You may be one of the most FREQUENT TRAVELERS. However, traveling with your baby for the first time may prove to be an extremely daunting task, especially if you’re the only adult. It is therefore wise to consider following some tips and getting informed before packing your bags.
You can start by compiling a list of things which you know you’ll certainly need during your journey. Think of what you’ll need on the airplane, as you’ll have to pack all these in your carry-on. You’ll probably need to take formula, antimicrobial wipers, diapers as well as a change-of-clothes. Moreover, keep this as a checklist to use before setting off to the airport.
Depending on the age of your baby as well as on which dietary diversification stage you’re at, you may also take into account the idea of having your baby’s favorite meal. Formula may not be enough for your baby so packing its favorite meal may prove to be particularly HELPFUL.
Furthermore, take account of the fact that your baby needs to be well hydrated all through the trip. It is true that plane air conditioning tend to dehydrate the little ones, so constantly check your baby for signs of dehydration. Babies may become dehydrated almost in an instant, so knowing how to prevent it and being aware of the signs of dehydration is of utmost importance.
Overall, DEHYDRATION can span from moderate to severe, or life threatening. It is therefore IMPERATIVE to be able to identify the symptoms as soon as possible. If you notice at least one of the following symptoms, do consider acting asap: irritability, tearless crying, dry lips, cold hands, sunken front fontanelle, dark and strong-smelling urine, fewer wet diapers than usual. Give your baby some water or at least wet his or her lips if your baby refuses to drink water. Avoid juice since it hydrates less efficiently that water. Also remember that you’re in an airplane and that turbulence may occur and it usually happens unexpectedly.
So, take a sippy cup with you if you don’t want liquid being spilled all over. Finally, think of something that calms your baby down (favorite blanket, stuffed toy, pacifier) and take that particular object in your HAND BAGGAGE. You’ll thus manage to secure a cozy atmosphere for your most precious one.
Assuming that you considered each and every detail and that you finished packing your bags, plan on arriving at the airport well in advance so that you have enough time to take care of everything you need to deal with at the airport. Remember that you’ll probably need to make a bathroom stop before checking-in. You’ll also need to find your way around the airport, especially if you’re not that familiar with it. And most importantly, do not leave for the airport without checking the status of the flight as well as the weather forecast. You need to make certain that your flight will depart as scheduled and that it wasn’t delayed or, worse, canceled.
You can take into consideration the CURBSIDE SKYCAP SERVICE which is found outside of the terminal. Skycaps usually offer a service which may prove to be both helpful and essential to a traveler. For instance, American Airlines provide the Curbside Check-in service which they define as being “a convenient way to check-in for your flight, get a seat assignment and check your bags”. This service is also available even if you used Online Flight Check-In, have an electronic ticket or already have a pre-reserved seat.
Then, there is NO FEE for using this type of service. Apart from your bags, you also need to take care of your documents. So, keep your itinerary, plane ticket, and ID in a place where they are easily accessible and ready to be shown to the security personnel. Some airlines offer a lanyard, which you may use successfully in this case.
Use an umbrella stroller. It is easy to handle and you’ll certainly need a strolled that you’ll easily wheel through the jam-packed airport. Besides, you can also take pre-boarding into consideration. You’ll have plenty of time to secure you child’s safety seat or CRS. We have already tackled this issue here. You’ll note that CAR SEATS are not always the best choice and that The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a sticker on the seat which states that it is approved for air travel.
Finally, make sure your baby is comfortable all through the flight. Babies may cry because they’re hungry, tired or distressed. Sometimes, PRESSURIZATION may hurt their ears. This usually happens during landing or departure. You can easily solve this issue by feeding your baby or simply giving him or her a pacifier. And our last piece of advice: Relax! Your baby will certainly catch your mood and calm down.