Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Travel Tip Tuesday - Baby
Generally, it's best to wait until your baby is at least 2 weeks old before you consider traveling by air. This is not because flying poses a greater danger for a younger baby, but because by 2 weeks both you and he will have recovered sufficiently from the birth and have overcome any early difficulties, such as problems with breastfeeding.
Before you go - Contact your airline
When planning air travel with baby, telephone your airline or visit their website to find out what facilities they offer for parents of young children.
*See if you can pre-book a sky cot/bassinet and the maximum age/weight that it will accommodate. Some airlines will not allow you to pre-book and you may not know whether or not one is available until you check in.
*If possible, see if you can fly on a larger aircraft, which will have better facilities for baby.
*Consider booking an extra seat for air travel with baby - if not, you will be expected to sit with an infant under 2 years of age on your lap. Depending on the length of your flight, this can be very hard work, particularly with an older baby.
*If you do book an extra seat, think about taking a car seat on board for your baby to sit in. Certain car seats are FAA approved for air travel with baby, so this is something to check when buying one.
*If possible, choose where on the aircraft you would like to sit. Opinions vary on the ideal seating position when flying with baby - some parents prefer to be at the rear of the aircraft, nearer to the changing facilities, whereas others prefer the bulkhead position. This is where the sky cots are situated and there is generally more leg-room.
*The sky cot is usually attached to the screen - bear in mind that this can be very noisy. I attempted to use a sky cot for one of my children - because it was bolted to the screen, he was constantly disturbed by thuds and bangs from the other side. Also, a light was situated right above it - needless to say, he didn't get much sleep!
*Make sure you pre-book your seats to ensure that you are seated next to whoever you are traveling with. If not, you may find yourself at the opposite end of the plane to your partner!
*Make sure you are adequately insured
*Air travel with baby can be unpredictable and certain conditions may prevent him flying - ear infections and notifiable diseases such as measles, for example.
*Assemble and pack your baby first aid kit (many items, such as scissors and tweezers, will not be allowed in the cabin of the plane and should not be packed in your hand luggage). See the main traveling with baby page for more travel essentials!
*Carefully check your baggage allowance - air travel with baby obviously requires extra luggage and you don't want any nasty surprises at the airport!
Travel tips provided by Homemade Baby Food Recipes
Visit the site for more tips such as Air Travel With Baby - At The Airport and Air Travel With Baby - On Board The Airplane
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