How to Travel on a plane with a young child

• Travel

Traveling on a plane with a young child can be stressful. Not only do you need to worry about making sure your belonging are safe, you have the added worry of making sure your child is entertained and comfortable. Here are a few tips to making that first flight with your child a less stressful one.

Travel off peak – Speak to your travel agent or airline and ask them when flights are less full. At off peak times, you will be able to get a better choice of seats and have more space. Opt for shorter layovers and flights that start during the day.

Reserve your seats – Pre-book your seats and ask for a window seat, so that you can install your car seat. On the date of your departure, check-in early to get your choice of seating. For smaller children who require an airline bassinet, request for a front row seat.

Bring your car seat – For children under 2 years of age, it is recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration, that they are buckled in their own car seat when flying.

Preboard the seat, not the baby – You will be able to pre-board when you are traveling with a small child. However, this means that you will be seated in the aircraft for about 45 minutes till all the passengers board. If you’re traveling with another adult, ask them to board and secure your seats.

Adjust your child’s nap times – By adjusting your child’s feeding and nap times to that of the flight, your child would probably sleep during the majority of your journey.