8 Tips for traveling overseas with children
Here are 8 Tips for traveling overseas with children. This can be a very difficult task for any parent, but especially with your first child, and especially if you are going to some place super far away like Croatia.
I traveled from the US to the UK with our 9-month-old baby and then back to the US when she was 15 months old. Here are 8 Tips for traveling overseas with children that I learned that might help you!
1. On most overseas or long haul flights, you are able to book a bassinet seat. If you can get your child to fall asleep on their own in the bassinet, you are set and should have a fairly easy flight!
2. Bring DVDs or download their favorite programs to your computer. It might also be worth investing in a small DVD player or device for them, in case your battery dies, you’ll have a backup. Although many airlines are now offering power ports. Make sure you have a travel adapter on hand!
3. You have the option to check in your carseat & stroller at the gate, that way you’ll have it right up until the time you need to depart. If you don’t have a combo stroller and car seat, you might want to check in the car seat at checkin, and the stroller at the gate.
4. If your child is under 2, they can just sit on your lap and won’t need to buy a ticket, although if you are on a very long flight and they won’t sleep, this is going to seem like an even longer flight! You can also get lucky and have an open seat next to you.
5. Do not carry more bags in your carryon than you can handle. On our first trip, my husband and I had 2 bags between us each, plus the baby and stroller, and car seat.
We had way too much stuff and this made things even more difficult! The airline staff can not help you carry your luggage when you get to the terminal and have to check the car seat & stroller.
This means you have to carry the baby down from the gate to the plane, often waiting in long lines. Bring a baby carrier so you can wear the baby during this time.
You could also wear the baby while sitting in your seat if your baby won’t sleep in a bassinet, this may help you to get a few winks yourself so you don’t have to worry about dropping baby if you doze off.
6. Nurse your baby during takeoff and landing. This will help relieve any ear pressure they might experience. This is often the cause of very unhappy, screaming babies on a flight. Make sure you don’t nurse them too soon or they’ll be full and might not want to nurse at these times.
7. If you have a wait at the airport, look out for play structures or softplay areas for children. They have a great one at London Heathrow that is supervised, with two separate sections for little babies and bigger kids. This will help wear out your little one to ensure a good sleep on the flight!
8. Bring a couple of new toys for your kids on the flight but also have their favorite toys on hand that keep their attention for the longest time. Just don’t bring too many!
Best of luck on your journey!
Deb@SimplePlate says
Great tips! I wish someone had given me these tips when we flew to Japan years ago. That was the LONGEST ever trip!
Kendra says
I would have loved to take my little people abroad when they were young. I think it might have better then as opposed to now. At 3 &7, they’re picky eaters and much more particular.
Yoly says
Great tips! My nephew is flying solo for the first time this summer and I’m so excited about this. I need to give my sister a couple of this tips.
Ellen ThatChicMom says
Those are really great tips. I have never flown with my kids let alone overseas, honestly I am so worried they will bother everyone else!
valerieremymilora says
I have taken all of my girls to France and the youngest one to travel was 3 months at the time. Those are all great tips! The bassinets are a blessing! even with a baby that sleeps soundly you don’t get any real rest when you’re cradling your little one in your arms.
Gina says
Great tips! I’ve never traveled overseas, nor on a plan period with young children, my 7 and 9 year old (at the time) were enough, I can’t imagine them being any younger lol
Natalie says
I could never bring myself to travel with kids when they were young – these tips are great, and would sure have made a difference and I known this back then.
YellowTennessee says
I remember when I was in Jr high we moved from Illinois to South Africa. My youngest brother was 6. I never thought about it before but I’m not sure how my mom did it.
Ashley says
What great tips!! I’m always nervous traveling with my kids anywhere!
Nolie says
Those are great tips. Especially the baby carrier one. Its great to check the stroller at the gate but that line up to get to your seat can take forever.
Liz Mays says
This is great advice for those long trips. My kids have never gone over seas with me but I wish we could have.
Karen Coutu says
I had no idea there was such a thing as bassinet seats!! What great tips! Thanks so much for sharing. 😀
Jeannette says
These are great tips! I haven’t traveled overseas with my kids yet but I know that if I ever do, I’ll make sure to be prepared!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I have never really thought about taking the kids overseas, but this is GREAT information to know if I ever do it.
Crystal says
New toys and uncommon snacks save me on planes. I try to keep them as busy as possible. Thank goodness for iPads!