Travelling with baby can be a hard work, especially if it’s your first time travelling with a mini version of yourself. There are a lot to be considered seeing that a baby got a lot of needs and sometimes they would throw unexpected tantrums, attracting stares and sometimes glares from other people. It would be even more exhausting if it’s in a long-haul flight.
So, in order to lessen the risk of that devastating and nerve-wrecking situations from happening, as parents, we know you might be clueless on where to start or what to expect. And it feels like you are at your wit’s end! Look no further, as here we are some of the things we listed that you should foresee or expect when you’re travelling with baby, on flight.
Thorough Prep-up
This is the important part, babies are delicate human beings so we need to be thoroughly prepared when travelling with baby. Make sure to pack up all the necessities like baby food, nursing cover, medicines, toys, and even compact baby stroller or carrier. Yes, you need a baby stroller, unless you’re willing to carry your baby all around your trips for several hours. Don’t forget to double check everything too.
We usually packs up our clothes in our checked-in luggage but prepare a set of clothes in our hand-luggage as well. Babies are known to be messy, and we don’t want to be wearing baby puke without changing to fresh clothes are we. Bring plastic bags and ziploc bag for emergencies. You can also bring expressed breast milk or EBM at limited amount on board so make sure to pack some up.
Pack Lightly
Although it is important to bring almost everything that would help you travelling with baby, it is advised to pack lightly as well. Having too much bags to carry is not a good idea for anyone, especially if one of your hand is occupied by a tiny human being. Pack as lightly as possible, you don’t need a fancy handbag when you travel. Don’t wanna risk of accidentally leaving it behind do you.
Bring a sling bag if you must, as it won’t take up a space in your hands, and it’s easier for you to reach for important things such as your passport, boarding pass, telephones and many others. At most, bring 2 bags, excluding the sling bag/handbag, one is for clothings (parents and baby) and another one is for baby stuff and spare clothings for the parents. Too much bags is a recipe for disaster.
Lap Child Fees
Travelling with baby, on flight does have it perks at times. One of it is you can save money on the flight tickets as most airlines would offer lap child to get on board, free of charge. As long as you keep your baby on your lap the whole flight – hence, the term lap child. It might not be convenient for a long flight, but it’s bearable enough for short ones. But, do keep in check too since some airlines does charge you for a lap child fee.
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Another thing worth checking, for international flights especially, is if the airlines allow your lap infant to check in a baggage or whether you have to check in as a part of the parent’s baggage allowance. It would help you to be prepared as you are packing for the trip with a baby if you know this beforehand. You would not want to pay extra for something you didn’t see it coming.
Convenient Seats
If you do buy a separate seat for your baby instead of having them on your lap the whole flight, find a seat that will ease your ‘baby affairs’, like having a space for baby to crawl around or wiggle around the aircraft. Book the hot seat where it’s usually have more leg space, and you can convert it to a mini playpen for the baby. Make sure you don’t invade the other passenger’s personal space.
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Let’s face it, having a baby on you squirming the whole 6 to 8 hours on-flight is not comfortable at all. Ask for a bassinet for your baby to sleep in, as some airlines do provide this. This will give you more space to yourself, as well as more space for your baby to play and sleep in. Also, target the seats that are closest to the toilet for your convenience when the baby need a diaper change.
Playtime
Babies get bored easily and it’s sometimes hard to decipher what would make them entertain for a longer period. The only way is to pack up a few toys that are your baby’s go-to toys, and bring some new toys so that it will perk up the baby’s interest. Avoid bringing toys that will make a noise as it will disrupt the peace of other passengers. Remember, you’re not the only one who’s riding the plane.
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Squishy toys, or medium-sized plush toys are good as it will distract the baby for some period. Fair warning, don’t bring out the toys all at once, as the baby will get tired of playing with them more easily. Instead, bring out the toys one by one, and rotate the sequence of the toys. So, that the baby will be more occupied during the long journey and the parents could relax for a bit.
Ear Pressure
Babies are delicate bunch of tiny human beings and even the slightest discomfort would set them off. One of the ways they show their uneasiness is by screaming (well, crying) their lungs out that would definitely disrupts other passengers’ peace. Which then, you will be receiving glares from your seating neighbours. Yikes! The difference in the surrounding pressure while the planes are taking off and landing would surely cause discomfort in your ear – let alone your little ones.
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One way to avoid the horror of babies crying is by feeding them food. Yup! Babies doesn’t know how to fix the discomfort of their ears by themselves, even though it’s just us swallowing our own saliva. So, the only way is to feed them with liquid like water or milk. Alternatively, save yourself from the trouble of feeding them too much by lulling the baby to sleep while the plane takes off or lands. But, we know baby sleeps at the most random time. So, feeding them a wee bit of liquid would suffice.
Baby Got Hungry
Aside from getting bored, babies are always the ones who gets hungry easily. So, don’t forget to pack up some food for the babies. Airlines allow parents to bring EBM at a limited amount so it is good to check the amount that they tolerate. Some say they permit up to 10 bags, but it doesn’t hurt to double check as one airlines might differ than the others.
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If your baby can eat solid food, light snacks light cheese and cut up fruits are also parents’ favourite. It is easy and doesn’t take too much time to prepare it as cheese are already pre-packed in bite-sized for children. All you need to do left is cut up the fruits. And you can easily store it in a mini ziploc bag, then keep it in your sling bag for easy access.
Ripples Act of Kindness
Everyone know how challenging is travelling with baby on flight, especially the hyperactive ones. And it’s easier for parents to become grumpy as they having a hard time controlling their infants. Be patients parents out there, keep a smile plastered on your face and you will see incredible things happening soon. Strangers are more willing to help you if you offer a smile instead of a frown.
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Passengers with a baby usually will board the flight first, and the flight staff would be more than happy to help you get on board with ease by lending a hand to carry your bags so that you can care for your baby more. They out of all people wanted nothing but a happy baby for a smooth flight. And if you ask them nicely, they would also help you to warm up your baby’s milk for you.
Self-Care
Caring for a baby can take up a whole lot of your time. But, please dear parents, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Although you strive to keep your baby happy and healthy, the baby needs healthy and happy parents as well. Keep yourself hydrated during the flight, do not starve yourself, and do not deprive yourself from some sleep. A little nap won’t hurt anyone, and if you must, you can take turn with your spouse to rest.
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Pack up some light snacks for yourself as well. Babies aren’t the only one who will get hungry during long flights. Airlines usually serves hot coffee and tea during long flights. Have a sip and take a deep breathe, but be careful not to spill the drink. Listen to the music provided on-board. Enjoy your journey, you work so hard to take on this trip with your new family. It will turn out great.
Travel Insurance
Got everything checked for your travelling with baby? Don’t forget to equip yourself with a travel insurance as well. We at PolicyStreet are offering premium travel insurance policy by Allianz 8 Travel Plans for Smart Travellers starting from RM16 for 1 to 5 days. This policy ensures a reimbursement of personal effects up to RM5,000 and up to RM300,000 for medical expenses for any medical attention required while you’re travelling overseas.
For more information, head on to our website at PolicyStreet.com.
