10 Tips for Flying with a Baby or a Toddler
Travelling with children can seem like a daunting task, but being organised and having travel insurance can help you face this challenge. To make your journey go as smoothly as possible, we’ve prepared 10 tips for flying with a baby or a toddler.
Book a Night-time or Evening Flight
If you book a flight at night or in the evening, your child might be able to sleep through it with minimum fuss. To help your child get to sleep during the flight, try to keep their routine as normal as possible. Pack a pair of pyjamas and their favourite blanket and pacifier, and even have a bedtime story ready. This will reduce the chance that they’ll get jetlag and give you time to rest too.
As soon as you’ve booked your trip and flights, purchase family travel insurance to make sure your whole family is covered in case of missed departure, missed connection, and scheduled airline failure.
Reserve Your Seats
When booking your flight, make sure you reserve specific seats for you and your little one. Most airlines will allow babies and toddlers up to the age of 2 years to sit on their parent’s lap during a flight for free. However, booking a separate seat if your child is much safer, especially if there is turbulence. Babies and toddlers can become agitated and restless during long-haul flights, so you may find that having a separate seat will make you more comfortable and make it less likely that your child kicks the seat of the person in front of you.
When booking your seats, think about what would be the most convenient for you and your child. If you book an aisle seat and a middle seat, you’ll be free to get up for numerous bathroom breaks, nappy changes, and be able to clean up after accidents and spills. Try to avoid putting your baby or toddler in the aisle seat, as they may get injured by the drinks trolley or by other passengers walking past. You can ask for a safety seat for your child or bring an FAA approved car seat with you.
If you choose to fly with an infant in arms, you can request a bassinet by calling the airline to inquire about availability once you’ve booked your seats.
Pack More Necessities than You Need
Just in case you experience delays or long waiting times, it’s always a good idea to pack more necessities than you think you’ll need. Pack a few extra nappies, wipes, medicine, baby food, healthy snacks, and bottles in your baby changing bag. Make sure you have plenty of toys and activities to entertain your little one and bring a portable charging bank for your phone or tablet so they can watch their favourite shows during the flight. Because accidents can happen, make sure your gadgets are covered by gadget cover travel insurance to cover them against damage.
Dress Comfortably
It’s important for you and your child to dress comfortably. Make sure you both have plenty of layers that can be removed or put back on, since the temperature on the plane may vary. If you’re travelling with a toddler, dress them in a brightly-coloured outfit that stands out. Should they try to run off and explore, they’ll be easier to spot. Don’t forget to bring an extra set of clothes for yourself and your infant, so you can easily change if they make a mess.
Get Your Documents Ready for Security
It can be difficult giving your child your full attention while rummaging through your bag to find your passports. Make getting through the security line as a hassle-free as possible by having all your travel documents ready before you join the queue. You’ll need your child’s birth certificate or adoption certificate, child passport, boarding pass, a notarised letter of consent (if your child is traveling with only one parent), proof of vaccinations, and a copy of your child’s prescription (if they need any medication). Keep your documents in one folder in your carry-on bag. If you’re not sure what other documents you’ll need, check with the airline before your flight.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Travelling doesn’t always go smoothly, so aim to arrive that the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. This will give you plenty of time to check your bags, get through security, and find the right terminal. Most airlines allow families with children to board early, so you can put your child in their safety seat and get settled without disturbing other passengers.
Visit the Restroom before Boarding
Take a trip to the bathroom and baby changing facility before you get on the plane, since once you’ve boarded your flight, you and your child won’t be able to use the restroom until after take-off. This will prevent any accidents when boarding.
Gate Check Your Stoller
Navigating your way through the airport while carrying your baby or walking with a tired toddler will add to the stress of travelling, which is why it’s handy to know that you don’t have to check your stroller at the ticket counter. Car seats and strollers can be gate checked for free. Once you have a tag, you can push your stroller right up to the aircraft door, at which point it will be put in the cargo hold. This will also reduce the chance that your stroller becomes damaged.
Be Prepared for Earaches
We’ve all experienced the earache that comes with cabin pressure, but this can come as a surprise for babies and toddlers, leading to crying and tantrums. To help with this, give your baby a bottle or give your toddler a lollipop to suck on during take-off and landing. You can ask the flight attendant for some hot water to warm your baby’s bottle if you don’t already have some in a thermos flask. You should also consider getting ear protectors to help with pain and protect their ears from loud noises.
Stay Calm
Babies and toddlers can sense when their parents are stressed, so try to stay calm during your journey. Getting ready for the flight, finding your seats, and keeping your child happy can be overwhelming, so it’s important to relax and try not to get frustrated. If your child gets upset, focus on their wellbeing, and ignore the exasperated looks from other passengers.
