Travel is fun! Travel is exciting! Travel is…..stressful! That’s why you have us, your trusty Travel Advisors, to guide you through the journey.
Today let’s focus on a particularly stressful part of travel – Traveling with Babies!
Yes, you need to prepare and plan, but I promise you, it’s not as bad as it sounds! Follow these tips and you’ll find that traveling with babies can be incredibly rewarding.
Book a Direct Flight
If possible, book a direct flight. But if you absolutely have to include a layover, make sure you allow plenty of time for your connection. You don’t want to feel rushed, running through the airport to try to catch your next flight. Allow 2 – 3 hours minimum, so you can take your time, stop at the bathroom, have a snack and just spread out for a little while.
Book your Baby a Seat
If you can, book your baby their own seat. You will need to bring your own car seat for the plane, so make sure it is up to code for air travel. Book a seat with extra legroom, so you have a few extra inches to move around.
Hit the Bathroom before you Board the Plane
You always want to board the plane with a dry diaper on your little one. You may even want to use 2 diapers for extra leak coverage. If your baby is potty training, you want to give them one last opportunity to use the potty before you board.
Pre-Board your Flight
Take advantage of being allowed to pre-board! This will give you a few extra minutes to get yourself settled once you board the plane. If you board with general boarding, you’re going to have a lot of angry stares from folks behind you as you rush to get situated. Avoid this by boarding as early as possible.
Gate Check Baby Gear
At no additional charge, most airlines allow parents and caregivers to gate check bulky baby gear like strollers and car seats. Simply request gate check tags from the attendant at your airline’s gate. Attach one tag to each item and deposit it at the bottom of the jetway. Be sure to fold strollers before boarding. Gate checked items will typically be waiting for you in the same spot at your destination when you disembark. Sometimes, though, they must be retrieved from baggage claim. Check with your airline before your flight regarding their gate check policy.
Bring Double the Baby Gear
Bring twice as much formula, diapers, bottles, baby food and snacks on the plane as you think you will need. This includes an extra change of clothes for both you and the baby! If your plane becomes severely delayed or canceled, you will thank me. The last thing you want to deal with is a hungry, thirsty, dirty-diapered baby when stuck on the tarmac, circling above a storm, or bedding down in a hotel room for an unexpected overnight.
Protect Baby Ears
Sucking or chewing helps ease ear pain caused by pressure changes in the airplane’s cabin. Bring formula or pumped breast milk and give your baby a bottle during take-off and landing so you can keep your baby safely buckled. Breast milk is exempt from the 3.4 ounce liquid rule. If your child doesn’t take bottles, then a sippy cup or pacifier works, too. Chewing a cracker or cookie can also help older toddlers.