Here are some items to carry when travelling with a baby!
- Snacks, purees, juice, diluted breast milk if necessary
- Spare clothing
- Wet wipes
- Milk bottle, if necessary
- First aid kit (thermometer, acetaminophen, oragel, zinc paste...)
- Toys: try getting your older kid a new toy in order to keep him concentrated for a longer period of time.
- Blanket
- Tiny inflatable pool: it will not take up too much space in your luggage and it will allow you to wash your baby in your room and refresh him, in the shade, while you are under your umbrella.
- Backpack: when travelling from one place to another, it is better to have a backpack than a bag with handles.
- Bring enough diapers: paper diapers are not available everywhere and if they are, they tend to be quite expensive.
Note: Air Canada and Air Transat transport, for no extra fee, the following articles in the baggage hold: car seat, highchair, stroller and crib. Each carrier has his own policy concerning different baby articles, therefore, ask your carrier before leaving.
Ear congestion
Just like in adults, takeoff and landing often produce ear pain due to a sudden change in air pressure. The only trick that really works is to make your child chew something. You can try breastfeeding, a pacifier, a bottle or food since swallowing will help relieve your little one’s ear pain.
Naps
Many airplanes, but not all, have small beds for babies under 25 pounds. You must ask for one when making your flight reservations, as they are available in limited quantity. The bed will be installed by your side, in the aisle.
Before leaving for the airport, ask your doctor if you child can take Benadryl, an antihistaminic that provokes somnolence and may help your baby to recuperate during the trip. Your doctor can teach you how to calculate the correct dose depending on your child’s weight. Some paediatricians advise against using antihistaminic because it can generate the opposite effect and make your child agitated. Ultimately, nothing works better than holding your child in your arms while signing his favourite lullaby.
Meals
Most airline companies prepare special children meals. Air Canada, for example, offers purees for children under the age of 2 and hamburgers, chicken fingers and sandwiches for children over the age of 2. It is also necessary to mention whether or not you would like to be served a meal while making the seat reservations. Plan ahead and bring your child’s favourite snacks just in case!
Nausea
Even if travel sickness is more common over the age of 3, some babies may show signs of discomfort while travelling in a car or in a plane. If your child is old enough to eat by himself, give him small quantities to eat on a regular basis. It will decrease the nausea.
Jet lag
Usually, children are not as sensitive to time zones as adults. Nonetheless, some babies may be awake at times when they should be sleeping and begin to feel hungry at the wrong hour. In this case, you will usually have to be flexible with your schedule for a little while until your baby adjusts. For example, you may have to push back bedtime an hour later or make supper an hour earlier. This way, you can limit the trouble. Still, expect to wait a day or two for everyone to adjust.
