1. Doctor, doctor
Take your baby to the doctor for a
check-up before you fly and be
prepared in case he or she falls ill
mid-flight. At a minimum, pack baby
paracetamol, nose drops, saline, chest
rub and a thermometer.
2. Nighty night
If you are travelling with an infant
long-haul, try to book a night flight with
a bassinet. Be sure to put in a request
when booking as numbers are limited
and bassinets are generally allocated to
the youngest babies on board.
3. Carry on
You’re better off having more than you
think you’ll need in your carry on than
being caught short of necessities like
nappies, wipes and medicines at
30,000 feet.
4. How you roll
Most airlines will allow you to keep a
lightweight umbrella stroller with you
until you board your flight.
5. Hands-free
Baby carriers are your friend. They not
only make it easier to handle tickets
and passports but are also useful for
calming an unsettled tot at the airport
or mid-flight.
6. The right formula
If you’re formula-feeding, pack enough
sterile bottles and formula for the
duration of the flight. Just remember to
request boiled water from the airline
staff before you need it so there is time
for it to cool.
7. Food for thought
If your baby has started solids, most
airlines offer infant meals, but it is a
good idea to BYO something your baby
is familiar with.
8. Layer over layer
Layer clothes on bub as cabin
temperatures can change, and stow a
change of clothes in your carry-on
luggage in case of accidents.
9. Suck it
Plan for your baby to feed or suck on
something during take-off and landing.
It will relieve the discomfort of
changing air pressure in the ears.
10. Hydrate
Flying can be dehydrating and your
baby may want to feed more
frequently, so keep yourself hydrated.
11. No rules
Throw out your sleep-time rule book.
Be prepared to walk, coo and cuddle
your baby to sleep as necessary.
This article appeared in volume 55 of Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.
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