• Ask friends or your travel agent for advice on child-friendly airlines. Some airlines are more accommodating than others.
  • Ask your travel agent for suggestions on airline travel with children.
  • Be aware that water does not come to a full boil on aeroplanes. Make sure you can breastfeed or take sterile water with you if needing to make up artificial formula for each feed.
  • If you are unsure of the availability of baby products at your destination, take enough supplies to last you the entire trip. Take sachets of an oral rehydration product (to treat fluid and electrolyte loss) in case you or your baby develops diarrhoea.
  • If your baby does get diarrhoea when travelling, keep breastfeeding. It is fine to go back to exclusive breastfeeding for a while until your baby recovers.
  • If you express milk, take your own equipment (such as breast pump) with you. Don’t forget to take a power point adaptor if your breast pump is electric.
  • If you are travelling alone, ask the airline if it is possible to have an ‘assistant’ who will help you at each stop. For example, the staff member might collect your luggage and help you on and off the plane.
  • While travelling by plane, try to time your baby’s feeds so they are drinking during take-off and landing. This will reduce the likelihood of ear pain triggered by the changes in cabin pressure.
  • Thieves tend to target women travelling with young children simply because mothers are often distracted and not able to hold onto their handbags. Carry your valuables on your body, such as in a neck pouch or belt worn next to the skin.
  • Travelling with your baby in a sling or specific backpack baby carrier can make it easier to get around in large travel centres including airports, train stations and bus terminals. You will also know exactly where your baby or toddler is and that they are safe and secure where they can gain comfort from being close to you.