Air travel with babies and young children
The mere thought of air travel with babies and young children, and a holiday in a foreign destination, is enough to make many parents sweat in anticipation. But with a little forethought, travel with youngsters can be successful and fun.
© Jupiter
When you make your reservations say that you're going to be travelling with an infant. Ask to be put on a flight that's not crowded and ask for a bulkhead seat, because there's more leg room there. Ask if they provide cots; if they do, order one so that your baby will be comfortable during the flight. Bulkhead seats are advisable if you have a toddler, too, because you can lay a towel on the floor in front of you for him to play on.
Carry a small baby in a sling so that you have both hands free. Alternatively use a pushchair. Find out from the travel company if the airport provides pushchairs - you'll probably have to walk a long way to reach the boarding area and if you're trying to manage hand-baggage and a baby you could find it exhausting. If they don't provide pushchairs take your own - it can be carried as hand-baggage.
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. This means that you'll be able to check-in before the queues start and get yourself organized. Carry everything you need in a lightweight shoulder bag or rucksack - toys as well as nappies and changes of clothing - so that your hands are free. Families with young children are often allowed to board first, or you can arrange for priority boarding. Check with your travel agent or on the internet.
Making the best of air travel with babies and young children
- Ask the airline if they carry baby food.
- Change your baby's nappy just before you board the plane.
- Keep some food or drink at the ready to give your baby at take-off or landing to help equalize the pressure in his ears and avoid discomfort.
- Shortly after boarding ask one of the flight attendants for help and find out when it will be convenient for him or her to warm your baby's food and drink.
- Make sure your inflight baby bag, with feeding equipment and changes of nappies and clothing, is clearly labelled in case it gets mislaid during the flight.
- Amuse your child with the same kinds of games as you play in the car.
- Don't try to eat or drink hot food while you're holding the baby for fear of spillage and scalding him.
- Take along a few of your child's favourite toys but only bring them out one at a time and at intervals through the journey.
- Let your baby play with all the inflight equipment - spoons and forks from the food tray, plastic safety instructions from the seat flap, earphones for the films.
Towards carefree foreign travel
Your baby's never too young to travel (although most airlines require a doctor's note if she is under two weeks old). The type of holiday you choose is up to you and your individual tastes - it may be camping, staying in a luxury hotel or swapping houses with another family. Wherever you go make sure that they have adequate facilities for young children. Without them you're not going to enjoy the holiday yourselves. If it is a hotel ask if they provide highchairs, play pools, laundry service and early meals for children or babysitting. If you're going to a beach it's advisable to choose one that's sandy. Ask your doctor's advice well ahead of your trip about health precautions, vaccinations, or any medication that you should take with you. With a baby, consult your health visitor about food, facilities and hygiene in the country or area that you're going to.
If you're adventurous with the family diet at home, let your children eat what they want. If you or they are more conservative and you're not self-catering, make arrangements with the hotel for them to have simple meals. Don't try to introduce your young child to exotic food for the first time in a foreign country.
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Posted 03.11.2010
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