How to travel safely, happily with little ones | Lifestyle
Travelling with babies and toddlers can be daunting for parents. Questions about air travel, what to pack and safety are often top of mind, especially on long-distance flights and international trips.
“Travelling with kids is a whole new world,” said Dr Shannon Thompson, a paediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, adding that it’s important to “enjoy your kiddo on your trip” as much as you can.
Here are some tips and tricks for parents to travel safely with young children — and have fun with them, too.
CHECK FOR CRIBS AND HIGH CHAIRS BEFORE BOOKING
Before you decide where to stay, consider your options for baby-proofing.
Check whether items like portable playpens, cribs and high chairs are offered to guests. If you are staying somewhere with stairs, a balcony or a pool, inquire about baby gates; if they are not provided, see if they are available for rent nearby or consider bringing travel-friendly foldable mesh gates. Pack electrical outlet covers and wipes to clean any dirty surfaces your kiddo might touch.
For babies, safe sleeping is still essential on vacation. Children younger than a year old should sleep on their backs on a flat, firm surface, such as a mattress in a bassinet, crib or playpen, with nothing more than a fitted sheet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organisation also recommends babies sleep in the parents’ room — but not in the parents’ bed — for at least the first six months.
Consider how you’ll get to and around your accommodation. Will you rent a car, take a taxi or use public transport from the airport? Will you mostly be driving or walking? For parents, these factors can help determine whether to bring a stroller and car seat, which can usually be gate-checked for free when flying, or rely on a sling or baby carrier instead.
PLAN SNACKS AND DIAPER CHANGES FOR THE FLIGHT
“Flying with kids is one of those big, intimidating things,” said Thompson, the paediatrician. “I think the biggest thing to think about is always safety and then of course their comfort.”
While children under two can fly in their parents’ lap, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends securing them in their own safety seat, such as a car seat certified for use on planes. This requires buying a seat for your child.
For long-haul or international flights, ask the airline if they have bassinets available.
Food and drink for babies and toddlers, including breast milk, formula and puree pouches, are considered medically necessary liquids by the Transportation Security Administration.
In addition to snacks, don’t forget to carry on diapers, wipes, a portable changing pad and sealable plastic bags for disposal. Bring extra clothes to layer or change in case of accidents or messy spills.
Swallowing and chewing can help with ear pressure, so nursing little ones or giving them a bottle or pacifier can ease discomfort during take-off and landing.
Speak with your paediatrician beforehand if your kiddo is prone to ear infections, and before travelling abroad, ask them what vaccines may be recommended.
KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED
For flights with young kids, Christy Slavik, owner of the travel agency Mom Approved Travel, recommends “having little surprises that you can distract them with” — such as sticky mats for travel-sized play-doh, suction cup toys and other games that are small and light to pack.
If sightseeing once at your destination, think about ways to make activities more fun and interactive. For art museums, bring notebooks that kids can draw in, or ask them what types of animals they can find in the paintings, Slavik said.
“Kids need a mission. They need games,” she said. “You have to get creative sometimes when you’re travelling.”
Exposing children to other cultures, foods and languages can also be fun. Some may enjoy picking out snacks at markets, for example, or learning foreign words for their favourite dishes and activities.
There are options for places to stay that are family-friendly, with amenities such as pools or games. For those travelling abroad on a budget, many hostels offer private rooms for families so they don’t have to share a dorm-style room with bunk beds. Hotels and hostels provide the opportunity to meet other travellers, including fellow children who can become playmates.
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