Flying with your little one can be an extremely stressful experience for you. There are certain precautionary measures that you as a parent need to take to ensure your baby has a comfortable journey. We at Mother Nurture, have listed down some crucial tips that can help you make your next flight journey indeed a happy one for you and your child:
Find out where to make your baby sit:
Generally babies under the age of 2 years do not require a ticket when travelling through an airplane as airlines allow parents to let the baby sit in their laps. However, the best and the safest place for your child when travelling through an airplane is by making him or her sit in a child restraint system. Although you need to first check if your child restraint system is allowed to use on an airplane. As rules always change and vary airline to airline, it is best to inform and check with them as to the rules they follow.
Request for a cot:
You may be able to request for a sleeping cot with your airlines, each airlines have different rules and allow infants that weigh under a certain weight to use the cot, they also might have a height restriction. Always call in advance to book the cot and find out the rules.
Make a check-list of things that are allowed to be carried:
Make sure you contact your airlines prior to inquire about their policy as to what is allowed to be carried on, so that you do not face any trouble at the last moment. When you are familiar with the rules of what to carry and what not it makes your journey with your baby all the more easier.
Do not board a flight too early:
While some airlines as a courtesy allow parents of a baby to board a plane early, you may not want to do so. This is because making your child sit in cramped seat for a longer period can make him or her cranky and uncomfortable.
Dress for the flight:
Babies need to be comfortable when they travel, ensure that the clothes you dress and keep as spares are comfortable and will make the journey pleasant for the child.
Feed your baby during take-off & landing:
Changes in the cabin pressure can be disturbing and can hurt your little one’s ears. For this reason, feeding or nursing your baby during take-off and landing is a good idea. Feeding your child will help him or her to swallow and will keep their ears open too.
Carry formula:
If your infant is using formula, check the country you are flying to if they carry the same brand, you might have to carry the babies formula with you incase its not available in the country you are planning to visit.
Visit a pediatrician prior to your travel:
If you plan to travel overseas with your little one, make sure that you visit your pediatrician first in order to ensure that your baby is vaccinated. Also check for the vaccinations to be given to your little one depending upon the destination country. Also make sure that you ask your pediatrician to check for any signs or symptoms of infections or other illness. If you wish to carry some precautionary medicines ask your doctor for his prescription or advice on the same.
We hope this blog will help you enjoy and have a happy & safe journey with your little one! For more tips about child care & wellness, read our blogs here.
(Note: Mother Nurture only provides recommendations based on best practice that a parent should follow. These recommendations should always be discussed with your doctor or pediatrician. It is always best to follow your doctors/pediatrician orders. Please contact your doctor or emergency services, in case of emergency or if your child is unwell or not responding well to recommendations provided.)
