Flying with your baby?
Tips to help take the stress out of travelling by plane with your little one.
If you've made plans to travel with your baby anytime soon, you might be feeling a little concerned about how it's all going to work out. Planning ahead and packing smart are vital to your success. Make sure these boxes are ticked:
Mention baby when you book
Make sure to mention that you’ll be travelling with a baby when you book your air tickets. The booking agent will then usually be able to reserve you a seat with access to an on-board crib. Alternatively, you can request bulkhead seats, which are situated in the front row, so you don’t have to worry about your baby banging on the back of the seat in front of you. You can also request a special baby or child meal when you make your initial booking.
Choose a flight that works for your baby
When booking a shorter flight, try to choose a time that coincides with your little one’s naptime. With any luck, they will sleep through most of the flight. For long-haul flights, choose overnight flights where possible. Your baby will be far calmer and easier to settle when the lights are dimmed and the plane is generally quiet.
Ask for help if you need it
If you’re travelling on your own with a baby, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask the cabin crew for help. They can hold your baby while you go to the toilet, or pass you things that you need from the overhead locker. You can also ask the cabin crew to warm baby food or bottles for you.
Take your pram/stroller with you
Most airlines will let you push a collapsible pram or stroller all the way to the aircraft door, where a member of the cabin crew will take it and store it in the hold for you. A pram or stroller does not count as part of your luggage allowance and it will prove invaluable for moving your child through a busy airport terminal before and after the flight. As an added bonus, you can also store baby bags and hand luggage in it.
Pack everything you need (and a little extra!)
Fill your nappy bag with enough nappies and wipes for an entire day (your flight may be delayed or diverted) and also pack extra snacks, toys and a change of clothing for your baby and yourself (in the event of spit-up episodes). If your baby uses a dummy, make sure that you pack a few spares, as they are likely to come in handy during take-off and landing.
Great ideas for stress-free travel
A snack pod filled with non-messy finger foods such as raisins, little pieces of cheese or cereal flakes will help to keep older babies occupied. Alternatively, buy a pill container with numerous compartments and fill each compartment with a different snack or surprise.
The Clicks 3-in-1 UV steriliser lets you sterilise bottles, teats and dummies wherever you are. It’s 100% portable and is powered by 2 AAA batteries.
A travel changing mat, anti-bacterial wipes and disposable nappy sacks will make changing baby’s nappy far easier and more hygienic.
Opt for baby food in squeezable tubes which can’t break in your bag and pack a few disposable bibs to minimise your cleanup requirements.
