Traveling with Kids: First Flight
In our latest article, we share some tips and tricks for the road trip with kids. Have you decided to take your little one for their first vacation or family visit by plane instead? Here are a few WOW GEAR’s tips to help make it a smoother trip.
Before Flying
Planning with a little one can be stressful and very different from what you experienced when traveling without little ones. But with a bit of planning, it can still be a positive experience!
When is a good time to fly with a baby?
Technically, there isn’t any official age requirement, and it depends on the particular airline. Most of them allow babies on-board after the first week of life. However, the Academy of American Pediatrics does not recommend flying for the first three months as they have a delicate immune system and air travel can increase a newborn’s risk of catching an infectious disease. It is always a good idea to discuss your travel plans with your pediatrician and ask what they recommend.
Booking the flight & required documents
When traveling with babies and children under 2, you can choose to travel with your child on your lap or travel with your child in an FAA-approved child safety seat. When flying on the parent’s lap, it is generally free of charge, or at a discounted price. Even though you don’t have to officially purchase a ticket for your child who is under two years old, some experts suggest that’s much safer to buy an airplane seat for your baby and bring an FAA-approved seat for them. Before booking your flight, check with your airline. Some can offer to reserve a spot in a row with a skycot that allows babies 6 months and younger to lie down flat during the flight. When booking a flight, aim for the early morning flights as these give you the best chance of avoiding delays, they are usually less crowded and even less prone to turbulences.
When flying domestically, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification. But, as always -check with your airlines as some of them require an infant’s proof of age which can be a birth certificate for example. For international flights, your little one will need a passport regardless of the age. If flying with only one parent, you might be asked to show a letter of consent.
Pack Smart
So what else to pack in the carry-on bags when traveling with a baby in addition to all the necessary documents. Let’s start with the very basics – diapers, wipes and disposable changing pads are a must-have. It can be quite challenging to change your baby with such limited room in the plane’s restrooms. Some have a changing table while others don’t. In that case, ask a flight attendant if there is a spot where you can spread your changing pad. Bring some extra plastic bags that can serve several purposes. Also, don’t forget an extra pair of comfy clothes too. The soft blanket is another must-have as we all know it gets chilly on the plane. Another thing on your list should be a pacifier and favorite toy or stuffed animal. If you are using a baby carrier, you should take it too as they can be very helpful to ease your way through the airport if you check your stroller at the ticket counter. Another important thing on the list should be food and snacks since you will mostly not find baby friendly food at the airport.
No matter if you are breastfeeding or using formula or if your baby already started solids, you should get familiar with a TSA procedure. Formula, breastmilk, and baby food including puree pouches in quantities that are greater than 3.4 oz (or 100 ml) are allowed in carry-on bags as they are considered medically necessary liquids. It also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs. Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items and remove them from your back to be screened separately.
If you are traveling with older kids, you probably don’t need diapers anymore, but it is still a good idea to bring extra clothes and a blanket, as well as their favorite toys and other entertainment, such as books, sticker books, game or maybe a kids tablet with some movies if you are having a long flight. Also, bring enough favorite snacks as it can be a great source of entertainment as well. Good options for plane snacks are: homemade muffins, granola or cereal bars, sliced fruit and veggies, purred fruit pouches, cheese strings or simple sandwitches.
Don’t forget to bring a WOW CUP too as it will be especially handy to not to care about messy spills on the plane.
At the Airport
Arrive early to give yourself enough time to check in, go through security and handle unexpected situations. When flying with a baby or toddler, consider your stroller strategy. Basically, you have three options. You can check your full-size stroller at the ticket counter along with your baggage if you want it at the final destination but don’t need it at the airport. Children’s strollers and child safety seats are usually not counted as part of the standard baggage so it can be checked for free. But again, you know the golden rule here – always check with your particular airlines. If you need your stroller at the airport as well, you can also check it at the gate. Or you can opt for a small size and light-weighted cabin-approved stroller that fits in overhead bins.
At the security check, be prepared to remove your baby from the carrier as strollers and car seats need to go through the X-ray machine.
Everything went smoothly and you are waiting at your gate? Don’t forget to fill the WOW CUPs and WOW GEAR sports bottles at the water station and consider one more diaper change or restroom visit as it is way easier at the airport than on the plane. After you basically have two options – either take advantage of priority boarding and be on the plane early or wait a little bit so you don’t prolong the time on the plane anymore.
On the plane
Boarded with the flight ahead? Be prepared for ear pain during the take-off and landing as the pressure changes between the outer and middle ear. To prevent this, try to breastfeed your little one if possible. You can also offer a pacifier or WOW CUP, 360 spill-free sippy cup as the sucking can help to ease the discomfort. And then there is a time for the favorite toys you brought! Even with the best planning, your baby or little one can still cry as it is a whole new experience. Don’t let the glares get to you as you are doing your best and for sure many people have been through the same situation themselves and have a lot of sympathy!
Have a great and smooth travel!
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