Traveling via the airlines in a post-9/11 world is difficult enough as it is. Add a child to the equation, and the experience can be maddening. There are ways to make the trip easier and less stressful on everyone involved though.
Plan Ahead for Traveling With Baby
Gone are the days of spontaneous get-aways. With a baby, even a weekend trip requires careful planning. The best way to plan for a vacation with baby is to start early. Book tickets, hotels, and any other reservations well in advance. Remember to call ahead at least the day before the trip to confirm these reservations.
If traveling overseas, be sure to update all travelers' passports, even baby's. And also be sure to check with the doctor to ensure all of baby's immunizations are up-to-date. If traveling to an exotic location, ask the family doctor about any special immunizations (against yellow fever or malaria, for examples) that may be needed.
Pack Wisely for Baby Before the Trip
Packing items for a trip with an infant means taking a lot of stuff. However, there are some simple ways to pack light, while still having everything necessary for baby. The key word is necessary. Pack only those items that are absolutely needed. While taking an entire box of diapers and an economy package of wipes may seem like a good idea at home, once on the trip, those items will only cause parents stress as they realize they do not have enough arms to carry everything. Instead of packing too many diapers and wipes, pack enough in the diaper bag for the plane ride, and buy the rest upon arrival to the vacation destination. For toiletry items like baby wash and baby lotion, pack travel sizes.
For added stress relief, make a list of all the items that will be needed for the trip. This will help keep everyone organized while packing. By checking off items from the list as they are packed into the suitcase, no one will have to worry about whether or not something has been forgotten.
Airline security has never been more restrictive on what can and cannot be taken into the airport and onto the plane. Make sure to follow all guidelines laid out by the Transportation Security Administration, as well as the individual airline chosen.
Babies on a Plane
Some airlines allow families with small children the opportunity to board the plane first. Take advantage of the offer, because this will give everyone more time to settle in and stow luggage before the other passengers board the plane. When the flight is over, deplane last. This will help the family avoid the congestion created by everyone else's rush to leave. It will also allow for more time to gather belongings.
Babies are more prone than adults to ear pressure caused by takeoff and landing. To help avoid ear pain and a screaming child, feed baby during these times. Bottle feeding or sucking on a pacifier helps baby swallow more frequently, which helps prevent and/or relieve ear pressure while the plane ascends and descends.
Have Fun on Vacation With Baby
While traveling with a baby or child may be more stressful than traveling solo, with a little careful planning and a lot of flexibility and patience, there is no reason for the family to stay home. Vacations can still be fun, and flying can still be relatively simple. Plan ahead, pack wisely, follow the airline rules
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