a flying start

Parenthood doesn’t have to tie you down – with a bit of forward planning, you and your kids can enjoy a smooth flight

WORDS KYLIE LADD

In this age of cut-price travel, international relocations and scattered families, flying with young children is becoming less the preserve of the rich and more a fact of life. If you’re about to head skyward with the little ones, here are some tips for a smoother ride.

A seat for baby

Russell Crowe goes for
comfortable clothes when flying
Photos: PhotolibraryJetstar Airways will allow you to carry your baby on your lap for no charge, up to the age of two. Toddlers past this age will need their own seat bought at adult rates, but with taxes at a child rate (child-rate taxes are for international flights; domestic rates are the same for adults and child). For extra safety and comfort, you may bring your child’s car seat on board, providing you advise Jetstar Reservations prior to travel. Bassinets are available on international flights – if your child will sleep in it, these can be a godsend, so check when you make your booking. Bring a familiar smelling blanket to place in the bassinet.

Things to bring

Wendy McIntyre, who travels frequently on business with her husband and young son Rory, suggests, “The number one requirement is an extra large nappy bag. No matter how short your flight, you’ll invariably end up carrying more stuff than you could ever imagine on board.” See the box story on page 70 for her recommended checklist.

Adults accompanying young children are usually entitled to check in a pram and a portable cot (to be stored in the hold) in addition to their usual baggage allowance. Both these items should have a lock to hold them in the folded position.

Eating on board

Karen Ellis, a frequent flier and mother of three from Melbourne advises: “By far the easiest way to feed your baby en route is by breastfeeding – so if you have any trips coming up, don’t think about weaning until they’re over.”

Bottle-feeding is also easy, particularly if you make up the bottles before-hand and carry them on with you, or use tetra-packs of ready-mixed formula, now available at most pharmacies. If your child has started solids, make sure you take some familiar food with you. Jetstar does not specifically carry baby food or children’s meals, so you’ll need to pack something familiar and easy to eat on board for your child’s age group or tastes. Simple finger foods such as cheese-sticks, sultanas or crackers can relieve boredom and hunger pangs, while the chewing action also helps alleviate the cabin pressure that builds up in ears during take-off and landing – the cause of many a screaming child. Aircraft cabins are drying, so don’t forget to offer your baby plenty of water or breastfeeds, especially on long flights. Most importantly, says Ellis, “Pack plenty of bibs. I find the disposable type are great for flights and keep clothing changes to a minimum.”

Time changes and jetlag

Heath Ledger knows to
let sleeping babies lie
in their capsule when
flying

If there isn’t going to be a big time difference at your destination or you’re not going to be there for long, it may just be easier to keep your baby on his or her regular schedule. If there is a large time difference, paediatrician Dr Nicole Fowler recommends that you keep to your normal schedule as much as possible leading up to and during the flight. Once you arrive at your destination, adopt your new schedule immediately, even if that means not putting your baby down for the night for another 12 hours. Dr Fowler adds, “With big time changes, a small dose of a mild sedative on the first night can help your baby sleep through and go a long way toward re-setting the body clock.” Make sure you discuss this with your family doctor and trial any medication well before your trip.

Photo: Shutterstock/Alexander
ShalamovManaging a toddler on board

Keeping relaxed is the best way to manage a toddler on board. Take-off and landing might be a little disconcerting for your child, so looking and sounding calm will combat this and help comfort them. Keep them entertained with toys, books and games. Jetstar sells kids’ activity packs on board. For older children, you can hire Jetstar’s Video on Demand players, which will keep them entertained for hours with kids’ movies, TV shows and games.

 

Jess Harper who often takes her three-year-old flying says: “Just employ the same tricks of the trade you would use at home. If you treat it like normal – sing, laugh and play – your child will fine.”

And some final tips…

• Arrive for your flight with baby fed and changed – it’s much easier to do these things just about anywhere other than on a plane.
• To avoid ear pain due to pressure changes on take-off or descent, either breastfeed your baby, or offer a bottle or pacifier. Alternatively, moist heat held to the ear, such as a wet washcloth microwaved by cabin staff, can relieve discomfort. If they have a cold, give them nasal decongestant.
• Consult your doctor about flying with a newborn and long-distance air travel (that is, greater than 12 hours flying) in babies under six weeks old.
• Make sure you take out travel insurance even for a short trip – prams and car seats are expensive to replace.
• Check passport and visa requirements well in advance – in some countries infants can travel on their parents’ visas, in others they will need their own.
• Parents traveling with small children are always given first preference at boarding. Make the most of this and use the time to get yourselves settled on board before take-off.

Finally, don’t forget to keep baby’s first boarding pass for the scrapbook, and happy travelling!

NAPPY BAG ESSENTIALS

For baby:
• Formula if bottle-fed
• Food, bibs and spoon if on solids
• Sippy cup or bottle of water
• More nappies than you expect to need (ditto wipes)
• Plastic change mat
• Changes of clothes (at least two extra sets for a four-hour flight)
• Small toys and books
• Special cuddly toy or pacifier
• Any medication used, including mild pain relief
• Stroller or sling, so your hands are free for baggage claim and customs

For you:
• A spare top in case of accidents or spillages en route
• Bottle of water, especially if breastfeeding
• Something easy to eat with one hand – it’s often difficult to manage airline meals while balancing a baby