Baby-proof Your Travel Plans For Stress-free Trips

July 6, 2009 - PRLog -- When you've been away with a baby a few times it starts to become second nature, but when you haven't gone further than Grandma's house for tea, it can be the most daunting experience, even to the point where you dread the trip. So much for getting away from it all!

Here are a few tips handed down by parents who have been there and done it many times.

Before you go:
- Passports – don't forget to get the baby a passport! This can takes weeks following the standard application process or you can pay extra for fasttrack.
- Travel insurance documents.
- European Health Insurance card (if applicable).
- Any visas needed for your destination.
- Find a map of where you are going to stay. Useful to get there in the first place but also for finding the nearest doctor, hospital, beach, amusement park!.
- Driving license (if planning to drive) - check whether you need an international driving license for your destination.
- Any vaccinations you may need. Remember to take vaccination records with you.
- Essential phone numbers list (include British Embassy number in case of emergency).

Taking off? Consider the following:
- For long flights consider whether you need a bassinet for your baby. The airline can book this for you.
- If you are hiring a car at your destination, consider hiring a car seat to be supplied by the hirer rather than paying to take your own. Obviously there is no guarantee of the cleanliness or make of car seat but it will be tested and legal for the road. You must take responsibility for it being fitted correctly in the car itself.
- Take a large changing bag for all the in-flight essentials:
  - Milk
  - Water
  - Food and snacks
  - Nappies, wipes, nappy sacks, bibs
  - Toys
  - Blanket
  - Muslin cloth
  - Antibacterial hand gel
  - Change of clothes for the baby and a spare top for you
- You can take a bottle of milk through security as long as you declare it and taste it in front of security staff. Normally premix milk is available to buy on the airside of security but it may not be your usual brand. You can phone the retailer ahead and ask what brand they carry to be certain.
- Take a carrier or stroller though to the plane. When you check-in tell the airport staff who will count it as a piece of luggage and attach a flight label.
- You can normally check in 1 large baby item (e.g. car seat, travel cot) at check-in. Ensure it is packed well as it will be put through the normal trials of baggage handling!
- At security fold the carrier or stroller and put through the xray. Carry your baby through. If the security alarm goes off, staff will assist you with the baby while you are checked.
- At the gate, priority is normally given to passengers with young children. Some airlines now charge for this. Check at check-in. Alternatively you can generally rely on the generosity of fellow passengers to let you through.
- Leave the stroller folded at bottom of plane steps. It will be put in the hold and you can pick it up again from the bottom of the plane steps at your destination. A carrier can be taken on board and stowed overhead or under the seat in front of you.
- On budget airlines a child up to the age of 2 will travel sat on your lap through the flight. A baby seatbelt harness will be provided by the airline and ask for help to fasten it if you are unsure.
- Breast feed or have a bottle ready to offer your baby on take-off and landing to help equalise their ears. Older children can have a drink or a sweet to suck.
- Nappy changing on planes is available in the toilets. Normally there is a shelf that folds down but it may not have a harness or pad so ensure you have everything easily to hand. A quick change kit is ideal for this.
- The staff on board can provide water for drinking but it won't be sterile so consider a bottle of mineral water for under ones.
- Bottle or food warming can be done by staff on board for you. Just ask.

Room Service? What to ask for at a hotel:
-  Ask if the hotel provides a travel cot. Even if they do you may want to take your own anyway confident of its quality and cleanliness. Take a sheet and blanket for it as well.
- Some hotels will have a DVD and CD player in the room to entertain little ones. Ask before you leave home. Alternatively you may be able to hook up your portable DVD player or laptop.
- Early check-in and late check out can be really helpful for awkward flights or travel times. Find out if they can accommodate you without a fee.
- Does the hotel have a pool and if so, can babies use it? Take appropriate swim nappies according to the hotel's rules.
- An in-room fridge and kettle will be very useful for food and milk. If this is not available ask if you can use the hotel kitchen's facilities or if they can arrange them for your stay.
- A travel sterilizer will be needed for under ones. Good old fashioned Milton sterilizing fluid and a large plastic container does an excellent job too.
- Does the room have a bath or shower. Babies can be bathed in the sink or you might consider a travel baby bath.
- Some hotels can arrange for a babysitter for you for a well needed night out! Arrange well in advance.
- If you are planning an evening meal or a drink in the bar, take a baby monitor with you. It may not work if it is out of range so be flexible with your arrangements. You can always have room service!

Don't let stress get to you before the sun does! Consider these tips and enjoy your holiday with your baby.

For more travel advise go to http://www.babygoshop.co.uk/travel-tips

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