" What to consider when traveling by plane for the first time with a baby "

Vacation time is travel time! However, new parents are put off by long-distance travel. Most prefer to spend their vacation with children at home or book a vacation destination within a few hours' drive.

However, if you love to travel and fly and were already passionate about this before the birth, then rest assured: long-distance travel with a baby or toddler is of course possible. However, there are a few more things to consider and bear in mind.

Good planning is the prerequisite for a successful vacation with children, especially with an infant.

When can you start flying with a baby?

Many people are concerned with the most important question of all: when can, or should, babies be allowed to fly by plane? Basically, there is no reason not to travel with a newborn. In fact, the younger the child is, the less problematic the whole thing often becomes.

Newborn flight

It is important that your little one is healthy and does not suffer from a cold or ear infection. The biggest problem when flying is pressure equalization. If you breastfeed or give your baby a bottle during take-off and landing, this will have a positive effect. Your little sunshine can equalize the pressure very well. Incidentally, chewing gum or sucking sweets is recommended for a small child to equalize the pressure.

When you want to take your child on their first flight depends on their development and the state of health mentioned above.

Good planning is extremely important

A vacation with a child who is just a few weeks or months old requires very good planning. This starts with the choice of vacation destination. Remember that travel to endangered countries, regions with poor hygiene or vacation destinations with health risks should be avoided at all costs. Not all vaccinations can be given to babies as a precautionary measure, as they must first receive the basic vaccinations.

Baby basic vaccination

Once you have found a suitable vacation destination, you now need to contact the airline. Not all airlines have the same requirements and offers with regard to flying with a baby. Airlines that can offer a baby seat on board as well as special seats for mothers and babies or small children are ideal.

Pediatrician health check

As a rule, infants under the age of 2 are not entitled to their own seat. Unless you book a fixed seat. Make sure you are well informed about this so that there are no unpleasant surprises at the start of your journey. Once the flight has been booked, there is only one appointment left before the vacation: A visit to the pediatrician.

Health checks and a consultation with a doctor are essential.

Only healthy babies should travel by air

If you are flying with a baby or a small child, many airlines offer pre-boarding. This allows families to board the plane before the actual check-in.

Caution: Do not necessarily take up this offer! Sometimes the waiting time on the plane can become stressful if it takes too long before the actual departure.

What should you look out for?

Vacations with children are an adventure for parents. There's one thing you can't plan despite all the good preparation: the mood of your children.

What should you pay attention to?

While some children slumber peacefully shortly after take-off, others whine for the entire duration of the flight. Grow a thick skin and rise above the sometimes uncomprehending looks of some of your fellow passengers.

Take a few toys on board with you

Make sure you are well prepared. A little distraction can sometimes work wonders. Smaller toys, such as a grasping toy or your favorite cuddly pillow, are a must.

Clothes in an onion look

Bear in mind that it can sometimes be very cool on an airplane. The classic onion look is recommended. Several thin layers of clothing protect your child from getting too cold, but can be quickly and easily adjusted to warmer temperatures if necessary. This is particularly important if the destination will have warm tropical temperatures.

Incidentally, the onion look is not only recommended for the child. You should also wear several thin layers of clothing.

Breastfeeding or baby food?

Your baby will certainly get hungry during the trip. If you are breastfeeding, you will hardly need any other food. If your little one is a little older and is already on complementary food, then this must of course be taken on board.

Baby feeding airplane

The very strict guidelines for taking liquids on board do not apply to baby food. Nevertheless, you should find out exactly in which containers and to what extent you are allowed to take food and drink for your child on board before you start your journey.

What must be included in hand baggage?

While an MP3 player and a good book were must-haves in your hand luggage before the birth, other priorities now apply. Among other things, you should think about a change of clothes. If your little one is teething, then an extra bib and a dummy are very important.

You will also need plenty of diapers and wet wipes. A teething ring can also be helpful. Your hand luggage should also include drinks and baby food, or small snacks for small children. Don't forget the pacifier. A pacifier chain is recommended so that your little sunshine doesn't lose it. It guarantees that the pacifier is within reach and stays there.

Of course, the baby will not sleep the whole time. That's wishful thinking. Assume that you need to distract, look after and entertain your little sunshine. A small baby toy, such as a grasping toy or a baby carriage chain on the baby car seat can work wonders.

The cuddle cloth should of course not be missing.

Can I take a baby carriage with me?

Yes, of course you can take a baby carriage or buggy with you on vacation. Most airlines even offer free transportation for these items. However, you should find out about this before you travel. In any case, the fact is that both the baby carriage and the buggy can travel with you.

What needs to be considered on site?

Do you want to be mobile on vacation and do you want to rent a car? Then you should not forget the child seat or baby seat when booking. Many rental car providers are happy to provide these accessories.

Baby car seat rental

While you can usually use the infant car seat for your baby on the plane and it will therefore automatically be in your vacation destination, the situation is somewhat different when flying with a small child. The usually very bulky seats are reluctant to be checked in as baggage. In any case, it is advantageous to find a rental car with the appropriate equipment.

You won't be able to put up much of a fight against a little jet lag.

Give yourself and your children some time. Many people advise gradually adjusting your rhythm to the new time before you start your trip. This will make the changeover much easier when you get there.