How to organize your baby's first trip? When was the first time you traveled with a baby? Any time is a good time to start, but I recommend waiting up to two or three months. The first months are critical for both children and parents as they have to pass medical exams, their first vaccinations and parents learn to be parents. Nobody is born knowing how to take care of their children, each child is a world and you have to adapt to their needs. When you decide to travel with your baby in the first months of life, it is convenient to have it as a destination in your country, from 5 or 6 months you can make more European and even international trips. It all depends on how she adjusts to traveling, or if she's a second child and already has more experience. Choosing a destination to travel with your baby for the first time Parents have to choose that destination, one that excites you, or one that you want to repeat as a family. The advantage of choosing a destination you've already been to is that you're safe and won't have any surprises, and it's a good option when trying to make your debut as a traveling parent. You have to know that babies up to 2 years old do not pay for the plane ticket but they do pay the fees, they cannot carry a suitcase but they do allow you to carry the changing bag and you can check in up to two free baby accessories such as the stroller and the car seat or a travel cot. Traveling far with a small baby is possible. However, there are a few tips we put into practice when our teddies were little to make traveling with a baby on long-haul flights as easy as possible: - When booking your tickets, avoid flights with stopovers or transfers as much as possible. In addition to lengthening the duration of the trip, you will have to deal with waiting times at the airport, with a more or less cooperative baby. I prefer direct flights. - Favor night flights: this will make it easier for the baby to sleep during part of the trip a cot for your baby: it is possible on long-haul flights for babies weighing less than 10 kg. You will be placed in the first row, where the cots hang on the wall... and where you have room to move your legs forward: it's good to travel with a baby on a plane! However, you have to arrange in advance, as they are very popular. Pick a window seat: it's more comfortable. It gives you a support when you have the baby in your arms. That said, for our first long flights with the loupiots, we flew by day and with a stopover... And we survived. But it's clear we didn't do anything else on the flight than take care of our pups. So expect your flight to be quite active. With a small child you get up several times, either to put him to sleep, change him or stretch his legs (and run after him because he wants to visit all the seats in the aisle...). What documentation is needed to fly with a baby? Traveling with a baby by plane requires documentation. These depend on your destination. In the case of France, no document is normally required, but most airlines ask for an identity document.For other destinations, you will need for your little one - A valid identity document: to travel within the EU or the Schengen area; - Valid passport: outside the EU - Your passport and visa: in some countries of the world sometimes the authorities even ask that the visa remains valid 6 months after the date of return; - An exit permit, also if you want to travel with a baby by plane and you are not the father. Wherever you go, take your livret de famille. Although you cannot legally be required to show it, it is better to have it than to be stuck in an airport. As for the health card, it is essential to travel with a baby by plane, in France or abroad. You never know. Attention: do not wait until the last moment to make these documents. As timeframes can vary, please plan ahead. Finally, think about your travel insurance. The insurance is included in the bank card, but it may not be enough. It is often necessary to take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers all eventualities, in particular repatriation in the event of a health problem on the spot. There is no need to do any paperwork in case of a problem in an EU country thanks to the European Health Card (it must be requested before leaving) How much does a plane ticket cost for a baby? The good news is that traveling with a baby by plane is not very expensive. However, this depends on the airline. Some airlines, such as Air France, offer great discounts if your baby travels on your lap: you will only pay 10% of the price. Those older than two years must buy a ticket that will cost between 70 and 80% of the adult fare. So before you book your flight, compare the fares of different airlines for your baby. Do not forget that, whatever the price of the ticket, you will have to add airport taxes, which must be paid whether your baby is 1 month old or if she is 24. Do I have to reserve a seat on the plane for my baby? - Up to 2 years old, it is not necessary to reserve a seat when traveling with a baby on an airplane. Your child can sit on your lap. For takeoff and landing, an additional device is provided in the form of a belt that attaches to your own. When booking, please specify that you are traveling with an infant. - However, if you are under 2 years old, you can reserve a seat, which will cost the same as for those over 2 years old. This can be more practical during the trip, for example to leave your things. An approved car seat, adapted to your child, can be a good solution for him to be well installed. This will also avoid having to put one in the cellar. If you plan to travel with a baby by plane quite often, you should know that there are approved inflatable car seats that are light and compact. - For babies, the best idea is to reserve a crib. Located on the side of the plane, you will be in the front row with your baby. According to the airline, they are designed for babies under 9 months or 10-11 kg and less than 70-80 cm tall. This is a practical solution for long-haul flights, but needs to be arranged in advance. Please note that on some airlines, this is only a pre-booking. Cribs are assigned at check-in, with smaller infants having priority.
TAKING A LONG FLIGHT WITH A BABY
WHAT ARE THE FORMALITIES FOR TRAVELING WITH A BABY BY PLANE?
