Whether you have a newborn or a toddler, a plane journey can feel like a huge undertaking. We’ve got tips to help you keep little ones safe and happy from take-off to touchdown.
Traveling with a newborn:
- Before booking, check with the airline provider to find out how old your baby has to be to travel. For Saudia, your baby should be at least a week old, although if you have a doctor’s note you can travel with babies who are 48 hours and older. Airlines will charge around 10% of an adult fare for little ones who don’t need their own seat (age restrictions usually apply).
- Try to feed your little one during take-off and landing to help ease any ear pain from pressure changes.
- If you’re formula feeding, bring more than you think you’ll need in case of delays. Don’t worry, liquid restrictions don’t apply to baby formula.
- Newborns are much easier to entertain than toddlers, so you won’t need to weigh down your hand luggage with various toys. Simply pack your child’s favorite comforter to help them feel secure.
- Long-haul flight? Check if bassinets are available on your airline – they’re great on night flights and may mean it’s more likely that your baby will sleep (giving you some precious respite!).
- Pack a comfy sling or baby carrier so that you can walk up and down the aisle with your baby hands-free. And if possible, book an aisle seat for easy access.
Traveling with a toddler:
- If they’re more than two years old, toddlers are usually required to sit in their own seat (double check with your airline). With Saudia, all infants aged eight days to 23 months must sit on an adult’s lap. Airlines will charge around 50-70% of an adult fare for a child’s seat.
- Bring double the quantity of snacks, diapers and toys that you think you’ll need, in case of delays.
- Toddlers are more difficult to keep occupied than babies and they won’t enjoy being buckled up and unable to move, so bring plenty of distractions: toys, games, books and screens will help keep them entertained.
- Give your little one their sippy cup or something to chew on during take-off or landing to help relieve any ear pain from pressure changes.
A final thought
Don’t stress about being “those parents” on the plane with a screaming child. There’s a trend for giving nearby passengers little care packages including ear plugs, but this isn’t necessary. The best thing you can do is keep calm (your baby will pick up on your emotions) and focus on soothing your little one the best you can.
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