baby travel 101

• Try to book a flight that coincides with your toddler’s nap time. If you are flying long distance take an overnight flight.
• If your toddler is under 2, he/she will sit on your lap for the duration of the flight. Don’t buckle him/her in your seatbelt with you. Ask for a toddler seat belt if the flight attendant doesn’t bring you one.
• Give your toddler lots to drink during the flight. Flying is very dehydrating and toddlers need plenty of fluids.
• Give your toddler a bottle, drink or something to suck on during take-off & most importantly landing. It relieves pressure on their ears.
• If your toddler has a cold, see your doctor to ensure it is OK for them to fly.
• Pack a change of clothes for both you and your baby. Accidents happen!
• If your toddler becomes distressed, bored, unhappy or overexcited. Be considerate of other passengers and try taking them for a walk to the rear of the plane. Sometimes a change of scene helps.
• Plan and pack your diaper bag carefully, at 20,000 feet over the pacific you don’t want to have forgotten something. Think feeding time, sleep time, play time, changing time and medicines.
• If your toddler drinks formula, pack it into a zip lock bag rather than in a tin to save space in your hand luggage.
• Even if you have heard them 1000 times before.. pay attention to the safety briefing.
• Request a toddler life vest before take-off.
• If you can stretch your wallet… pay for an extra seat if your toddler is under 2. Especially if you are taking a long flight. Alternatively when you check in ask if the flight is full if it isn’t you maybe able to have a seat blocked out for your toddler by the check in assistant.
• A portable DVD player is perfect for playing your toddler’s favorite DVDs on - as inflight entertainment doesn’t always cater to them.
• A seat near the engine may help lulling your toddler to sleep around bedtime.
• Pack some new books, a few small toys, coloring books and crayons.
• Pack some snacks, drinks and other little treats. But avoid letting your toddler eat too much sugar during the flight. Confined spaces and excited toddlers.. not such a good mix

At The Airport

• There are often fast track customs and immigration check points for those traveling with infants & toddlers. They are a God send after a 14 hour flight.
• If you decide to take a stroller hang on to it as long as possible. Typically you can keep your stroller until boarding, and then check it just before you step on the plane. But this varies from airport to airport and airline to airline. It can also depend on the weight and dimensions of your stroller.
• Take advantage of the early boarding calls for people traveling with small children. You’re more likely to get assistance from flight attendants that way.
• Have a toddler leash or harness handy, especially for after you’ve checked your stroller. Using a toddler harness will leave you with a free hand to negotiate the luggage carousel or go through customs and immigration .
• Allow plenty of time at the airport for check-in, and connecting flights.