Travel Baby

Travelling with your baby can be a daunting challenge. You may be worried about rude strangers who comment when your baby cries, and whether or not your baby will be able to cope with a longer journey. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it may seem. Some children actually enjoy travelling and find the journey soothing!

If you are taking a flight, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, try to be as rested as possible. If you are calm, it will be easier to prepare for any minor issues you might have to deal with.

Experts recommend breast or bottle-feeding during take-off and landing. The reason for this is that it will help with the annoying ear popping many people experience. The sucking and swallowing relieves the pressure that builds up during these stages of the flight.

As said, some children find flying quite soothing. A window seat can be handy to distract a slightly older baby, and it is recommended to bring some toys and treats along, just in case.

If needed, you may be able to walk up and down the aisle to help your baby fall asleep. Other passengers are unlikely to mind this – people tend to be quite understanding and most people love children, and will be sympathetic.

If you are uncertain if it is safe for your baby to fly, please check with your doctor beforehand. It is recommended to wait until your child is at least two to three months old. This will give him time to develop his immune system and for the both of you to settle into a breast or bottle feeding routine. In case of emergencies, younger children may be able to fly, provided they have a clean bill of health.

Come prepared – pack a small bag with a diaper, a few wipes and a perfumed nappy sack. You’ll be able to place this in the seat pocket in front of you. Some planes have a larger bathroom available in the back of the plane. It is recommended to ask an assistant where they would prefer for you to make the change – it is likely that you will receive help, which is very handy when managing a little one on a flight!

If allowed through security, bring your own baby food. Most airlines will be able to offer baby food, but you know best what your baby likes.

Make sure your airline provides a baby lap belt to attach to your own. This will help keep your baby safe during the flight.

If there are rude people aboard, ignore them. You know your baby best, so don’t panic. It’s only a few hours out of their lives, and they will get over it. In the meanwhile, you can look forward to a pleasant time on holiday upon arrival. And you may just find that your baby will happily sleep throughout the journey!