want to hit the ground running: Arriving early in the day gives you more time to enjoy your destination.
The Airport Gauntlet: Navigating the Terminals at Odd Hours
No matter which flight you choose, you're going to have to deal with the airport. & let's be honest, airports are not the most baby-friendly places. Here's what you can expect at different times of the day.
Early Morning Airport Logistics
- The Rush Hour: Morning is peak time at most airports. Be prepared for long lines at check-in & security. Give yourself PLENTY of extra time.
- Getting to the Airport: This is where planning ahead is KEY. The last thing you want to be doing at 4 a.m. is circling the airport looking for parking. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can book a private driveway or garage near the airport in advance, so you know exactly where you're going. It's one less thing to stress about when you're already running on fumes.
- Services & Amenities: Most airport shops & restaurants will be open in the morning, which is a plus if you need to grab a last-minute snack or coffee.
Red-Eye Airport Logistics
- The Quiet After the Storm: Airports are generally much quieter late at night. You'll likely breeze through security & check-in, which can be a huge relief.
- Getting to the Airport: Again, having your parking sorted with Prked is a game-changer. No need to worry about full lots or hunting for a spot in the dark. You can just pull up, park, & head to the terminal.
- Services & Amenities: This is the downside of late-night travel. Many shops & restaurants will be closed, so make sure you have everything you need with you.
In-Flight Entertainment: Keeping Your Little One Happy at 30,000 Feet
Whether you're on a red-eye or an early morning flight, you're going to need a plan to keep your baby entertained. A bored baby is a fussy baby, so come prepared.
The Ultimate Baby Entertainment Kit
- New Toys: This is my number one tip. Go to the dollar store & buy a bunch of small, new toys. The novelty will keep them entertained for longer.
- Snacks, Snacks, & More Snacks: Snacks are a great distraction. Bring a variety of their favorites, & don't be afraid to break out the good stuff.
- Screen Time (No Judgment): A tablet loaded with their favorite shows can be a lifesaver. Don't feel guilty about it. You're in survival mode.
- The In-Flight Magazine: Seriously, don't underestimate the power of a crinkly magazine. It can provide a good 10-15 minutes of entertainment.
- A Walk Up & Down the Aisle: A change of scenery can do wonders for a fussy baby. Just be mindful of the flight attendants & other passengers.
The Dreaded Ear Pressure: A Parent's Guide to In-Flight Comfort
One of the biggest concerns for parents when flying with a baby is ear pain. The pressure changes during takeoff & landing can be really uncomfortable for little ones. Here's how to help.
- Nurse or Bottle-Feed: The sucking & swallowing motion helps to equalize the pressure in their ears. Try to time a feeding for takeoff & landing.
- Pacifier Power: If your baby takes a pacifier, this is a great time to use it. The sucking motion will have the same effect as feeding.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make ear pain worse, so make sure your baby is drinking plenty of fluids.
- A Little Cry is Okay: It might sound counterintuitive, but crying can actually help to relieve ear pressure. So if your baby is a little fussy, don't stress too much about it.
The Post-Flight Fog: Managing Jet Lag in a Baby
You've survived the flight, but now you have to deal with a jet-lagged baby. This can be just as challenging as the flight itself. Here are a few tips to help you both adjust.
- Get on Local Time ASAP: As soon as you land, try to get on the local schedule. If it's daytime, get out in the sun. If it's nighttime, try to create a dark, quiet sleep environment.
- Be Flexible with Naps: Your baby's sleep schedule is going to be off. Don't be afraid to let them take an extra nap if they need it. A well-rested baby is a happier baby.
- Stick to Your Routine: As much as possible, try to stick to your baby's usual bedtime routine. A warm bath, a story, & a cuddle can help to signal that it's time to sleep.
- Be Patient: It can take a few days for a baby to adjust to a new time zone. Be patient with them, & with yourself. You'll get there.
So, What's the Verdict?
At the end of the day, there's no magic formula for a perfect flight with a baby. Both red-eyes & early morning flights have their pros & cons. The best thing you can do is to know your baby, know yourself, & be prepared.
If you have a super chill, go-with-the-flow baby, a red-eye might be a dream. If you have a more sensitive, easily overstimulated baby, an early morning flight is probably a safer bet.
My best advice? Go with your gut. You know your baby better than anyone. & no matter what you choose, just remember to breathe. You'll get through it.
Oh, & one last thing. If you're looking for a way to make some extra cash to fund your travels, consider listing your empty driveway or garage on Prked. It's a super easy way to make a little passive income, & it can help other travelers, like you, find a convenient & affordable place to park. Pretty cool, right?
I hope this was helpful. Traveling with a baby is a wild ride, but it's so worth it. Let me know what you think in the comments
