October 13, 2010
Is A Baby On Your Packing Checklist? Well, Here's A Few Recommendations To Consider
More often than ever Mommies are toting babies onto planes and bringing them to foreign countries. Just the thought might make your heart skip a beat, but you'd be surprised just how easy it's gotten. Airlines have adapted to the growing trend, making international travel a much more considerable option for your family. Simply knowing what to expect on your flight and how to get a kids passport fast can take make your trip exponentially easier, both for you and Baby.
Everyone in your family will need a passport for traveling abroad, including your baby. It's best to locate or renew passports way in advance in your trip to avoid any potential troubles, but we all know that not every trip is planned. So, if you need an expedited USA passport, you are able to get one. However, it might cost a little more. In order to obtain your passport, you will need two professional passport photos. These can be taken at your local drugstore (be sure to check yours) or at the passport office itself. Phone ahead of time to make sure that the location has the means to photograph your baby, as not all of them do. You will also need to bring a birth certificate for Baby and two forms of identification for yourself, and anyone else in your family.
Many airlines offer special conveniences that can make your flight with Baby go a lot smoother. When booking your flight, try to pick times where the plane is less crowded, such as during the week or the red-eye flights. A benefit of red-eye or overnight flights is the fact that your child will be more naturally prone to fall asleep, as these flights are generally during his or her sleep schedule. If there was ever a time that you invested a little extra money to get a non-stop flight, the time is now. Also, the bulkhead seating section, located at the front of each row, offers more leg room that provides a little extra space for baby to play in.
Although many airlines offer free tickets for infants, you might consider buying a ticket for your baby, as this will give you a little extra room to work in. The flight attendants will do everything they can to help make your trip easier, like warming up a bottle or bringing extra pillows and blankets.
If this trip is for leisure, be sure to plan ahead for plenty of downtime. Having a jam-packed schedule will stress both you and Baby out. If the baby feels that you're relaxed, it is most likely going to relax as well. Many foreign countries have different brands of baby food, so bring your own to avoid upsetting Baby's tummy. Also bring your own water, as foreign water can take a toll on everyone in your family.
A little preparation can go a long way when traveling with Baby. If it's a last minute trip, there are ways how to get a child's passport fast. But, you should try to get your passport plenty of time in advance to avoid paying the fee for an expedited US passport. Also, the best advice you could get comes from Mommies who have traveled with their babies, so don't be afraid to ask for help.