Top Tips For Travelling With A Baby: From One Of Conexo’s Own Travel Experts!
My name is Iona and I'm one of your local travel experts here at Conexo Travel. You may have seen me around, but I'm currently on maternity leave after having my second baby!
I have recently returned from my first trip abroad as a mama of 2, and I’m here to share my experiences and top tips for travelling with your littlest ones.
I get it, the thought of mixing babies and flying is terrifying… but with a bit of planning (and a lot of caffeine), there’s no reason why having a baby on board should stop you from taking that well deserved break!
Tip 1: Planning
One of the most crucial parts of a family holiday with little ones is planning it properly. Chat with our experts about the extensive range of holidays we can book for your family. Leave the research to us, from pram-friendly resorts, to hotels with excellent children’s facilities, rest assured we will find you the perfect package.
My recommendation: Personally, I travelled with a 7 year old and a 2 month old, so I needed somewhere entertaining enough for my older child, while still being baby friendly for our new addition. We opted for the Pickalbatros Aqua Fun hotel in Marrakech. This hotel has an onsite waterpark, kids club, and always some kind of entertainment going on day and night, as well as plenty of food options for my picky eater! Although the hotel grounds are spread out, walking around was easy even with a pushchair, as there are ramps alongside all stairs, and lifts within the hotel itself. Outside, there are hundreds of sunbeds with parasols to shelter from the sun and inside there’s a heated pool, perfect for babies who can’t regulate their temperature yet but still want to do some splashing.
Tip 2: Passports
There are different rules for babies regarding passports. The rules are less strict for under 5’s, they are allowed to be smiling if you can’t convince them to keep a straight face, and babies don’t have to have their eyes open in their snap. Remember no head/hair accessories are allowed, unless for religious reasons.
My recommendation: For baby pictures, lay the baby flat on a plain white sheet, a bedsheet or pillowcase will do. Take plenty of pictures from above with neutral lighting and no glares, then select the best one and put your image into the gov website to check if it will pass before submitting your application. If you struggle, pop into your local photo centre for help. Try to get your baby’s passport application sent off as far in advance as you can and don’t book your holiday until it has arrived.
Tip 3: Packing/ Luggage Allowance
Whilst under 2’s don’t count as regular passengers, most airlines will allow additional luggage to accommodate all the extras you need to bring for your baby. Use this to pack all baby’s essentials, don’t forget that blanket they can’t sleep without! You can usually take one or two pieces of ‘baby luggage’ with you alongside an extra weight allowance in your case, this could be a travel cot, car seat, pram or stroller for example.
My recommendation: Take your pram or stroller with you as hold luggage, you can keep it with you around the airport and all the way up to the plane steps. I was worried about my pram getting damaged but the airport staff were really careful with it and it survived both flights without a scratch!
Tip 4: Security
Did you know that baby milk/formula is exempt from the rules around liquids at airport security? You are allowed to take powdered formula, ready made formula, boiled water and bottles in your hand luggage, just make sure you have the baby with you. The milk may need to be tested at security but it won't be confiscated under the liquid restrictions. Don’t worry too much if you forget something, boiling water can be provided for your baby’s bottle free of charge on the plane, and most airports have a shop to buy any last minute formula. You will be asked to walk through the security scanners with your baby, and any pram/stroller will also be inspected at this point. You may be asked to remove anything loose that’s in your prams basket or seat like blankets or nappies, and put these through in the usual security trays.
My recommendation: Be prepared to have minimal things to carry through security as it can get hectic. Pop everything you can into your cases to keep your hands free for the baby, make sure you let a member of security staff know that you have baby milk for them to check. Remember, you can cut the queue and go straight to the front as families with children and babies are fast tracked.
Tip 5: Flying
If you’re flying with a child under 2 years old, they will likely have to sit on an adult's lap throughout the flight. The airline will provide an infant seat belt for them to wear which attaches around their waist and then onto your own plane seatbelt. You will also be given a smaller lifejacket to keep under your seat in case of emergencies.
My recommendation: Pack a pair of baby ear defenders to protect your baby’s ears from the changing air pressure on the plane. Adjustable ones are available from most online retailers and are a must have purchase in my opinion, plus they can be reused for future travels, or any noisy events like bonfire night, concerts or festivals. You may want to feed your baby at take off and landing as the suckling also relieves pressure in their ears. Take a portable changing mat for those inconvenient yet inevitable in-air nappy changes, so you don't have to cram into a tiny plane toilet!
Tip 6: Sun Protection
If you’re lucky enough to be going somewhere sunny, it’s vital to be prepared to protect your baby from harmful UV rays - especially if they’re under 6 months old and unable to wear suncream. If they’re over 6 months consider a baby friendly suncream, as well as plenty of big sunhats and maybe a pair of shades!
My recommendation: The number 1 best purchase I made when holiday shopping was a ‘snooze shade’. It covers any pram/stroller/car seat and blocks out 99% of UV rays while keeping the baby well ventilated. No more faffing with those clip-on umbrellas that never stay put! Other favourite items are baby swimsuits with built in UV protection, fans, sunglasses and of course a trusty sun hat. Remember NHS guidelines state that babies should not be in direct sunlight.
