Flying Infants – A Guide to Air Travel with Babies

Categories: Uncategorized | Published on November 28, 2012

The holidays are arriving and it can be a daunting time for new parents. Whether they are traveling home to see family or visiting a new country, many parents find air travel difficult. On top of security checks, immigration, luggage logistics and uncomfortable seats, adding a newborn baby into the mix can make a journey overwhelming.

This guide compiles a few ideas to help equip parents to fly with a baby.

Basic Travel Tips

Here is a first-aid kit checklist for the journey to deal with minor problems or injuries, including a few extra items to help with baby care.

• Prescription medication + oral syringe
• Thermometer
• Liquid Soap*
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Sterile Bandages & Gauze
• Tweezers
• Calamine Lotion (to help with insect bites, rashes, and sunburn)
• Cold Pack
• Electrolyte Replacement Solution (there are brands made just for babies)

*Remember to keep all your liquids under 100ml if you want to pack your kit into your carry-on.

Depending on the destination and what the holiday involves, you may want to add a few
things to your kit-bag:

• Sunscreens and lip protection for both you and your child(ren)
• Insect repellent
• Bed Nets
• Antimalarial medication

Being prepared and staying informed will make the journey a little bit easier:

• Check the airport’s website or call them to make sure no changes will affect you
• Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance
• Keep your hand luggage light and simple
• Ensure your single carry-on does not exceed airline regulations.
• Be prepared to remove your laptop for the x-ray at security

Parental Planning

A regular question from new parents is, ‘How old does my baby need to be to fly?’ Most answers are focused on keeping parents happy (or at least sane), suggesting an age that is easier to handle in tight or uncomfortable spaces. Infants are permitted to fly quite early, but they require nonstop attention. We recommend waiting until they reach 3 months before flying.

Arrange to meet a doctor before the trip to discuss vaccinations. The type of immunisations needed depends on where and how you are travelling, and the age of your child. If you intend to visit a country prone to disease or health related threats, consult a doctor who specialises in travel medicine. Consider when to travel as much as where, and think about how the climate of the destination will affect a baby.

Before the trip

Keep in mind that airline ticket prices vary depending on the season as well as school holidays and that rates boasted by hotels or hostels can rise if the trip is planned for high tourist seasons.

Airline regulations and prices differ on child seat/boosters and perambulators. Check with the airline to see what procedures they take, and ask about any information you need before bringing a baby on board. Some companies provide child/infant tickets at a discounted price if you choose to book a seat instead of take them on for free.

Ensure that prescription medication needed for the period of travel is packed. A good idea is to keep prescribed medicine in their original containers; allowing airport security to screen and identify easily. If you take syringes or other medical supplies come prepared with a doctor’s note for verification.

Important resources may already be available in your insurance plan, so inquire about potential medical expenses that are covered. Travel insurance plans for families usually cover several common risks such as delayed departures, delayed baggage, legal assistance and even cancellation or curtailment of trips.

Over-preparation can be a hindrance so limit the number of suitcases and investigate the use of front-baby carriers or slings. These free up your hands to deal with other items while keeping your baby close. When packing, two outfits a day is a good golden rule. It is also worth thinking about items to help secure the room or house you’ll be staying at:

• Plastic utensils for food
• Extra pacifiers
• Favourite toys
• Extra bottles
• Nightlight
• Portable crib
• Washable bibs
• Masking tape (to cover electrical outlets, secure cabinet doors, secure wires etc.)

During the trip

Airports present an abundance of waiting time but very little practical space in terms of child-care. Fortunately, many big airports have purpose-built areas for young children to play in, designed to keep them occupied and out of the way of other passengers. Inquire at the airport to see if there are facilities to accommodate young children; there may useful supplies or stock of something you have forgotten. When going through airport security, be prepared to declare all baby items being carried before your bags are scanned. If you are the only parent traveling – regardless of your marital status – you may need to provide written consent from the other parent for your child to travel.

In the air, keeping your children entertained will help the journey move along a little quieter, much to the appreciation of your fellow passengers. If a favourite toy loses interest, get creative with the material onboard. Try making puppets out of airsickness bags and put on a show. Baby food and formula is exempt from regulations on liquids (within reason), so bring enough for the flight. Small snacks that take up little room can keep younger children occupied for some time too.

Other than toys to keep your baby happy, be prepared to deal with the mess created when caring for babies on the move:

• A diaper for each hour of travel + 3 extras
• Blanket (warmth or for breastfeeding)
• Plastic bags + resealable bags (soiled items or clothes)
• Diaper cream + Wipes
• Disinfectant hand gel
• Tissues
• Extra clothes for the trip (you and the baby)

Changing pressures in the cabin that lead to ear pain during takeoff or landing can be uncomfortable, and although there are no firm medical rules or guidelines, breastfeeding or sucking on a bottle or pacifier can provide some relief. Due to the low humidity in cabins, hydration is important so ensure your child drinks regularly. Minimise risk of contracting germs by keeping babies from touching too many surfaces or crawling on the floor.

After the trip

Upon arrival at the hotel/room locate the nearest first aid services and learn emergency procedures: where meeting points are in case of a fire, where the nearest clinic is located, etc. Examine the rooms carefully, getting low to the ground to look for small objects that could accidentally be swallowed. Inspect things like drawers and cabinets and remove dangerous or loose items, ensure all electrics are out of reach and that nothing above floor level (like a precariously placed lamp or television) can topple over. Check the locks on windows and doors to make sure they are secure, and take note of anything that is already faulty or broken.

A great source of information will come from parents with a little bit of experience, especially in cases of children with special needs or specific medical conditions. If you feel unsure then look to them for guidance and advice. Just remember that when the holiday is over, you’ll need to do everything again on the way back home.