Parents often think of traveling with children with fear – what if there are so many problems on the flight that it’s better to stay home. But experienced travel parents know that there is nothing wrong with such trips. You just need to prepare in advance. When children grow up, some moms regretfully remember the times of their early childhood – a child gives many advantages over other passengers in the airport and on board the plane because they sleep all the time, and it’s possible to play at an online casino or read a favorite book. Here’s how to prepare for a trip with your baby to make it easy and enjoyable.
Spending Time at the Airport
Modern airports have a lot to offer parents with kids. Organizational issues like where to change a baby’s diaper or swaddle and feed him or her are easy to solve. Every airport has changing tables and sanitary rooms, and most have full-fledged mother and baby rooms with even cribs and microwaves to warm up meals.
Bringing a Stroller With You
Most airlines will carry a stroller for free, as long as it’s not in its factory packaging and you’re traveling with your baby. It can be checked in and picked up at the baggage drop-off counter or at the overweight baggage counter. The stroller may be returned to you at check-in by the airline staff at the boarding gate.
Not all airlines allow you to take the wheelchair in the cabin, and if there is an opportunity, you must meet the size criteria, which each carrier has its own. In most cases, the standard allowable criteria for carry-on baggage: 55×35×25 cm with slight variations. More chances to carry in the cabin folding lightweight stroller-throttle, but there are exceptions to this rule.
Flying on a Plane
So, you and your baby are on the plane, now we need to make sure that he was not worried and did not cry, that is, try to provide him with the usual conditions. A screaming baby is a stress for all passengers, a situation that should be prevented.
Coping With Pressure Fluctuations
Children find differences in air pressure during takeoff and landing more difficult than adults – the feeling of a stuffy ear frightens them, and they experience intense discomfort if they have a runny nose. Children frequently suffering from otitis media have a particularly hard time with pressure changes.
Your child may fly with a mild cold, as pressure fluctuations do not cause worsening of their condition. It’s sufficient to apply nasal drops before the flight.
Older children may be given chewed candy or lollipops, offered to sit with their mouth open to equalize the pressure, and distracted by a story about why their ears are stuck.
The infant may be given water during takeoff and landing. Experienced moms take a special pacifier with a small hole so that the baby will make an effort when suckling. Another option is a blowpipe with the whistle removed; let the baby blow into it – there will be no sound, and the discomfort in the ears will be reduced.
Playing With Child in Plane
When check-in is complete and baggage formalities are taken care of, the next task is to occupy your child for a few hours in a confined space. Stock up on entertainment: an album of crayons, books. A child of 3-4 years old can be carried away with magazines with interesting tasks (mazes, puzzles, coloring books).
If your child has a favorite toy, you should definitely take it with you. It is good if you have in stock surprises – new toys, even inexpensive ones, will help distract your baby if he gets fractious.
Cartoons are the main salvation. Satisfied in the middle of the story device can provoke a tantrum, so don’t forget to take an external battery.
