Traveling with a baby requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. Here are some tips to help you navigate the journey:

Learn about the destination and essential needs

Your choice of accommodation at the destination plays a role in determining your packing needs. If you’re staying with family, check if they have a spare baby crib and essential items such as a baby bathtub for example. If you travel to area where there maybe mosquito, it is important to pack essential items such as mosquito net and baby-safe mosquito spray for protection. In addition, inquire about specific requirements for car seats in the country. My car seat is Canadian approved and can be use for US travel; however, it is important to check on latest update or if there is any requirement changed that we need to be aware and prepared.

If staying in a hotel, contact the establishment to inquire about the availability of cribs for the baby and associated costs. Research transportation options within the city, including whether taxi with car seats are available. Pack travel gear suitable for your trip, considering whether you’ll use a baby carrier or stroller for walking or taking public transit.

Get Info From Airline About Flight Assistance with Baby

In addition to being aware of the cost of a baby’s ticket, it’s important to note that each airline may have different requirement and information on travel with a baby. Do research on airline website or reach out to gather information about specific trip details, such as the availability and cost of crib seats, permissible carry-on items for both you and your baby, and the baggage allowance for checked bags.

If feasible, it is advisable to book tickets in advance and secure seat adjacent to the cribs at your earliest convenience to guarantee their availability.

Cost

Ticket Cost and Checked Bag

In most case, baby under 2 years old can be sit on the lab at no cost or you can have the option to purchase regular ticket as “in-seat”. Options can be select during plane ticket purchase online. Some airline pay charge a little extra even for baby under 2 years old for on-lap seating. Some airline may give you 1 free check-bag for the on-lap seat baby with the charge of a small portion such as tax. In my experience, travel from Canada to Cambodia via Cathay Pacific airline, they charge a small amount for the baby on-lap seating but provided 1 free checked bag for the baby in addition to my personal checked bag. However, the same trip from Canada to Cambodia with Eva airline that I previously took, did not charge any fee on baby but there is no extra checked-bag provide for the baby.

Stroller

Stroller and car-seat checks are free for all trips I’ve been on. Whether it’s a single-piece stroller or a two-piece stroller (stroller and car seat attached), you can check them at the door of the plane at no cost. Be sure to get the tags for all checked items before boarding and allowing a little extra time for this process. Upon disembarking, you can collect your checked stroller at the plane door. This allows you to use it for your baby as you navigate the airport to the exit or your next gate. However, always double-check with the airline staff to ensure the drop-off and pick-up procedures for your stroller.

Pack Essentials

In addition to packing your items, here are some basic baby essential for traveling:

  • Travel documents such as passport
  • Phone, charger, wallets, and print ticket or flight itinerary
  • Diapers, wipes, and changing pads
  • Baby clothes, swimsuits, socks, bibs, and hat
  • Bottles, formula or breast milk
  • Baby food and snacks
  • Baby shampoo, wash, and lotion
  • Baby blankets and comfort items
  • First aid kit with baby-friendly essentials
  • Soothers such as pacifiers
  • Toys
  • and Travel-friendly gears such as:
  • Portable crib or travel bassinet
  • Lightweight stroller or baby carrier
  • Car seat suitable for travel and stroller (if needed)
  • Diaper bag with compartments for easy access

Keep in mind with Baby Sleep and Eat Schedule

Traveling to a new time zone can make it easy to lose track of your baby’s sleep and feeding schedule. Fortunately, there are several app options available to help you keep track of these times and prevent baby fussiness.

Make sure to get enough rest before traveling, as you may not sleep well during the trip while taking care of the baby

Try to schedule your travel during your baby’s naptime or bedtime if possible. Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to help them sleep in a new environment. 

Feeding and Comfort

If you’re breastfeeding, be sure to bring a nursing cover or blankets for easy accessibility. Opt for small pillows for the baby’s comfort as they take up less space than a nursing pillow.

If using formula, pre-measure servings for easy preparation. Find out if you can bring water or liquid formula in your carry-on on the plane.

For both breastfed and formula-fed babies, bring pacifiers or teething toys for comfort during the journey.

Soothing Baby if baby cry

Pack a few favorite toys or books to keep your baby entertained. Consider downloading baby-friendly apps or videos for longer journeys.

Clip the pacifier to the baby’s outfit for easy accessibility and to prevent it from falling off.

Be Mindful of Air Pressure

Breastfeeding or bottle feed during take-off and landing can help alleviate ear pressure. If the baby is not hungry, be sure to have them suck on a pacifier at least during take-off and landing.

Dress Comfortably

Dress your baby in comfortable layers, considering the climate at your destination. Always be sure to bring extra blanket as it can get chilly on the plane.

If you breastfeed, be sure to wear comfortable and loose tops for comfortable and convenience to breastfeed on the plane.

Have a checklist

It is easy to forget things, especially when rushing through the door with the baby. Make sure to have a checklist of items to bring and double-check for essential items before leaving the house. Remember to bring along essential items to avoid any inconvenience during the trip.

Be Organized and Flexible

Use zip-lock bags or pouches to organize baby essentials. Keep important items such as passports, boarding passes, phone, and wallets secure and easily accessible. Be prepared for unexpected changes in schedule or routine. Stay calm and adapt to your baby’s needs to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Remember, every baby is different, so adjust these tips based on your baby’s age, preferences, and any specific needs they may have. Planning ahead and staying flexible will contribute to a more enjoyable travel experience for both you and your little one. Bon Voyage!

By : Vimol Tags: