Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler
Easing the Stress of Traveling with a Young Child
Jul 23, 2008
Parents often think that flying with an infant or toddler will be a negative experience. Traveling with young children does not have to result in a crying child, frustrated parents and irritated fellow passengers. With simple travel planning both parents and children alike can have a comfortable traveling experience.
Check Airline Policies Pertaining to Children
When scheduling a flight on which an infant or toddler will be boarding, it is important that parents check the chosen airline’s policy in regards to traveling with young children. In many cases children under the age of two years will be able to travel for free and a parent can hold the child on his or her lap. Some airlines require birth certificates to be shown for both the child and the parent for security reasons. Southwest Airlines online information on traveling with a young child is a fair representation of what most airlines expect, but parents should double check requirements with their chosen carrier as regulations can vary.
Pack Plenty of Supplies
Parents need to make sure they are prepared with enough diapers and wipes to get them through the time spent at airports and on flights. A child stuck in a dirty diaper for an extended period of time is not only unhealthy, it will also make him or her uncomfortable and miserable.
Bring an Umbrella Stroller
Umbrellas strollers are compact and can make getting from point A to point B with a child in a busy airport much easier. Umbrellas strollers are allowed past security checkpoints and can be taken right up to the door of the airplane where they will be gate checked. The flight attendants will have the stroller ready for parents as they exit the plane.
Let Toddlers Walk Around
If parents arrive at the airport early, a flight is delayed, or there is a layover between connecting flights parents should allow children old enough to walk the freedom to explore. Walking a toddler around the airport will keep him or her amused and happy. It is best to allow children the freedom to move around when it is possible. Keeping a child confined to a stroller or lap when it is not necessary will cause him or her to be more cranky when restriction is necessary.
Bring Plenty of Snacks
A hungry child is a cranky child. Thus parents need to make sure that they come prepared with enough snacks and drinks to keep the child happy. Airlines generally allow more than the normal amount of liquid permitted for a passenger to carry on a plane if the passenger is a parent with a child. Juice, milk and/or formula are allowed in bottles and sippy cups as long as the parent makes security aware of their presence. If a toddler begins to get fussy in flight, providing him or her with a few animal crackers might prevent a tantrum.
Bring Activities
Children can easily get bored by sitting on a parent's lap for a flight, particularly if that flight is long. Bringing some small toys and favorite books can help keep the child's attention focused on something that is pleasurable to them. A portable DVD player is an excellent source of distraction and will make the time seem to go by faster.
Taking the necessary steps to plan ahead and anticipating problems and solutions is a fundamental part of successful travel with young children. Following the above advice will most likely lead to flight that is easy and enjoyable for parents and children.
