As if flights weren’t difficult enough, traveling with a baby or a young toddler can often leave a mother having nightmares. It seems that every little step presents larger problems, from child passports to nursing on board, but with a little help, even the worst flight issues become manageable.
Preparation is key when getting ready for a flight with your young one. As soon as you plan your trip, begin shopping for good airline prices. Many airlines allow children under the age of two to fly for free sitting on your lap, but make sure to check with your airline to avoid last minute panic. Also, airlines are getting stricter on allowing strollers onto a flight. Once again, check with your airline and see what their rules are. If they don’t allow strollers, be sure to pack yours in a stroller bag to keep it clean while it’s stowed away. When booking seats, it might be a good idea to get a seat separate from your significant other, so one can rest while the other keeps baby occupied.
A few weeks in advance, make sure you know where your family’s passports are. If you can’t find them, reapply for a new one as soon as possible. Be sure you have a birth certificate to present at the airport as well. Planning ahead can help you reduce stress leading up to your flight time. You will need to get a new one if you’ve been recently married or divorced, as well as if you have had yours for over 10 years. A child passport is only valid for 5 years, so check each accordingly. Arrange to be picked up from the airport if you don’t plan on getting a rental car, and make sure there is a seat for your baby.
So it’s the big day. Pack a large purse, as opposed to a separate diaper bag, with a fresh diaper, baby food, bottle and formula, some toys to keep Baby occupied, some small snacks, and a baby blanket. If you need to nurse your baby on the plane, the baby blanket could provide a little privacy. Also, make sure you have a pacifier for your baby because the descent can hurt their ears. As your boarding time approaches, change and feed Baby to reduce the chances of having to do it while in the air. If you need to change your baby during the flight, let a flight attendant know. Some planes have bigger bathrooms with bigger changing tables. A flight attendant can help you set up the bathroom and make it a little less challenging. After all, they are there to help you.
There doesn’t need to be any nightmares involved with preparing you and your family to travel. Planning ahead can make the process run smoother and allow you to enjoy your vacation. Start your U.S. passport application early if you are traveling outside the United States, and be sure to apply for a passport for an infant for anyone under 16. Don’t become flustered if someone gives you a hard time about an unhappy baby. You are the one raising your child and other people don’t know how to work with your family. So grab baby, hop aboard, and bon voyage!