Travelling with a baby doesn't have to be all that stressful when planned ahead of time with all the necessary preparations and precautions. Be it a newborn, infant or a toddler there are a few things you can do to ensure the travel is as comfortable as possible for your child.
You don't have to postpone your vacations and travel plans till your child grows up. While it is not going to be easy, trust me it is not that bad either. Key is to be prepared and aware so you can have a good family vacation with lots of fun and a lifetime of memories.
Let us look at some of the time tested and tried tips and tricks to ensure a safe and comfortable flight for both you and your baby.
Destinations
Choose a destination that is child friendly and not very far from home. Especially if this is your first international trip with your baby don't go all adventurous and remote. Choose a destination with good connectivity, hospitals, easy access to baby supplies, food and more importantly things you can do with your baby. If you are travelling with toddlers, make sure they have some fun activities to do and fun places to explore.
Travel Advisories
Before booking the tickets, always check for the travel advisories for any vaccinations required or places to avoid going to due to infections, pandemic, unrest or terrorism. Not all places are safe or appropriate to travel with a baby so ensure you check the advisory before booking your flight.
Clearance from the Paediatrician
Get your baby checked before the travel and get a clearance from the doctor to travel. It is best avoided if your baby is just days or less that four months old as chances of getting infections on flights is higher when this young with still developing immune systems.
Flight Bookings
Book in advance so you can select baby friendly seats with an option to get a bassinet, many airlines on long flights have this option. Even though babies below 2 years of age can travel free or with 10% of adult ticket fare sitting on your lap, it is tough for long flights. Check with the airline if you can book the seat next to yours so your baby can stretch. Look for flights closer to baby sleep time and avoid very long flights as longer the travel the crankier kids get, choose destinations closer to home.
Practice Practice and some more Practice
Don't start with an international flight, take your baby on a few domestic flights so you get a hang of it. You'll know what to prepare for, how your baby reacts, what to pack, how to calm her, engage her and the baby will get used to the idea of sitting in a closed space with people around, noises, air pressure and the whole sensation of flying. The familiarity with the airports, process flights and the travel experience helps both of you.
Be on Time
Reach the airport well ahead of time so your baby can settle in and you can relax a bit before boarding the flight. You don't want to rush dashing through lines with a baby. This not just agitates them but also puts them under a lot of stress just minutes before the long flight so plan to reach well in time.
Get your Documents in Order
Ensure your baby has a valid passport to travel and ready to go. Check before hand the documents you need to enter the country, based on your nationality you may or may not need a visa but be sure and apply well in advance for the necessary permits, visas and anything else that applies to you. Keep all the necessary documents, family passports in a place or bag that is easily accessible and in order as you may need them at multiple points like security checks, immigration, etc.
Don't Over Pack
While this may sound obvious, a lot of first time travellers with a baby over pack and then struggle with lugging the baggage around while handling the baby and all the paraphernalia that goes with the baby. Pack enough clothes and a few extras, many hotels offer laundry or book places with washer and dryer. Don't carry excess of toys, diapers, wipes, formula, baby food if you can find these easily at your destination. If you are not too particular, look for local alternatives wherever you can. You will be surprised at how many things that we use daily we can make do without.
Essentials for Carry On
Ensure you have everything your baby needs handy with you on the flight. Anything that you think your baby must have needs to go into the carry on. It could be extra diapers, wipes, formula, food, bottles, water, toys, books or entertainment, blanket, pacifiers if used to, change of clothes, you get the drill.
Baby Favourites
Pack things that give your baby comfort, could be a toy, blanket, sound machine or a book. Any one thing that your baby absolutely loves and would keep her at ease. Stick to just one or two of these, don't bring your entire home with you. Remember all this is stopgap, you will be back home where your baby can use everything else.
Take the Stroller
Whether an infant or a toddler, stroller is a must. It is just not possible to keep carrying your baby throughout your trip. It also comes in handy for a quick nap while you walk or shop, you can use it to feed your baby on the go or just helps that your baby is comfortably seated. While some prefer a carrier, if you have a lot of walking to do please take the stroller and thank me later. Google before hand to see how the terrain is to decide on the sturdiness of the stroller.
Avoid Drastic Changes
Keep in mind that babies need their sleep, food and comfort. Don't make drastic changes to their schedules, as far as possible stick to their feed and sleep times. Before you plan the itinerary of the day take your babies needs in to account to avoid a fussy cranky baby. Do only as much as it is comfortable for the baby.
Don't Cut Corners with your Hotel
Look for comfortable decent accommodations throughout your stay even if you have to shell out a little extra. The hotels should be well equipped and willing to go the extra mile to meet your demands. Whether it is sleep arrangements, crib, baby food, on call doctor or anything you may need, the hotel should be able to provide. The stay must be comfortable so your baby and all of you are well fed and rested.
Take the Pharmacy with you
Last thing you want to look for is medicines on your trip. Pack everything your child and the family may need if sick. Pack all the meds you may need in case of cold, cough, flu, fever, diarrhoea, cuts, bruises or anything that you can handle at your end. Vacation is not the time to explore any new meds or local alternatives unless you absolutely have no choice. Before taking any medicines talk to your doctor.
Electronic Devices Compatibility
Your electronic devices may not be compatible with the power outlets in the country you are visiting, check this before hand and carry the necessary adaptors for your phones, laptops, entertainment devices, toys or sound machine so they can be charged.
Dress for Comfort
Dress your baby in layers so you have an option to layer or strip them down based on how cold or hot they are during the flight. The clothes should be comfortable, easy to remove for diaper changes and something you already tried on your baby. Don't put them in any new complicated outfits, this is not the time for fashion.
Change of Clothes
Keep a few clothes handy to use if needed. Everything from their clothes to socks, burp clothes, bibs, jackets, caps, mitten if too young has to have extras. Pack a comfortable blanket as it tends to get cold in flights.
While the list may seem long, it covers everything you need to take care of while travelling with your baby internationally. Plan way in advance so you have time to think, shop, pack and get all the essentials covered. Prepare for any contingencies so you can have a fun and stress free vacation. Above all don't panic even if you have a fussy baby, it only lasts till you get to your destination where you can make them all comfortable again.
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