Issues When You Are Traveling Internationally With An Infant
Often times, there can be nothing more frustrating for a parent than to have to travel overseas with a screaming, crying baby. You have to deal with them on airplanes, drag them through customs at airports, and hold them while you try and check in at hotels. However, there are a few tips parents can think about if they are planning on traveling with an infant. You will need your passport to travel overseas. Also, a passport for babies is now required for infants traveling internationally with their parents. This is done to prevent child abductions.
New Rules
Infants and children used to be able to travel on their parent’s United States passport. However, due to more stringent child trafficking laws this is no longer acceptable. This is why all US citizens no matter age must have a passport. Obtaining a passport for your infant is actually quite easy. By filling out an application, providing proof of citizenship, parental consent forms, and passport photos, along with the passport fee, your child with have their passport in no time. However unfortunately that was the easy part. Next is traveling with your infant.
Choosing An Airline
When you are trying to select an airline for international travel with a baby you should consider a few things. First, see if the airline offers any special accommodations for travelers who have a baby with them. Actually, some airlines will let people with infants board the plane before anyone else in order to get the child settled and comfortable. This will let you avoid the long, arduous wait in line that everyone else must suffer through. Also, once you board, make the flight attendants aware that you are traveling with a young baby and they will be more than happy to help you make sure the flight goes as seamlessly as possible for the child.
A Great Tool
Thankfully, if you have a child that is under the age of two they are permitted to sit in your lap during the duration of the flight. This will let you avoid having to haul a cumbersome car-seat through the airport for your baby to sit in on the plane. Another good idea is the hands free, baby carrier that parents can employ when making their way through a crowded airport.
Toddler Luggage
Toddlers love to imitate, to reduce stress at the airport and on the plane get them their own travel bag. Whether it is their own rolling suitcase, which also has the handy feature of being rideable in an airport, or a character backpack, it leaves more room in your bag for necessary items, and makes them feel like a big kid.
Staying Organized
Probably the most important skill to have when entering the world of parenthood is organization. This especially comes in handy when traveling with young ones. By keeping your bag organized with respective bottles and snack items, you are more apt to have a less stressful travel experience.