Everything you need to know to travel with children

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO TRAVEL WITH A CHILD

Planning, child’s passport, to-do list, toddler-friendly services, family-friendly destinations – this is all you need to know to travel hassle-free with a baby or child.

Passport and other travel documents

Some countries like Canada, children must have their own passport to travel from birth to age 16. A passport issued to a child has a maximum validity of five years. My friend who dropped his son off to get a passport and found out he had to sign for his son because he was a minor. Most airlines require that the child be at least seven days old before flying. If you need to travel with a newborn, contact the carrier. To apply for a passport, you must have your child’s birth certificate – so it is important to schedule the time to receive this document.

Heres a helpful video how to apply for a childs passport.

The health

Find out about the vaccines required (or recommended) for your destination and check with a health care provider or travel health clinic if your child’s immunization schedule needs to be adjusted to ensure that your child is well protected before departure. Some vaccines recommended for adults are not recommended for children.

Children are also at high risk of contracting diarrhea and rabies. When choosing your destination, check the sanitary conditions on site.

The plane

Sign up for the different children’s airline programs to take advantage of a host of benefits (priority boarding or surprises delivered to the kids by flight attendants on the plane, for example).

Choose the seats on the window side with a baby or a child: the wall of the device will become your ally, and one side less to manage during the flight.

Quick access to the toilet can also be convenient for parents of young children. If you are worried about airplane turbulence (or are sensitive to it), favor squares in front of the plane or at the height of the wings.

Check to see if the plane has hammocks or cribs that can be used for babies. To reserve one, make a request to the carrier’s customer service once your tickets have been reserved. Above all, do not delay: it’s first come, first served!

Accommodation

Before you book your accommodation, take the time to read the conditions specific to the property: some hotels are strictly for adults, for example. These conditions will also tell you how old children can stay free of charge (if any); which maximum number of children included in the reservation rate is allowed; what fees are required for any additional child; if it is possible to request an extra bed in the room; etc.

Equipment and items needed

Prepare a travel health kit (bandages, antidiarrheals, thermometer, etc.). A good baby carrier will become your best ally not only on the spot, but also on the plane, where it will allow you to walk while having your hands free. Note, however, that you cannot use it during take-off and landing or in turbulence.

Do you plan to spend time at sea? “With a baby in the south, manage a little anti-UV tent for naps on the beach.

Traveling with a child, in a few words

Traveling with children is an exceptional opportunity, because you see the landscapes through their eyes. This is an opportunity to fill up with new and extremely rewarding experiences. What’s more, a young baby is often a very effective mat: people naturally tend to want to help you.