10 tips for airline travel with the baby
Traveling with children is a feat all on its own, but it can become easy if you take the proper precautions prior to venturing off on your family vacation. We have the tips and materials that you will need for your family vacation right here in this article.
1. Try to get there in one flight
We understand that sometimes it is impossible to avoid layovers during an airplane trip, but we recommend trying your hardest to get to your destination using a direct flight.
This will cut down on air travel as well as the time that your child has to remain seated during the trip. Also, being at such a high altitude has been known to cause pressure and popping in the ears that could send your little one into a tantrum.
2. Use the bathroom before the flight
Taking your little one to the restroom is a carefully organized process conducted by parents every day. However, it is not a process you want to try while you’re in the air in a bathroom barely big enough for one person.
Make sure that you take your little one to the bathroom prior to getting on the plane. This way you won’t have to perform acrobatics trying to get in and out of the bathroom.
3. Buy a separate seat for your children
Yes, it is true that children under the age of two flies for free, but it is much safer if your child is able to buckle into their own seats. It also gives you and your family extra room to stretch out and be comfortable during the flight.
4. Check baby gear
Check with your airline ahead of time because most airlines will allow you to check your child’s gear free of charge. This means things like strollers and car seats that are essential for child safety.
Make sure to check with the airline prior to arriving at the airport, ensuring that there is no charge for checking gear.
5.Use pre-boarding
Pre-boarding is important because sometimes if you board a plan last it is not guaranteed that your family will sit together or have room for your carry on bags. Taking advantage of pre-boarding allows you to take your time getting everyone in your family situated before others get onto the plane.
6.Rent your gear
Check with the hotel at your destination and inquire if they have any gear that you can get while enjoying your stay. Some places have strollers and cribs that can be rented and sent up to your room for the duration of your stay.
7. Dress your child comfortably
A child that is dressed in too many layers is susceptible to having a meltdown or tantrum because they are not comfortable. And you do not want a child having a meltdown in the air with nowhere to handle the situation privately.
On the flip side if you know your child gets cold easily ensure that you have them dressed it just enough layers to keep them warm, but not enough to cause overheating.
8.Pack a change of clothes
It is crucial to be prepared for anything and everything that could happen on the plane. Pack an extra pair of clothes for you and your child.
Children have a knack for throwing up on you or having a blowout at the most inopportune times and they can’t help it. It’s our job as parents to be prepared for these types of situations.
9.Pump milk ahead of time
This is to ensure that you won’t have to take your child in and out of their seats to feed them. And they may get distracted looking around so pump milk or prepare a bottle before take off.
10.Bring toys or a movie to keep your child busy
You should plan to bring a coloring book or some sort of interactive toy that will keep your child busy during the flight. By doing this it is more likely that your child will play, eat, and then nap before throwing a tantrum.
A child that is kept busy won’t have time to panic or fear being so high up in the air.