Warning: be prepared for long stints of Twinkle Twinkle. Take window blinds for bright sunshine and music for bored children.If you need to, dispatch one parent to the back seat to keep your child company.Try to time your journey around nap times and stop for breaks if you need.whether you need to book a taxi with a baby seat. Plan how you get from the train station to your final destination, e.g.Pack a light bag with nappies, snacks and toys so you can stow other luggage in the rack.Reserve a seat, choosing a window seat for older babies and toddlers to look out of.Plan the most direct route to avoid awkward train changes.When you get off the train, watch gaps and get off backwards as it’s often safer. Sit near the toilets on trains as there’s often more space and flip-up seats for pushchair space.It can be overwhelming arriving at a train station with a buggy, whereas using a sling will keep your hands free to find things like tickets. Try to use a sling or baby carrier rather than a buggy.Perhaps try to avoid quiet zones on trains – other passengers may not be sympathetic to a chatty toddler or crying baby. You’ll thank yourself for checking which train stations have lifts for pushchairs.This means the carriages and buses are less crowded and there will be extra seats. (Baby Can Travel, 2018b Which? 2018a, b) By train or bus You could attach a luggage label to your child’s clothing with their name and flight number on it.Changing cabin pressure during take-off and landing can be uncomfortable for your children, you can ease the discomfort by feeding babies, giving toddlers a dummy and older children a sweet to suck on.If possible, sit in an easily accessible seat on the plane.If you need transfers from the airport, check with your airline about taking your baby car seat, or arrange to hire one when you get there.It’s good to find out from the airport and your airline about the rules for fluids allowed through security and in cabin baggage.A baby carrier or sling for very young children and a back/hip carrier for toddlers is great for walking babies up and down the aisles.Travelling at night can help them stick to their usual routines too. On long-haul flights, you can request a bassinet for them to sleep in.Children under two years old usually sit on your lap, so taking a cushion or blanket can help.It’s always good to check the weight limit for your airline before you travel.Try to keep stuff you need for your baby or toddler in your hand luggage.Some airlines also let you keep your own pushchair with you right up to the boarding gate. You can make full use of the facilities: lots of airports have dedicated areas for entertaining children and have buggies you can use.Book outside the school holidays if you can – way cheaper and less crowded.But three to seven months is a great window (The Guardian, 2005). The booking policy differs from one airline to another, so it is important to check directly with the airlines (Which? c). Usually infants must be at least two weeks old before they can travel although some airlines allow seven-day old infants on board. Small babies are portable and often a lot more flexible than their toddler buddies.
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