Traveling by air will be a move in patience but add a toddler with the extra gear, cries to calm and diapers to change and this can turn into something exhausting. Traveling with a child is not an easy thing but you can help yourself with a little homework. With little planning, this will no longer be a headache. Below is a traveling checklist that you need to follow while traveling with children. Be rest assured this will make your trip much less turbulent.
1. Make a Checklist
First and foremost pack your carry-on based on a checklist. Start packing some days in advance to have enough time to pack the vital baby gear. Take a look at the list of necessities
- Wipes and diapers that is sufficient for the travel and a few extra for delays
- Extra clothing
- 2-3 receiving blankets which you can use for naps to keep the baby warm, nursing cover-ups, and protect the clothes from spit-up.
- Shields and nursing pads for breastfeeding
- In case you bottle feed carry formula and bottles
- Pacifiers (in case you already use them)
- Some comfort toys
- Baby-friendly snacks (lots of them)
- A baby carrier or sling
- Some Ziploc bags to store soiled clothes or store snacks
2. Calm Breastfeeding Fears
At the time of breastfeeding your little one on a plane, you may not get that comfort zone as that of your home but nonetheless, it is doable. If you are nervous to breastfeed while traveling with a baby then you can pump the breast milk and carry it in a bottle. The milk bottle will be scanned by the Transportation Security Administration(TSA) and this is absolutely safe. Though breastfeeding may be a necessity on the plane. Should you feel nervous or uncomfortable about nursing besides a stranger then carry two safety pins to pin the blanket with the seat towards the front to serve as a privacy curtain. Relax, your seatmates will definitely be accommodating and understanding when you nurse your baby during a flight.
3. Prepare Your Bottles
In case you bottle-feed your baby you need to plan ahead. Although as per the rules laid down by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) you cannot travel with above 3 ounces of liquid but, it does not apply to juices and baby formula. You just need to have the formula tested by the handheld scanner. Prepare the bottle beforehand with powder only. Formula packs that have single-serving will be a good choice. This way you just need to mix water after passing the security checkpoint. The flight attendants can offer you warm water as they generally have enough on hand for tea and coffee.
4. Check Your Gear
Be smart with the stroller. Choose one that is lightweight and can collapse easily so that you do not need to fumble with it. You can allow your little one to rest on the stroller as you sprint from one gate to another. This will also reduce the dawdling. Get a gate check and carry the stroller to the jetway. The airline attendant will transfer it to the cargo and will return it to you when you have landed.
Decide if you need a Car Seat
Depending on the age of your child you need to purchase the flight ticket. If he/she is below 2 years then you do not need a ticket. This will save you money yet at the same time it means your little one will sit on your lap the entire flight. If there is an extra seat on the flight or you buy a ticket for the baby you can carry the baby’s car seat and use it just the way you do it in the car. When you travel with your toddler in a car seat you can enjoy safe air travel.
Besides you can also use a travel system in case you do not want to drag the car seat through the airport. This system will enable you to snap this seat onto the base of the stroller that you can detach easily at the time of boarding. This will serve as the best of both worlds the moment baby and you need your own space.
5. Handle Strangers
You must have experienced this, kids and babies are not always the most relaxed passengers on planes. A little consideration and friendliness will go a long way to ensure that other co-passengers are comfortable. Try to maintain a friendly approach with the flight attendants… it helps. They will happily grab some snacks for your little one or get some warm water.
Also, you need to ensure that other people do not feel disturbed because of your child. Take for instance if you need to change your child’s diaper change the same in the bathroom soon. The bathrooms in the flight have changing tables, so use it. When your co-passengers see that you are giving your best in order to keep everything under control automatically they will lend a hand. As far as you are conscious and courteous of the passengers you will not only be welcome but also have a good overall experience. This way traveling with a child will no longer be a menace.
6. Prepare for Takeoff
Since you are on a plane with your baby onboard your child is likely to cry at the time of take-off. This happens due to the pressure that causes pain in the baby’s ears while flying. Here the best step will be to breastfeed your baby or provide your baby a bottle, a pacifier both at the time of take-off and landing. It is the sucking motion that will help in relieving pressure, which means there will be fewer tears. If your baby is older than 3 years offering candy to chew on during this time can also help.
7. Always carry a Hand sanitizer and First aid box while traveling with a child
While traveling your toddler is prone to attract a ton of things which can lead to infections. Be sure to carry a hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes to guard against probes and germs. While you cannot prevent your child from touching anything and everything, you can definitely do your bit by protecting them from an array of germs.
Children are also prone to accidents. As parents, you will be extra vigilant as to care for any mishaps. However, falling ill or getting bruised and bumped are all unanticipated things. Be careful around escalators and staircases. Also, don’t let them ever get out of sight lest they get lost in the crowd. While traveling, carry a small first aid kit with Band-Aids, fever medicines, medicines for tummy upset or motion sickness, etc to ensure that you and your kid are safe during travels. These may seem insignificant but with children, it is best to be prepared if any unforeseen things happen. Carry the first aid kit in your check-in bag so that when a situation arises, then you do not have to look hither and thither for it.
8. Make air time a fun time for kids
I wish kids would just sit and enjoy the ride just like parents. Well, this may seem impossible for kids (don’t worry you are not alone. All kids tend to be impatient). Kids have a lot of energy and they need to channel it out through something. So while traveling with your child make sure to play games with them like I spy or count the passengers so that it can distract them for a while.
Also carrying a notebook and some color crayons can help. You can ask them to draw something or scribble onto the notebook to make them sit for a while. If you still find that your child has enough juice left for mischief, then don’t hesitate to get up and walk around with him. A few trips up and down the aisle will be enough to distract him/her and will refresh kids for any looming meltdown.
9. While traveling with a child, phones and Ipads are your friends
Though it goes against the general notion to limit screen time for kids, yet while traveling it can act as a lifesaver. If you have a long journey and without breaks, it is better to load your phone or I pad with games, songs, and children’s movies- anything which will keep them distracted and occupied for the journey. Sometimes even babies can be distracted by cartoons for a small period of time. This will allow you to have some time to have your in-flight meal or avoid a tantrum. Children and toddlers do not have the patience to sit for hours without any entertainment. If phones and Ipads do allow them to remain in their best behaviors for a while then it’s worth the effort.
10. Be prepared for upset tummies
This is something not only small kids have but also older people go through. Motion sickness and upset tummies do not just affect small kids but sometimes parents too have it. In such a case, it is advisable to carry a lot of sick bags while traveling with your child in the car or on the flight. Always make sure to carry extra clothes for your little one and keep them well within reach (yes needless to say that with kids “extra” is always the best thing).
Lastly while traveling with kids, don’t forget to look after yourself
Traveling with kids can drain you out of your energy. So make sure to take care of yourself so that you don’t run out of juice to entertain your child. Be comfortable and make sure to keep yourself hydrated. If you are full-on energy then you can match the energy levels of your child. A drained and exhausted version of yourself will find it more tiresome to travel with a baby. So charge yourself up and get set to travel.
Traveling with small children can become unpredictable and may not be smooth sailing. Crying spells, gassy bellies, and diaper blowouts can make you flustered. Yet when you are prepared to face every situation it will definitely make you confident in all your abilities. In the worst-case scenario go by the mantra, this is only temporary. In no time you will reach your destination with lots of experience and know-how under your belt for the upcoming trip.
If you have more tips when it comes to traveling with children please feel free to share it with us. Comment below and let us know what are your tricks when it comes to traveling with a kid and how do you make it effective. When you share your stories, other moms can also benefit from all the ideas.
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