There is no doubt that travelling with children of any age can be a stressful experience, but when flying with a baby, there are a lot more things you need to take with you. Every parent will know that it is difficult to leave the house with an infant without packing the kitchen sink. There is so much you need to take with you just to get through an hour or two, never mind a full flight. Thankfully, airlines have taken this into consideration, and extra luggage allowance is given to these travel essentials when flying with a baby.
Checked Child Items When Flying With a Baby
Children travelling under the age of two are permitted by most airlines to have two baby items carried, which can be checked in free of charge in addition to their additional cabin bag allowance. These items must be either checked in at the desk or at the gate, depending on the item, but can prove to be extremely useful on arrival at your destination.
Pushchair
If you are travelling with an infant, it is highly recommended to take a pushchair with you. They are extremely helpful for navigating your d eparture airport and are likely to be needed when you are exploring the destination you are heading to. Pushchairs need to be easy to fold and can be checked in either at the desk or at the gate. Unfortunately, a large majority of airports do not offer a service to retrieve your pushchair at your arrival gate which ultimately means you have to struggle through the airport with your infant until you meet your pushchair at baggage claim. Regardless of this, a pushchair is still extremely handy to have and some airports, although rare, will have your pushchair waiting for you at the door of the plane.
Travel Pushchair
As an alternative to standard pushchairs, you can choose to use a cabin-approved pushchair, which adds extra convenience to your travel journey. When folded, travel pushchairs need to meet the hand luggage requirements, which vary by airline. However, all ‘baby items’ must be either checked in at the desk or gate, so taking a cabin-approved pushchair on board to store in the overheard storage will count as one item of hand luggage.
Car Seats
With European airlines, it is not common practice to travel on board with a car seat. Whilst it is possible to book a seat for an infant by contacting the airline directly, car seat requirements are extremely tight and it is difficult to find a car seat that meets the requirements. The use of car seats on a flight is also at the discretion of the cabin crew who can decline it being on board the aircraft.
However, you can travel with a car seat in the hold luggage if it will be beneficial to you at your arrival destination. This is particularly useful when hiring a car. It is important to consider possible safety concerns of shipping your car seat; however, as it is impossible to know what has happened to it during transit. If hiring a car, most vehicle hire companies also allow you to hire car seats, but again, the condition of the car seat cannot be guaranteed, and some destinations do not have car seat safety requirements that are as solid as those in the UK.
Travel Cot
A travel cot will also count as one of your extra items but it is important to weigh up whether it is worthwhile travelling with. Most hotels can supply infant sleeping arrangements whilst the likes of Airbnb give you the option to narrow your accommodation down to options that include the use of a cot or travel cot. It is rare that travelling with a travel cot is worth the effort of transportation but it is an option should you need it.
Cabin Allowance When Flying With a Baby
When flying with a baby, there are two options. The most common is for the baby to travel as a lap infant; however, you can also book a seat for them should you choose. This must be done by contacting the airline directly and cannot be arranged online. For infants who have their own seat, both their hold and cabin allowance are the same as an adult, but they are permitted an extra changing bag also. If you are travelling with an infant who will be seated on your lap for the flight, an additional carry-on bag is allowed on board for the infant and must be stored under the seat in front of you. This is the only additional item permitted on board, as lap infants do not receive a personal luggage allowance.
Nappy Changing Essentials
The most important thing to carry with you when flying with an infant is nappy changing essentials. You need to ensure that you have enough to not only cover your airport experience and the flight, but also enough to cover at least the first day of your trip in case your hold luggage goes missing, and you cannot easily access a shop. It is also helpful to have extra for any delays.
Snacks
Snacks are one of the ultimate essentials for infants, so be prepared and make sure you travel with more than you think you are going to need. Not only are snacks useful for keeping hunger at bay, but they also offer some breathing space in the event that they get fussy. By packing your own, you are also not relying on expensive airport items, limited airline products and are able to offer your favourite snacks.
Milk
An exception to liquid allowances, you are allowed to travel with milk when travelling with an infant. You can bring baby milk (both breast and formula) and sterilised water in your cabin bag; you are welcome to travel with as much as you require for your trip. It must be stored in containers that are no larger than 2L, and you may be asked to taste it for security reasons. Alternatively, for UK airports that have an airside Boots store, you can also arrange a click and collect service for formula.
Travel Toys
Crucial for entertaining infants on a flight, toys are an absolute essential when flying with a baby. Depending on your infant’s age and their interests depends on what you pack but make sure they are an appropriate and convenient size for air travel and not too messy. Fidget toys such as spinners are a popular option with suction cups that can attach to windows.
Changes of Clothing
Multiple changes of clothing are recommended when flying with a baby. From feeding messes to blowouts, babies regularly need a change of clothes, but when you also factor in the changing temperatures on board aircraft, in new destinations and the possibility of delays or luggage holdups, multiple changes of clothing are essential.
Baby Carrier
Even if you are travelling with a pushchair, a baby carrier can be extremely handy. Once you leave your pushchair at the gate, you still need to board the aircraft and more often than not, when you arrive, you do not meet your pushchair again until baggage claim. A baby carrier offers the hands-free convenience of being able to board and navigate an airport with your belongings.
Sippy Cup or Feeding Bottle
Mess-free and convenient, a bottle or sippy cup is important for all infants. It not only allows younger babies to feed but also allows older infants a drinking option from a familiar container.
Mini First Aid Kit
Every parent should travel at all times with a mini first aid kit. It provides peace of mind that you are prepared in the event of a minor accident or illness. When travelling by plane, please be aware that you will need to remove the likes of scissors and safety pins that are in many first aid kits as well as sachets of medicine, cream or gel which must go through security as per your airport’s requirements.
Blanket or Large Muslin
Temperatures can vary dramatically on board an aircraft, so a blanket or muslin is important to keep your little one warm and cosy. They are also highly versatile and can be draped from the seat in front of you to aid sleep by adding a little darkness.
Crevent Organic Cotton Muslin/Baby Blanket for Newborns
