Which flight is best for a small child. Special baby cradles. How and what to entertain a child

Documents are ready, tickets are bought, departure date is set. It's time to pack your suitcase! Carefully study the free baggage allowance for your fare and for your flight and hand luggage for you and the baby. Usually, an economy class infant ticket can carry 10 kg of baggage and 5 kg of hand luggage. For some companies, these figures can be twice as high, while others do not provide luggage for a baby at all - you can only take hand luggage for him. To optimize the fees, not to lose sight of anything, make a list in advance of what you and your child will need on vacation.

First flight with a child: what do we take in hand luggage?

Hand luggage is the items you take with you on board the aircraft. Here it is important to foresee all the nuances as much as possible so that both you and the child feel comfortable during the flight. Hand luggage in economy class should take only one piece of baggage per passenger - this is the child's bag and your bag. It is important that hand luggage fit into allowable dimensions otherwise they won't let her on board. As a rule, the sum of three measurements (height, length, width) should not exceed 115 cm.

It is convenient to take children's things in a "mom" shoulder bag so that everything you need on the road is at hand. For documents, wallet and phones, which should always be safe and in direct access on the road, use a small shoulder bag or fanny pack - it's convenient. These bags are not included in the baggage and are not taken into account in the total weight, just like a camera, phone and computer (laptop, tablet).

What to take on board the plane if you are flying with a child?

Below is a list that you can use, adjusting it for yourself.

Cloth. Dress your child in light, loose-fitting clothing that you can easily put on and take off when you travel. It's summer now, so you won't need a lot of things. Nevertheless, you need to take a spare set for a shift and something warm - a jumpsuit or a blouse with a hood. You should be able to "warm" the baby if it became cool and, conversely, undress if it became hot.

Hat, socks, blanket. There are air conditioners at the airport and on the plane. To keep a sleeping baby from freezing, cover him with a blanket or a light blanket. A pair of cotton diapers or a few disposable ones - spread, put on your shoulder, cover the child - diapers do not take up much space and will always come in handy.

Diapers. Calculate their number based on flight time and waiting time at the airport. Approximate scheme: 1 diaper for 2-3 hours of flight plus 1 spare. Take a mini pack of your diaper product with you.

Useful little things. A bib, a tissue, a small towel to gently feed the baby, wipe his mouth, etc. If teething, do not forget the teether. A handy little thing is a nibbler. Put a piece of an apple or banana inside - the kid will be happy to procrastinate the net, at the same time he will have a tasty snack, and he will scratch his teeth. Wet wipes (including antiseptic for hands), disposable paper handkerchiefs, and for nursing mothers - disposable bra pads. Garbage bags will come in handy. Inflatable C-shaped pillow under the neck - with it you will be comfortable to relax in flight.

Toys. Bring along a pair of brightly colored rattles/rattles/squeakers appropriate for your child's age. Toys will entertain the baby, will not let him get bored and capricious.

Dummy. If the baby sucks them, take 2-3 pieces on the road, putting them in a sealed plastic box. Chain with a clothespin - so that the pacifier does not fall and does not get dirty, fasten it to your clothes or to a hat.

First aid kit. Put the medicines you and your baby need in a travel organizer. Check out the list first medicines which are transported with special conditions. On the road, it is advisable to have with you a remedy for colic, motion sickness, antipyretic, gum gel, antihistamines. An electronic thermometer in a case may also come in handy.

First flight with a baby: meals on board

If the baby is breastfed, then you have nothing to worry about - he can eat at any time. Just dress in a way that makes it comfortable for you to feed in public.

If the baby is bottle-fed, take baby food with you, calculating its amount, based on the duration of the flight. Take what is familiar to your child. For the smallest - dry milk formula, which is convenient to fill in portions in advance in a travel container-dispenser. Take a couple of clean bottles with nipples. Bottles must be plastic as glass is not allowed.

For older kids - kefir, drinking cereals, fruit and meat puree, cookies. It is hot in summer, so it is better to put food in a thermal bag. There it will remain cool for 4-6 hours. On board the aircraft, the stewardess, at your request, will heat the food and provide boiling water.

A handy thing when traveling - packages for sterilization in the microwave. Put washed bottles, nipples, pacifiers, spoons in a bag. Fill with water, close the bag with a zip fastener. Ask the flight attendant to put the sterilization bag in the microwave for 3 minutes - the dishes will be sterilized. The bags are reusable, designed for up to 20 sterilization cycles, so they will be a good help for mothers.

Onboard baby food

For the youngest passengers, air carriers sometimes offer a children's menu, which must be booked in advance - 36 hours before departure. This will make it easier for mom to feed the baby on the road, because warm baby milk or puree will be brought to you right on the spot. The conditions for providing baby food on board the aircraft are different and depend on the air carrier and the purchased fare.

Attention - liquids!
For the carriage of liquids on board an aircraft, special rules. You can take with you in hand luggage a total of no more than 1 liter of liquid per person. Keep in mind that perfume, deodorant, medicines, cream, toothpaste are also liquids and their volume will be taken into account in the total volume. Baby food in the amount necessary to feed a child on board is not included in these restrictions, but must be provided for inspection. You may be asked to sip from the bottle to make sure it's really safe. Take baby drinks in small bottles or packs of 100-200 ml. Don't worry, plenty of water will be provided on board.

Important information about transporting a baby stroller

You can take a baby stroller with you, it is carried free of charge and does not count in the total weight of your luggage. The maximum weight of the stroller allowed for transportation is 20 kg. But so that it does not become an extra burden for you, pick up a lightweight model that quickly folds and unfolds. In this regard, universal “canes” and “books” are convenient, into which a soft carrying cradle is inserted (you can take it on board).

You can use the wheelchair until boarding the plane. Notify the airport staff at the check-in desk about this. Your stroller will be inspected and labeled accordingly. Now you can move around the airport with a stroller while waiting for departure, and when the plane is served, take the baby in the stroller directly to the gangway. There they will pick up the stroller from you, as you cannot bring it on board. But upon arrival, you will also receive a stroller at the gangway - this is convenient. Sling, kangaroo, carrying bag - your assistants on the road instead of a stroller.

In order not to lay the ears ...

Here you are right there. Make yourself comfortable. On board, you will be provided with a child seat belt, which you can use to fasten your baby to your seat belts during takeoff and landing.

From the pressure drop during takeoff and landing, the passengers of the aircraft can lay their ears. To get rid of the unpleasant sensation, adults simply swallow or suck on the lollipop. But the baby is not yet able to do this. Therefore, during takeoff and landing, so that the crumbs do not lay their ears, give him a breast or a bottle of drink. If the child has a little cold, the nose from dry air does not breathe well - 20-30 minutes before takeoff or landing, drip drops for him.

Babies under 6-8 months old most time in flight sleep. But older children are already curious and mobile, it is not so easy for them to sit in one place. Stock up on toys, books, cartoons, play, talk, entertain, take a walk around the salon (when allowed) so that your baby does not get bored or act up. Have a good flight!

How to prepare for flying with a child?
Here, of course, there are "secrets", because the aircraft has its own specifics.

The best seat on the plane

To begin with, it’s not about fees for the road at all, but about places on the plane.
If your airline has a service - the choice of a seat in the cabin, then try to book a seat. And not according to the principle "at the window", but at the very beginning passenger compartment(economy class), where you will not have the next row of seats in front of you. When traveling with a child, this is the most convenient place!

By the way, if you book in advance, then also check if there is a “Children's Menu” service on the flight. It is very comfortable. Firstly, children are brought food first, before the delivery of the main portions, and secondly, there will be not sandwiches, but yogurts, not fried meat, but something more childish.

Also, even when booking tickets or later (but only in advance, and not on the day of the flight), you can order a baby cradle for sleeping - for flights longer than 3.5-4 hours (check with your airline).

If seats on the plane cannot be booked in advance (on local "domestic" airlines - most often), then come to check-in first or almost first, in a word, to the very beginning of registration and ask the girl who will check you in to give you boarding passes exactly to these places.

Getting ready to fly

First, specify how many kilograms of luggage you can take with you. Usually this is indicated on the ticket, but if you do not understand, call and ask.
There must be a minimum of 20 kg per person + hand luggage (usually no more than 12 kg per person). But it happens that everyone is just an adult, many airlines do not allow you to take into account hand luggage for children under the pretext that you will not be able to carry all this, and the children will definitely not help you. In general, they are right, therefore, do not strive to take a lot in hand luggage, make it easier for yourself to move around.
Put in your baggage everything that you will not need directly on the plane. Well, apart from frankly fragile items - a computer, camera, camera, etc.

Remember in advance that any sharp objects, even nail scissors, must be checked in as luggage. Liquids should also go there - no bubbles can be taken into the cabin.
The exception is items for child care. We will talk about this in more detail:

• You should be allowed to take into the cabin any amount (reasonable, of course, not a box) of baby food, that is, juice, water, milk, any products.
• You can check in the stroller as luggage directly at the gangway and get it back - also at the gangway. It is better to take a small stroller for the journey, such as a “cane”, if the child, of course, is already sitting on his own. You can take any other, just remember that you often have to drag it on yourself - not everywhere there are ramps and other amenities. Especially in our airports and cities. In the salon, you can take a carry cot or a baby seat.

When packing luggage, remember that at airports, when luggage is loaded, suitcases are abandoned. And the heavier the suitcase, the harder it hits ... The more inconvenient to drag your bag or box, the more chances that she will be treated mercilessly. In a word, remember that people also work there and they must be respected. They will be pleased and then you will be pleased too (as in the movie "Mimino", remember?).

Pack suitcases so that there are soft things on the outside, and let what can break be inside. For example, a plastic container with all sorts of little things will break if it lies on the edge.

Don't forget that on high altitude unopened shampoos, varnishes and other liquids may leak. Do not take opened vials that have been opened. And it’s better not to take it at all if you have ordinary hair and ordinary shampoos (not specific, not medicinal). In any city and any country you can buy shampoo and everything else. And not the fact that it is more expensive than ours. It seems that it is already so expensive with us that it is difficult to think of more expensive ....

So, the luggage is collected, everything is packed.
Now take care to wrap the suitcase with cling film. Just buy a big roll and roll it properly on all sides. It is more convenient to do this together with your husband or someone else. Alone is difficult.
Important! Take the rest of the film to the airport! If during the inspection your suitcase is suddenly opened (this happens, although not often), you can repack it yourself. Have a roll of wide tape as well. As it turned out, the thing on the road is necessary. Boxes are torn, packaging is torn, but you never know what else happens. The adhesive tape is not heavy, there is always a place for it. And here cling film it will be possible to leave the person seeing you off if your luggage has already been checked. Or just throw it away, or take it with you, which is inconvenient.

hand luggage

Hand luggage! What kind of animal is this? What to take? Lovely items or just urgently needed?

Once I flew with a bag, where there was a lot of all sorts of nonsense, little things that are convenient to store not in a suitcase, but in a separate bag. But then it became clear that all this can really be checked in as luggage - even with a bag, even right in a suitcase. You need to carry around the airport on yourself only the most necessary things.

What is it if you are flying with a child? And what is the best way to package it?

In general, it is much more convenient to walk around the airport not with a bag, but with a backpack. I wrote more about backpacks in the topic. Take this kind of backpack long way as hand luggage. Bags that need to be carried in the hand or on the shoulder - leave until better times.

If you are carrying a laptop, it is convenient, of course, to have a separate bag for it. If there are two adults, then the second adult may have such a bag, it is more difficult for a mother with a baby to keep both the child and the laptop in the same condition.
There are bags for laptops ... on wheels. This is exactly what I bought a year ago. But by the way, I still most often carry a laptop in a backpack ...

The laptop bag looks something like this:

And even if it’s not in style with your outfit (well, let’s say) and not at all feminine, it doesn’t matter at all on the road.
In addition to a laptop, this bag will include a lot of other useful things. The handle extends like a real suitcase, it is very convenient to roll. Yes, and you can carry it by the handle if necessary.

You will also need a comfortable belt bag - you will need to put money, phone, passports, and other necessary little things in it. Other documents, except for passports, which are shown only at passport control, it is advisable to put in a laptop bag or in a backpack immediately after passing through this very control.

When packing, try not to forget or accidentally pack documents in your luggage. It is very inconvenient - to return luggage, to check it in again ... We tried. Once packed birth certificates ....

By the way, what documents must be at hand?

Be sure to take permission from the father to take the child out and the birth certificate of the child (even if the baby has a separate international passport). This is especially important if the mother's last name is not the same as the children's. You may need to prove that the children are yours (I am often asked). Permission is now legally not needed at all to leave, it is sometimes needed to obtain a visa (and extend a visa if you are traveling for a long time). But it's better to have it than not to have it. Once a representative of the airline entered into a long debate with me about this (although she had no right), I pointed out the articles of the law to her, and she said that the border guards could still demand, regardless of the law. So that's it... However, the border guards didn't even ask for permission, although I did have it.

So, it turns out that when landing on international flight you must have passports for each + tickets (boarding tickets) in your hands (on your belt). And in the bag at hand - birth certificates, permission (if any). You will only get them once. Keeping everything together at hand or climbing into a bag every time for passports is inconvenient.

What to do at the airport

So, you arrived early and were one of the first to register.

What to do next? When did you already register and everyone else didn't?
Go to the mother and child room. At all airports, it must be (with rare exceptions)! And there you can sit, play, feed the child (usually there is a kitchen).
At Russian airports, they first require you to go to the first-aid post and take a certificate that the child is healthy. This is a pure formality. Most often, they give a certificate by asking “Are you healthy?”, And they don’t even look at the child.
You can say that then your healthy child can become infected from an unhealthy stranger. But, believe me, the same children are in the waiting room, only there are no toys and nothing is adapted for children. And in the room for mother and child there is also a children's toilet, there are beds where you can put a tired baby to sleep, there are toys, there is a kitchen with children's dishes and high chairs where you can feed the child.

We waited for the right time - we go to the pre-flight "inspection" and landing.
At foreign airports, passengers with children are not just allowed out of turn. Separately invite, before the start of the movement of the general flow. So, do not miss, go ahead of the queue for landing, do not be shy.
At our airports, we have to fight our way to the front of the line with fights.
But there is one tricky loophole that you can use, especially if you are flying with a very, very small child. This is business class. No one will let you into the business class cabin, of course, if you have economy. But asking to go through an inspection and go to the landing zone is very possible.

Now let's talk a little about delicate issues.

If you are traveling with a child under two years old, then take a potty with you (unless, of course, the child is potty trained). The child usually needs urgently when the toilet is busy. This is where you will use the pot (be sure to take a pot with a lid). And when the toilet is free, then you will wash the pot. The pot can be carried in a regular bag.

If you are with a child who is already using the toilet, then bring disposable toilet seats (available at the pharmacy) and antibacterial gel or antibacterial wipes.

As for entertainment, I can give about the same advice as, but get ready to distract and entertain - to the fullest.

On the road, of course, you can buy - an extra children's magazine or a toy. But, as a rule, it all costs significantly more than just in the city. Therefore, it is better to take care in advance.

How to pack it all?
Of course, in hand luggage. But not everything is worth dragging on yourself! A child from 3 years old can already have a small backpack, where he will carry the little things closest to his heart.

A child from 4.5-5 years old can buy a children's suitcase on wheels with a retractable handle. Abroad, with such bags, children go to school and this is a common thing, because it is ridiculous to carry 5 kilos of books when you can carry them with you.
So, these bags are very convenient on the road!
The child can carry or carry his toys behind his back, a spare T-shirt (just in case), a bottle of water or a convenient flask (and drink when you want), a small snack (in the outer pocket of the backpack).

I must say that, despite all our tricks that make it easier for children to fly, they still get tired in flight. And at the beginning of the wait, and on the plane itself, and most importantly - already at the exit, when everyone exhaled, but then you still have to wait ...
This is natural and everyone is tired after the flight.
And this time you just have to be mentally prepared for this, that children will not behave quite adequately.
Firstly, do not pull them - let them run at the first opportunity (they have sat for sure!). Let them make noise, jump, run. The main thing is not to go beyond the baggage claim area. You can allow a cart to ride, a cart ride, and so on.
Secondly, any methods are suitable here, including those “forbidden” in a normal situation. I can immediately give the kids a cartoon on a tablet and they sit on the luggage cart and watch.
Thirdly, just relax yourself. Children read our state. Sit (on a cart, for example) and read. Either for yourself or your children.

Why resist the inevitable? You have to relax and try to enjoy yourself.

It is good if even before the trip you buy a book that describes everything that happens at the airport - from check-in to flight and baggage claim at your destination.
The child will feel at the airport, at home or just like in a familiar place, he will not be surprised and frightened by new, previously unfamiliar procedures - inspection, sending luggage (some cling and shout “This is ours!”) And so on.
But, of course, this cannot guarantee that the child will behave perfectly at the airport. No matter how much you tell, but until you go through everything yourself, everything will be new.

My children for the first time far distance flew very hard. The second time is easier, the third time is simple, and the fourth time we just didn’t notice.

Flight delays and other force majeure

If everything is hopeless? If the landing has already been announced and there is already quite a bit left, you are already standing in front of the exit to the plane, but they still don’t let you in?
It happens! And nowhere to go - you won't go back.
What to do in order not to go crazy and not let the child go crazy? What to do if there is nowhere to sit?

Most importantly, don't get lost! Know that there are no "norms" here. Sit on the floor, put the child in, rest, gain strength before the last jerk.
Some mothers carry with them ... tourist seats so that you can sit anywhere. These are pieces of foam mats. They come with straps that secure them so that they don't fall off your bottom when you get up. But it's overkill if you're not hiking. You can just have small pieces of a foam rug - for one or two people. But it is better for everyone to have their own, so that the children do not push. And for myself one - a little larger size. They do not take up space (flat), weigh very little, and save you more than once.

If the child is so tired that he is already falling or asking for his arms, find an opportunity to let him lie down.

Vasya lies on his bag with a retractable handle. He lies with his head on the bag, and his body on the handle, that is, he only touches the floor with jeans and boots.
You can put the child on two bags or something else. But do not persuade a tired child to stand. Let it lie. And the public... Let the public tell you that you are crazy. If this is ours, the Russian public. Foreigners do it all...

How we flew...

Sasha first flew on an airplane in .... 5 weeks old.

This is us at the airport.

This is in the waiting room (Krasnodar airport).

I flew with her alone.

We went to the waiting room not to the usual one, but went to the hall superior comfort. I did not want to sit in the common room with such a tiny child. Not only was it winter and flu-like passengers could spit on it. Also, the flight departed late, had to wait a long time. And there were few people here, soft sofas, service.

From my diary:

We waited a long time. I dressed Sanka and put him to sleep in the cradle (car seat for babies).
And then the bus came up and we went to the plane. We were the first to go up to the salon. Sanka never woke up - she slept in her cradle.
She overslept and acceleration, and takeoff, and part of the way. Waking up high in the sky, she made it clear that she wanted to go to the toilet - she began to fiddle and push. We went and did all the work, then put on a diaper again (of course, we bought a pack of diapers on the road).
While the flight attendant was delivering drinks and lunch, Sanka was looking at everything around, spinning in her arms, not wanting to lie still.We drove with her for almost an hour. Then, towards the end of the flight, we ate again and went to bed. Sanya woke up already on Moscow soil - in the car!

We flew with Sasha in the first year more than once! At seven months, at nine, at ten. And everything is here and there. But the truth is, only on the way Krasnodar-Moscow and back. No other routes were taken. And it's only two hours.

In the second or third year and beyond, we either traveled this way by car 3-4 times a year or by plane.
Vasya joined our voyages at the age of one and a half months. To Moscow by plane and from Moscow by car. Further - according to the same scheme. True, he also traveled by train several times due to the lack of plane tickets (this happens!).

For the first time on a long trip, we went to Sasha 4 years and 10 months. and Vasina 3 years and 3 months.
And immediately drastically…. Flight Kyiv - Guayaquil (Ecuador, South America).
Why Kyiv? All tickets cost 45 thousand rubles cheaper than from Moscow. We reached Kyiv by night train, rested there, held a seminar and flew off.

The flight was dramatic. To Amsterdam 3.5 hours, then to Bonaire (an island in the Caribbean) 12 hours, then to Guayaquil (another three hours).
We were in Amsterdam for 3.5 hours. It's an hour in Bonaire.

They flew back after 4.5 months. From Guayaquil to Quito, we sat there for an hour, then again to Bonaire, then to Amsterdam and there for 5 hours, then to Kyiv and from there by plane to Moscow.

The first flight was hard for the children. Sasha whined, fussed, cried.
The second flight - in one breath. That is, although it is more difficult, it was easier for the children. They all knew what awaited them, they experienced everything easier. But although they are knowledgeable, they are not iron. And, of course, tired.

Photos from Guayaquil airport. Return flight from Ecuador.

Bought coloring books at the airport. We had pencils with us (comfortable, thick, not breaking).
The children sat on the floor. But there the floor is covered with ... carpet. Both local children and children from other countries (not Russians) are usually not shy, but simply lie on the floor.

Coloring pages were bought the same. To not be offended. By the way, after almost a year at the same airport, we bought incredible coloring pages - mandalas.

The second time we flew to Ecuador (this is the third big flight) a few months later.
The children were no longer worried at all, they were not tired, they knew everything in advance and behaved almost perfectly.
And when we flew back a few months later, everything was almost perfect.
True, they flew directly from Guayaquil directly to Amsterdam, but they sat in Amsterdam for 8 hours.

When we flew to India three months after returning from Ecuador (an 8-hour flight), the children did not understand at all that we had already arrived ...

IN last time for a long distance we flew Moscow-New York. And also no problem. The children were ready for the flight, they played, read, drew. And already in the States - a domestic flight: Washington-Charlotte-Miami. Uncomfortable planes, but fast docking and also - everything went well.

Some photos from Amsterdam airport. This place long docking flights to South America and back.

By the way, we should only be afraid of our airports. Almost all foreign airports, the vast majority are worse or better, but all are equipped with climbing frames for children, play areas and other entertainment. I'm not talking about shops where you can at least look at books, discs, coloring books, and there are countless souvenirs. So, at the Amsterdam airport there is a children's playroom - a forest. There are toy trees and houses. Houses with

slides.

There is a button on the wall in the forest, if you press it, the voices of different animals sound.

Sasha on a tree

You can talk about Amsterdam Airport for a very long time. There is so much interesting, unusual for us, which at first causes a real shock.
In addition to the children's playroom, there are children's bedrooms. There is a separate bedroom for babies with cots and sofas for mothers. Each place is separated from its neighbors by partitions and can be closed with a curtain.
There are also bedrooms for older children, there are bigger beds.
There is a meditation room there if anyone needs it.

There is a library with books in different languages. Directly whole racks on languages. And rare languages ​​(such as Russian, Chinese, Hindi and other non-European ones) are on the same rack, but on signed shelves. Around tables, chairs, sofas. Take a book and read.

General view of the library.
It is not fenced off, but simply allocated to a separate zone.

The photo is not very successful (Sasha photographed this). On the left is one of the library shelving.

But such recreation areas in large numbers, fenced off from each other.
In each chairs, tables, TV or "toy" fireplace.

And this is a small museum - everything is open. You come in, you touch, you feel, there are even some stands with experiments. We did not go in - the children are not too interested in it yet. Everything is designed for adults.

There is an area equipped with iPads on sticks. There, of course, a limited number of possibilities, not a full-fledged iPad. There are presentations on Holland, on museums, on libraries and not only. In a word, culturally it is possible to be enlightened. The children and I watched paintings by Rembrandt and views of Amsterdam.
I forgot to say that everything listed is free.
There are also a bunch of paid services, such as massage, spa and much more.

Just the views from the balcony of the second floor (in general, this airport is like small town, it's so big).

________________

And this is a small area on the second floor, next to McDonald's.
It's a tiny maze. So you won’t understand it from the photo - it was not possible to stick it all into the screen. But on 20 square meters, a three-story miracle!
This is the entrance - it is indicated by arrows. The walls of the labyrinth are not mesh, but transparent, plastic.

And where Vasya is, there is an exit. The labyrinth is made like a track with a beginning and an end. True, there is not only one way, as I understand it.

Flying on a plane with a baby is a test for both the child and his parents. Unusual physical sensations, closed space, a large number of strangers around - all this can affect the health and emotional state of the baby. Therefore, if circumstances force you to fly with a baby on an airplane, you should carefully prepare for the trip. The article gives recommendations to young parents on how to fly with baby in airplane.

How can flying affect your health?

Most airlines have a ban on flying on an airplane with a newborn under 7 days old.

One of the dangerous factors for the baby is the pressure difference during takeoff and landing. Even adults feel uncomfortable at this moment. This is how the work of the auditory (Eustachian) tube affects, which balances the pressure difference in the middle ear cavity and environment. If the auditory tube does not cope with this function, pain is felt in the ears, and hearing worsens (up to its temporary loss). In a newborn, this can lead to inflammation of the auditory tube and the development of otitis media.

A common cold in a child, and even more pronounced symptoms of SARS, in themselves worsen the functioning of the auditory tube, so there is Great chance that otitis media will develop after the flight. Doctors do not recommend transporting babies even with a slight runny nose.

Another harmful factor affecting the condition of small passengers is low air humidity on board. On a long flight, the nasal mucosa can dry out.

Important! To make breathing easier for children, irrigate the nasal passages with special solutions.

When traveling with a child, one should take into account not only the impact of the flight, but also the consequences of a sudden change in climate. Visits to hot countries in winter are especially affected. It should be borne in mind that acclimatization at the resort takes 2-3 days. And if the trip lasts only a week or less, returning to the cold can lead to a lingering cold even in an adult, not to mention a child. It is advisable to relax with a child at sea for at least two weeks.

At what age can you fly

Due to the reasons described, you need to be careful when planning a flight with infants.

If circumstances force you to fly earlier than a week after birth, parents will be required to sign a document in which the airline disclaims responsibility for the health of the baby.

If 7 days have passed since birth, little passenger on the plane will be accepted without additional formalities. But parents are advised to first make sure that the child can fly on an airplane. After the examination, the pediatrician will determine how many months it is safe for the baby to travel by air.

The behavior and well-being of each small passenger is individual, but there is some pattern:

• It is easier for children up to six months to fly when they sleep most of the time and are not too sensitive to extraneous noise;
• From six months to a year, flying is more difficult: the child sleeps less, he is already bored just sitting on his hands, but he still cannot focus on one lesson for a long time. The kid will show curiosity or anxiety in an unfamiliar environment, so you will have to occupy him with something all the way;
• Children from one to two years old may already be interested in toys or cartoons for a long time, so it is easier to distract them from whims and activities that interfere with other passengers.

Ticket price

The cost of children's tickets is determined by the airline. As a rule, one adult can transport one child under 2 years old free of charge in Russia without providing him with a separate seat. At the same time, a children's ticket is required. When flying abroad, you may be required to pay up to 10% of full price, even if the baby flies in the arms of the accompanying person.

If a passenger is traveling with several children, for the rest it is necessary to buy a ticket at the children's fare (for different carriers it is 50-75% of the adult fare).

Airlines have strict rules regarding the age of children: if the trip coincides with the second anniversary, you should be especially careful when buying tickets. If two years have passed the day before or on the day of departure, then round-trip tickets must be purchased already at the rate for children 2-12 years old. If the birthday was on a trip, then only the return flight is paid at an increased rate.

Registration

When flying with children, it is better to check in online as soon as it opens. This will allow you to choose convenient places and fly the whole family together. If this is not possible, then at the airport at the check-in desk you need to ask for convenient seats. Carriers have priority rules for boarding passengers with children. But if the plane is full, there is a chance that on safe places only a mother with a child will be placed at the beginning of the salon, and the accompanying persons (including the father) will be in other places. When checking in at the airport, passengers with children must skip the line.

Children without documents cannot fly. On domestic flights When boarding, you must present a birth certificate. When traveling abroad - the passport of a small passenger. If the child is accompanied by a third person, a notarized permission from the parents or guardians may be required for the child to travel abroad.

Takeoff and landing

The most unpleasant sensations for a baby are takeoff and landing. Better when he sleeps at this time. If it is not possible to “lull” the child, he is restless or cries a lot - it is worth trying to feed him or give him a pacifier. Swallowing movements will help relieve spasm of the auditory tube and reduce discomfort. For the same purpose, before takeoff, it is recommended to drip vasoconstrictor drops into the baby's nose. Their choice should be discussed in advance with the pediatrician.

During takeoff and landing, as well as in the landing area, all passengers must be fastened. For the child, a special seat belt is issued, which is attached to the belt of an adult.

Sidecar flight

Each airline determines its own baggage allowance. children's luggage. If you are bringing a stroller with you, check in advance if it can be transported in the cabin. As a rule, strollers are picked up at the time of boarding. It is better to find out when it will be possible to use it again: sometimes they are served at the exit, but more often they are unloaded along with luggage onto a transport belt or oversized luggage rack.

For children under 2 years old, strollers are carried free of charge in addition to the children's allowance. free baggage(V different airlines 10-15 kg per child). If the child is older, the weight of the stroller will be included in the free baggage allowance.

The stroller will be inspected, so do not load it with things. Some airlines allow you to take a foldable cane-type stroller into the cabin if it fits into the standard dimensions. Others allow the stroller to be used only until boarding, and then transport it to luggage compartment. In the salon, they are allowed to take only a carry cot from the stroller.

For a flight with a baby, a stroller-book is more suitable. The baby can both lie down and sit in it, it is convenient to carry it with one hand, it can be quickly and compactly folded.

As additional service on board, carriers can equip their aircraft with special cradles that are attached to the partitions between the cabins. This service is free, but it is better to agree on it in advance.

What to bring on board

Baby food and water

Passengers may be asked to leave bottles of liquid at the airport during personal and hand luggage screening - this is a security requirement. An exception is made for children - it is allowed to take on board baby food and water (the amount required for the flight) with a total volume of no more than a liter. The child needs to drink more on the plane, because the air in the cabin is dry. Some carriers offer a special children's menu on board upon prior request.

care items

The comfort and well-being of the baby is the key to a calm flight. Toilets in almost all aircraft are equipped with changing tables, so hygiene procedures for babies can be carried out right in the cabin. To be ready for any situation, you will need the following set:

• diapers;
• wet and paper napkins;
• bib (if you feed baby food);
• disposable diapers;
• a few blanks.

Cloth

The kid should be in comfortable clothes, a spare set is required. In addition, you will need warm clothes or a blanket (plaid) - it is usually cold on the plane due to ventilation. Warm clothes will come in handy if you have to go outside directly from the plane to get to the terminal.

If you can fly light with a one-month-old baby and hope that he will sleep all the way, then for older children you will have to think about leisure. Toys, books, cartoons on a tablet (smartphone), etc. will come in handy. Might have to hold all the way children's attention so that he does not act up and does not interfere with other passengers.

first aid kit

On a trip to the cabin of an airplane, you need to take funds first medical care for a child, tested or recommended by a doctor:

• remedies for abdominal pain and colic;
• means for the normalization of the stool;
• painkillers and antipyretics;
• vasoconstrictor drops;
• disinfectants: bandage, cotton wool, cotton swabs.

Neighborhood with other passengers

Travelers with children, in addition to caring for the health of the child, are forced to worry about how relations with others on the plane will develop. Infants may become naughty or cry out loud, and it is very difficult to calm them down. Stress for parents in this case will be added by disgruntled or even aggressive passengers. The task of the flight attendants in this case is to “resolve” the situation, perhaps to transplant nervous neighbors away from the family with the baby. You should not enter into a conflict, usually children feel the nervous tension of their mother and this can make them cry even more.

From how many months to fly with a baby in an airplane is the decision of each individual family. But at any age, traveling with a small child must be carefully organized. It is important for parents not to get confused, to understand what to expect from each stage of the trip.

Preparation begins even before buying plane tickets - you should study the rules for flying with children from suitable companies, they can fundamentally differ. The highlights are check-in, seat selection, baggage allowance, wheelchair transportation and meals on board.

In general, the staff is very friendly to children, because airlines are fighting for customer loyalty. Comfortable flight conditions have been created for the kids and their attendants, and on board flight attendants are surrounded by attention.

Video

planning family holiday with a small child, you probably look forward to troublesome days and try to foresee everything to the smallest detail in order to avoid various unforeseen situations. Of course, many parents are hesitant to go on long trips with their baby, especially if there is a long car, train or plane trip ahead.

However, you can not postpone the rest until the child grows up, but go on a trip abroad right now. It is important to prepare in advance for the trip and create comfortable and safe conditions. As a rule, a trip abroad is always associated with air travel. What do you need to take care of if you plan to fly with a child? And what you need to know if you have to fly with a child on an airplane for the first time?

Stage of preparation for flight with a child

If you're worried about your baby's well-being and don't know how he's going to get through his first airplane flight, then try lulling your baby to sleep at least most of the time. If possible, choose a flight time that matches your baby's sleep schedule.

Also, at the stage of issuing tickets for a flight with a child, try to choose good places in airplane. Usually, a small child under two years old does not need to buy a separate ticket, and the baby can be carried in your arms. For children who are able to sit on their own in a chair, purchase a separate seat for an additional fee. As for the location of the seats on the plane, then choose seats at the beginning of the cabin, where there is more free space.

Availability must be checked in advance children's menu. As a rule, airlines offer fruit, baby puree and juice. When buying tickets, check what kind of food for the child is allowed to be carried on board the aircraft.

How to reschedule takeoff and landing when flying with a child

Anyone who has flown an airplane at least once in their life knows about those unpleasant sensations during takeoff and landing. Discomfort experienced by both adults and children. The latter begin to cry so that they drown out the sound of engines. Therefore, make sure that before the flight the child does not have ears and a runny nose, otherwise he will cry even louder.

The child will be more comfortable if he is busy with something during takeoff or landing. For an infant, try giving a pacifier or bottle of milk, or for an older child, a lollipop. Distractions such as a new colorful picture book, a toy, or any other game can also help. If you decide to take a tablet computer on a plane, then remember that you are not allowed to use gadgets during takeoff and landing.

What to take with you on a plane when flying with a child?

Many are interested in the question, is it allowed to take a baby stroller on board the plane? With a stroller, you can only get to the gangway of the aircraft, and then hand it over to the luggage compartment. You will be allowed to bring a carry cot into the cabin.

In addition to the main luggage, at home, pack a separate bag for the child, which you can take on board the aircraft as hand luggage. First, put down a change of clothes. Even if your baby will be in a diaper (or he is already able to go to the toilet), still extra clothes will not hurt. The child may be contaminated with food. By the way, just in case, take a clean jacket for yourself - all of a sudden, the child will inadvertently stain you too. Secondly, personal hygiene items for the child (diapers and wet wipes). Thirdly, be sure to collect a small first aid kit. If you have to fly with a child on an airplane, then medicines for allergies, runny nose or fever may be needed in unforeseen situations. Fourth, take some food for the baby so that he can have a snack. During takeoff and landing, give him a lollipop, and in flight, the child will be happy to nibble on cookies or dried fruits. In no case do not take heavy food on the plane and do not feed the child before the flight. Soda, fatty foods can cause nausea and vomiting.

Meals on the plane when flying with a child

When buying tickets (or at the stage of booking), find out if your airline offers a choice of food types. As a rule, there are special food sets for babies and older children. If your child only eats certain foods, then take the food with you. However, please note that a limited amount of food is allowed on board. The same goes for drinks and medicines.

How to get rid of nausea in a child during a flight?

If the baby is sick on the plane and he will be severely motion sick, it is usually advised to hold a slice of lemon in his mouth, suck on sour candies, or drink water in short sips. Also one of folk remedies getting rid of motion sickness is ginger root. In addition, pharmacies now offer a variety of medicines from motion sickness, which are also shown to children. The drugs are available in the form of tablets, chewable lozenges. There are also special acupuncture bracelets that are worn on the wrist and act on the pericardial point. The effect will be felt in a few minutes. Keep a small bag and towel handy in case your baby vomits.

By the way, with a child under one year old, you don’t have to worry about motion sickness at all, since babies have a well-developed vestibular apparatus. Most importantly, do not overfeed your baby either before or during the flight.

First of all, the child should be dressed in such a way that nothing hinders his movements. Also choose clothes that take into account the difference in air temperatures between your city and the place where you are going to spend your vacation. The temperature on board the aircraft is usually regulated and is usually made as comfortable as possible for the passengers. However, the baby may freeze. In this case, contact the flight attendants who will give you a warm blanket.

What can a child do on an airplane?

Even Small child can get bored if there is no movement for several hours. The kid will certainly want to play something. So don't forget to take your child's favorite book or toy with you on the flight. Or, before the trip, buy an interesting thing for the baby and give it to him already in flight - for sure the child will be delighted with the new toy and will be busy with it throughout the journey.

In addition, young travelers on airplanes are given pencils, felt-tip pens, coloring books or other creative kits. So the child will have something to do and pass the time in flight.

And finally! To be safe once again, make lists of things you need to take on a plane with a child and those that you will need when traveling. When you collect all the bags, check the list to see if everyone has been taken. The main thing is to be less nervous so that the excitement is not transmitted to your baby. The child will behave calmer and will not pay attention to unpleasant moments if he feels your warmth, care and joyful mood!

12.04.17 48 551 0

How to fly with a baby

How much does a ticket cost, what to take on a plane and what to do at the airport

In the fall, I was going on my first trip with a three-month-old baby and worried at the same time about myself, the baby and the passengers of neighboring seats.

I imagined with horror that my daughter would cry the whole flight. But everything worked out.

I told how to choose accommodation and pack a suitcase with children's things. Now I will share the subtleties that will save parental nerves during the flight.

Elena Babushkina

traveling with a child

At what age can you fly

Airlines are heeding advice World Organization healthcare. In the first 48 hours of a child's life, they are not allowed on board, in the first 7 days they require a certificate from a doctor. The doctor must confirm in writing that the newborn is allowed to fly. Starting from the second week, you can fly freely, but I advise you to consult a pediatrician in any case.

How much does the ticket cost

In Russia Children under 2 fly free of charge only in the arms of their parents. If there are two or three babies, and one adult, only one child will fly for free. The second and third will fly on children's tickets with a 25% discount from an adult.

Child tickets are required for all children over two years of age. If on the day of the flight the child will be 2 years and 1 day old, he will need child ticket.

If a child needs a separate seat, the airline will make a maximum discount 50% off adult ticket. How more expensive ticket the more discount.

In autumn, I traveled with my daughter to Sochi: she flew for free in my arms. And recently I booked tickets to Georgia. A Ural Airlines ticket from Yekaterinburg to Tbilisi and back cost 18,472 rubles, I paid 1,270 rubles fees for a baby.

Call the airline

Despite the fact that when buying a ticket you already said that you will have a baby with you, you need to call the airline and talk this point with the operator. By phone, you will resolve issues with cradles, seats, meals and many other things that you could not specify when buying a ticket.

Number hotline airline is on the company's website or will be indicated in the ticket purchase confirmation.

What are you allowed to take on a plane?

Suitcase. Even if a baby flies in the arms of an adult, he is entitled to a piece of luggage. A child's suitcase can weigh up to 10 kilograms, and the sum of its length, width and height should not exceed 115 centimeters. Suitable small suitcase for hand luggage: the requirements for them are the same.

Stroller. In addition to a child's suitcase, you can take your own stroller on a flight. There are few requirements: weight up to 20 kilograms and lack of factory packaging. If you bought a new stroller while traveling, be sure to unpack it.

At the check-in desk, the chassis and carrycot of the stroller will be marked with special tags - DAA, Delivery at Aircraft. Such a stroller is checked in as baggage at the gangway or in the aviation sleeve. They return it at the door of the plane or with the rest of the luggage - it all depends on the airport. For example, you will have to wait for a stroller at the luggage belt in Barcelona, ​​Berlin, Washington, Copenhagen, Rome and Stockholm.

In Sochi, I took one suitcase for two and a stroller. Next time I will do the same: my hands were free, the airport security guards escorted me to the elevators, I put a large pack of diapers in the stroller basket, which did not fit in the suitcase. The only thing that upset me was the bus: it is not easy to lift a stroller into it alone.

Lightweight pushchairs can be transported in the cabin. The weight of such a stroller should not exceed 4.5 kilograms, dimensions - 53 × 27 × 97 centimeters.

car seat. If you pay for a separate seat for an infant on an airplane, you need to take a car seat into the cabin. The base of the chair cannot exceed the dimensions of 40 × 40 centimeters, and it should not prevent the neighbors from reclining the seat backs. A car seat is required if you are traveling alone with two children under 2 years of age.

What to ask the airline

Before departure, you need to understand where the child will sleep on the plane and what he will eat. These questions will be answered in the call center of the airline. It is better to call there immediately after buying tickets, otherwise the baby will fly without privileges.

Airplane seats. Parents with babies are usually placed in the front rows or at the front of the aircraft. Besides, aviation regulations prohibit such passengers from booking seats in the row at the emergency exit.

If you choose seats via the Internet, at check-in, the parent and child with a separate seat can be seated. To prevent this from happening, you need to call the airline and ask to assign seats to you.

Children in car seats are usually placed at the window.

Cradle or belt. IN big planes children under one year old and weighing up to 11 kilograms provide cradles for sleeping. The cradle is attached to the partition in the first row and the baby is fastened with belts. To get a bassinet, you need to notify the airline at least 36 hours before departure.

Low-cost airlines do not have cradles and small aircraft like A-319, A-320, A-321, Boeing 737. On some flights, cradles are issued by Aeroflot, Ural Airlines”, “Emirates”, “Nordwind”. They usually come with a set of bed linen.

I flew to Sochi with the Rossiya airline, there are no cradles in its planes. The flight attendant gave out a short belt that wraps around the child's waist and fastens to the adult belt in the manner of chain links. At the same time, keep the baby with his head to the porthole: suddenly something will fall from the service trolley.

Nutrition. Some airlines provide passengers with baby food. It must be ordered, like any other special, kosher or vegetarian, by phone and at least 36 hours in advance. In booking systems, infant meals have their own code: BBML.

For example, in the standard Aeroflot menu there are three cans of mashed potatoes: meat, vegetable and fruit, cookies and 200 ml of milk. If you're planning a trip months in advance, it's a good idea to look at the infant feeding schedule. So, if from 4 months babies begin to eat vegetables little by little, then from 8 months they can already eat bread.

To comfortably breastfeed on an airplane, you can bring a special breastfeeding cape or apron with you. To avoid problems with the transportation of milk formula, prepare bottles with a volume of up to 100 milliliters. If you feed a child during takeoff and landing, his ears will not be blocked and he will not burst into tears.

What to use at the airport

Mother and child room. The room with changing table and sink can be used by parents of children up to 7 years old. In it, you can safely feed and change the child, but almost always you have to wait in line.

There are also changing tables on airplanes - they are usually located in the toilet. Both at the airport and on the plane, it is convenient to take absorbent diapers and wet wipes.

Priority boarding. Passengers with infants are often checked in at the business class counter and loudly invited to skip the line when boarding the aircraft. If you are not invited, know that you have such a right.

Fast Track and Marhaba Service. If the travel budget allows, you can pay for the fast track service at the airport ticket office. You can get through quickly with it. passport control, get luggage, go through security screening in a separate corridor. The range of services varies from airport to airport. For example, in Yekaterinburg "Koltsovo" service includes service in the business lounge and Buffet. This service starts at $35.

Similar services are available at many airports around the world. For example, in Dubai it is called "Marhaba".

Temporary stroller. Some airports provide wheelchairs to passengers. This is convenient if you have a transfer to connecting flight. At Vnukovo airport, such a service is available in the transfer hall of terminal A. Strollers are issued to parents with children under 5 years old.

What conclusions did I draw

1. Do not choose low-cost airlines if you want to fly in an airplane with a cradle.
2. Be prepared to pay for a child ticket if you are flying alone with two children. Take a car seat with you.
3. Call the airline after purchasing tickets: let them know you have a baby with you, secure seats, ask for a bassinet and baby food.
4. Place your baby items in your carry-on suitcase.
5. Take a stroller on your trip and check it in at the airport.
6. Plan what you will feed your baby and prepare containers of the allowed volume.

Consultant: Natalya Pautova, Friends Travel