Travelling With Infants or Children
Travelling is a great opportunity to create lasting memories with your family. Your child’s immune system is still developing so whether your adventure is nearby or far away, travelling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, requires a little extra preparation.
These protective measures will help ensure a safe and comfortable trip and may help keep them healthy.
- Check with your health-care provider before travelling, for guidance on any specific health-related conditions and to ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date and if they need any travel-related vaccinations.
- Children experience a higher risk of developing tummy upsets, diarrhea and digestive infections when travelling in developing countries. Use purified water for drinking, mixing infant formula or cereal, and brushing teeth. Consider limiting exposure to new foods. Continue mealtime routines where possible.
- Protect your child by using clothing that covers the legs and arms, and mosquito netting to cover cribs, playpens, or strollers.
- Take protective measures! Avoid anyone who is sick, wash hands often, and use a hand sanitizer when appropriate. Pay close attention to pacifiers or toys that might accidentally fall. When cleaning isn’t easily available, carry an extra pacifier if possible.
Travelling by Car
- A well-rested driver is essential to starting a road trip.
- Use the proper car seat for your infants or young children. Taking a turn in the back seat to read books, sing, or play games may help keep your child from becoming restless or irritable.
- Plan to stop driving and give yourself and your child a break about every two hours for feedings, diaper changes, or simply to comfort your baby.
Travelling by Plane
- If travelling with a new infant, check airline carrier regulations about age limitations for travel.
- If possible, take advantage of pre-booking your seat to allow preferred seating choice and ensure that your family is seated together.
- Allow extra time for packing the car, getting to the airport, and going through security at the airport.
- Before heading to the airport, talk with your children about the security screening process. Dress children in layered, easy-to-remove clothing and shoes to shorten screening delays.
- Where possible, use your stroller through check-in or at the gate when entering the plane.
- Children under 2 years old may be held in your arms during a flight, however, Transport Canada highly recommends that you use an approved child restraint system (car seat) for all air travel. This would require you to buy a ticket for them. Check with the airline carrier about the policies about bringing your own child’s car safety seat.
- Changes in cabin pressure that happen during takeoff and landing may result in ear discomfort. Have a snack ready to help equalize middle ear pressure. Nursing or feeding your baby can also help.
Travelling by Ferry
- The Marine Atlantic Ferry system offers both vehicle and passenger onboarding. Foot passengers meet in a designated area to catch the Marine Atlantic shuttle bus, which will transport you to the ferry during the loading process. Preboarding is available for those who need help. For passengers travelling in a vehicle, you must follow on-site staff and stay inside until you have reached the assigned vehicle deck. All required carry-on items should be ready when you leave your vehicle. Passengers cannot return to the vehicle deck once the vessel leaves port.
- Strollers are not allowed to be opened on the vehicle deck.
- Book a cabin for sleeping if travelling through the night.
- Safety tips on board the ferry:
- Review the on-site safety features.
- Always keep your child close to you while on board.
- Stow luggage and strollers away from aisles, steps, gangways, and thoroughfares. Ask the crew where to stow large items.
- Stay with your belongings during the journey.
- Make the crew aware if you have safety concerns.
- If you’re travelling with another Ferry system, check with them in advance about their travel procedures.
Other helpful hints for travelling with children.
- Before setting off on your adventure, gather any necessary identification documents such as passports or birth certificates and pack any medication your child will need while away from home. Always keep medications in their original, pharmacy containers or packaging so they are easily identifiable at security checkpoints, i.e. airport security.
- Load up your carry-on with enough diapers, baby wipes, bottles, pacifiers, toys, games, and books to keep your child quietly occupied for the duration of the trip. A child’s rolling suitcase can save the day, or a stroller basket is always handy.
- Delays can happen when you least expect it. Take along enough snacks, food, and infant formula for 24 hours.
- Have a designated meeting spot in the event you become separated from other members of your family.
- Rest whenever possible.
- Have fun!