Baby On Board: Can Fellow Travellers Be More Considerate Towards New Moms?

It was a 12-hour train journey from Pune to Nagpur. Midnight trains often make long hours pass effortlessly. I was ready to sleep when the familiar sounds of a bustling train station broke my slumber. Moments later, some passengers entered my compartment—likely my co-travelers. As they settled in, the piercing cries of a baby filled the air. 

Can Fellow Travellers Be More Considerate Towards New Moms?

It didn’t take long to realize that my new co-passengers were a family travelling with an inconsolable infant. Despite the parents’ best efforts to calm him, the baby’s wails only grew louder, robbing me of my sleep. Frustrated, I reached for my phone and saw unread texts from my mother, worriedly checking on my journey. I told her about the crying baby that was not letting me rest. Her simple response calmed my frustration: "Think about the time when you were that baby."

Many videos nowadays on social media show new mothers struggling with their wailing infants amidst visibly frustrated co-passengers. While it's natural for passengers to desire a peaceful journey, Can anyone truly control such situations? Babies often cry to communicate or show discomfort, which often gets beyond the immediate control of parents.

A new mother’s anxiety and exhaustion, amplified by a wailing baby and the frustration of fellow travellers, often go unnoticed. Yet, a simple act of empathy and support from those around her can provide immense relief. Every journey is about more than reaching a destination—it’s a chance to embrace humanity. After all, we’ve all been in that wailing baby’s shoes once, haven’t we?

Recently, a mother of a 4-month-old baby handed out more than 200 goodie bags filled with candies and earplugs, to her co-passengers on a ten-hour flight from Seoul, South Korea to San Francisco. She aimed to apologize in advance for the inconvenience that the baby may have caused during the flight. 

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While the mother’s effort is commendable, it’s essential to recognize that we’ve all experienced moments of vulnerability. Offering understanding and support during such times reflects the humanity that connects us all. A crying baby calls for compassion for both the child and their parent.

Travelling With A Crying Baby: How To Help?

Travelling with a crying baby has sparked varied opinions among passengers. One netizen shared, "I remember when I was a child, I used to get awful ear pain during take-off and landing. I don't anymore, but I really feel bad for the kids—they’re PHYSIOLOGICALLY in pain because their eustachian tubes aren’t like adults. People need to chill."

Another shared their perspective, "The worst part? Nobody is more exhausted and sleep-deprived than the new mom. And no one wants the baby to be calmer more than the new mom. Even the mom feels helpless and does not know how to comfort their crying baby. This is a lack of empathy. As a mom of two, I realize how difficult that flight is for the mom. I try my best to help women with kids if they're travelling alone and need support."

The sweet spot perhaps lies in helping the new parents out and being even more understanding.