Introduction
In general, air travel is already an exciting undertaking for most people. With a baby or toddler, the flight can be a stressful affair. To make it as relaxed and enjoyable as possible, parents should inform themselves in advance about traveling with baby and be well organized. Usually it helps to make and work through a checklist of important things so that nothing important is forgotten.
Checklist
Before parents take their baby or toddler on vacation by plane, there are a few things to consider. So that important things are not forgotten, it is advisable to work through a checklist. Depending on the destination, parents should find out which identification document is required for the child.
A child’s passport and the visa should be applied for some time in advance. In order to ensure that the child is also covered by health insurance abroad, an international health insurance should be taken out before a flight. The pediatrician should be consulted about additional vaccinations for the respective country.
The vaccination card should be carried in any case. It is also advisable to have medication recommended for the travel pharmacy. In order to protect the child from the sun on vacation, sun milk for children and UV clothing should be purchased.
Before the flight you can get information from the respective airline how the check-in and the security checks at the airport work. Many airlines offer a family-friendly check-in, so that no too long waiting times arise. Often it is also possible to take the baby carriage to the plane.
But sometimes it has to be checked in as bulky luggage. In order to avoid having to walk or carry the child all the time, it is possible to ask if there is a rental baby carriage available. Furthermore, you should ask the respective airline whether additional luggage for children is allowed, whether a separate seat for the child is necessary and whether children’s menus are offered for older children.
In order not to confuse the child’s daily routine too much, it is advisable to book a night flight, especially on long-haul flights. To avoid boredom for the child during the flight, a few toys should be packed in the hand luggage. It is also advisable to change clothes, pack enough diapers, wet wipes and baby food in your hand luggage.
