Travelling with an infant or toddler can be difficult, especially if you need to travel great distances by air. It takes a lot of planning to guarantee that your child is not only comfortable but also safe during and after the travel. Here are some easy pointers to consider:
Making Travel Plans
While individuals have grown accustomed to booking air tickets online, you may be best served by calling the airline reservation desk to ensure you provide and receive all of the necessary information. Among the factors to consider:
- When making your reservation, provide the ages of all passengers and inquire if there are any restrictions or regulations you should be aware of. Some airlines, for example, would not allow neonates under the age of two weeks to fly, while others will impose excess baggage costs for car seats and strollers.
- Always request a bulkhead (first row) seat with a bassinet. However, for older babies, you should avoid the bulkhead because there will be no under-seat storage room for toys or baby supplies.
- Avoid planning travel during your baby’s regular nap time, especially for longer journeys, as air travel can keep babies awake and cranky.
- If you are taking your baby on a trip outside of the country, consult with your paediatrician to confirm that they are up to date on their vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s online Traveler’s Health portal provides an overview of the vaccines required for your destination country.
What to Bring
When travelling with a baby, having the correct carry-on bag can be a lifesaver. Check that your bag is light enough to lift or roll and, most critically, that it fits under the airline’s size and weight restrictions. When packing, remember to include additional materials in case of an unexpected layover or delay. Your carry-on bag should contain the following items:
- Nappies as well as a nappy change pad or mat
- A baby blanket
- An abundance of baby meals, snacks, beverages, and formula
- A bib as well as extra garments
- Wet wipes
- Empty plastic bags for used nappies.
- A spare pacifier or infant bottle
- A modest medical kit containing bandages
- A little bottle of antibacterial waterless hand cleanser
- Any baby medication your child may need
Top tip: Ask your paediatrician to check for an ear infection or any other sickness that may interfere with plane travel just before your holiday. If you want to bring an infant pain reliever (particularly if the baby is teething), consult with your paediatrician first.
Awaiting Flight
The first guideline for travelling with a baby is to arrive at the airport early. Even if you’ve completed every essential preparation and checked off every box on the checklist, unanticipated catastrophes or delays are possible. You and your child will be significantly less stressed if you arrive early. Here are a few more useful hints:
- Inform the attendant that you are travelling with a baby when you check-in. Inform the attendant if you have a stroller or car seat.
- Check-in as much luggage as possible. Carrying extra carry-ons may save you money, but it will cost you more in terms of stress. Keep in mind that your infant may need to be removed from the stroller or car seat as you enter security.
- Change your baby or toddler’s nappy as soon as possible before boarding the plane.
- Consider bringing your stroller and registering it at the gate. This way, when you depart the plane, it will be right there waiting for you.
- Encourage your infant to swallow during takeoff and landing to help him acclimate to variations in cabin pressure.
- Make a concerted effort to keep your baby hydrated.
- Unless absolutely necessary, try not to rush off the plane once it has landed at the gate. This will save you from having to stand in a long line among a swarm of passengers.
