by
Emma Jenner, child development, sleep and behavioral specialist
Founder, Emma’s Children www.emmaschildren.com
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All children regardless of age must have their own passport. For further information go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html
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If someone other than the biological parents is traveling with a child they must carry a letter of authorization from the parents. This should state that you (the parents) give named person permission to travel with your child (child’s name) in and out of specified countries. Include a contact number where you can be reached at all times in the case of an emergency or any potential complications.
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Check for vaccinations that may be required for the country to which you’re traveling. Remember to take the vaccination certificates with you to prevent refusal of entry upon arrival.
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Buy a comprehensive health insurance plan that will cover everyone in your travel party whilst abroad in case of an emergency.
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If you have any concerns about your child’s health (ear ache, sore throat) you should consult with Doctor before traveling. Children cannot travel with contagious diseases, for example: Chicken Pox.
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If your child requires formula be sure to check with your airline and airport about their security regulations as each vary. Depending on their regulations in regards to taking milk through security you may need to take powered formula and buy bottled water once you’re through security.
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Children over the age of two are required to have their own seat. Instead of traveling with bulky car seats there are now FAA approved harness style safety devices for children 22-44lbs.
Keeping your child happy and comfortable on the plane, please follow the tip that’s age appropriate for your child:
-Remember your child’s comfort blanket or favorite soft toy. Take an extra blanket, as it can get chilly.
-Buy new reading books, coloring books (Color Wonder is great) and toys that your child hasn’t seen. This will keep their interest longer and prevent them from getting bored.
- A Personal DVD player is a blessing to resort to when your child is beyond entertaining. The ‘Leapster’ by Leap Frog along with educational games is also a wonderful source of entertainment. For your fellow passengers please don’t forget headphones.
-The pressure during take-off and landing can really hurt a child’s ears, depending on the age make sure you have a drink or lollypop on hand. Sucking helps relieve the pressure.
-Always bring change of clothes incase of spills or an accident and if you have room throw in a spare top for yourself especially if traveling with a young baby.
-Ensure you have enough supplies; diapers, wipes, sippy cups or bottles. Bring plenty of snacks and or formula.
-Carry on Tylenol or Motrin (must be under 3.4oz/100ml), for the unexpected fever or teething pains etc.
-Understand it’s a lot to expect a child to sit still for any length of time. Allow them to stretch their legs by walking up and down the isle. This can also calm and soothe an unhappy younger child or baby.
Wishing you safe and happy travels!
About The Author
Emma Jenner, a child development and behavioral specialist, was raised in Oxford, England until the age of 12 then proceeded to live in various parts of the world including Germany and Cyprus before returning to England where she specialized in childcare at Salisbury College.
Emma first worked as a nursery school teacher. Her love of children, of all ages, led her to a career as a professional nanny and baby nurse for over a decade. During this time, Emma worked with a variety of high profile and celebrity families. An entrepreneur, Emma founded a sleep consulting business and a nanny-training academy in the Los Angeles area. She was also the star of the popular TLC series Take Home Nanny, where she worked closely with parents to give them the tools necessary to allow them to regain control of family chaos.
With an abundance of experience and proficiency in raising children and with a specialization in sleep training, Emma has recently launched Emma’s Children, a consulting service whose goal is to provide parents the tools they need to take care of their most valuable asset.
A fun-loving, busy individual, Emma believes in raising children with a firm, disciplined, yet loving and nurturing approach — one that insists on good manners and respect to and from all family members. She strives in her work to create harmony in the home by helping parents maintain a loving and nurturing environment. Emma’s expertise has been broadcast on syndicated radio show as well as several parenting magazines.
I just booked a plane trip for my daughter + me. Great tips in this article! We have one of those Color Wonder books and we’ll certainly be bringing it. I’m also going to bring some Wikki Sticks – they can be stuck on to windows/trays and peel right off. The other travel toy I like are the triangle shaped crayons – they won’t roll off the tray and under the seat!
Bringing a change of clothes for yourself is the one thing I always forget to do and I’ve regreted it more than once! I do always remember to take a small (.5 oz) container of bubbles – easy to pick up at the dollar store in a box, and they last a long time. Good for cars, airplanes, long waits, and meltdowns.
I traveled to Europe and Africa when my son was 2 and amazingly he behaved so well, everyone was praising him. Since then, I take him with me every time I go on a trip. I take dvds and toys so that he is not bored.
I would not have thought about checking for vaccinations required in other countries! Thanks!
Great tips. After reading your article,many parents will find it easy to take their children in flight. I remember those days, when I was about 2 years old, my mother found it very difficult to take myself and my siblings in flight.
We are about to take a long flight and I really appreciate the tips.