Airline Travel tips -Must for Parents traveling with Infants

I know in my last blog I promised to come back with the Airport checks but yesterday only,I met one of my friend, who has 4months old baby and she is traveling to US.
She is first time mum and was quite worried and apprehensive about the Airline Travel. I can very well visualize that its too much for little one to handle the noise at the Airport and limit himself to the space on board. Don' t worry I have loads of information and experience to share and hope that this would definitely help all the parents traveling with infant :

First and foremost ,relax,don't panic, if you panic then this negative feeling would definitely pass on to the little one that would make whole journey difficult for the parents and the baby..

We will go step by step to make this whole process easy :

Planning Travel : Lets start with the basic needs that must before Air travel

• Make sure that Infant has the passport and necessary travel documents
• Check the fare for the infant as lots of Airlines gives discount to the infant. Discount starts from paying only 10% of the adult fare
• If you are planning to take the infant on your lap then make sure that you request for the bassinet seat in advance. This would really help the little one to sleep properly in the flight.
• Few Airlines provide designer baby seats without extra charge. I know that British Airways provide designer baby cot 'Britax' for comfortable journey.

Do check the details from Airline

• Are you taking the car seat , If yes then make sure that the dimensions of the car seat should be as per Airlines norms. Also check if there is extra charge for the car seat
• Don't forget to check the baggage allowance for the infant.
• Strollers are allowed on most of the flights. However , remember to check the same with the Airline staff
• Remember to carry small baby bag with you that includes , diapers , formula milk powder, plastic bags for trash ,change of clothes ,blankets & 2-3 toys

At the security Gate :

• You can carry the bottles breast milk or formula for the baby in the handbag and if needed the security can ask you to taste the milk. There is no restriction as such but do check with the concerned Airline
• The stroller needs to go through the x-ray machine
• Do you want to check-in the stroller ? If your answer is yes, you can take the stroller till the airline gate then the same is taken by the Airline staff at the gate.

Endurance Tips for the Infant in the Flight : Now this is tough one. This is the place where you need to make the infant comfortable and calm. Here are few tips for the same:

• Few of the Airlines provide pre-boarding for passengers traveling with the infant. So please board early so that you and the baby can settle down
• Its quite uncomfortable for the baby during the take off and landing. Put soft ear buds or pacifier or encourage the baby to suck thumb to cope up with the pressure
• If your baby is crying a lot then take small walks within the cabin and try to pacify him with the toys
• Airline crew can also help you with the hot water or warming up the bottles.

Golden Tip : Don't get stressed by the rude remarks of the other passengers. You are doing good job and are worth appreciating.

Hope these tips would make the journey comforting and enjoyable both for the parents and the little one. Watch the space for more Airline Travel tips for people with special needs..

Till then remember - DON'T PANIC, YOU ARE GOOD PARENTS AND DOING EXCELLENT WORK

See you soon !!