Traveling with your child can be a little tricky sometimes. Therefore, you need to learn the healthy practices that can help you stay confident, and read to know more.
A lot of people think that traveling is not an option when you have a baby. While some people are afraid of taking their baby on vacation, many still consider that you cannot go on a flight with your baby. Being concerned about your kid is absolutely fine. However, it has nothing to do with traveling. Flying with your baby can be a little daunting at times as you have to accept when the entire plane of people will be staring at you as your baby is crying on the of his or her lungs. Not just for moms but the job is equally tricky for dads and therefore, both parents should be aware of the safe practices before going a flight their baby.
Be a confident parent and follow the tips given below to fly and travel with your bay without any worries.
- Get the documents before booking
Before planning to travel internationally, you need to get your baby a passport. So, you apply for it before so that you can get the passport before leaving. Ensure that you have your child’s birth certificate with you. At the passport office, you will have to submit photos of your life along with payment. Visit your local passport and get more info on the matter. The whole process of generating a passport will take ample time and that is why, it is highly recommended to start early. If you have plenty of time to spare for the process, it is only better for you. It took us about three weeks to get the appointment and six more to get the passport
- Make sure the baby has a ticket too
Even though your baby will be on your lap, it is important that your kid has a passport too which approves flying through an airplane. In the case of international flights, you will also have to pay the taxes which are usually 10% of the adult ticket fare. Make sure to have ticket confirmation before you head towards the airport. Having the confirmation before can help you avoid potential issues.
- Reserve a Bassinet
For those who are traveling with lap infants, make sure to check whether your airline is offering any Bassinet. It is mainly attached to the area in front of the bulkhead seats. The Bassinet will help you find a cozy spot for your baby to rest without disturbing anyone. In this case, you do not have to book a ticket for your child but the bassinet will be fixed with the wall in front of you. However, it has a weight limit. In most cases, the limit is around 20–26 lbs. Bassinets are limited and mostly bulkhead seats are preferable since they are popular. Singapore Airlines and Emirates have reserved bassinet seats especially to help the parents.
- Get their own seats for longer flights
Children who are under two years of age, usually go for free or a discounted amount instead of having their own individual seats. However, on lengthy international flights; a separate seat for a child is highly recommended. Keeping a baby in one place for a longer span of time can easily make them frustrated as there is no space for a movie around. They will be encroaching on the space of the people next to you if you do not book a seat for your child. You will need to bring a car seat or CARES harness on board for them. The CARES harness wraps around the seat, creating better-fitting seating for all. It is over over 3 feet (1 meter) tall and weighs 22-44 lbs (10-20 kg).
- Reserve a meal for your child
While some airlines offer meals for babies, not everyone can recover from what they have gone through. Though the meal is a rare offering on flights, Emirates even has formula onboard. Make sure to notify the airline before your child has dietary restrictions or allergies your child may have. However, the airlines often accommodate special guests, ensuring that suitable and safe meals during the flight. However, do not just count on your airline as they are not going to find milk for your child. It is better if you carry your own snacks and milk in small airtight containers.
- Print the boarding pass
Even though parents can easily show their tickets through their mobile phones, a printed ticket is still required as it is considered an element of security. Most airports in the USA would ask you if you have a printed ticket that carries more authenticity. It is also a handy option and you do not have to show your phone multiple times. It is also important if you are phone is out of charge and the battery dies.
- Leave a little extra time at the airport.
When you are traveling with a baby, it is better to spend a little extra time at the airport. There are many activities that can happen such as diaper changes, blowouts, extra time in security, and impromptu feedings. Having a comfortable buffer before your flight takes off is essential. It is also important to have ample time in hand which makes your journey less rushed, and absolutely stress-free. You do not need to sprint through the closing gate with your baby and luggage. Just make sure to reach the airport at least half an hour before.
- Beware of TSA Regulations
Airport security is strict anyway but you will find it in a new way when you become a parent. It is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations to stay updated with the current process. The most important take here is the amount of stuff that you can carry to feed your child. Breast milk, juice, water, and food for infants are allowed over the 3 oz./100ml limit which are considered as ‘reasonable’ quantities. Going through US Airports comes with extra checks. They might run the food and liquid through scanners, bomb-testing, and may open lids for vapor test. Co-operate with them and it will take only 5 to 20 minutes to get the whole process done.
- Learn to survive at the Airport and Layovers
After the security session, it is time to look for a family bathroom where everyone can go and change their child’s diaper. Also, look for stores where you can find family-friendly amenities and play areas to let your child play. It is better if they spend their energy before getting onto the flight as they will be tired and sleeping on a flight in that case. Remember to take a baby carrier with you that offers easy transport in the airport terminals. However, if the stroller is too big for you to carry; you can leave it and gate check for free. In case your baby needs to move, let them crawl.
- Keep Your Baby Entertained
It is also important to keep your child entertained and therefore, it is not just food and snacks but you also need to carry a few small toys like spinners, or even books and crayons. Although most airlines tend to have some toys, considering the health options; it is better if you just carry your own toys that are healthy and hygienic. Keeping your child entertained will allow you to rest when the flight finally starts.
- Pack Finger Foods for the Flight
You should carry ample finger foods for your child that are delicious and also take some time to eat. There are many kinds of healthy finger foods that children really enjoy eating, such as Cheerios, squished blueberries, smoothie melts, quartered grapes, and many others. As long as the food is nongreasy and easy to eat; you can go for it. However, if you are carrying any fruit or veggie; make sure to finish it before you enter your destination as most countries do not allow outside fruits and veggies through customs.
- Prepare Your Carry-On
Take a carry-on bag and pack it with enough diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and changes of clothes for delays. Diapers and wipes are pretty difficult to find in a terminal and most airlines do not even carry them onboard. So, make sure to carry an extra number of clothes, wipes, and diapers which can help you even if your child is having an upset stomach. Additionally, you should also carry a small first-aid kit that includes the medication that your child might need such as pain relievers, fever reducers, or allergy medication. However, TSA can put a limit on it if you do not have a prescription so, make sure to carry them in small containers.
- Understand Stroller Policies
Fortunately, most airlines do not count a stroller or a car seat against the luggage that has been already checked. You use strollers as long as you want but you have to leave them before you board the flight. With its convenience, you can make navigation in the airport in a much more manageable way. In case you are unable to gate-check the strollers, many airports have free ones when you are in the airport.
- Car Seat and Baggage Policies
If you are traveling with a car seat, you can check it has a hold luggage. You can bring it on board if your baby has a separate booked seat already. It does not usually count against checked luggage limits as well as on low-cost carriers. Traveling with your children means more luggage than usual and therefore, you must familiarize yourself with the restrictions regarding weight and size in order to avoid any kind of surprises at the check-in counter.
- Clear Ears before Takeoff and Landing
Changes in the cabin pressure can cause discomfort for everyone when taking off and landing. But babies do not know how to clear their ears. In order to alleviate this problem, let the babies breastfeed, or offer a bottle, pacifier, or even a snack that encourages swallowing. In this way, you can help them avoid the pressure issues and can also avoid crying during landing and takeoff.
- Learn How to Clean Things Onboard
When you are on a long flight, you will eventually have to clean stuff such as a bottle or a breast pump. For this case, try to use an unscented soap container and a portable bottle washing station. You can ask the flight attendants for clean water for washing. With their cooperation, you can have a sterilized bottle in no time.
- Keep Nap and Sleep Consistent
International traveling is tricky when you have to keep an eye on time. You would have to cross multiple time zones when you are traveling internationally which leads to jet lag for both you and your child. In order to minimize the effects, make sure to keep regular nap times and bedtimes while you are flying. Stick to the local schedule upon arrival to adapt more quickly.
- Dress them comfortably
Dress your child comfortably which helps them adjust to flights even better. Use breathable material and opt for layers, as the temperature on the plane can vary. Such clothes are good for temperature regulation. Your baby needs to be extra comfortable in the dry environment inside the plane.
- Take a walk
If you have a toddler, make sure to have a little walk in the aisle when there is no food cart around. This will help get over fatigue and offer some energy for both you and the baby. It can also help to pass the time while letting your baby have a chance to wave to other co-passengers.
- Be mindful of timing
When booking your flights, make sure to opt for departure times that align with your child’s schedule as much as possible. Although sometimes it can be unavoidable, if you can manage the schedule; it can prove as a game changer for the flight.
Just be a confident parent who knows how to handle their children and the rest of the things you will learn on the way.
