About a hand luggage: if you are flying with a child, try to pack as many things as possible in the hand luggage, and not just those things you will need in the road. Taking into account that suitcases often get lost or late, the tiniest delay can end as a huge problem, especially when you are travelling with a newborn.
About a sleep: if you don't want to hold your child on your arms all flight long, find out about a possibility to order a cradle. Usually you have to send an application to the airline and, if such service is provided on your flight, you and your baby will be seated right by the partition with business class. A little cradle for children under 10 kg can be attached to this wall.
About a food: take care about the amount of food and water while traveling. Keep in mind that it is not recommended to give children hot drinks on the board, due to the quality of water. You can always take a small bottle of clean water on board for your child, in addition to other food.
Always take as much food as possible, because your flight may be delayed or rerouted due to weather conditions. The same applies to diapers - always take a lot more. If you are travelling with toddler, it is convenient to take folding travel pots and special bags that that can be thrown out after each use.
About a discomfort: try to feed an infant right before take-off or landing, water drinking can help to avoid laying ears. Also keep in mind that children runny nose can cause pain in the ears. For this reason, in case of a cold, take on board a vasoconstrictor, as well as a saline solution in spray or drops.
About an important stuff: in addition to food and hygiene products, take a small blanket or a soft shawl with you on the road - even in summer, an air conditioner can work on board or in the car, and sleeping baby will need to be covered. Also a couple of favorite and new toys, audio tales and cartoons downloaded on your phone or tablet can come in handy.
About a car seat: When traveling by car in Europe, keep in mind that having a car seat is a strict rule, the violation of which entails a fine. That is, even if you rent a car or travel on your friends car, the child should sit strapped in the car seat:
- children up to 9 kg should be placed in a special chair with their backs to the direction of movement;
- children up to 125 cm should be transported in a special car seat with backrest and armrests;
- children from 125 cm should use a booster seat;
- children up to 150 cm tall cannot ride in the front seat (not counting the installation of special seats).
By the way, if you first fly by plane, and then you plan to rent a car, you can take the car seat on board. Keep in mind, that your car seat must have a mark "For use in aircraft". Also you have to pay for a separate place (if the child is under 2 years old). Many airlines make discounts for baby seats, but just to be sure check with carrier before buying a ticket.
About an insurance: take care about insurance for your baby. As a rule, the majority of insurance companies offer "standard" package - the same as for adults. But if you are worried, or your baby has health issues, it is better to buy an extended policy. If you plan to travel far away from large cities, find out where children's medical care can be provided on your itinerary, including pediatrician consultation in the case of a regular ARVI.
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