Naturally it is far easier to travel with your partner or another support system so you can alternate caregiving, but there might be times when it is just the two of you and you’ll have to figure out how to squeeze into the lavatory while holding your baby and attempting to pee.

It is true, the airlines were not designed for infants and mothers, like most establishments our comfort is not priority in their schematics. So it is up to you to get super creative, even if it means contortion in the loo.

If you are breastfeeding then you have a valuable tool in your favor. During takeoff and landing, nursing is key to equalize the inner ear of your baby to prevent the pain that can accompany altitude changes. Baby will root for the breast while you are holding her if she feels the air pressure during the flight. If you are bottle feeding, have plenty of milk to accommodate the altitude, besides her normal meals.

If she cries, try nursing/feeding her first, as this is the most likely cause of her discomfort. If she refuses the milk, she may just need gentle movement, as she would when home and fussy. Resting her on the shoulder to burp her the Pikler® way might relieve her, as she may have consumed more liquid than normal. Pikler® burping is not slaps to the back which can be assaulting and unkind. Just raising Baby to the shoulder, with a gentle, slow circle motion to her back will release gas. Be patient.

If she does begin to fuss audibly, and the seatbelt sign is not illuminated, walk her. The passengers would rather you move up and down the aisle with a fussy baby, rather than sitting hopelessly with a screaming baby.

If you can’t stand and you are trapped with a miserable baby, who refuses the breast or bottle, burping, and movement, then remind yourself that you are doing your best. Try some “toys” to amuse your baby. Teething ring, if age appropriate, or maybe her Pikler® napkin, a familiar sight, texture and smell. Keep her favorite items in her bag, maybe she will succumb to her cognizance of the toy. This is one of the rare instances where “distracting” baby from her upset is permissible.

If the passengers are unpleasant, try to keep your cool and focus on your baby rather than their distaste, remember Baby is sensitive to your energy and the more calm you remain the better for her.