With increasingly tighter airline regulations and no luggage allowance at all for infants less than two years of age, this service allows you to order ahead of time, saves you the hassle of shopping and carrying it to check-in and also keeps track of it!

Getting around on holiday with babies and toddlers can be a bit tricky, especially if you must contend with all the baggage that comes with your tiny tots and the bustle of airports. Don't forget that your buggy can be an indispensable tool for navigating the chaos, by safely securing your child or by hauling extra baggage while you manage your little one.

Getting from Point A to Point B - top tips

As soon as your sweet pea is able to walk, you'll find that one of the most intimidating aspects of travelling with her is her uncanny ability to disappear in the blink of an eye. Although she seems a little young to work the Cloak of Invisibility, her toddler's ease at being distracted and her speed at darting off would make any parent break into a cold sweat. It's true that it will be challenging for her to be scooped up in a plane for hours and your intentions to let her run off some extra steam are good in theory.

So what's the solution? Give yourself plenty of time. Arrive at least two hours earlier than you would have in your pre-toddler days so that you can navigate ticket lines and security with your tot safely strapped in. After the check-in process is complete, you can let her loose on the airport plays cape or run around as you supervise without distractions. The trek to the gate is a wonderful opportunity to channel your child's energy. Give her a job, like pulling her own small wheelie bag or carrying her own plane pillow and let her lead the way. Then you can use your stroller for everything else.

Most airports around the world allow pushchairs to be deposited all the way to the point of boarding the aircraft steps. Then they are then generally available at the gate of your destination. Take advantage of this convenience by using the extra set of wheels! Baby strollers are not just for babies use it to transport carry-on bags, infant car seats, boosters and anything else you have to juggle.

When you get to the gate, make sure to collapse and lock your pram properly. Airport luggage handlers are not obligated to follow the instructions cleverly outlined in your pram and buggy guidelines and airlines will not take responsibility for damage to strollers. If not too inconvenient, bring the travel bag that comes with many models.

If you are travelling by yourself and a baby, some airports will allow you to get an escort pass for a spouse or another helper to assist you with your things to the gate. Some airports have their own staff members for this purpose, although most are designated for disabled individuals or unaccompanied minors. Call ahead to your airline to determine your carrier's policies.

Security

Every airport in every country has a different protocol when it comes to the security check point. The best approach is to be prepared. Wear slip-on shoes and have your child wear slip-on shoes too, if he is walking. If your baby is in a sling or front carrier, you may be asked to remove him and hold him away from your body as you walk through the security gate. Plan on collapsing a stroller for the x-ray machine, which is why a buggy with a one-hand fold is very handy for air travel.

If your child is old enough, he will have to walk through on his own. You are normally not allowed to carry him or pass him to your companion or to the security officer. It is possible that all of you will be asked to remove your shoes. You may want to do a dry run of this procedure at home with your big boy, who'll probably get a kick out of the whole thing.
Use see-through plastic bags to pack items in your diaper bag. This will prevent security personnel from contaminating pacifiers, teethers, bottle nipples, and other sundries if they go through your belongings.

If you have a buggy or travel cot it may be delivered to the oversize luggage area in the arrival airport so check this when you get to the baggage reclaim area. It is best to get a buggy delivered to you if you can when you get off the plane so ask for this if you can.

Travelling with babies requires accommodations but is by no means impossible and does not have to be tortuous. Planning ahead makes the "travel day" much more pleasant and I think you will find that the joys of travelling with kids are worth the extra effort and baggage!

About the Author

Ria Sharon is a mom, a writer and traveller. Having taken her baby to five countries before the age of one, she loves to share her family's travel stories. Ria is the editor of a stroller review site that provides helpful advice when selecting the best baby strollers from top brands. tinytotsaway.com has shared this guide with us for your benefit.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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