Tips for travelling with baby
Going on a trip with a little baby requires a great deal of organization: choice of destination, medical questions, baby's suitcase, travel insurance for the baby, travel documents... You don't want to forget anything! It's hard to improvise when you're not alone, so here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip with a baby.
Where to travel with a baby
The first thing you need to think about is how much your baby will have to adapt. Here's our advice on where and when to travel with your baby:
- Don't choose a country where the temperature is over 30 degrees or, on the contrary, under 5 degrees. These extreme temperatures are not really suitable for baby.
- We often want to go far away to get a change of scenery: during baby's first years, avoid very long journeys which, in addition to a painful plane journey, involve a time difference that could be complicated to manage with a baby.
- Choose a destination where you know the health care system will be more than adequate in case of need.
- Don't go above an altitude of 1,500 m (the older the child, the higher the altitude).
- Consult your paediatrician at least 1 month before you leave, informing him or her of your forthcoming vacation, to find out if any vaccinations or other special treatments are required for the baby. In all cases, always take a first-aid kit and valid prescriptions with you, if any.
Travelling with a baby: what identity documents do I need?
A baby, like a minor in general, must have certain documents to be able to travel. r.
If travelling with at least one parent
In Europe, the identity card will suffice.
Abroad, the baby will need a valid individual passport and visa, if required.
Please note that some countries may require a travel authorization issued by the other parent if he or she is not present. This is all the more important if your child does not have the same surname as you (take your livret de famille with you if you have it). In the event of divorce, it's also a good idea to carry the divorce decree certifying your parental authority.
>> Calculate the insurance premium for your next trip <<
If traveling without parents
To leave Swiss territory, the baby or minor child is not required to have an authorization to leave the country, but it is recommended for destination countries that may require it. On the other hand, he or she must carry a valid identity document (passport or national identity card, depending on the country) and a copy of the identity papers of the parent who signed the authorization. Other documents may be required on arrival in the destination country, so make sure you have as much information and documentation with you as possible.
Travelling with a baby: what travel insurance should you take out for a baby?
Are you planning to travel with a baby in Switzerland? With our travel insurance, you can protect yourself and insure your child as well (be sure to mention this in the number of people to be covered). You'll be able to leave for Switzerland with peace of mind, knowing that you can be repatriated, rescued and covered for cancellation (vacation rentals, activities you've booked, etc.), interruption, baggage, etc.
Planning to take a baby abroad? Europ Assistance's travel insurance covers you and your baby for medical expenses abroad, which are often very expensive, and repatriation in the event of a medical emergency (based on our doctors' decision). Cancellation and interruption, problems with your plane, illness, accident, early return... With Europ Assistance, deal with the unexpected and travel with your baby with complete peace of mind.
If you have a problem, our assistance line is available 24/7.
>> Calculate the insurance premium for your next trip <<
Travelling with baby: what to take in baby's suitcase?
In your cabin baggage, remember to take :
- baby's meals (water, bottles and his usual meals)
- A change of clothes several times
- One or even two changes of clothes
- Linen (towels, diapers, tissues)
- Toys (quiet ones if possible!)
- Something to eat (it keeps him busy...)
- The TEDDY BEAR
Please note: if you have purchased a seat for your child (from age 2 with Swiss, for example), he or she is entitled to the baggage allowance per ticket. If this is not the case, the airline may grant you a baggage allowance.
Travelling with a baby: how to prepare for air travel?
What is the minimum age for air travel? Can you take a 1-month-old baby on a plane? Yes. On paper, the minimum age for a baby is 7 days. Often, the airline will ask you for a medical certificate attesting that your baby is fit to travel. Preferably, you should wait until your baby is at least 1 month old and has had a few vaccinations to protect him.
To make sure your baby is comfortable on the plane, take loose-fitting clothes and several layers, as it can be very cold at the start of the journey, but the atmosphere often warms up afterwards. Take enough food for the duration of the trip. You can ask for food to be reheated without any problem.
For babies under two, there's no need to reserve a seat on the plane. Your baby will travel on your lap.
Up to around one year of age (less than 10 kilos), however, you can request a carrycot on board by notifying the airline in advance (ideal for baby to sleep in). If you want your baby under 2 years of age to have his or her own seat, you can also install him or her in a car seat or with an approved harness. Here too, you'll need to inform the airline in advance to check that the aircraft is compatible with such a device. Last but not least, some airlines offer children's menus. And don't forget to make sure your baby drinks enough water throughout the journey.
How do I manage my baby's stroller on the plane? When it comes to strollers, you also need to let your airline know that you'll be taking one with you. Some airlines allow strollers and car seats free of charge in the cabin. Don't hesitate to find out and let the airline know in advance if you want to take a stroller with you.
