Travelling With A Baby – Part 1
Travelling with a baby takes a lot of planning, preparation and patience. But it can be done – and seeing the world through your baby’s eyes will be worth it. Here are some tips to make your trip a smooth sailing:
- Time it right
Try to time the flight so that you are flying when the baby is sleeping. It may not be an ideal time of the day to travel, but flying during naptime or bedtime could give you the benefit of having some or all of the flight with a quiet, sleeping baby in your arms.
- Be over-prepared
Make sure you have bottles, toys, pacifiers, diapers and wipes easy-to-reach and ready to go. With babies, it’s better to have a little more than a little less.
- Plan for surprises
Things will come up that you didn’t expect – extra long security lineups, surprise poopy diapers, and more. Plan to give yourself lots of time to do what you need to do at the airport so that you are at your gate and ready to board with plenty of time to spare.
- Use help
Flight attendants are accustomed to dealing with babies on flights, and they’re there to help you. They can bring you water to mix a bottle, take away dirty diapers, and get you a toy from the bag in the overhead compartment. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance – they’re often happy to help.
- Nursing on the plane
- Request a window seat, which is more private than an aisle seat
- Bring a blanket or cover-up to help you be discreet
- Wear clothing that is easy to maneuver and helps you stay discreet while breastfeeding
Travelling with a baby takes some effort, but it can be wonderful. Pack your patience, and get ready for a whole lot of family fun!
In Part 2 of this series, we’ll talk about what to do once you arrive at your destination. Also, make being there easy for you and your baby.
