In the previous article of this series “Travelling with a baby 1”
we discussed booking issues.
This article will discuss the next stages i.e. packing, at the airport
and the time on the flight which is definitely the most challenging.
1. Let’s start with
packing for the journey.
Find out with your airline what and how much you can carry with
you on the flight and plan accordingly. Many airlines allow you to take on
board a pram or child car seat without extra charges included in your infant
ticket. Ask the airline if the pram and baby car seat are included. Always
consider hiring a car seat for bubs at your destination. It’s very convenient
and not so expansive compared to other payments you make for your trip. Just
remember to make sure there is a baby seat waiting for you at your destination
in case you left your seat behind.
Do not pack consumables like spare wipes and nappies, or heaps of
baby food unless you are certain they cannot be found in your destination. Save
your limited luggage allowance for non-consumable things you use daily. These
are the things you will need.
You want to have spare cloths for bubs. Feeding essentials and
bath essentials. Make sure you have some of it in your carry on luggage so its
accessible. Of course don’t forget all the entertainment you can get for the
flight (books, toys and snacks, snacks, snacks.)
Try to take little things that will make bubs feel at home. For
example bubs’s bath toys. They will make a huge difference when using
unfamiliar facilities. We even take the bath itself. Last year we bought a
folding bath that we use at home to save water. It’s a brilliant design and
proves priceless. We take it inside the suitcase on every trip. He loves it
makes him feel at home.
Comforting objects you use at home to calm bubs down on crisis
moments are good to have handy. In my sons case his “comfort wrap” any old used
baby wrap does it. But it can be anything. Always fallow the golden rule “you
know bubs better than anyone”. Pack accordingly.
An important rule of thumb when it comes to packing for flights is
“if it is something you cannot replace or do without, take it on the plain in
your carry luggage”. Sometimes cargo items do not arrive with you at your
destination. It doesn’t happen often. However it does happen and you should be
prepared. Recently coming back from the Perth Baby expo our luggage did not
arrive with us (including the pram). Good thing we were on the way back home.
We did get everything delivered home the next day. Imagine the challenge if you
have just landed at for instance your holiday destination. It is late at night
the shops are closed and you don’t have the essentials. So my suggestion is to
have the basics with you on board in case the unexpected does occur.
Gal Ziv
No comments:
Post a Comment