Phila Airport Parking Vacations

Things to Know About Baby Air Travel

When you’re travelling by aeroplane with your infant you might find a great number of problems if you’re not entirely prepared.

Many of the problems may begin even before you can get on your flight. Even the simplest thing like not knowing what bag to carry can prove to be a colossal pain once you’re on your way.

In this quick read we’re going to take a look at the 4 essentials of baby travel by plane to help you be a lot more psyched-up for your next off-land journey with your child!

1.) Make sure you buy an all in one carry-on

Getting stuck while trying to haul a purse, diaper bag and briefcase can be a pretty royal pain. Buying a bag that can serve the purpose of all 3 will be a lot easier and allow you to get where you want to in a flash. A large backpack is a really great solution in this case since you can store everything from snacks to diapers and even tickets with your ID. Also, backpacks usually get through all airline size requirements.

2.) Strollers

Babies tend to get tired at the most inconvenient times it seems and when they do having a stroller makes the world a lot easier. Usually you can try to go for a stroller with a car seat attachment since that would be another great addition for your baby’s in-flight safety. Strollers really do hand you a life-line when you have a connecting flight to catch.

3.) Gate Check Ticket

A gate check ticket is one of the most helpful things some airlines offer. Basically, a gate check ticket allows you to mark your stroller before you board the plane and the airlines will have it waiting for you once you exit. A must have for connecting flights.

4.) Special Travel Gear

If you’re a frequent air traveler you might want to consider investing in some top of the line baby traveling gear such as: stroller and car seat combos; disposable feeding supplies and even new toys to keep your babies busy!

Just remember these four essentials when taking your baby anywhere by air next time and a lot of your troubles should be gone!

Many people worry about traveling with an infant, especially first-time parents. However, with a few simple considerations, it is possible to fly with a baby and actually have fun!

What’s the secret to getting the best flight with your infant? Organize, organize, organize. There are many styles of diaper bags which offer multiple compartments – lots of compartments can make it easier to find exactly what your baby needs in the confined space of an airplane seat. Create a checklist of everything you’ll need for the length of your trip before packing. Pack only what you’ll need while traveling. If you are breastfeeding, remember that you may not always have a private place for your baby to eat.

Be sure you’re appropriately plan to feed your baby during flight, which may include an adequate number of prepared bottles or nursing supplies and breastfeeding cover to nurse in public. Don’t forget to pack a few extra diapers in case of delays, and plastic bags for used diapers and dirty clothes. If you can combine this diaper bag and your own carry-on needs, that’s even better. A few days before your flight, make sure that you can carry your bags and your baby comfortably. You’ll also want an easy way to move your baby quickly through a crowded airport, such as a stroller or baby carrier.

A compact, lightweight umbrella stroller is perfect for babies who are sitting up, while smaller babies will be more comfortable being worn in a baby carrier – ring slings, wrap carriers, and other cloth-style carriers not only work well for carrying your infant at your destination but can also be used in-flight to help reduce tiring of your arms while holding your baby on the plane.

Most infants are extremely resilient and won’t be upset by flying. The most common issues parents face when flying with a baby are due to changes in temperature and in-flight pressure changes. Be sure to dress your baby in layers and bring a couple of light-weight blankets so that you can add or remove layers as the temperature fluctuates. Remember, babies are generally comfortable in one layer more than adults. In-flight air pressure changes flight can cause your child to experience ear pain. Giving your baby something to suck on can help reduce the pain. If he’ll breastfeed or take a bottle, that will probably provide the most relief. Otherwise, a pacifier can also help relieve the pressure. The best way to keep your baby comfortable, though, is to take cues from her. Every infant is different, and yours will let you know what he needs.

Most babies will need a bit of playtime while they’re traveling, so you’ll want to pack a few of your child’s favorite toys. Stuffed animals and favorite blankets are great, as they are easy to pack and carry the comforting smell of home. Teething rings are also a great idea, especially if your baby may be teething during your trip. Be careful not to pack too many toys, however. Five or six toys are plenty to keep your baby happy.
While it is important to consider your baby’s needs, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Try to get plenty of rest and be sure to stay hydrated, especially if you are breastfeeding. Babies are attentive as to how their parents feel. Staying positive and as stress-free as possible will create a good energy that your baby will pick up on. If you are feeling good, you will be better prepared to take care of your baby and enjoy your trip with her.

Going on a family cruise with a young baby can be a wonderful trip. We know because we just came back from a Caribbean cruise with our 10 month old daughter.

Before we left on our cruise we had do some planning, making lists, checking lists, contacting the cruise line and so on – but all of our pre-trip planning was well worth the effort. Travelling with a baby means taking lots of extra things with you – and there are a lot of things to consider – but there are some items that you just cannot be without. Here is our list of the top ten items to take with you for your baby.

1. Probably the most important thing for the cruise is taking a comfortable stroller that is foldable. Having a stroller makes it easy to get around on the ship and in the airport when travelling to the cruise. We used the stroller for morning walks on the ship, for taking our daughter to meals on the ship, and in the evening we bathed her, put her in pyjamas and then put her in the stroller as we enjoyed the excitement of walking around the ship in the evening. She fell asleep every evening in her stroller.

2. Make sure that you have enough diapers for your baby during the vacation – but don’t bring them from home. First figure out before you leave how many diapers your child go through in a normal day – and then multiply that number by the number of days on your vacation. If your vacation involves air travel (like ours did) you won’t want to have to bring the diapers from home – if you do that means that they will have to be checked as checked baggage. Instead, do what we did. Our ship cruised out of Fort Lauderdale in Florida. We had time from when our flight arrived in Florida to when we had to be on the ship. So from the airport we took a cab to a nearby Target store and purchased the diapers that we needed for the cruise and some other baby supplies before getting another taxi to the ship.

3. Even when travelling with a young baby you will want to swim during your vacation (if your cruise is a warm-weather location). All ships have kiddie/toddler pool and in order for you baby to enjoy the pool they have to wear swim diapers or be potty-trained.

4. If your baby is on formula make sure that you bring enough formula with you for the length of the cruise. We brought powdered formula since it is more compact than pre-mixed formula. Rather than bring it from home, we purchased the required formula in Florida before embarking our ship. Keep in mind that any formula entering the ship must be sealed & in the original container.

5. Being able to boil water during the trip was important to us since we wanted to have safe water to mix with the powdered formula. In order to make it easy to boil water we brought a kettle with us with an automatic shut-off.

6. We took a formula dispenser with us. This allowed us greater flexibility for giving our daughter her bottle. Having the dispenser meant that we filled several bottles at a time with clean water and when baby is ready to have a bottle (anywhere on the ship), we just had to pour the premeasured formula into the bottle and give the bottle a shake.

7. Scented bags for dirty diapers. Because you will not have a diaper dispenser for dirty diapers with you – taking a supply of these bags will help reduce any bad odours in your room. They can be purchased at a dollar store or Babies r Us.

8. You’ll need soap for bathing your baby. Eventhough most ship cabins won’t have a tub for bathing your child – you can still do what we did. We plugged the drain on the shower and put enough water in the shower in order to give our baby her bath.

9. Sun Cabana – if your cruise is taking you to a warm climate like the Caribbean purchase a very lightweight sun cabana before your trip. You can use it when you visit the beach during the cruise. Keeps baby comfortable and protected from the sun. If you rent a cabana on the beach it will cost about $80 to $100.

10. Zip lock bags – these are great for everything – snack holders, put really dirty/soiled clothes away until you get home. Use for things that leak – (ex. medicine). Use the bags on the ship to pack bibs, spoons to go for dinner so when they are dirty you can throw in the bag & clean when you get back to your room.

These are the essentials that can’t leave home without. There are more items to consider, but start your list with these items.

Do you like to travel with your child – but you are concerned with their comfort and safety when it comes to bed time when you are away from home? Maybe it is a simple overnight trip to the grandparent’s home. They have the old second-hand crib – but how safe is it? Or how about at a hotel – how safe and reliable is the crib that they quickly setup for your son or daughter? Maybe now is the time to consider a toddler travel bed for your child.

Safety and comfort is number 1 at all times when it comes to your child – and even more so when travelling with you son or daughter. Have you ever had that one night when your child cries all night – and you just know it is a result of them sleeping in an uncomfortable bed? How about getting to a hotel room and you see the crib they have set up for your son or daughter – and there is absolutely no way that you will be placing them in there to sleep – not clean – not safe – and so on. You may be ready for a toddler travel bed. There are many good quality beds to choose from – but how do you decide on the one that is the best option for your family. Read our 7 tips to help clarify your decision.

1. Look for a bed that is light to carry. When on the go with your child there is always lots of gear to take along. A lightweight travel bed helps to make it easier when on the go. Stay away from the heavy monsters – get a bed that weighs less than three kg. (that’s under six pounds).

2. Compact in size. Whether you are off on a 2 week trip to Europe or just an overnight to grandma’s all of your gear has to be compact to fit into your trunk, or to check in on a plane. Make sure that the travel bed you select can be easily packed away (in its own travel pack). The bed when collapsed should be smaller than 60 x 20 x 20 (centimeters) or in inches 24 x 8 x 8.

3. No hassle set up and put away process. Speed and simplicity are the keys when setting up or putting away your toddler travel bed. You arrive at your destination – your child is tired – you don’t want to struggle to get the bed set up. You want a bed that one person can handle on their own for set up and for putting it away in its travel pack. The bed you get for your child should be easily set up in less than one minute or so, and it should be put away in a similar amount of time.

4. Simple and quick access to your toddler. If your child needs you in the middle of the night you want to be able to easily reach into the bed to pick them up or to pat their back. The bed you decide on should have a way for you to quickly get to your child – usually with a side panel that can be lowered by a quick zip of a zipper.

5. Mesh panels for good air flow. When travelling the room your child may be sleeping in may be stuffy. Choosing a bed with mesh panels on the side will maximize the amount of air circulating past your child helping to keep your son or daughter comfortable during their sleep-time.

6. Comfortable and light mattress – you want your toddler to be comfortable and you also want to have a lightweight bed. Make sure that the portable bed that you purchase has a comfortable foam mattress.

7. Guarantees and returns. A toddler travel bed is an investment in your child’s comfort, safety, and happiness. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Look for a bed that has a lifetime warranty. And make sure that it can be returned to the retailer with no hassles if it just isn’t right for your family.

A toddler travel bed is an excellent piece of baby gear for families with babies under the age of 3 years old. Keeping these 7 tips in mind when you purchase a toddler travel bed will ensure that the one you decide on will be a good fit for your family.

For women who are expecting a child then any arrangements where a flight is involved may need to be checked first. Of course, the woman’s gynecologist would be the best person to speak to regarding any flight plans as there may be specific reasons why it would be unsafe to fly. Some women experience abnormal bleeding and an increase in their blood pressure, in which case the doctor would normally suggest that flying should be avoided and in particular if any swelling has been experienced.

Fortunately, unless a pregnant woman is expecting twins or more, in which case the airlines might not let her travel after 32 weeks then you are normally safe to travel up to 36 weeks. Some airlines will actually ask a pregnant woman if they have a certificate of pregnancy which is usually advisable after twenty four weeks. To make the flight more comfortable it is worth trying to check in early so there may be an opportunity to have an aisle seat for easy access or a bulkhead seat as there is more legroom.

Even though there isn’t any evidence to suggest fetal injury, pregnant women are advised not to have vaccinations to protect against typhoid but hepatitis A and B are advisable if they are flying to Africa or Asia but it would be best to seek medical advice. Malaria is another problem and expectant mothers are advised not to travel to countries where contracting it is a possibility.

Travelers to Australia need to be aware that children under six should not have the hepatitis A or typhoid vaccinations but in all other cases inoculations for children should be current. Not only is the destination important but personal circumstances so pregnant women should check with their doctor as to what vaccinations they will require.

For travel into countries where hepatitis A or typhoid is prevalent if water is to be used for either drinking or cleaning teeth then bottled water must be insisted upon and do not use ice in drinks unless the source can be verified. This advice extends to not eating raw vegetables or fruits with the exception of those thick skinned varieties like bananas and mandarins but even then, carefully sterilize your hands with an antibacterial hand wash before you eat. It is always worth carrying a purse sized bottle of antibacterial gel hand sanitizer, for example, which air-dries in seconds, has a fresh aloe vera fragrance and is available from most drugstores in small travel packs.

Unfortunately expectant mothers have a higher than normal risk of blood clots which increases when flying but the risk can be reduced by wearing compression stockings. Doctors also recommend taking some form of exercise when flying; ideas for which can usually be found in the flight magazine.

Fortunately if a pregnant woman is flying within the first twenty six weeks of pregnancy then there shouldn’t be any problems with insurance but there may be exclusions in the policy after this time. Although there are companies that will cover the cost of insuring a mother to be after the twenty sixth week of pregnancy, they do not normally cover any birth expenses.