Flying can be stressful, and for parents, a crying baby can add another layer of anxiety. As much as they try, sometimes babies just need to cry, especially when faced with discomfort from the pressure changes or unfamiliar environments on a flight. But how do flight attendants handle these situations? With the right training and a calm demeanour, flight attendants step in to help manage these moments, ensuring both the parents and the other passengers can remain as comfortable as possible.
In this article, we’ll get into the ways flight attendants handle crying babies and ensure a smooth flight experience for everyone on board.
Why babies cry on airplanes?
The first step in handling a crying baby is understanding why they might be upset. Common reasons include:
- Pressure changes: Babies’ ears are very sensitive to air pressure changes during takeoff and landing, often causing discomfort or pain. The sucking and swallowing motion from bottle-feeding or using a pacifier can help relieve this pressure.
- Unfamiliar environment: Airplanes can be an overwhelming experience for babies with all the new sights, sounds, and smells. The cabin noise, crowded space, and limited freedom to move can be disorienting.
- Temperature changes: The cabin temperature can fluctuate, which may make babies uncomfortable. Dressing them in layers or covering them with a blanket can help them feel more at ease.
By understanding these reasons, flight attendants can approach the situation with more empathy and take steps to address the baby’s needs.
Providing distractions and comforting Items
Flight attendants often carry or can offer a few items to help comfort a crying baby. These might include:
- Toys and games: Airlines may provide small toys or items to keep babies and young children distracted. Some attendants will also suggest that parents pack a favourite toy or familiar item to help comfort their child.
- Helping with TV and entertainment systems: For slightly older babies, flight attendants might assist parents with turning on a children’s show or calming visuals on the in-flight entertainment system.
Flight attendants can also suggest walking up and down the aisle with the baby if it helps to soothe them, giving parents a break from sitting in one spot while the baby calms down.
Assisting with seating arrangements
Where possible, flight attendants can offer to adjust seating arrangements for families traveling with crying infants. For example, they might:
- Move the family to the back of the plane: The back of the plane is often louder due to engine noise, which can help drown out crying and make it less disruptive for other passengers. It’s also closer to the bathrooms and the galley, making it easier for parents to manage feeding or changing.
- Suggest bulkhead seats: The bulkhead area offers more space for families to move around, which can be particularly helpful if parents need to get up and calm a restless baby.
Flight attendants are trained to make these adjustments while maintaining the safety and comfort of all passengers on board.
Offering reassurance to parents
Parents can often feel embarrassed or stressed when their baby starts crying on a flight, especially when they sense the frustration of other passengers. Flight attendants are trained to offer calm reassurance, helping parents feel supported during these stressful moments. They remind parents that crying is natural, especially during flights, and as long as parents are actively trying to soothe their child, most passengers will be understanding.
Sometimes, a few kind words from a flight attendant are enough to help parents relax, which in turn can make calming the baby easier.
Managing passenger reactions
In some cases, prolonged crying may lead to frustration among other passengers. While this is rare, flight attendants are prepared to manage these situations diplomatically:
- Offering earplugs: Flight attendants might offer earplugs to nearby passengers to help reduce the noise and alleviate tension.
- Explaining the situation: A flight attendant may quietly explain to nearby passengers that the parents are doing their best to soothe the baby and ask for patience. This simple act can help maintain a calm atmosphere on the plane.
These proactive steps go a long way in minimising discomfort for everyone involved.
Safety protocols come first
Even in the midst of handling a crying baby, flight attendants must prioritise safety protocols. For example, families with infants are not allowed to sit in emergency exit rows, regardless of how appealing the extra legroom may seem. Flight attendants will explain these rules clearly and help parents find more appropriate seating.
Additionally, safety regulations limit the use of bassinets and other infant equipment during takeoff and landing. Flight attendants ensure these items are stored safely, while still helping parents with alternatives to soothe their baby during these key phases of the flight.
Share your experience or join the discussion
Handling crying babies on a flight is part of the job for flight attendants, and with the right approach, they can help ensure a smoother experience for parents, passengers, and crew. Whether it’s offering distractions, adjusting seating, or simply providing a kind word, flight attendants are there to assist.
Have you experienced flying with a crying baby or witnessed how flight attendants handled the situation? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your story in the comments below, or join the conversation in our Cabin Crew Forum, where seasoned flight attendants share tips and advice. Interested in becoming part of the cabin crew? Check out the latest job listings on our Cabin Crew Jobs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do babies cry on airplanes?
Babies cry due to discomfort from air pressure changes, unfamiliar surroundings, and temperature shifts. Their sensitive ears may hurt during takeoff and landing, and the new environment can be overwhelming.
2. How do flight attendants help calm a crying baby?
Flight attendants may provide distractions like toys or assist with in-flight entertainment for older babies. They also suggest walking up and down the aisle to help soothe the baby.
3. Can flight attendants adjust seating arrangements for families with crying babies?
Yes, they can offer to move the family to a quieter part of the plane or suggest bulkhead seats, which provide more space and flexibility for parents to comfort their baby.
4. How do flight attendants reassure stressed parents?
Flight attendants offer calm reassurance, letting parents know that crying is natural on flights. They remind parents that most passengers will be understanding if they are trying to calm their child.
5. How do flight attendants manage other passengers’ reactions?
If needed, flight attendants may offer earplugs to nearby passengers or explain that the parents are doing their best to soothe the baby, asking for patience and understanding.
6. Do safety protocols affect families with crying babies?
Yes, safety rules prevent families from sitting in emergency exit rows, and bassinets must be stored during takeoff and landing. Flight attendants enforce these regulations while helping parents with other soothing options.