For someone who loves to travel, the arrival of a baby cannot prevent them from continuing to do what they love! The little traveler joins the group and the adventures begin! In no case, however, will traveling be like before when you were alone or with your partner and you were carefree traveling the world. There are new facts and things that you should keep in mind. So, let's see what they are.
First of all, our opinion is that young children should go on vacations, excursions and trips with their parents. In fact, talking to educators and developmentalists, we realized that this is something they also recommend. After all, the experiences you will have traveling with your baby are unique!
Every child, however, is different. In the sensitive age of the first 24 months of their life, there are quite a few fluctuations. So if you think that it would be impossible to travel with your little one, then don't worry, you are not alone. We also have many examples of friends and acquaintances who, either because their children are teething or because they have some discomfort (e.g. colic) or because they are simply particularly active, make them not want to bother traveling. And this is completely understandable.
But if you think you can do it, your baby is cooperative, and you have the will to travel, then don't put it off. In this article, we provide you with a list of tips that helped us on our travels with our little one and that we believe will be useful to you.
1. Baby's age
Your baby's pediatrician will determine when they can fly. Ideally, they should be around 3 months old so that their immune system has developed and they can cope with the germs that may be present in the airplane's ventilation system and the interaction with other travelers.
2. Passport
If you are traveling abroad, your baby, regardless of age, absolutely needs a passport. See the detailed procedure in our article this oneIf you are traveling within Greece, then you will need either a health booklet or a birth certificate or an identity document.
3. Travel insurance
It's something that most of us neglect because we feel young, strong and believe that nothing will happen to us. However, in the event that the unexpected happens, you need to be covered, especially now that you're traveling with your baby. A travel insurance It will cost you very little and with a Google search you will discover that you can even do it online!
4. Check in
Get to the airport early enough so that you have time to feed, change, etc. Most airlines give priority to parents and young children at check-in, while some offer check-in at the Business Class counters. In any case, it doesn't hurt to ask the staff of each airline. At passport control and hand luggage, priority is given to you.
5. Stroller
On flights, each child is entitled to the transport of a stroller for free! As long as your stroller is a so-called "cane", that is, it is one piece and folds all together. You can take this up to the door of the aircraft, where the staff will take it and place it in the luggage storage and return it to you immediately after landing.
6. Preparing hand luggage
Properly preparing the bag you will have with you is everything. Diapers, baby wipes, diapers, creams, medications (in packages under 100ml), food, bottles, pacifiers, toys and everything in general that the baby uses in his daily life.
7. Seat on the plane
Children up to 2 years old travel at a reduced price on the plane as long as they sit on their parent's lap and do not occupy another seat. Until a few years ago, they traveled for free, but now very few airlines continue to do so. The flight crew will give you a special belt that they will help you adjust to your seat belt for your little one. However, if you want your child to have their own seat (by paying a regular ticket), then you are entitled to carry a child seat that can be adjusted to the airline seat. However, each company has a different policy and fees, so you need to do the necessary research.
8. During the flight
This is the point that causes the most stress for parents. Take it easy. First of all, during takeoff and landing, your baby may feel discomfort in his ears. During that time, give him a pacifier, water, milk so that swallowing helps to unclog his ears. Extra tip: Before the flight, washing with saline solution proves to be life-saving, while for better or worse, have a painkiller suitable for his age.
Take some toys with you in your hand luggage to keep him busy, but also something new that he hasn't seen before to keep him excited! Walk up and down the aisle when food isn't being served and don't worry if he cries. Everyone is generally understanding. Give him a hug, give him his favorite blanket or toy to make him feel safe.
9. Food
Trust us, this will be the easiest task. If the baby is breastfeeding, there is nothing to worry about. If he has started feeding, then the flight crew will heat up his food (that you have prepared) or keep it in the refrigerator or give you hot water in case he drinks powdered milk.
Closing
Traveling with a baby is undoubtedly not the easiest thing in the world. It requires good preparation, a lot of patience and flexibility. You will think about it again and again until you do it. But believe us, the moments you will live with him are unique and you will remember them forever. everything!
