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How to plan to travel with an infant or toddler

By girija
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Are you dreading the long flight that you have planned to take with your infant or toddler? Traveling with an infant or toddler can be extremely cumbersome and frustrating, if not planned properly. But with proper planning you can keep your child comfortable and have a stress free journey!

Things You'll Need

List of things for Infant (Numbers provided are based on a 24 hour journey)

  1. Pack 2-3 pairs of clothes (based upon the length of journey)
  2. 6-12 sterilized nipples (based upon the length of journey)
  3. Feeding bottles that use plastic drop-ins can be very useful. With these only the outer cover and ring need to be washed with soap and water (no sterilization required).
  4. Take at least 10-20 drop-ins. 6-12 diapers and a packet of wet wipes.
  5. Bottle brush (for washing rings and feeding bottles)
  6. Keep a smaller tin of formula for the journey.
  7. Buy a Baby Formula Dispenser - a plastic box which has three or four compartments for formula for each feed, with a moving lid through which formula for one feed can be poured into the bottle.
  8. Carry baby food and some finger foods of the babies choice Carry the baby’s favorite toys like rattles or musical toys.
  9. Take the stroller or baby carry on which can be strapped like a kangaroo pouch so that it will be convenient while walking in the airport.
  10. Even if it is summer, keep at least a light jacket and blanket for the baby as the interior of the aircraft will be cooler.
  11. Hand Sanitizing Liquid A couple of pacifiers, especially for landings/take-offs Carry one or two balls of cotton wool to be put in baby’s ear during take off and landing.
  12. List of Things for a Toddler Carry as many sippy cups as possible for the child.
  13. Carry in the diaper bag at least 3 sets of clothing and 8 – 10 diapers or panties and wipes.
  14. Keep coloring books and crayons, story books and toys Consider buying a portable DVD player with DVDs Carry some snacks of the child’s choice.
  15. Don’t forget a light jacket, socks, the child’s favorite bedtime toy and blanket.
  16. Take a stroller so that you don’t have to carry the child when he/she can not walk.
  17. Carry a ‘U’ shaped neck pillow for the child, to support the neck when the child sleeps.

Steps

1

Planning and Booking the Flight Plan and book in advance with a request for a bassinet and a bulkhead seat in the aircraft. Each airline has its own policy as to when they assign special seating. Your best bet would be put in the request immediately upon flight reservation and then making a follow-up call a week before the date of travel.

2

Packing your Luggage (assuming that you are travelling to India, make necessary changes for travel abroad) Baby Formula and Diapers – If traveling from abroad to India or vice versa, consider taking adequate baby formula for the length of your stay. While all foreign brands of baby formula are available in major Indian cities they are very expensive! Your baby might not adjust to the local baby formulas available in India. Diapers are locally manufactured in India and are just as good quality-wise compared to foreign-made diapers.

3

Medicines & Vaccinations Take your baby for a wellness check-up with your Pediatrician before your travel and get the baby’s vaccinations up to-date. Most vaccinations are also available at Children’s Hospitals/Clinics in India in case you need them. Take adequate supplies of medicines as certain medicines like Infant Tylenol or Mylicon are not freely available in India.

4

Clothes Based upon the space left in your suitcases plan the number of clothes you will pack for your baby. Keep in mind that children grow very quickly and based upon your length of stay they may outgrow their clothes. You can always buy additional clothes wherever you are staying.

Tips

  • Don’t hesitate to ask the air hostess for anything you might have missed. Airlines carry plenty of supplies of baby formula, diapers, wipes, etc.
  • Also note that you can board the plane early. Most airlines allow early boarding for people traveling with small children.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for a wheel-chair or motorized transport when switching gates or reaching the terminals.

Caution

  • Don’t carry toys that have small pieces, like puzzles,you may lose them.
  • Don’t carry open glass for milk or water. The child may spill.
  • Don’t forget a light jacket and socks as the interior of the plane will be cold.

Comments

Nice topic

On October 11th, 2008 - trozanbd said:

Nice topic

Need Help

On November 13th, 2008 - Anonymous said:

I may sound silly, but please suggest... Do they provide hot water to prepare baby food or formula milk in the flight and is it safe for babies?? Also can we use the stroller inside the flight to put them to bed.. Please reply... I am going to be a first time traveller to US and have a 9 months baby who cannot walk or sit yet .

travelling with a baby

On November 14th, 2008 - girija said:

1. Hot water is provided for the baby on request, in the aircraft.

2. At the time of booking, though there is no ticket for the infant, it must be mentioned that the person is travelling with a baby and a request for bassinet and bulk head seat must be made.

Thank you

On November 14th, 2008 - Anonymous said:

Thanks Girija. Your article is very informative.

reply

On February 28th, 2009 - Visitor said:

Using an antihistamine may help prevent the ears from popping and aching. Follow your medical provider's recommendations.

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