5 Travel Tips for Flying with a Baby
Are you nervous about flying with a baby? Don’t be. Although this can feel a little scary, it doesn’t have to be. Try to have things, like toys, to keep him entertained. Remember he’s just a child.
Keep reading to find five tips to help you enjoy and comfortably fly with your baby on any flight.
At what age is your baby allowed to fly?
This depends on the airline and its terms and conditions. However, most airlines accept babies over 15-days-old. For longer trips, it’s better if babies are a little older, so they don’t get too affected by heights.
Babies don’t need a ticket, but they do need to register at the counter and have flight insurance. Besides, they’re given a special seatbelt to be next to their mother or father for a safer flight.
5 tips for flying with a baby
Before talking about flying with a baby, let’s talk about being organized. Planning a trip means checking your documents, accessories, toys, food, and evaluating your priorities. To help you with this, here are some recommendations.
Travel documents
If you take your time and have all your papers in order, and the baby’s, it’ll be easier for you to plan the trip. Even if they don’t need tickets, you need to tell the airline you’ll be traveling with a child.
Also, if you’re taking an international flight, the baby needs a passport. If it’s a national flight, the baby needs a national ID. Vaccines record cards are mandatory if you’re traveling abroad, so remember to check this with the baby’s pediatrician.
Have everything you need on hand
Try to have on hand the things your baby will need. Depending on the trip, you can carry diapers, wet wipes, blankets, little toys, clothing, books, and food. Also, have something you can entertain him with.
The stroller, the toys, and everything else will probably need to pass through the usual airport security measures. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. When booking your flight, ask how the baby will have to go, this way you can be better prepared.
Prepare for the unexpected
Children can get a little restless when they notice you’re stressed. That’s why, if you’re going on a short trip, better fly with your baby in the morning.
On the other hand, if it’s a long flight, it’s better to fly at night. That’ll help your baby sleep better during the trip. Besides, there might be some delays or layovers. So, be prepared in advance and have everything on hand.
Landing and take-off
Take-offs and landings can be very worrying when flying with a baby. This is when there are changes in the air pressure and these can cause dizziness, ringing in the ear, and other reactions.
If your baby is under two-years-old, feed him when taking-off and when the plane’s near the landing. You can also give him a pacifier or some juice he can suction so it can relieve the feeling of pressure in his ears.
“Depending on how long the trip will be, you can carry diapers, wet wipes, blankets, little toys, clothing, books, and food.”
To be safe, ask the pediatrician about using decongestant minutes before take-off and landing. Take into account everything that might help you counter the changing pressure impact.
Patience
Patience is a must when flying with a baby. If the baby’s uncomfortable, other people will feel the same, and this can cause frustration and make you feel unwell. That’s why, besides trying to have a quiet and comfortable flight, have water to stay hydrated, fresh and comfortable clothing, download music or cartoons on your phone.
In short, flying with a baby doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Just take these tips into account and adapt them to your situation. Remember you’re with a child and things won’t be perfect. Stay organized and you’ll do great.