So you decide to take a trip. Whether you are going to visit family, friends, or take a much needed vacation at a resort, there are several decisions you will have to make about actually getting to your destination. Flying is the quickest and most uncomplicated way to get from A to B, and I highly recommend it regardless of your children's ages. My son flew for the first time when he was 6 weeks old. Could I be criticized for having such a young infant on a plane? Yes. However, we were moving from Maine to Arizona and if we had chosen to drive I am fairly certain it would have taken the better part of 3 weeks. Sometimes you just have to choose the lesser of two evils.
I have been traveling the world with babies, toddlers and young children for the past seven and a half years. We live far from most of our family (my husband's family lives in europe and central america) so much of my travel experience has been on airplanes, and I consider myself very well versed in the art of traveling with babies.
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The first decision you will need to make is whether to purchase a separate seat for your baby or have him ride as a “lap child”, which is possible up until 24 months of age. I have done it both ways, and can honestly say that having that extra seat and being able to make use of baby’s car seat is ideal for several reasons. First, the infant seat is the safest place for baby to be, especially if the flight encounters turbulence. Second, your arms get a break and you can actually put your tray table down for a drink or meal without wearing it. Third, the space that the extra seat allows is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about trying to keep your baby’s curious drool-covered hands off the expensive oversized watch on the man next to you (who hates children, of course).
Airfare is expensive, however, and if you are not able to pay for baby to have his own seat, don't worry! I've had lap babies on very long overseas flights and it really is not that bad. Also, if there are any extra seats on the flight, and you use your best manners, the flight attendant will probably arrange seating so that you can use the extra seat for baby. If you choose to go the "lap baby" route, do not assume that this means your baby will travel for free. For international flights, lap babies normally pay a small amount to travel (taxes and fees of a regularly priced seat) so check with the airline.
On overseas flights, bassinets are usually available if you are seated in the bulk head area, so be sure to request these seats if at all possible. These somewhat primitive contraptions are a metal frame that attaches to the bulk head wall, with a leather and mesh “basket” for baby to lay in. If you lay a blanket down inside, this can actually be a nice option. It gives your tired arms a break and baby may sleep better in the bassinet than in your arms, especially if he is accustomed to sleeping in his own bassinet or crib at home. Know, however, that you will be asked to hold your baby at the first sign of any turbulence. Do not think that you can use the in-flight bassinet as a pack ‘n play of sorts. The basket part is not very deep and it would be unsafe for baby to be sitting up – it’s about a three-and-a-half foot fall to the floor.
If you are able to choose your seats when purchasing tickets, I would suggest choosing a place with easy access to an aisle and restroom. You may have to change several dirty diapers, depending on the length of your flight, and no one wants to have to awkwardly climb over people while holding a smelly baby. While I personally prefer a window seat, I always opt for the aisle when traveling with children.
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Even though it seems like your baby should be able to go with you anywhere with no trouble at all, that is not the case. Thank goodness too, because if anyone could jump on a plane with a baby without any proof that the child is theirs, that would be a very scary thing! For domestic travel, whether babies have their own seats or not, you must have a copy of your child’s birth certificate. This does not need to be an original – copies are just fine. A couple years ago I completely flaked out and forgot my infant daughter’s birth certificate when flying home after visiting my family in Maine. After I almost broke down in tears at the ticketing counter because I was sure I would be unable to travel after enduring the 3 hour drive to the airport, the woman did allow us to board the plane. I’m sure it was only because my son, husband and father all gave their confirmation that this little girl really does belong to us.
For international travel, passports and visas are necessary so do your homework and make sure you have everything you need. Inquire specifically about documentation for an infant traveling with one parent (if that is the case) because some countries have laws making it necessary to produce a notarized letter from the parent that is not traveling, stating their consent for the other parent to travel internationally with the child. Also, keep an eye on baby’s passport expiration date to avoid any unpleasant surprises. My sister-in-law almost had a travel disaster on her hands when airport officials pointed out that her 3-year-old son’s passport had expired the month before. She had forgotten to check.
Many people shy away from travel with babies, but I believe it to be the perfect time. Your 3-month-old will probably be much easier to travel with than the 3-year-old he will become, and you may not even need to purchase the extra ticket, so go for it! Pack your bags and see the world!
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