Travelling with kids is difficult and challenging. A lot of preparation goes into making this travel happen. There is absolutely no guideline that can make this happen in an absolutely wonderful manner, there can, however, be ways in which it can be made easier for you.
Cookie’s first travel happened when he was 8 weeks. It was a long travel with a layover of about 2 hours. This was by far our easiest flight so far. Feeding while taking off and landing and an empty middle seat helped us have a comfortable flight. TIP: Feed the child while taking off and landing, ask for a seat towards the rear because the washroom there has a diaper changing station, use the Babycare room at the airports. Ask for help from the ground staff and/or co-passengers.
The second travel trip happened around 14 weeks when Cookie was a little grown up and he cried all the way to the landing. This happened despite trying to feed him because the air pressure was low. Again nothing much that I could do here apart from feeding him. TIP: feed, feed and feed.
Our next long travel happened when Cookie was 9 months old and was actively crawling around. This was a challenging phase and those were the times, he wouldn’t sleep for more than 75 minutes at a stretch. This is when I did a break journey. A flight of 100 minutes, a break of 2 hours and a flight of 55 minutes. What did this mean for the crawling baby? Instead of being cramped inside the aircraft for 3 hours, he got to crawl around for an hour that made him happy. TIP: If it is feasible, break the journey and let the baby enjoy while he can before embarking on to the next one.
Our third long travel happened when Cookie was 13 months and it was a 6 hours travel by train. To say that this was the most challenging travel till date is an understatement. He was almost walking by then and wanted to run around inside the coach or crawl; he slept for a few hours, played for a few and then the poor kid was clueless about what he should be doing. TIP: Never take a day train with a baby, you will go bald by the time the journey ends.
Our next journey happened when Cookie was 15 months old and it was a train journey of 6 hours. The first journey was an early morning one and the second one was in the afternoon. Luckily, he slept during both the trips and the only problem we faced was when the train got delayed for our return journey. TIP: Try aligning your travel time with baby’s sleeping time. Carry lot of snack items, ample water and toys/books to keep your baby busy.
Our latest journey was a 3 hours flight in the evening. Cookie was wide awake for the first hour because he had slept on the way to the airport. We played in the baby care room, roamed around in the lobbies, ate, sang some songs (all with passersby smiling at us). We had been given a window seat which Cookie happily took advantage of, by staring outside while we were taking off. He was awake for exactly 30 minutes which we spent reading books. And then zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. TIP: Carry book/games whatever your baby likes, for keeping him engaged. Also, fill his tummy before the boarding happens so that he can sleep in-flight. Keep some snacks ready in case he wakes up before landing. Keep fluids handy for him to sip on.
Travelling is a happy experience for most of us but doing it with kids becomes difficult. Every trip is a learning experience for us now. I hope the tips help you to plan a travel with your kids.
Musings of a Mother 
Traveling with very young kids is so tough! Even into elementary school, it is difficult. It’s so much easier once they are potty trained and can sit longer.
definitely helpful tips! we took our first big trip when our son was 8 months old. He slept through the entire thing! From take off and through touchdown! the next trip we took when he was almost 2. he was a monster. not so much having to do with anything like his ears hurt or he was hungry. he was bored! definitely bring things to keep them busy!
These are great tips! I was just thinking about how challenging it’ll be to travel with a baby the other day. I wouldn’t have thought of requesting a seat close to the restroom. Thank you for putting my mind at ease!
We went to a family reunion to Yellow Stone with my two month old son. It can be challenging but not impossible.
Nice tips Tamanna. In fact I’ve applied all these while travelling but learnt with time. We always need to move with a separate baby bag with all the essentials in it including the basic medicines till a certain age. Good to sum up your experience and present it to the other new moms.
Traveling with little ones can be a challenge, that’s for sure. These are very helpful tips!