Five Top Tips for Airline Travel with Young Kids
So even though it now seems a very distant memory I have travelled quite substantially with young children and my daughters had both circumnavigated the world before their first birthdays here are some tips from my experience.
Pre-order baby food or milk formula
Order any baby food or milk formula online for collection to the Boots Chemist airside at the airport (most airports have them) as this will save time precious time and effort at security.
Always have a change of clothes in hand luggage
Always have a change of clothes in your hand luggage, not just for your child, but for you in case they are poorly on you on the plane or if something is spilt on you. For long haul flights I usually have 2 or 3 changes of clothes in hand luggage as there have been times I have needed it. One daughter was poorly sick from Singapore all the way to Auckland. Luckily I had several layers on as I ended up going through all my clothing and I arrived into Auckland wearing a vest. I had a baby wrap sling for Aurora which I used for warmth too as it was a little chilly when we landed.
Carry or wear a pashmina when you travel
Take a pashmina in your hand luggage or wear one as a scarf as you can easily use them for multiple purposes such as a blanket, tie is as a skirt or top (see my post above for why this might be necessary), you can use it as a baby sling, for replacement clothing on your child, as a shield against the sun if you need shade, a picnic blanket or even a pillow.
Travel cot
I recommend purchasing a pop up travel cot that’s light enough to pack in your case so you won’t have to worry about where you are travelling to providing one for you or what the cleanliness or quality of it might be.
Bassinet
One of the main reasons I’m a big fan of travelling with your baby is that if they are under a year old (or 9 months old on some airlines) then you can request a bassinet on a long haul flight meaning you can put them down to sleep or lie freeing up your hands for eating, drinking and reading that on board magazine. Make the most of it flying with kids doesn’t get this easy ever again…ha ha…only joking!
I hope these tips have been useful for anyone thinking of flying with their young children.
Happy travel dreaming, planning and enjoying!
Big love
Sarah x
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