Travel by Plane with an Infant or Toddler
Flying on a plane with an infant can be stressful for parents, children and other passengers. While there's no way to guarantee a completely fuss-free flight, with the right preparation, you can help smooth the way for everyone. Just start with Step 1 below for some helpful tips on how to successfully travel with a baby or toddler.
Steps
- Use an approved restraint if possible. Lap travel, while legal for children under 2 years of age, is much less safe than traveling in an approved seat.The FAA recommends that all children use a restraint on board from birth to 40 pounds. It also comes in handy because you can attach toys or pictures to the top, a mirror to the side, and a pillow to the back for comfort while sleeping.
- However, in Europe, Australia, Asia, the use of a lap belt onboard is normal and approved by their safety regulations. These are provided by the airline and attach to your seatbelt.
- From the FAA: Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in a government-approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap? http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
- Purchase a giant diaper/nappy bag. Some (non American) airlines allow a piece of hold luggage, usually 10kg and a nappy bag. Always check with your airline their particular baggage allowances as these do vary greatly
- Bring enough baby milk/ food and snacks.Most airlines will warm bottles or formula. Many large airlines allow you to request a baby meal for infants. This must be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance, and is usually a puréed jar
- Consider dressing your child in a one piece, footed Babygro if you're worried about losing clothes. Also consider layers in case the cabin temperature is too hot or cold. Always pack at least one spare change of clothes for baby and spare too for you - just in case of any spills or accidents.
- Pack the diaper/nappy bag as if you're going on a trip for a day. Include a change of clothes or two outfits, bind, diapers/nappies, toys (stickers, crayons, and paper for toddlers) changing pad, baby wipes, and utensils.
- You must declare baby food, formula, medicines. Babies and toddlers ARE exempt from the 3-1-1 and 100ml liquid rule.
- Consider buying some new toys to surprise your child; they will keep his or her attention longer. Wrapping them individually helps to keep them entertained. You may choose to hold onto these toys until your child becomes antsy or angry. If the flight goes well, then save the toys for the flight home.
- Try to avoid handing out sweets and sugary snacks to your child for obvious reasons. Instead pack plenty of snacks incase the inflight service is delayed. Raisins, bananas, crackers, are all good ideas.
- Bring earplugs not for your baby, but for yourself and the people around you. If your child cries uncontrollably, then you can show your concern by handing your neighbors an inexpensive pair of foam earplugs with a kind smile.
- Arrive early at your gate. Ask the attendant for a "Gate Check Tag" for your stroller. They will stow your stroller with the luggage in the belly of the plane. You can also check in your stroller with your bags if you prefer and then use a baby carrier. You rarely will collect your stroller as you exit the plane, but will find it with the normal baggage reclaim, or in the excess baggage area. Some airports provide complimentary strollers for use when in transit or on arrival.
- While at the gate, ask the attendant if families with small children will board first. He or she will likely say 'yes'. You may want to do this or not, if you get on early, you have more time to get ready. If you don't get on until the last minute, there is less time on the cramped plane spaces.
- Serve your toddler juice or water by bringing a "reuse or toss" cup with lid & straw so that neighbors, your toddler, and you are not soaked by his or her inevitable bumping it off the tray table; attendants will provide drinks but not straws or lids on most flights. Consider buying a cup, straw & lid from a concession stand before boarding your flight in a pinch.
- Bring a blanket to cover your baby and request extra pillows & blankets as soon as you sit. Pillows are too bulky to pack. If you don't like the idea of your child's face on the airline pillow, then cover it with your blanket from home. If your child wants to sleep in your arms, then they will need extra cushioning.
- Carry aboard only the essentials. You cannot quickly or easily reach things under your seat or in the overhead: they will go unused and be a useless burden.
- Travel during nap time. Some children fall asleep in a plane as they would while riding in a car.
Tips
- Be prepared to remove a sleeping baby from its stroller so that the latter can be be x-rayed at the security checkpoint.
- If you plan to travel more than 3 or 4 times a year by airplane, then buy such a stroller that converts to a car seat as this product called "Sit-n-stroll," the wheels and handles of which rise into the bottom of the seat and collapse, respectively. Although it is FAA approved for use in flight, using it requires paying for an extra seat; surprisingly, FAA approval will not guarantee that the chair will fit into the seat you purchase!
- Bring a car seat unless you have arranged to have one at your destination.
- Visit www.tsa.gov and your airline's website for more travel advice. Some oversea flights provide bassinets for infants.
- Nurse or bottle feed the baby during take-off and landing to help prevent ear pain.
- Use such a baby carrier with plenty of back support as the Manduca soft, structured carrier to free your hands for carrying luggage.
- Ask about using an antihistamine. Using an antihistamine may help prevent the ears from popping and aching. Follow your medical provider's recommendation.
