Babies, toddlers, and small children might be cute, but they aren’t always easy to travel with. They require extra care and can be unpredictable. The last thing you want is a lost child on the loose or a crying baby who’s making enemies on the plane.
The first step to traveling with little people is to accept that things might not always go as planned.
Next, make sure you’re prepared with these tips for traveling with babies and kids aged five and under.
Bring along a diaper bag with baby supplies
Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you should leave your diaper bag in Singapore. Bring a well-organized diaper bag with you onto the plane and when you’re out and about at your destination. This will help you respond to your child’s needs in the same way you do when you’re at home.
When you are on the plane, it is best to keep your diaper bag stowed under the seat in front of you rather than in the overhead compartment just in case you need something in it. During take-off and landing, it can be helpful to give your baby a bottle or pacifier to suck on so his or her ears pop more easily.
Choose a seat with a baby bassinet
A seat with space for a baby bassinet can go a long way towards making flights with babies more bearable. Depending on the airline, you might be able to request one of these when you book your tickets.
If the option to request seats with baby bassinets is not available to you, it is best to choose your seat as early as possible via online check-in to avoid disappointment. If you haven’t chosen your seats online, show up early at the airport check-in counter and request a seat with a baby bassinet connection.
Arm yourself with snacks, diapers, wipes, fluids and extra clothing
A supply of diapers and wipes is necessary when you are flying with a baby or toddler. It’s also a good idea to bring along some extra clothing in case the child gets cold or soils the clothes he or she is wearing.
No matter how old your kids are, you’ll also want to pack a supply of snacks for them to munch on if they get hungry and fluids to hydrate them when they’re thirsty, as it’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to curb tantrums.
Stay close to your kids on the plane
When traveling with very young children, your presence is essential, so ensure you get to sit next to your child. Flying and being in an unfamiliar land can cause a lot of anxiety for the child if you disappear from sight. If the flight is very full and your family has to be split up, ensure that at least one parent gets to stay close to each child.
The same goes for other situations such as riding on buses, trains, and merry-go-rounds. At this age, no matter how well-adjusted, kids should not be left unattended, so don’t let them out of your sight.
Practice collapsing your stroller
When taking a stroller with you on the plane, practice collapsing it while handling the kids at the same time. At the airport, you are going to have to collapse it before boarding, and if you are not used to doing this on your own a lot of stress awaits.
If you are traveling without any other adults, you’ll also want to figure out how you’re going to fiddle with your stroller while holding onto your child at the same time. It might be necessary to buy a carrier so your child can be strapped to your body as you collapse the stroller.
Buy travel insurance
Before leaving Singapore, protect your family and children with travel insurance from HL Assurance. You have the flexibility to purchase a policy for your family including spouse and children. Opt for an annual travel insurance policy if you are a frequent traveler.
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