Share
Summer is already here, and surely many parents will take the opportunity to go on a trip to that wonderful destination. But traveling with a baby is a challenge for even the most experienced parents, and it can end up throwing back those plans.
Air travel can be a really exhausting task. Many parents try to tire their children before getting on the plane, which may work or may leave our baby excited and regret the rest of the flight. For this, it is more advisable that the baby does not have any kind of stimulus inside the plane.
If you are traveling to an area with a different time zone than usual, to make the trip the least traumatic for the baby, modify your sleep schedules a few days before the trip and expose it to the sun when you arrive at the destination.
If you are flying with your baby to a country with a very different gastronomic offer and in which it may cost to find the food you need, it is advisable to take a small supply quota to avoid more than one headache once there.
If you are going to stay in a hotel, you can ask in your reservation to include a cot in your room. Or, if you find it more comfortable, you can always bring your own portable crib that the baby is more familiar with.
Here are 7 tips to make your baby trip go like clockwork!
-
Notify the airline of your baby’s presence
On long-haul flights, baby cots can be made available to travelers in all classes. The number of baby cots being limited on a flight, it is essential to warn the airline as soon as possible of the presence of your baby. Know moreover that a baby menu can be proposed to you. For ease of movement, a folding stroller is often permitted up to the plane. This one is then recovered at the descent of the plane or the delivery of the luggage. Other types of strollers and baby carriages are generally registered as baggage.
According to the airlines, children under two do not always have an assigned seat. Your baby will have to travel on your lap. You will also have to hold it in your arms during the take-off and landing phases, and in case of turbulence. Babies are restrained by a specific belt attached to the attendant’s belt. If they have their own seat, babies must travel in a homologated “hull” type car seat. It must be certified for air travel and be adapted to the dimensions of the seat of the aircraft. It is the parents who are responsible for installing it.
-
Remember to moisturize it well
The air is dry and pressurized in the cabin, it is essential to regularly hydrate his child. Provide enough milk powder and water. Mudguard will also allow him to reduce the pressure changes in his ears and avoid crying. To regulate the pressure in your ears, you can also use a pacifier. You can finally instill a few drops of saline into your child’s eyes if they are dry.
-
Reassure of your baby condition
If you are not reassured by plane, know that your baby will be too certainly worried. The stress being communicative, it is necessary to think to be serene before and during the flight. Your child will be calmer and less angry. Do not hesitate to talk to him and reassure him during the take-off and landing, or to take a walk by taking him in your arms along the path, during the flight.
On the other hand, some parents sometimes worry about “disturbing” other passengers when their baby is crying. But tell yourself that they will understand. Once again, it’s not guilt that you can calm your child. Regardless of the remarks or looks, keep your self-control while waiting for your child to calm down.
-
Allow enough exchange
Diapers, cleaning wipes, baby bottles, jars … Remember to take enough for all the trip without forgetting the return. It is essential for the child to feel good during the entire flight. In addition, do not hesitate to wash his face from time to time. It’s always good!
You can also change your clothes regularly, especially if the wait in the departure hall has been long. The interior of the cabin being air-conditioned, it is necessary to think to prepare warm clothes to avoid that your child is cold. Note that if he has a cold, it is better to consult a doctor before departure to clear his airways. In case of otitis also, seek the advice of a health professional, to avoid pressure pain during take-off or landing.
-
Take some toys
To keep your baby busy, remember to take his favorite toys, not to mention his comforter! They will be your best allies to avoid crying and anger. Also remember to take a small book, adapted to his age, to read a story to him and draw his attention to something else, when he begins to worry.
-
Help baby sleep on the plane
If you have to make a long trip, it is best to choose a night flight because your baby can sleep well. A not-so-good idea would be to make sure that the baby gets tired before the flight to make him sleep later: he may be grumpy on the plane and it will be more difficult to sleep. The best approach is to behave as usual.
If a baby is used to being in direct contact with parents, it will become easier to get used to the plane where babies tend to travel on a parent’s lap. If you have the means to buy an extra ticket for your baby, you can bring a homologated car seat to install comfortably. On long flights, it is possible to book a free cradle in advance.
Little Globetrotters also recommends carrying a baby carrier to walk the aisle of the plane and help your baby fall asleep while feeling safe.
-
Plan a baby carrier.