We are going by plane with a baby. Baby food and water. The journey begins: step by step

The upcoming flight with small children or older children causes quite a few concerns among parents.
Will the loads during takeoff and landing affect the baby's condition? How to feed? How to change clothes? And if the child is older: What to do? And how to curb the energy of little explorers and fidgets?
However, today a flight with a child is no longer a rarity. And all major airlines are trying to make the flight as comfortable and safe as possible for both children and their parents.

Consider some of the features of air travel with children using the example of some Russian airlines.

The only flight restriction baby is age up to 7 days.
Otherwise, no restrictions.
Airlines such as Transaero and Aeroflot have the opportunity to provide children under one year old (weighing no more than 11 kg) with special baby cradles (depending on the type of aircraft and the availability of special fasteners). If you wish to use a bassinet during the flight, you must indicate when booking and issuing tickets.

An adult passenger can carry one child under two years of age free of charge and without issuing a separate ticket without placing him on a separate seat.
Some airlines on international flights charge 10% of the basic rate, even if a separate seat for a child is not provided.
If the child needs a separate seat on the plane, it is necessary to issue a ticket at special rates with discounts of 25-50% from different airlines depending on flight conditions.
Also, if an adult passenger is carrying two or more children, then it is necessary to issue tickets for the second and subsequent child with a separate seat, but with 25-50% discounts.

Children 2-12 years old

When traveling by plane with children aged 2-12, you also enjoy discounted fares ranging from 25% to 50% with different airlines. The size of the discount may also be determined by the route.

Generally, families with children on an aircraft should be provided with the safest and most comfortable places.
These are seats with increased legroom in the front of the cabin.
In order to be guaranteed to book adjacent seats on the plane for yourself and your child, check in for the flight in advance. To do this, you can use the services of online registration on the airline's website.

When checking in for a flight, please note that the child's age is taken into account not at the time of ticket purchase, but at the start of the journey. So if the child turns 12 on the day of departure, he will need to purchase an adult ticket.

Children from 5 to 16 years old traveling without parents

Children from 5 to 16 years old can travel without parents. Airlines provide an escort service.
Issuing an escort service when issuing a ticket for an independent flight of a child is mandatory for children from 5 to 12 years old. At the request of parents, accompaniment can be provided to children under 16 years of age.
In this case, the presence of the seeing off and meeting parties is a prerequisite.
To apply for escort, you must fill out an application to the airline, samples of which can be found on their websites. This can be done either at their representative office or directly at the time of check-in for the flight, however, it is necessary to inform that the child is flying unaccompanied already when booking the ticket.

What to take on a plane for a child

Make sure you carry everything you need in your hand luggage. comfortable flight with baby.
For the little ones: a pacifier (pacifier) and a bottle of drink.
For older children, lollipops (help with stuffing up the ears).
For a snack, nuts, dried fruits, baby food.
At Aeroflot, you can order food for infants in advance (at least 36 hours in advance), while this service is completely free.
Don't forget your medications if needed.
Take a laptop or tablet to entertain your child with interactive educational games or cartoons.

We have already talked about traveling with children on and, now it's time to talk about the features of air travel with young children.

Unlike traveling by land, air travel, while taking less time, can be more tiring, because in an airplane our body is subject to overload during takeoff and landing, changes in atmospheric pressure and low air humidity. Therefore, you should fly on an airplane with a child, having previously prepared for the trip.

If the baby has any special diseases or you have a particularly long and difficult flight (for example, transcontinental), you should start with pediatrician visits . The doctor will examine the child and give recommendations on the flight, taking into account the general state of health.

The next step is purchase of air tickets . Take your choice of airline seriously - stock up on recommendations from your friends and acquaintances, look for reviews on the Internet. In this case, not only the overall reputation of the company is important, but also how it has established itself among passengers with small children.

The cost of a plane ticket for a child may be different. Most carriers provide a 90% discount for passengers aged 0 to 2 years, but at the same time, the child does not rely on baggage allowance and a separate seat. In the case of a baby, this is not scary, because the child will still spend most of the flight in your arms or in the cradle.

By the way, you need to take care of it in advance. Contact the airline representatives in advance and clarify Will they provide you with a cradle for the baby? , or you will need to take care of it yourself. Many major airlines will gladly provide you with seats at the front of the cabin (there more space and there are special attachments for cribs) and even a portable cradle with a blanket and pillow.

If you can still buy a ticket for your child for 10% of its cost, but the baby is already clearly out of the age to sleep comfortably during the flight, you may need to issue a ticket for him child ticket at a different rate and book a separate seat. "Child fare" is valid for passengers aged 2 to 12 years, but the discount varies depending on the airline and destination. It can range from 25% to 50%.

You also need to clarify where your stroller will “go”: is it possible to take it on the plane as hand luggage, or will it be picked up from you at the gangway of the plane and returned immediately after landing. Judge for yourself how important this issue is by reading the post about.

It is important to take care of baby food. If you are breastfeeding, then there should be no particular problems. If the baby is artificially fed, then stock up on bottles with the finished mixture. Despite the new safety standards (liquids larger than 100 ml cannot be carried in hand luggage), baby food, as well as medications, are allowed. If your child is already eating “adult” food, then you can order individual meals for him if necessary by contacting the airline representatives in advance (for example, without meat, without sugar, etc.) Water in a small bottle for parents with small children also, as a rule, they are allowed to take with them into the cabin of the aircraft.

Finally, if you are flying on a plane with a child, do not forget about the correct children's clothing for air travel and a whole hundred other little things . The air in the aircraft is ventilated, so even though a large number of passengers, you and your child may freeze. Major airlines- for example, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Delta - usually provide pillows and blankets for long flights. In any case, you should take warm clothes for the child and, if necessary, a small blanket and pillow. Also during the flight you may need:

diaper,
cloth and wet wipes
diapers or travel potty
medicines,
toys and books
everything that will fit into your luggage and that can brighten up the flight for your baby :). Some airlines give children stickers and coloring books with crayons, but it's best to bring something your child loves on board.

Good luck with your flight and many new good impressions!

Illustration source: Travel Guard Chartis , Reviewboard Magazine , Kleenex Mums

Very often, young mothers are afraid to fly with a baby on airplanes. But this is a completely unfounded fear: if the baby is healthy, then he can be taken on a plane 5-10 days after birth. Most airlines in the world treat young parents with loyalty and let them on board with newborns without any problems. Some at the same time require a certificate with a seal from a doctor, but this is not a common practice. Flying with a baby will be quick and comfortable if you follow a few basic rules. We will give you some recommendations in this regard.

Therapists and pediatricians do not limit the possibility of flights for newborns (if they have had a good birth and are not sick with acute respiratory infections). In fact, you can fly already 5-7 days after giving birth. But if possible, it is better to postpone the first flight until the baby is three months old. During this time, the child will fully adapt to the world around him and will not experience any problems during takeoff or landing.

Note: be sure to consult a doctor before flying and get an official paper authorizing the flight from him. Some carriers are reinsured and require it.

Babies are great at flying

How to deal with pressure drop

During takeoff and landing, the pressure in the aircraft decreases slightly. Passengers immediately feel it - their ears begin to fill up (as if they were stuffed with cotton wool), it becomes a little more difficult to breathe. The same feeling is experienced by the child. So that he does not cry and is not afraid at the time of takeoff (landing), use a simple method: he must swallow something when the pressure drops. You can give him breast, baby food, juice, water, milk, or a regular pacifier. This simple technique allows you to get rid of the laying of the ears. By the way, if this problem also bothers you, then try sucking on a lollipop or chewing gum.

What to do with a stroller

A standard stroller in the form of a cane is a great helper for a new mother. On it, the child can be brought directly to the gangway, and then handed over to the crew of the aircraft and safely fly with a small child in an airplane. The wheelchair is not counted as cargo or hand luggage- Its transportation is absolutely free. If necessary, the staff will give you a stroller to the gangway at your destination - for this you need to warn the girl at the counter.

Note: if you have a large universal stroller, then you will have to check it in your luggage. It falls under size and weight restrictions, so it's best not to take it with you at all.

Cradle - lovely way free your hands and soothe the baby

Which place to choose

Most airlines allow parents to carry a child under the age of two free of charge, as long as the child does not occupy a separate seat. You just put it on your hands and you will keep the whole flight. So try:

Fly in business class (there is enough free space for two).
Choose flights that often have empty seats (you can put the baby in the seat next to you).
Choose seats in the front row and near the aisle. These places will allow you to freely stretch your legs and stretch a little.

Note: if you have a long flight, then do not save and order a child extra bed. You just can't sit out 5-7 hours with a little traveler on your lap.

Many airlines provide free of charge to travelers with infants special cradle. But their number on the flight is limited, so book your seats in advance and immediately warn that you need this service. The bassinet comes with a pillow and disposable underwear.

And a little more about where it is better to sit on an airplane with a child. Fresh air is fed into the cabin from the “head” of the aircraft and passes to the tail. Therefore, always try to land as close to the cockpit as possible.

Don't forget about safety

Do not think that if the child is in your arms, then he is in complete security. It also has special belts, so be sure to use them during takeoff and landing. The flight attendant must give you a belt: if she forgets, then ask her for this accessory. The belt is attached to yours and reliably protects the baby from shocks and rolls.

If the plane is half empty, then you can put the baby on the seat next to you.

How to feed

Even if the flight with a child under one year old is very short, you will probably have to feed your child. It is most convenient to breastfeed, but if you are not already using your milk, then feel free to feed your baby with mixtures or mashed potatoes. There are two options:

You take food with you. Keep in mind that infant formula is limited to a 100 milligram container, but the food itself does not enter the total volume of liquid (if a reasonable amount).
The airline provides you with blends. This service is absolutely free: you will receive the freshest and highest quality food right on board.

Note: Infant formula must be ordered at least 36 hours before departure. And even better - when booking a ticket. The airline has agreements for the supply of food with large retailers, but if you use some special kind of mixtures, then take it with you.

You can cook food right on board - the stewardess will provide you with hot water upon request. If you do not trust the airline and do not want to use untested water, you can take a special mini thermos with you.

Care

The plane has everything you need to take care of the baby. Usually, if the flight lasts 2-3 hours, the baby sleeps calmly in the cradle or in the mother's arms, without causing any difficulties. If you need to change a diaper, then feel free to go to the toilet - there is a special table for changing, water, towels, etc. If you need any medicine, then just ask the flight attendant - they usually have everything you need in the first aid kit. If your child

If you need any specific medicines, then take them with you. Keep in mind that you may need a prescription and that medications are subject to “liquid” restrictions.

Ask a neighbor to move to an empty seat - this is a common practice

We have already introduced you to all the information on how to fly with a baby on an airplane. Now a few nuances and tips from experienced travelers:

Try to book a ticket in advance and be sure to warn that a small traveler is flying with you. You must tell the company immediately that you need a bassinet or food.
Instead of a stroller, it is better to use a sling or a kangaroo satchel. These things will make it easier for you not only to “deliver” the child to the gangway, but also help during the flight.
Feel free to ask the flight attendants for the things or services you need. You can also ask the passenger to transfer to an empty seat - this usually does not cause problems.
Try to fly either at night or in the morning. Night and morning flights pass without any problems, but in the evening the baby may start to cry and get nervous.

I have compiled a list of working and proven tips from parents who already have their own positive experience of flying with children from six months to 4 years old, as well as the experience of pediatricians and airline employees. Now is the height of holidays and vacations, which means it's time to recall these simple, but very necessary recommendations.

1. Psychological preparation of yourself

“The question of a screaming child is a question of the preparation of the accompanying parent.”

Tune in advance that everything will be bad: the child will roar, and the neighbors will come across unloving and scandalous. It is better for especially sensitive parents to drink a sedative in advance (do not confuse it with vodka) so as not to fall into hysterics themselves. Calm parents - calm child. The calmer the parents, the easier it is for the children. Even if you have conflicts in the family, conclude a peace agreement in advance for the duration of all flights with a child. Agree to immediately put up with any quarrel, no matter who is to blame. It can be childish, shaking each other's little fingers. Your swearing will certainly plunge the child into depression, he will also begin to roar, and it will be worse for you, and for him, and for everyone around. Dads who are used to flying without children and drinking alcohol should immediately understand that they will have to give up this habit and completely take care of the child (on their own or with their mother). There should not be situations when the mother cannot calm the child, and the father drinks and watches a movie.

2. Psychological preparation of the child

On the eve of the very first flight (if the child is already able to understand what it is about), it will not hurt to talk about what an airplane is, how it buzzes, how many people are around and how interesting and easy it is to play in it. It is advisable to do everything so that the child already dreamed of flying and was waiting for it as a birthday or New Year. Some parents recommend allowing on board a lot of things that they forbid in ordinary children's life: “For them, this is a kind of holiday, because only on the plane can they drink cola and suck on candy. I don't let them do that at home."

To book such seats, when buying tickets, you need to clarify whether they are free and whether a cradle is provided during the flight. Employees of the offices of the selected airline will provide such information. After buying tickets, you need to immediately book these seats - sometimes this can be done directly on the airline's website, sometimes you can contact its employees. And a few days before departure, call back and confirm. If the airline does not provide the possibility of booking such seats, then you will have to go to the airport in advance in order to be one of the first to be at the check-in counter. And here's another important thing - if you are flying with a stroller and with transfers, then you must indicate when registering where you would like to receive it.

Most non-babies prefer to sit by the window and watch what is down there. In addition, it is more convenient to sleep by the window and the child definitely does not run the risk of getting hit on the leg or arm with a cart. So try to book at least one window seat. As for the choice of flight and time, opinions differed here. Some argue that it is better to take tickets for flights that minimally shift the child's daily routine, and try to support him during the flight. Others advise waking up the baby early or not letting them sleep at all before the flight. "Exhaust the child before the plane so that he falls asleep on the plane." Another option: “We choose early departures, when the rise occurs at one or two in the morning. Most flight the child is sleeping.

However, this is not suitable for all children: “But lack of sleep can affect us differently. IN last time the child roared for half an hour that he didn’t want to sleep on the plane, but wanted to go to bed, although he was already dying like he wanted to sleep. In general, focus on own experience and your own child, but in general the “exhaust” method works for most children. Especially if they are given sleeping pills or sedatives before departure. There was also advice not to fly long distances with a connection in one sitting: “We fly from Moscow to the States and always sleep the night at the Amsterdam airport - this greatly reduces the number of tantrums. A well-rested and well-fed child is already 50% of success.

4. What to bring

For a very small child: diapers, wet wipes, water in a bottle with a sippy, dryers, new books with engines and a couple of old favorites, three new small cars in mom's pocket (get it in critical situations), change of clothes;

1-2 years: a potty, wet wipes (wipe your hands often), water, dryers, books, cars, a couple of toys, a change of clothes, patience for mom and dad to walk around the cabin of the aircraft. Children at this age always want to walk and see everything;

3-4 years: a pot, napkins, water, drying, clothes, favorite books, puzzles, constructors, magazines with stickers, puzzles.;

5-6 years: napkins, magazines with labyrinths, stickers, scanwords, Lego, cards, dominoes, backgammon, checkers, etc.;

“Take a change of clothes for the child and mother. It is not so rare for a child, especially up to 2 years old, who sits in his mother’s arms, throws himself on himself and does not forget his mother.

Also, a few apples, cut into slices, medicines for motion sickness, pain, soothing, will always come in handy. “I also always take a couple of shawls / scarves with me - firstly, the child can be saved from the cold, and secondly, like, she dresses up (I have a classic girl).” And of course, a father's / mother's smartphone is a great toy, if you are sure that the child will not erase anything there.

5. What to do with the child during the flight

“If a child is nervous in a separate seat during takeoff, you need to ask the stewardess for a child's belt, put it on your knees (not the stewardess, but the child) and fasten it to yourself.”

“During takeoff, she distracted attention - she asked me to hold my hand, portrayed a fear of flying, the child took care of her mother and was happy.”

“On long flights, be sure to let the baby walk / run / jump. At this age, it is difficult for children to sit in one place due to the growth of the musculoskeletal system. Yes, it is good for adults to stretch their legs. Somehow we formed a whole kindergarten in the tail of the plane - five children entertained each other.

“Not just to put a new coloring book or psp in your hands, but to fully communicate, tell where we are flying, what we are going to do, play, draw together.”

“Looking out the window and explaining is very entertaining.”

“When the child got tired, they dragged around the neighbors, changing the situation a little. Friendly neighbors on the plane were right away, a couple of minutes of hooting with someone else's aunt gave 10-15 minutes of silence.

“You don’t even have to play with a child, you can just talk. If you get an hour to talk with a child, then it will forever remain in his memory. No need to look for ways to make the flight painless. It seems to me that you need to look for an opportunity to enjoy it.”

“Preparing meals, eating and collecting trays is always mega fun. You can allow to take one of the sets of plastic cutlery with you, promising to arrange a separate dinner for the toy characters later.”

“The main thing is to alternate entertainment (distractions). There is little distraction for more than half an hour.”

“Be sure to ask for permission after landing (already at the exit) to look at the pilot. Usually possible for those who are well-behaved. You can’t buy a two-year-old for this, but in 3.5-4 years it will help you control yourself. ”

6. Flight delays and transfers

"The biggest problems are long transfers and flight delays. This is where you need to keep him on a leash. The terminal building is being converted into playground. I will never forget how in Prague I caught a kid on a travelator on New Year's Eve and how he almost dropped a decorated Christmas tree at the gate. Children need to be distracted or occupied. Otherwise, they distract themselves and find something to do.”

“A good way is to cooperate with other parents. Oddly enough, the more children, the easier it is to cope with them. Plus, they entertain themselves. You just need to make sure that it does not harm other people and the airport building.”

“We once sat in the mountains in France for 10 hours at the airport. The child was 5, and we just went to the store for the next lego as we assembled and reworked the previous one.

7. About laying ears and feeding

“If we talk about very small ones (up to a year), then on takeoff and landing you need to give a breast or a bottle so that your ears do not lay. If you miss this moment, then the ears can get sick and there is nothing to calm the child until the end of the flight. Until a year and a half, while she was feeding, she calculated so that during takeoff and landing she would give breasts. As a result, passengers were surprised at the exit that during the flight the child was not even noticed. Now (4 years) before take-off we try to take a walk and during the climb we give juice from a straw. On landing, if not sleeping, too. As long as it saves."

“An almost one-year-old child was saved from laying his ears with a bottle of water with a nipple for a younger age, so that he had to pull harder. Well, of course, another bottle with a normal nipple was also there to get drunk.”

“Sometimes our ears are blocked, so “cheburashka” helps - put a napkin dipped in hot water, and put two glasses to the ears.

“With laying his ears, he taught to hold his nose and blow into it - everything goes away at once.”

“Medicine dripped into the ears during takeoff and landing”

“We flew for a long time somehow, the child is a year old. During takeoff and landing, the child's ears were blocked. The stewardess used a technique that we still use successfully: boiling water is poured into a plastic cup, splashed out, and applied to the ears. The effect of cans: the child immediately calms down.

“It is advised to drip any vasoconstrictor into the nose before the flight (during pressure drops, the eardrum presses, because of this pain). Give small sips of water (any liquid) during takeoff and landing. Blow out your nose (like divers), but this is still for older kids, and with caution. We also have a pipe from which you can remove the tip and it stops whistling. So, during takeoff and landing, we “play” with it, blow with all our might. It helps a lot with the ears, including me.

I hope these tips help you and your baby. And I also hope that you will share them with other parents, and there will be less children's tears on airplanes.