Flying with a baby
With a little preparation, air travel with your baby can be a pleasant adventure for the whole family. These tips for baby travel will ensure that those first few outings go as smoothly as possible.
1. Ask for help
If you're travelling alone, definitely ask for assistance. Accept offers from the staff or other travellers to help with loading pushchairs and luggage into the overhead compartment.
2. Keep calm and do your best
You have a lot to handle, from getting checked in and going through security to soothing your baby on the trip. As long as you stay cool, your baby will too.
3. Do what you have to do
You may need to change things to help your baby get through his travel experience. Try singing a new song or breaking out a toy he hasn't seen in a while.
4. Pack carefully
You can never go wrong packing extra nappies. Other key essentials include a nappy-changing pad, a blanket, favourite toys, extra formula or breast milk, dummies, extra clothes, plastic bags for dirty nappies and baby wipes. Keep in mind that you'll be carrying everything you pack.
5. Nurse on the plane
While it's tricky to breastfeeding in such a small space, your baby needs to eat. Nursing will also help to soothe him if he's is cranky or if his ears hurt from the cabin pressure.
6. Change her nappy before boarding
The plane bathrooms are tiny. Even with a fold-down changing table, you may find it uncomfortable to change your baby there.
From take-off to landing, managing your baby on a plane isn't all that terrible with some planning and preparation in place. Bon voyage!
