The summer holidays are coming up and for many families that means going on vacation. Do you have a baby and are you going by plane then that can take quite some preparation, here you can read what you can do best to minimize the worries on vacation.
Can I fly with my baby?
Officially you may fly 7 days after the birth of your baby, this is only allowed if there were no complications during delivery. However, it is recommended not to do this just yet. When the baby is 6 weeks old there is no harm in flying, after 6 weeks the lungs of a baby are far enough developed so that no damage can be done.
Important things before you leave
Before you leave for the airport you need to arrange a few things, make sure you do this in the right way to avoid complications at the airport. Some of the important things are:
- Applying for a passport for your baby. If your baby does not yet have a passport then you should apply for one as early as possible before the flight, even if you are staying within the European Union. This is important in case your baby needs medical care during your vacation.
- Booking a ticket. Note! Many airlines allow babies to fly free of charge. The baby will not have its own seat but that is not yet necessary for a baby.
- Packing baby gear. It's better to bring too much than too little while packing, so I recommend packing as much stuff as possible to avoid forgetting stuff.
During the flight
When you get on the plane it's time to make it as comfortable as possible. If you are traveling with your husband or wife then you can alternate tasks, one hour your partner will do the work and the next you will do it. One of the most important things during the flight is a good cot.
Deryan has one of these cots called the 'Air Traveller' this cot is very easy to use. The Air Traveller is really a helping hand during the flight, if your baby has to lie on your legs all the time then after a while your legs will start to hurt. The Air Traveller makes sure your baby is comfortable and your legs don't hurt during the flight. The Air Traveller is lightweight, it weighs less than 500 grams and it can be taken on the plane as hand luggage.
Travelling by air with a baby requires preparation, it's important to think of everything to avoid complications before, during or after the flight. But the most important thing is to continue to enjoy your vacation and not think too much about the journey back!