11 Tips for Traveling and Flying with an Infant

Not many things in life are as difficult as birthing a baby. But traveling with one is on the list—or so many believe. However, it is doable if you prepare yourself and your infant. Luckily, this only requires some online searching, which you can easily do with your Spectrum internet customer service. If you are a new parent looking to travel soon, don’t panic. Yes, everyone dreads being the person on a flight with a howling baby. But if you follow these 7 life-saving tips, you don’t have to worry about that.

So, take a deep breath, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for takeoff. You have an exciting journey ahead of you—not despite, but because of your baby.

1. Do Your Homework

Never, ever book a flight before doing your research. This applies to all flights in general, but especially if you’re with an infant. Before you book your flight, look up the infant travel rules for all available airlines. Most airlines don’t charge you for an extra ticket if your child is under 2. However, be sure to compare airline policies. Also, see if any airline offers any special arrangements for infants.

Moreover, compare all flights to check whether there is an overlay. Prefer to book a direct flight. If not, choose one with a long overlay. You don’t want to be rushing to change flights when you are with your infant. Instead, it’s better to have ample time to tend to your baby’s needs during an overlay. Plus, make sure to look up the seating capacity of your flight. If you can opt for a flight on a larger aircraft.

2. Choose the Right Seat

Once you have researched your flight, narrow down the best seat you could get. This would either be a seat right at the front of the aisle. This is because these seats would allow you to easily walk to the bathroom. If you’re seated by the aisle, you can even walk along it to soothe your baby.

Some aircraft also offer a seat with a bassinet for infants. Call the airline and request to be seated there. However, most times such seats are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. So try to arrive early so you can quickly check-in. Also, ask ahead about empty seats. Your flight would be much easier if your baby gets a separate seat. If it’s your lucky day, the airline staff will happily accommodate you.

3. Pack the Essentials

This means two things. One: pack everything that is essential for your baby. This means you need to carry a generous number of changing supplies for your baby. Keep diapers, wipes, and spare baby clothes with you. Also, keep some bags you can use to easily dispose of used diapers. If your baby has any favorite toys or pacifiers that keep him calm, bring them along. Two: don’t overpack. Your baby can survive a holiday without six pairs of mittens, two stuffed toys, and a cradle.

4. Change Diapers before Flying

One of the essential rules of traveling is to finish all bathroom business beforehand. This applies to you, and your baby. Try to feed your baby some time before your flight so it can get the smelly stuff out of its system. Even if you have changed your child’s diapers an hour before the flight, do it again before checking in. A happy baby won’t disturb you on a flight. And no one is happy in a wet diaper.

5. Keep Food on You

To keep things sanitary for your baby, keep all essential food supplies on you. Don’t rely on the airplane or anyone else! So, keep clean bottles, a flask of clean water, and baby food on you. If you breastfeed your baby, that’s even better! Also, keep some snacks for yourself.

6. Use Earplugs

Even adults feel uncomfortable while flying because of the change in air pressure. It can be even more taxing for infants with sensitive ears. To protect your baby from a drastic change in pressure, try to cover its ears using infant earplugs. If your baby could talk, it would sure thank you!

7. Don’t Stress Out

A stressed parent means a stressed baby and vice versa. You will be the gentlest with your baby when you are calm. So don’t panic, and know that you can always ask for help. If things feel out of control, remember that others also have babies. There are likely many others on the flight who can lend you supplies, suggestions, and company. Also, airline staff is usually extra nice to young parents. Remember: you and your baby will both be okay.

8. Book In Advance

Whether it is your hotel or tickets for some tours, you should try to arrange most things well in advance. Book whatever you can online before you arrive at your destination so that you do not face any hassle when you’re traveling. This will also help you carry as little cash as possible, making you safer.

Just make sure you’re making these bookings through reliable portals and payment gateways. Ask around in your social group or on travel groups about trustworthy vendors and booking portals. Then, get all your tickets, passes, and stays booked, preferably with recorded online transactions.

9. Stay In Contact With Your Loved Ones

The most important part of traveling as a solo female is safety. You should take all steps necessary to travel in a secure manner. One thing you must do is stay in touch with family members or trusted friends. Let them know about your plans for the day and how long you expect to stay out. Establish a time limit between each contact instance, so that if you fall in any danger, they can alert the relevant authorities.

Make sure you are diligent with this practice, and if you encounter anyone suspicious, let your contact person know. This can protect you from a lot of unscrupulous situations, and also assure your loved ones about your safety.

10. Do Not Overpack

Before you set out on your trip, take inventory of your luggage. Only pack what you need, and do not make your bags too heavy. In fact, if you’re keeping your trip short, try fitting everything in a spacious backpack or trekking pack.

Pack all your essentials and make a checklist of what you need. For your toiletries, get small, travel-approved bottles to meet travel guidelines and save space in your bag. After all, you do not want to lug around a couple of heavy bags in unfamiliar places alone.

11. Do Not Share Details With Strangers

Do not make it known that you are traveling alone on your social media pages or to people you meet on your travels. Not everyone has the best intentions in mind, so it is best to err on the side of caution. If someone asks you where you’re staying, give them very vague answers. Name a chain hotel without specifying which branch, if you really must answer them.

Furthermore, if a stranger asks whether you’re traveling alone, say that you’re just waiting for your friends or partner. Do not share your personal details or your unfamiliarity with the area with any stranger, and if you feel unsafe, pretend to take a call from someone and loudly state where you are. This will keep unsavory people at bay.

clare abner
clare abner

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