How can I travel abroad with my new born baby?

If you wish to travel with your new-born baby, all you need is to get your baby its routine check up with the doctor just to make sure the baby has good health. Although, most airlines require that a baby must be a week old and some people recommend waiting until the baby is at least a couple of months old to travel by air with the baby. However, as long as you have the baby’s medical certificate with you, travelling with a new born baby is not as hard as it seems; especially with the modern transportation, communication and baby-friendly facilities present almost everywhere.

First of all it is convenient if parents try to arrange a direct, non-stop flight to the destination since this means that you will need to install and uninstall the baby car seat only once. Your baby will baby experience the discomfort of take off and landing only once and your baby can nap for uninterrupted durations. It is also important to plan and pack ahead for this trip, have enough time on your hands to do your packing before the departure date so that you can afford yourself a good long sleep before the flight. A good sleep is important to keep the parents active and vigilant through the flight.

According to the U.S law, a baby car seats for a baby is not necessary but the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that you use one on board. If your child is under two, you are allowed to carry the child in your lap throughout the journey but this can prove to be exhausting for the parent and frustrating for the baby. So it is recommended that the child should have their own Child Restraint System (CRS) since it is secure for the child at all times especially during turbulence. It also makes a more familiar and comfortable surrounding for the baby. A lot of airlines offer tickets at a discount or at half price for babies travelling in a baby car seat so you can always call your airlines and inquire about the details. Even if you haven’t booked a separate seat for your child, you can see if the seat next to you can be provided for your child at check-in time.

Some babies might even have problems with air pressure during take off and landing; however, there are a couple of ways to alleviate the discomfort. If the child is on nursing, you can nurse him/her during take off/landing, give the child something like formula or water to drink, offer pacifiers to suck on and you can also try to rub the baby’s neck, from the chin to the base, as this can encourage a swallowing motion which will relieve the pressure. Another important thing is to keep a well-supplied diaper bag, preferably use a multi-purpose bag that is big enough to hold all the baby gear as well as a few of your own supplies so that you have to carry just one bag. Find out the current laws about carrying liquids and gels and pack them accordingly. Pack enough diapers, wipes, books & toys, snacks, feeding supplies and a change of clothes for the baby; you can also pack your tickets, identification, passport, a few spare clothes for yourself and maybe even a hand sanitizer.

Keeping a stroller or pram with you is also a good idea; you won’t have to carry the child in your arms through the terminals and the airport. At your gate, you can ask the gate agent to allot you a gate-check ticket whereby they will secure your stroller or car seat and give it back to you as soon as you get off the plane. This way you can carry your baby easily right till the gate both as you board and de-board the plane. Try to change your baby’s diapers either just before take-off or boarding, do this in the handicap washroom of the plane as this is roomier or you can use the back of the toilet seat for this purpose. Most importantly, if your baby cries during the flight, relax and handle the situation as calmly as you would at home and if nothing pacifies the baby, let it exhaust itself by crying and it will soon be ready to nap.