Being a mom doesn’t mean you should stay at home and report for mommy duties. We encourage a little “momcation”. You can even take your baby with you.
Photograph: Natasha Babenko
1. Don’t alter your baby’s schedule
Plan your travel around your baby’s sleep, nap and feeding routine. For instance, if taking a long-haul flight, book one that’s scheduled during your baby’s usual sleep time. Ten-to-one babies will be less cranky if they’re well-fed and -rested.
2. Keep food handy
Pack plenty of food, snacks and liquids for during travel. It’s better to have more snacks than you need in case of unforeseen delays.
3. Book a flight with an extended layover
This gives you enough time to change a dirty nappy, grab non-aeroplane food and feed your baby. It also means you can also take your time getting from one gate to another, which beats having to run with a baby in tow.
4. Book a direct flight
Provided you have extra cash to splurge on a direct flight, this might help you and your baby have a smooth trip. The air pressure in a baby’s ears during landing could cause them to scream and cry on a plane. Booking a direct flight will minimise the amount of time spent in discomfort.
5. Protect your baby’s ears
As aforementioned, the air pressure could cause pain and/or discomfort during landing or taking off. Sucking or chewing can help alleviate this, so ensure you have a bottle and a dummy ready or even a cracker for older babes.
6. Change nappies before boarding
Keep your baby dry and ready to take the flight comfortably. This will help you take fewer trips on the plane and avoid inconveniencing other passengers.
Pro tip: Double-bag your baby’s nappy to avoid leakage. Apply extra nappy cream.
7. Layer it on
Dress comfortably but ensure that you have a couple of easy-to-slip-off items that will help you easily change according to the change in temperature. Do the same for your baby.
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