Top 10 tips to surviving your baby's first flight!
As a newborn photographer in Harpenden I get to spend a few hours chatting with my families as I take their baby’s photographs. As you’d expect, at this time of year the conversation will usually touch upon family holidays!
Going on holiday is a lovely way to get away from it all and have some quality family time. However with a new baby in tow, it is like no other holiday experience! The extra luggage, the nappy changes, the vomiting and not to mention the disruptions to your well rehearsed sleeping and feeding routines! Yes, there are suddenly lots of things to consider, things which never entered your head when you were footloose and baby free.
As a mum of two I have had my fair share of flights with little ones, both long and short haul and I know that having a bit of advance knowledge of ‘what to expect’ on the flight will help your trip run smoothly. If you have any other great tips then please share!
1. Pushchairs
Most airlines allow you to use your pushchair right up to the moment you board your flight, which is handy as there can sometimes be quite a long walk to your gate. Remember also that you are required to collapse your stroller to go through screening so don’t leave any non carry-on items in the basket area as they will be confiscated. Of course you can always leave your pushchair at the check-in desk and go for a hands free baby carrier – what ever works best as you navigate your way through a busy airport.
2. Feeding
Firstly, don’t just think about how much food you’ll need for the flight alone, factor in any delays that you might have and the transit on the other side. The last thing you want to deal with is a shortage of baby food (and nappies for that matter). When you get to security, you will be asked to taste any bottled formula milk that you intend to use on the flight. You could also consider the ready-made cartons of formula milk, which can be bought at the airport once you are through security. On the flight the staff should be able to warm your bottles as and when you need them. Obviously if you’re breast-feeding then there are a lot less things for you to pack!
3. Car seats
Provided you’re prepared to pay for your baby’s plane seat, you could also bring an FAA approved car seat on the journey. This also has additional advantages if you are you going to hire a car. In my experience, the car rental baby seats that I received abroad were pretty terrible, poorly fitted and very old.
4. Priority Boarding
As you have a very young family, you may be offered to board first. It might be however that you want your baby to board last, so you can limit the time that they are waiting in a confined space on the aircraft. In this instance, make sure your travel partner boards first with all the carry-ons so everything is set up for you to walk on last minute and take your seat.
5. During take off and touch down
You should try to give your baby a drink whilst taking-off and landing so as to alleviate pressure in their little ears. If your flight times do not work out with your baby’s schedule and they have already been fed, then a dummy or little finger to suck on will also achieve the same result.
6. Change of clothes
Air pressure can wreak havoc on a baby’s small tummy, so always bring at least one change of clothes for you and your baby. If your baby gets sick all over you, then you don’t really want to resort to fashioning a new top out of a baby blanket – although you won’t be the first!! If vomit gets onto the seating then some airlines, but not all, have a ‘vomit spray’ to neutralise and dry out the affected area. Travel hand wash is also good idea and of course plenty of wipes.
7. Bassinets
If you are travelling on a long haul flight, then you can check with your carrier if they have a bassinet for your baby to sleep in. They are essentially cots that attach onto the wall in front of the bulkhead seats. This will also mean that you can get a certain amount of sleep yourself without having a baby in your arms or on your lap!
8. Toys
Your baby’s favourite toy or a comforter will always help settle them a little more in this unfamiliar environment. You could also bring a rattle or teething toy for a little bit of distraction.
9. Medicines
It is a good idea to take sachets of Calpol or Nurofen in your hand luggage. They are small and easy to pack with your bottles of milk. They will be a blessing if your baby has teething issues, sore ears or is generally unwell.
10. Up and down you go!
Don’t feel silly walking up and down the aisles with your baby; every parent does it and if it stops your baby from crying then your in-flight neighbours will appreciate it too!!
All in all I hope you have a safe flight and don’t be afraid to ask for help from the airline staff or indeed fellow passengers. If they have had kids themselves they will definitely be sympathetic towards your plight!
Best wishes,
Celine x
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