How to Make Air Travel with Baby Hassle-free

It’s always an adventure to go anywhere with your child. No matter how exhausting it is, seeing the joy in your child’s eyes while exploring new places and trying out new things makes it all worthwhile. But of course, your primary concern should be your child’s safety.


Booking your flight
If you’re booking through a travel agent, it is important to inform him that you are traveling with a child. Don’t forget to mention your child’s age. This way, you get charged the correct plane fare: Children below 12 years old are charged only a certain percentage of the adult fare. You may also place your meal requests and inform your agent of any food allergies your tot has. Buying tickets online? Check out the fare for children and kiddie meal requests.

Let your agent know if you are bringing a stroller (or check the airline policy online). “Normally, this is allowed as an extra piece aside from your hand carry. You must check the airline’s baggage policy once you make your reservation,” says Luanne Wenceslao, account manager for an international airline.

For long haul flights, you need to consider which is better for your child: a direct flight or one with stopovers. Noemi Arrastia, former advertising executive and well-traveled mommy of four, prefers direct flights that depart at night so the kids are asleep half the time. On the other hand, I personally prefer to have a stopover for a quick change of air and environment and also because there are lots more to see.

Most importantly, do inform your agent (or someone from the airline if you book online) if your child has special needs so they can prepare for this ahead of time.

 

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Packing for your child
If you are going to a developed country, you need not worry about leaving something behind because you can easily buy it there. What you should pay more attention to is what you’ll be bringing aboard the plane. Essentials are milk (if you’re not breastfeeding), diapers, healthy snacks, lots of baby wipes, a change of clothes, plastic bags for diaper disposals, and toys and books for entertainment.  


Bottles and Milk. Most parents prefer bringing two to three bottles with disposable drop-ins and spare nipples, and they put the milk in disposable milk bags. This lessens the bulk in your hand-carry. If you are particular about the water your child drinks, you may bring your own. You can also ask the flight attendants to boil water for you. Just remember to request for it in advance as this may take time. Joseph Dale Gutierrez, M.D., pediatrician at the Makati Medical Center in Makati, says the amount of milk you should bring would depend on your child’s consumption. Wenceslao adds, “Every airport/carrier has its own policy on bringing liquids onboard. But in most cases, milk, water, and baby food are acceptable in reasonable quantities.”

•    Clothes. Two sets are usually enough. Babies can go on an entire flight without a change of clothes. Unless your toddler is wet, he need not change his clothes even if it has food stains. You can change him when you’re already nearing your destination.

•    Food and Snacks. Bring your child’s favorite food and snacks in case he doesn’t fancy the food on the plane. Disposable bibs are recommended; you can just throw them out after use, instead of carrying around soiled ones.

•    Car seats and Carriers. Car seats are not a requirement on the plane. However, if you plan to bring one, especially for use where you’re going, Wenceslao says each airline has its own policy. Some U.S. carriers allow them onboard provided it is a Federal Air Aviation (FAA) approved car seat. Don’t forget to check if the car seat also conforms to the requirements in your country of destination.

Christina Fe Palad, reservations officer at Lufthansa German Airlines, says to always ask the help of an accredited airport baggage porter at the airport. Look for those special lanes where they allow those with children to line up, so you need not wait in line too long.

 

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Checking in
If your airline has Internet check-in, make use of it. This way, you can choose your seats (even meals!), print your boarding passes at home, and breeze through the check-in counters. Choose seats with a lot of leg room so you have more space to maneuver. Your toddler can even use the space as his play area. “Parents with infants below two years old are usually given bulkhead seats, where the bassinet is connected,” says Palad. Wenceslao adds that since bulkhead seats are near the lavatories, it makes it easier to do a quick diaper change as well.


Waiting to board
Making children wait is one of the most challenging tasks for parents. You worry about entertaining them while lugging around your bags, etc. Be aware that if you checked-in online, you need not come too early to line up at the check-in counters. You can arrive at the airport relatively closer to boarding time.

After going through immigration, you can leisurely stroll around the airport, check out the shops, watch the planes waiting to take off, or get a quick bite. While munching on a snack, keep your child busy by letting him doodle or color with a few art stuff. Arrastia advises to make sure your child doesn’t overeat - nausea might kick in and cause him to throw up. “Allow just enough food to address his hunger pangs,” she adds. While at the boarding gate, bring out a toy to keep your child busy.  

It is important for you to be able to move easily with your hand-carry while caring for a child. As much as possible, you want both arms free. A stroller is your best bet because your child is safely seated as you walk around the terminal while you carry your bag or hang it on the stroller handles. You may also use a baby sling or pouch. Some people may frown upon the use of a “child leash,” but it’s perfect for traveling with a toddler who’d rather walk around than be strapped in his stroller. This way, your little one gets his “freedom” while you keep him close.

 

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Onboard
•    The best (and safest seat) in the house. Officially, there is no safest seat onboard. However, exit rows are a no-no. Bulkheads are best for their leg room. Arrastia recommends that parents take the aisle seat so toddlers can’t leave their seats unnoticed, especially if the parents fall asleep. Plus, it’s safer since little hands or elbows won’t get caught in the metal carts being pushed up and down the aisle.

•    Nappy changes and bathroom breaks. It is a feat to change nappies inside a very tight airline lavatory, but all moms manage. Disposable diapers are most convenient - even for those who are potty-trained. (It’s hard to make children “hold it in” when there is a line to the lavatory.) It is a must to sanitize the toilet - and all surfaces your child will come in contact with. Palad uses surface wipes. You may opt to use a potty spray or a disposable toilet seat cover. Arrastia reminds not to forget to sanitize the sides of the seat, too.

•    Meal Time. Children are almost always given airline food ahead of time. Always check the temperature of your child’s food to ensure that it’s not too hot. Mix the food to allow the steam to come out.

•    Entertainment. Aside from the plane’s audio and video on-demand options for kids, pack activity books, crayons, and a few non-bulky toys (try portable game consoles for older kids). You may also want to bring your own portable DVD player. Arrastia suggests taking along activity books with magnetic features so you don’t worry about losing small parts. Maricar De Castro, mom of three kids, cautions, “Avoid pencils—your child might hurt himself with the sharp point in case the plane experiences turbulence.” Furthermore, Arrastia suggests bringing an iPod or a music player, so the kids can listen to their favorite songs while tuning out other noises, especially when they are asleep.

•    Sleeping. Some may advocate a mild tranquilizer, but a tired, full, and sleepy child will just doze-off, says Dr. Gutierrez.

•    Air pressure. Some would prescribe decongestants, however, Dr. Gutierrez says, “The pressure inside the ear is just transient and may require no intervention. And this just happens briefly during take-off and landing. Chewing on food and drinking can do the trick.” Let babies drink milk or water (give them a pacifier if they use one) to help them equalize. You may give toddlers a lollipop to help them swallow.  Older kids can chew gum. De Castro suggests teaching them to move their jaw in a circular motion.

 

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•    Nausea. If your child feels like throwing up, let him. It will make him feel better, says Wenceslao. Have several airsickness bags ready. Ask for some if you don’t have any in the seat pocket. According to Dr. Gutierrez, “Dizziness and vomiting can happen even with adults. Anti-dizziness medicines like meclezine can help for habitual dizziness-related travel.” You may also give water or candy to lessen the nausea.  


Touchdown
Don’t forget to check if you have everything with you before disembarking the plane. You wouldn’t want to leave a favorite toy behind. Now go and have a safe - and happy - trip!


ENTERTAINMENT TIPS ON BOARD FROM MOMS
Let your child bring his favorite stuffed toy. The plane and the new hotel room can be a little unsettling for kids so having a favorite buddy helps with getting some sleep on the plane and adjusting to a new place. —Ana Santos, mom to Reese, 8

Prepare many surprises and treats, but don’t bring them out all at once. —Joee Mendiola-Manalo, mom to Meg, 4, and Moira, 2

Disposable toys from kiddie meals are good to take along. In case you lose them, it won’t be as painful. —Nadja Gaerlan, mom to Sirocco Finn, 5



Photo by shuopio via flickr creative commons