qantas baby travel

Qantas Airways flying with babies

Does qantas airways impose age restrictions regarding acceptance of children.

Infants (children under 2 years old) may travel on Qantas Airways flights without additional requirements after 7 days of delivery . Infants cannot travel for 48 hours after delivery. Between 3 and 7 days after delivery, infants may travel provided that you obtain Qantas medical clearance at least 5 days before your flight.

When does Qantas Airways require a ticket purchase for my child?

Until they reach their second birthday, infants may travel on their parent’s tickets on domestic flights . Children at least 2 years or older must have their own tickets .

A ticket purchase and reservation of a separate seat is required when the infant will be traveling in a child safety seat .

When one adult travels with more than one infant, each additional infant must occupy a seat, and a ticket must be purchased at the applicable child fare. The infant must be able to sit upright without assistance or travel in an approved child restraint.

For international flights , infants must have their own ticket regardless of age .

Does Qantas Airways offer discounts for infants or children?

Infants under 2 years without a seat reserved , held in the parent’s lap, travel free of charge on domestic flights  and for 10% of the applicable adult fare (plus taxes and surcharges) on international flights .

For both domestic and international flights, Qantas Airways offers special airfares for children and infants . These are available on certain less restrictive fare types, and conditions may apply. Discounts apply for infants under 2 years with a seat and children from 2 to 11 years old . Discounts are based on the fare type and the fare amount (excluding surcharges, fees and taxes) paid by the accompanying adult. Surcharges, fees and taxes that apply are then added.

All check-in options are available to you when traveling with an infant. At the time of booking or when you update your booking, a meal can be requested online for your infant .

Baggage Allowances

Infants are not entitled to a carry-on allowance , but the accompanying adult is allowed , in addition to his/her carry-on allowance, to carry on board food and diapers required during the flight. In addition to checked baggage allowance, the accompanying adult is allowed to check 3 infant items (collapsible stroller or pushchair, collapsible bassinet or cot, car seat or baby capsule).

When traveling on domestic flights , there is no free checked baggage allowance for infants . When traveling on international flights to/from North and South America , infants are allowed to check 1 piece of checked baggage with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (45 in) and a maximum weight of 10 kg (22 lbs) . When traveling on all other international flights , infants have a baggage allowance of 10 kg (22 lbs) .

No matter if the infant is entitled to a free checked baggage allowance or not, Additional Baggage Allowance is not available for purchase for infants . The adult traveling with the infant must purchase the Additional Baggage Allowance and check in together with the infant .

Child Safety Seat

When you intend to use a child safety seat (car seat) or a CARES restraint device for your infant, you must reserve and purchase a separate seat and obtain pre-approval for your device at least 24 hours before departure . You must contact your local Qantas Office to get pre-approval for the use of a child seat. Approval cannot be obtained on departure at the airport, but you will also need to show the device to the check-in staff on the day of your travel .

If approved by Qantas, child restraint devices secured to an aircraft seat can be used for carriage of infants, but also children aged up to 5 years. You may use the following information as a guide when planning your baby’s travel on the next Qantas flight:

• Infants weighing under 9 kg (20 lbs) – rear facing child restraint systems.
• Infants and children weighing 9-18 kg (20-40 lbs) – forward facing child restraint systems.
• Children over 4 years of age or over 18 kg (40 lbs) and/or 100 cm tall – a standard passenger seat is recommended .
• Children weighing 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs) – the Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES), a harness style restraint device, is a pre-approved alternative to car seats (suitable for children aged 2 to 4 years).

On international flights , bassinets are available on Boeing B787 , Airbus A380 and Airbus A330 aircraft . Bassinets on Qantas flights have a weight limitation of 11 kg and are approximately 71 cm long, 31 cm wide, 26 cm deep. The number of bassinets is limited so you should select a Seat with Bassinet in advance online (for a charge when traveling in the Economy cabin, complimentary when traveling  in First, Business, or Premium Economy cabins). 

On domestic flights , bassinets are available only on Airbus A330 aircraft and cannot be booked in advance, but only requested at the time of check-in , subject to availability.

On Qantas flights, children receive the same baggage allowance as adults . In addition to the checked baggage allowance children up to 12 years of age are permitted one car seat and one collapsible stroller or pushchair free of charge . Pre-purchased Additional Baggage Allowance is available for children .

At the time of booking or when you update it, a child’s meal can be requested online for children aged 2 to 11 (conditions apply).

To keep your children occupied from the time you arrive at the airport until you land at your destination, Qantas Airways offers a range of facilities and inflight activities :

• Family Zone at selected Qantas Clubs.
• Complimentary kids’ kits (an aircraft window shaped etch-a-sketch and activity booklet) for kids between the ages of 3 and 6 years old .
• Inflight entertainment for kids : movies, radio, audiobooks, and the Joey Club art studio interactive coloring game .

More information here >>

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Qantas Airways Pregnancy, Infant and Children Travel Policy

Qantas Airways is the flag carrier of Australia. Here’s a summary of Qantas’ pregnancy, infant and children travel policies.

*This is for informational purposes only. For more information on flying with children on Qantas Airways, click here .

Expectant Mothers

Flights 4 hours duration or greater

For routine pregnancies, you can travel up to the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies (e.g. twins).

Medical clearance is required if you are having complications with your pregnancy (that is, if the pregnancy is not routine).

Flights less than 4 hours duration

For routine pregnancies, you can travel up to the end of the 40th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 36th week for multiple pregnancies.

Medical clearance is required if you are having complications with your pregnancy and it is not a routine pregnancy.

Medical Certification

After 28 weeks, you need to carry a certificate or letter from a registered medical practitioner or registered midwife confirming:

• the estimated date of delivery;
• whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy;
• that the pregnancy is a routine pregnancy and that there are no complications with the pregnancy.

The certificate or letter must be available on request and be carried with you at the airport and during the flight in your cabin baggage.

Medical Clearance

Medical clearance is required if the pregnancy is not routine and you are experiencing any complications with your pregnancy.

After Delivery

Medical clearance is required if you are travelling within 7 days of your delivery date. Infants cannot travel for 48 hours after delivery and need Medical clearance to travel between 3 and 7 days after delivery.

Infant (under 2 years old)

Infants are not required to have their own seat however, you must inform Qantas Airways that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap.

Only one lap child is allowed per adult. A regular seat must be purchased for each additional infant if you are flying with more than one infant.

A seat may be purchased for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.

For domestic flights, infants can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

For international flights, infants are charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes to travel on another passenger’s lap or in a Qantas bassinet.

A ticket must be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

Adults accompanying infants are entitled to check in up to three infant items for each travelling infant. Infant items can include; collapsible stroller or push-chair, collapsible cot or bassinet; or car seat or baby capsule. Charges will apply for any baggage carried in addition to the checked baggage allowance and three infant items.

Domestic Flights

• No baggage allowance on Australian domestic and regional flights.

International Flights to/from The Americas

• One piece with total dimensions not exceeding 115cm (45in) – (maximum 10kg (22lb))

International Flights on all other routes (other than The Americas)

• 1 piece (maximum 10kg (22lb)) Exception: 10kg (22lb) on QF337/338/358/359 between Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh

Strollers, Bassinets and Child Restraint Devices

To make your time on the ground easier, most mainline Australian ports have strollers available for you to use once you have checked-in your own personal stroller. Staff will be on hand at the boarding gate ready to collect the stroller and to further assist you with pre-boarding the aircraft.

If you require a bassinet on board, you must notify Qantas at the time of reservation. Bassinets may be requested for infants up to 18 months of age, but the recommended age limit for bassinet use on international flights is 8 months. The weight limit is 25lbs/11kg. The bassinet size is 28in x 12in/71cm x 31cm and the depth is 10.5in/26cm. Infants who are too large for bassinets but do not have a full-fare ticket must site on a passenger’s lap. Bassinets are subject to availability.

Child Restraint Devices:

Child restraint devices must have the labels noted below, or you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Special Services

If your infant is less than 2 years of age and has any special requirements, we ask that you provide their meal for the flight. Qantas provides a limited range of top brand baby food, milk, baby bottles, cereals and rusks but it is a good idea to bring the brand your baby knows and prefers.

Related Reading

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Qantas Infants Policy

• Planes & Seat Maps

Do I need to reserve a seat or bassinet for my infant?

Children up to two years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat, but you must inform Qantas Airways that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. If you require a bassinet on board, you must notify Qantas at the time of reservation. Bassinets may be requested for infants up to 6 months of age on domestic flights and 18 months of age on international flights. Bassinets are subject to availability.

Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under two years of age, a regular seat must be purchased for each additional infant. You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.

Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically?

A child under two years old (24 months) can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

Will I pay for my infant to travel internationally?

Yes, for international service, an infant must have his or her own ticket.

What if my child turns two on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?

Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

What are the baggage allowances for an infant?

If you reserve a seat for your infant at the full fare, he is entitled to the standard baggage allowance .

Infants without a full-fare ticket have the following baggage allowances:

• Australian domestic flights: No allowance
• Travel to and from US territories, Tahiti, South America, and Canada via the Pacific: 1 piece with total dimensions not exceeding 45in/115cm
• New Zealand domestic and all other international routes: 1 piece not exceeding 22lb/10kg

Adults accompanying infants are entitled to check-in one collapsible stroller or a carry basket or bassinet (to be stowed in the aircraft hold) and infant food and diapers for use in flight. This is in addition to the normal free baggage allowance for adults.

What types of child restraint devices are allowed?

Research demonstrates that the safety of your child will be enhanced with the use of a child seat. If you do plan to use a car seat you will need to reserve and purchase a separate seat and receive pre-approval for your device at least 24 hours before departure.

Contact your nearest Qantas Office for assistance with the pre-approval. You can also purchase a Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) - a pre-approved harness style restraint device suitable for children aged two to four years. Find out more about the CARES system here .

What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (i.e. bassinets)?

Can i sit in the exit row with my infant.

Lap children and infant seats are not allowed in exit rows. In fact, no one under the age of 15 is allowed in the exit rows.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

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Qantas: Family Flying Airline Review

Our Globetrotters are reviewing 30 of the world’s leading international airlines for their family-friendliness.  Our reviews cover the airline’s policies and service offerings that the average family will deal with when flying standard economy class. For more details on the  Globetrotters reviews and ratings referenced, please see the   lead article .

Making a re-entrance into the Skytrax top 10 airlines this year is the Aussie flag carrier Qantas.  Arguably one of the safest airlines in the world, what does Qantas have to offer to the ordinary family flyer?

Base: Australia

Alliances: oneworld & emirates, skytrax rating 2016: 9, jacdec safety rating 2017: 9.

Qantas Pregnancy Policy

For flights less than 4 hours (essentially domestic flights), you can travel to the end of your 40th week (36 weeks for multiples).  For flights over 4 hours, you can travel until the end of your 36 th week (32 weeks for multiples).

After 28 weeks, all pregnant women must carry a certificate or letter from a registered medical practitioner confirming estimated due date, whether it’s a single or multiple pregnancy and stating that the pregnancy is routine with no complications.  If there are complications then a medical clearance form will need to be submitted in advance.

Learn more about flying pregnant here

Newborn policy

You are unable to fly with an infant within 48 hours of birth.  A medical clearance form is required for flying between 48 hours and 7 days.

Infants (under 2 years)

Baby meals can also be requested when booking a flight, they carry a limited range of baby food, milk, bottles, cereals and rusks on board but recommend you bring products that your baby knows and prefers. Nappies and wipes are also available but supplies may be limited.

Passengers travelling with an infant are permitted to carry a reasonable quantity of liquids for infants and toddlers during a flight, including milk, sterilised water, juice, liquid baby food.   This quantity is at the discretion of security screening officers (NB for those travelling into Australia, liquid laws are still very tight; even water bottles for our older kids have been disallowed in the past, strictly only baby supplies – but this can vary by departure airport.)

Qantas Baby Bassinets

Baby bassinets are available on some flights but are limited (Aircraft they are available on – B747, B767, A380 and A330) and cannot be booked online, you must phone their booking office to request one.  The size guidelines provided are 71cm x 31cm x 26cm or up to 11kg.  If your infant is not born at the time of booking, book the adult ticket and add the child’s details after birth (note this isn’t always as simple as it might seem, particularly if it’s only a Qantas codeshare not operated flight! – see our reader experience here ).

Children (2-11 years)

They recommend that child safety is enhanced by using a child seat, but they do not provide these.  If you want to use a child seat then you must purchase a separate seat and receive pre-approval for your device from a Qantas booking office at least 24 hours before departure, and show it to airport staff on your day of travel.  A torso harness can be made available if required and requested in advance.

NOTE QANTAS DOES NOT ALLOW KIDS TO USE INFLATABLE LEG CUSHIONS

If you wish your ensure your family will be seated together, on Qantas international flights preferential seats can be selected for a $25AUD fee (free if you are a gold member or above or travelling in premium economy, business or first).  This could well explain mystery disappearing bulkhead seats when they are clearly selling these off for more money….  Advance seat booking is available free of charge on domestic flights.

In May 2015 Qantas launched their “ Joey Club ” for young passengers (3-10-year-olds), in association with popular Australian kids band The Wiggles.  A Joey receives among other things,  a novelty passport for recording their flight details,   Other family-friendly initiatives have been the expansion of their children’s movie and TV programming on board, specially prepared meals and snacks, as well as ‘kid zones’ within their lounges in Australian capital cities, Cairns, Gold Coast and now LA.  The joining fee for the Joey Club is $89.50.

Unaccompanied Minors

For international travel, those aged 5 to 11 years old can fly as unaccompanied minors (UMs) for flights under 6 hours. The minimum age increases to 6 for flights over 6 hours. (Note rules differ for domestic flights and there can be issues with codeshares).

Those aged 12 to 15 years old have the option of flying as an unaccompanied minor, they will otherwise be listed as ‘a young passenger identifiable to flight crew ‘ but no additional services will be provided.  UM services need to be booked directly with a Qantas office.

Baggage Allowances

Allowances vary according to the destination, with adults and children’s tickets allowing 30kg (standard economy) or 2 pieces of 23kg each (Americas).  Infants have no additional checked baggage allowances on a domestic flight but are allowed an extra 10kgs on International flights (or 1 piece Americas).

In addition, infants are allowed up to 3 additional pieces which include a collapsible stroller or pushchair, collapsible cot or bassinet; or car seat or baby capsule.  Children’s tickets are allowed up to an additional 2 children’s items not exceeding 32kg each.

Frequent Flyer Programs

Any person of any age can join the frequent flyer program, so it’s completely open to children, though do note until you are paying for a seat you cannot collect an infant’s frequent flyer points.

Qantas allows members to transfer points to a registered family member up to 4 times in a 12 month period.  These transfers must be in multiples of 5,000 points to a maximum of 100,000 points.  Whilst this isn’t entirely the same thing as a pooled family account, this is better than many programs, allowing you a bit more flexibility with how you apply your points among family members.

Globetrotters View

I know I should say something really loyal and Australian here but honestly, over many years I have flown Qantas either in their own right or as a codeshare I have never thought of them as anything other than good, not excellent.  Maybe just my bad luck but on three occasions now I have been stuck in a row where the entertainment system hasn’t worked (we’re talking pre-iPad days here people…) Admittedly, when this happened on our 14 hour Melbourne to LA flight they did give us a complimentary bottle of champagne, seeing as it was our honeymoon and all…

The only Qantas flights we have taken as a family have been short-haul domestic flights and they have honestly been great, spacious, new aircraft and lovely staff, but we know there’s a big leap between domestic and international.

On flying forums that I participate in, I’ve had several complaints about issues with booking the baby bassinet ( I think this is due to the fact they offer these seats for sale).  This was an issue encountered by fellow blogger Matt who recounted us his Qantas/Emirates codeshare flight fiasco .

I do like the idea of the Joey club, though not sure there’s that much-added value I would pay for it – but I’ll happily take their frequent flyer points program, thank you very much.

So let’s have it, parents, what has your experience been flying Qantas with kids?  Did they go that extra step out of the way for? Is there any travelling or booking advice you could give to other families?

Pin for later

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page should be used as a guide only.  It has been gathered from public sources and correct at the time of going to print (September 2015).  Please consult the airline’s own website  before booking any family travel with this airline. This review is not an endorsement of Qantas services and I am in no way affiliated with the airline. For further information on airline ratings used and airline alliances, please consult my introductory article here .

Don’t forget to check out our guide to the first time you fly with an infant and how you can fly with only one parent

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A Qantas booking error seated a baby and her parents on different flights home. They say the resulting 12-day delay cost them nearly $12,000 — but the airline will only pay $7,300.

Qantas booked Andrew and Stephanie Braham and their baby daughter on separate flights home.

• The booking error left the family stranded in Rome, Italy for 12 days.
• The Brahams say this left them $12,000 out of pocket but the airline will only reimburse them $7,300.

An Australian couple say they were left nearly $12,000 out of pocket after a booking error by Qantas meant their 13-month-old baby was seated on a different flight home.

Andrew and Stephanie Braham ultimately spent 12 days stuck in Rome, Italy, while waiting to fly home as a family, spending thousands on accommodation, baby care, travel, and food.

The Brahams spent three and a half weeks touring Europe before discovering Qantas had moved their baby daughter onto a separate connecting flight on their trip home to Australia.

They were supposed to start their journey home from Rome on July 14 but Qantas could only fly the three of them home together on July 26.

Andrew and Stephanie told Insider it cost them an "absolute fortune" to stay in Rome, Italy's capital and a tourist hotspot, for an extra 12 days. They said there were worse places to get stuck, but they were nonetheless restricted with what they could do.

They calculated they were left out of pocket to the tune of $17,052.52 Australian dollars, or nearly $12,000 US dollars.

They put expenses including accommodation, food, and transport at AU$8,397.09. This included a phone bill of around AU$1,000 after spending more than 20 hours talking to Qantas' customer service line while stuck in Rome, they said.

Related stories

Insider has verified the Brahams' expenses.

The couple said that Andrew, who is self-employed, lost income because of the delay while Stephanie was forced to take two weeks of annual leave from her job. They put the combined value of these costs at $8,655.63.

In an email to Qantas, the couple outlined their calculation for expenses, Andrew's loss of earnings, and the value of Stephanie's leave, giving a total of AU$17,052.72, equivalent to US$11,893.37. Stephanie said in the same email the couple were willing to accept reimbursement of AU$13,397 in total.

However, Qantas replied offering to reimburse them AU$10,397.09 — the full AU$8,397 for expenses plus a "goodwill" payment of AU$2,000. The airline said its offer was "more than reasonable" and it was unable to further compensate the family.

Insider has seen the email exchange.

"We've apologised to the family and offered to reimburse all of their expenses including their accommodation in Rome, upgraded them to Business for the flight home and offered a $2000 goodwill payment," a Qantas spokesperson told Insider. "We won't be paying the claim they have made on top of this for lost income."

Andrew told Insider that their original flights — which they couldn't fly on — were already business class so Qantas' offer was not an upgrade.

The airline had previously told Andrew and Stephanie it would reimburse them AU$350 for each day of the delay, they said.

Stephanie said that wasn't enough. "We budgeted for three and a half weeks, so to have that extended by two weeks, it's a significant expense," she said, adding that they found toiletries, baby wipes, and nappies extortionately priced in Rome compared with bulk-buying them in Australia.

The couple said they had to spend conservatively in Rome because they weren't sure at the time how much Qantas would reimburse them. They said they visited Vatican City, walked, and read books while trying to keep their daughter occupied.

While they were stranded, the family had to move from a hotel near the airport to a hotel in Rome's suburbs, then an Airbnb. "It's not as though we would go and stay in a nice hotel with a pool," Stephanie said.

When asked by Insider whether they'd fly with Qantas again, the couple said they considered themselves loyal customers, but were looking to switch their reward program to another airline.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 4 best travel cribs for babies and toddlers in 2024.

Finalize your decision with one of these four travel cribs.

The Best Travel Cribs

Courtesy of Guava Family

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is so compact, you can wear it like a backpack.

There are an increasing number of travel cribs on the market these days, and nearly all of them are touted to have a lightweight design and an easy setup, which makes it overwhelming to choose the right one for your pint-sized travel partner.

Taking into consideration key factors like safety, comfort and convenience for travel – as well as recent consumer reviews, expert recommendations and our own experiences – we've chosen the best travel cribs for babies and toddlers.

Best Overall: Guava Lotus Travel Crib

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Lightweight: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

• Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play On the Go Playard

Best for Toddlers: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

Note: All travel crib dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.

Highlights:

• Especially convenient for air travel, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib can be worn like a backpack in an included carrying case with padded straps, then checked as a bag.
• The Guava Lotus is GreenGuard Gold Certified , which means its emission levels are even lower (and better) than industry standards.
• It doubles as a bassinet and playard featuring a zippered door for easy access to your baby.

Setup: The Guava Lotus is easy to set up. The sturdy aluminum frame's hinges swiftly snap in place with the touch of a button. Once the frame is assembled, a fabric cover with mesh sides can be zipped on before you place the included waterproof mattress with a sheet (which is not included) inside. Then the mattress is secured to the frame via a buckle on each corner. When it's time to take the crib down, you don't have to disassemble the entire thing – another reason to love this option.

YouTube tutorial: Guava Lotus Setup | Guava Lotus Teardown

Maintenance: The mattress is easy to wipe down, and the crib's fabric portion is machine-washable.

"I've taken this crib all across the world over the past three years, and it still looks as good as new. We initially bought this crib because we were wary of using hotel cribs during COVID. We quickly fell in love with it and still bring it on every trip we take. Additionally, we purchased the optional sun shade, which came in handy on beach trips in our daughter's infant days." – Tamiz Ahmed , co-founder of Poppylist

Courtesy of BabyBjörn

• If you're specifically looking for something lightweight, meet your match: The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market.
• The crib comes with a mattress and carrying bag.
• All materials meet OEKO TEX Standard 100, Class 1 standards for baby products – meaning the crib permeates low levels of chemicals and is also free from as many as 350 harmful chemicals, making it safe for a baby's skin and curious mouth.

Setup: The frame of the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is assembled in one swift motion. Next, the mattress is placed inside and secured to the crib's legs. When it's time to put the crib away, the mattress and crib frame easily fold down.

YouTube tutorial: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Setup | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 1 | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 2

Maintenance: The mattress can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and both the mattress cover (which can be zipped off) and the other fabric on the crib are machine-washable.

Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go Playard with Bassinet

Courtesy of Graco

• This crib comes with a full-size bassinet insert that folds with the playard when it's time to transport or put away the crib.
• The crib also has a toy bar with soft toys to amuse your curious baby.
• A carry case is included with this crib.

Setup: First, hit the crib's push buttons to assemble the frame. Once the four rails are locked, you can push the crib floor down before placing the mattress inside. Finally, secure the mattress straps (on the bottom) to the playard. To disassemble, you'll reverse the process almost exactly: Unfasten the mattress straps, remove the mattress, pull the tab at the bottom of the crib and – using the push buttons – fold the crib down.

YouTube tutorial: Graco On the Go Playard Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The crib can be wiped down with mild soap and water, while the carry bag is machine-washable.

" The Graco Pack n Play On the Go Playard offers all the bells and whistles of other travel cribs, but at a far more affordable price ($80 vs. $150-$300). In particular, the removable bassinet is a game-changer during those early weeks of parenthood. My family used it during our first two weeks home with our daughter, and I appreciated that it provided a safe sleep space but didn't require me to bend over and stress my sore body. After that, we moved it to my mom's house and, even though it's super easy to fold and store, she keeps it out because it doesn't take up a lot of space." – Leah Rocketto , Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect

Courtesy of hiccapop

• Long and tall bumpers ensure your little one won't roll off the bed.
• It inflates with an included electric pump and rolls up into an included carry bag.
• The bed comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee and top-notch customer service.

Setup: The setup for this toddler travel bed is similar to that of a traditional air mattress – simply use the included electric pump to inflate the bed frame with rails and a mattress pad.

YouTube tutorial: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel bed can be wiped down with soap and water.

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Guava Lotus vs. Baby Björn

When choosing the best travel crib to purchase, the final decision for many buyers often comes down to the Guava Lotus Travel Crib and BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light since they're so similar.

If you're undecided between the two, see which crib wins in the following categories:

Your decision may ultimately come down to the type of traveler you are. If you frequently travel (especially by plane), the Guava Lotus is the best choice.

Guava Lotus vs. Newton Travel Crib

Many people also compare the Guava Lotus with the Newton Travel Crib, a newcomer to the travel crib market. The Newton Travel Crib mimics the Guava Lotus almost exactly, but here are some key differentiators (and the reasons we ultimately recommend the Guava Lotus instead):

• Price: At $299, the Newton Travel Crib is about $50 more than the Guava Lotus.
• Weight: The Newton Travel Crib is also 2 pounds heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 17 pounds.
• Setup: While the Newton Travel Crib is easy to set up, many buyers say that disassembly is difficult.

Travel Crib Accessories

When purchasing a travel crib, think about the other essentials your baby will need for restful naps and nights in your destination – especially since they'll be in an unfamiliar environment. These might include:

Room-darkening curtains: If your little one is accustomed to sleeping in a pitch-black room at home, you'll want to ensure your hotel room or vacation rental bedroom is as dark as possible. There are a few ways to do this:

• Use foil and duct tape:  It won't look pretty, but covering the windows with foil and duct tape is a cost-effective option.
• Invest in a Slumberpod:  The highly rated  SlumberPod  ($180) is essentially a tent that goes over the travel crib, ensuring total darkness for a peaceful night's rest. For a cheaper alternative, check out the  Dofilachy Blackout Cover  on Amazon.
• Buy portable blackout curtains:  Purchase a set of curtains that won't take up too much space in your luggage. These  portable blackout curtains from Amazon Basics  are highly rated and come with a storage bag.

White noise machine: Even if you already have a white noise machine you plan to pack, you might consider buying an additional, more portable option to use in tandem with it – especially if you'll be in a small space with older siblings who stay up later. U.S. News editors say they've had good experience with both the Yogasleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine (also useful for stroller rides) and this option by Magicteam .

Portable fan:  A small battery- or USB-powered fan is a useful accessory when traveling with little ones – you can attach it to the travel stroller and car seat on hot days and secure it to the travel crib on warm nights. There are a variety of affordable, well-rated stroller fans on Amazon, including this adjustable option by AMACOOL .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a family travel expert who regularly travels with her toddler. Shortly after she found out she was pregnant, she excitedly bought the Guava Lotus Bassinet Kit & Travel Crib and – despite its hefty price tag – never regretted it once.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Diaper Bag Backpacks
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Best Family Vacations in the U.S.
• The Best Spring Break Family Destinations
• The Best Family Travel Insurance

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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear , Family Vacations

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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New challenge unlocked: hiking with a newborn. How to keep your baby safe on the trails

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Last week, my wife and I embarked on a special outdoor adventure. By the numbers, it wasn’t that impressive — a 2.3-mile, 300-foot “hike” up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook . It took an hour from start to finish. Much of the route was paved. But it was a major milestone for one very important reason: It was our first hike with our newborn daughter, Emma.

In the days before this short but important trip, some pressing questions bounced around my head. Would Emma put up a fight as I wrestled her into the BabyBjörn carrier? Would she wail the whole way up the hill? Would she spit up all over me? (It wouldn’t be the first time.)

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I was also skeptical about how enriching a hike could be for a 2-week-old infant. Emma can barely see. After nine months in the womb, just lying in her crib must feel like visiting another planet — would she even notice the difference between indoors and outdoors?

To calm my nerves, I spoke with Dr. Rebecca Dudovitz, a pediatrician with UCLA Health. I was relieved to learn that babies, even those as young as Emma, appreciate time outside just as much as adults do.

“It’s a great way to stimulate their development with new senses and sounds, smells, things to look at,” said Dudovitz.

Outdoor time offers a host of benefits for babies. In addition to sensory stimulation, it exposes them to common allergens, which reduces their risk of developing allergies later in life, and it’s actually safer than spending time in crowded indoor places — they’re less likely to catch a virus from another person. Perhaps most importantly, going outside can calm a fussy newborn (and their exhausted parents).

“It can be a useful strategy, especially at the end of the day when everybody’s tired and cranky,” said Dudovitz.

Dudovitz also gave me a few tips to ensure our hike was a success. Rule No. 1 is to keep babies out of the sun, as a newborn’s skin is sensitive and sunscreen isn’t approved for use until they’re 6 months old. (Long sleeves and a sun hat are required equipment.) She recommends staying away from places with mosquitoes; if you can’t avoid bugs, you can pre-treat baby clothes with Permethrin to ward them off. Finally, pay close attention to heat and cold as babies can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults can (feel your child’s torso to gauge their temperature).

Armed with that info, my wife, Emma and I headed out for our first hike. It was a perfect Southern California day, the kind that makes you wonder why anyone would choose to live elsewhere. Warm sunshine spilled down from a deep blue sky, and a fresh breeze rolled in from the ocean as we trekked up the hill from the parking lot.

All around us, the chaparral was lush and alive with blossoms. Mounds of bush sunflowers glowed in the afternoon light, and here and there I noticed patches of coast morning glories, their delicate white cups streaked with purple. Amid the blooms, sagebrush branches stood out with their wispy pale green leaves. I touched them as we passed and savored their sweet, earthy scent. When we reached the top of the overlook, we could see for miles in all directions — the Santa Monica Mountains rising in the distance, the broad blue plane of the Pacific Ocean, and the skyscrapers of downtown L.A. poking up to the east. It was beautiful.

What did Emma think of it? Hard to say. She slept the entire time, stirring only when I took off her hat to snap photos. I think she opened her eyes for 30 seconds total. Even so, my wife and I enjoyed the excursion, and I’m calling this inaugural family hike a success. Next time, maybe Emma will be awake to hear, smell, see and feel all of it too.

3 things to do

1. ID plants and potluck in Topanga Canyon

Go for an all-levels plant identification stroll in the mountains of Topanga with Herb Club LA . The 2.5-mile walk will last about an hour and is open to everyone (even leashed dogs). Afterward, the group will be holding a “late Earth Day celebration” at the dreamy local Topanga shop the Well Refill for a tea meditation and potluck featuring herbal sodas and vegan chocolate. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes for the hike, and — if they plan to take part in the potluck — to bring vegan dishes and reusable plates, cups and utensils to minimize waste. The event is free (with donations accepted) and kicks off Sunday at 11 a.m. For more information visit eventbrite.com .

2. Bike, walk, skate or scoot in SGV

Ditch the car on Sunday and experience what it’s like to roam freely on five miles of streets in Alhambra, San Gabriel and South Pasadena. Active Streets: Mission-to-Mission , presented by Metro Los Angeles and hosted by San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), is a car-free celebration packed with live music performances, pop-up booths from local businesses and community organizations, and free games and activities. Walk, bike, skate or scoot through any part of the route — or conquer the whole thing, if you choose. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re a San Gabriel Valley resident, you can borrow a classic GoSGV electric bike for $50 by filling out this form . Active Streets was formerly known as 626 Golden Streets — with the Metro “Gold” line becoming the “L” and then the “A,” the name changed.

3. The Earth Day celebrations continue

Though Earth Day happened on Monday, the L.A. celebrations are still going strong. On Saturday, you’ll find guided nature hikes and storytelling at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve , a seed swap at Barnes Park in Monterey Park and the Teen Climate Fest at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific . You can also get your gloves dirty on Saturday at the Madrona Marsh in Torrance, which is hosting a habitat restoration event . Pre-registration is required and participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen and water.

The must-read

Here’s a fun idea for getting outside and exploring Los Angeles: Go on a walking tour of the city’s bridges. For The Times, writer Adam Markovitz highlights nine spans all around L.A. that are worth checking out, including quaint walkways over the Venice Canals, the historic Shakespeare Bridge in Los Feliz and the new 6th Street Viaduct over the L.A. River. Whether you’re in it for the architecture or looking for some new views of the city, these bridges won’t disappoint.

Happy adventuring,

A recently published book, “ Places We Swim California ,” will get you excited to jump in the water this summer. It highlights over 60 swimming spots all around the state (including several in SoCal) and features road trip itineraries for discovering unique California beaches, rivers and hot springs.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

Sign up for The Wild

We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’s writing The Wild newsletter for a few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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3 tips on how to travel with a baby in the car

Setting off on a road trip with little ones is thrilling but also comes with worries about their safety and comfort. let's discuss why a reliable baby car seat is a must for every family..

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As parents, setting on a road trip with our little ones can be both exciting and daunting. The anticipation of creating lasting memories together is often accompanied by concerns about keeping our precious kids and companions safe and comfortable throughout the journey. One essential aspect of ensuring a smooth and worry-free ride is investing in a reliable baby car seat.

Let's talk about why baby car seats are not just an optional accessory, but a crucial safety measure for every family. Picture this: you're driving along a busy highway, and suddenly, you need to hit the brakes hard. With a properly installed car seat, you can manoeuvre and put the brakes on with that added peace of mind. Baby car seats provide a secure and snug environment for your little one, giving you that extra bit of cushion while driving, afterall you know that your baby is protected with the right mechanism, and additional safety measures deployed around baby car seats.

1. SAFETY FIRST

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460 Years Ago, Shakespeare Was Born Here. Or Somewhere.

Every year, millions flock to Stratford-upon-Avon, England, to visit the house known as Shakespeare’s Birthplace. But was he really born there? A whole industry depends on it.

By Elizabeth Winkler

Sometime in the late 18th century, a sign appeared outside a shambly butcher’s hut in the English town of Stratford-upon-Avon: “The Immortal Shakspeare was born in this house,” it announced, using a then common spelling of his name. Devotees began making pilgrimages — dropping to their knees, weeping, singing odes: “Untouched and sacred be thy shrine, Avonian Willy, bard Divine!”

A tradesman grew rich selling carvings from a local mulberry tree, like pieces of the true cross. Some skeptics suspected that the sign was part of a scheme to bring visitors to Stratford; others wondered if it had been hung by the property’s occupant. A local antiquarian criticized the whole scene as “a design to extort pecuniary gratuities from the credulous and unwary.”

Pilgrims flocked to the house, and it became a site so hallowed that one visitor warned that the veneration of Shakespeare threatened to eclipse that of God:

Yet steals a sigh, as reason weighs/ The fame to Shakespeare given,/ That thousands, worshippers of him,/ Forget to worship Heaven!

About 250 years after its break from the Catholic Church, England had its own Bethlehem and manger.

The problem: No one really knows where Shakespeare was born.

Mock Tudors and magic wands

Stratford-upon-Avon lies two hours northwest of London in the Midlands, more or less the heart of England. Today, it is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing up to three million visitors a year. The Birthplace is its main attraction, followed by the cottage reputed to be the place where Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, grew up.

Stratford exudes Elizabethan kitsch, with souvenir shops and half-timbered buildings. ​​In the 19th century, the Victorians tried to make Stratford look more “authentic,” which has left it teeming with mock Tudors.

It’s a town whose economy and identity revolve around Shakespearean fervor, which peaks every year on April 23, the date celebrated as Shakespeare’s birthday. It is also, conveniently, St. George’s Day , honoring the patron saint of England.

On my first visit in June 2021, I passed the Hathaway Tea Rooms and a cafe called the Food of Love, a cutesy name taken from “Twelfth Night” (“If music be the food of love, play on”). Confusingly, there were also several Harry Potter-themed shops. Stratford and Hogwarts, quills and wands, poems and spells . Then again, maybe the conflation was apt: Wasn’t Shakespeare a sort of boy wizard, magically endowed with inexplicable powers?

On Henley Street, I arrived at the Birthplace, a half-timbered house yellowed with age. Today, it looks like a single detached building, but it was originally a row of tenements. John Shakespeare bought one tenement on the street in 1556, though he also bought property on nearby Greenhill Street, which could just as easily have been the site of his son’s birth. He bought the property thought to be the Birthplace in 1575, 11 years after his son was born.

Those who believe in the Birthplace point to a record from 1552 showing that a John Shakespeare was fined for keeping a dung heap somewhere on Henley Street. It doesn’t specify the location, but that dung heap has fueled a theory that he must have been living there at the time of his son’s birth, perhaps as a renter.

Similarly, the claim for the authenticity of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage rests on a record that a John Hathaway leased the 90-acre farm on which the building stood 13 years before Anne was born in about 1556. The cottage may well be linked to the Hathaways, but there is no proof that Anne actually grew up in it, just as there is none that Shakespeare was born in the house on Henley Street.

Together, these traditions have sustained Stratford’s tourist industry, worth about $315 million in 2019, before the pandemic. But they have not convinced many skeptics over the years.

“Stratford permits — indeed encourages — one of the biggest frauds in England to rage unchecked,” the journalist Bernard Levin railed in The Daily Mail in 1965. “I mean those two monumental frauds, ‘Shakespeare’’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.”

It didn’t help that hucksters have found ways to make the story profitable. In the early 19th century, a tenant of the Birthplace named Mrs. Hornby ran a lucrative hustle showing and selling Shakespeare’s “relics” to gullible visitors. The relics were eventually exposed in an 1848 article in Bentley’s Miscellany , which observed that four different chairs, each purporting to be “Shakespeare’s chair,” had been sold over the years, each made by a well-known local craftsman.

I entered through the Shakespeare Centre, a strange museum that acts as an antechamber to the Birthplace. There were no books owned by Shakespeare or letters in Shakespeare’s hand, because none are known to exist. Instead, a glass case displayed eight Shakespeare busts dating from 1844 to 2000. Another case featured a Shakespeare beer mug (1933), Shakespeare playing cards (1974) and a Shakespeare action figure made in China (2003).

Inside the Birthplace, I went from room to room with the other visitors. Guides regaled us with tales of Shakespeare’s childhood — how he played and ate and dreamed in these rooms. Of course, his childhood is actually a yawning blank: From his baptism in 1564 to his marriage in 1582, there are no records of him. In one room, a table displayed books, quills and ink, indicating a family of learning — but his parents signed documents with a mark, like many illiterate people in Tudor England.

The other visitors murmured to one another in reverent museum whispers and nodded at the guides. I thought of how, in the late 19th century, a Birthplace custodian named Joseph Skipsey resigned his post after a few months, explaining that “not a single one of the many so-called relics on exhibition could be proved to be Shakspere’s” and that “the Birthplace itself is a matter of grave doubt.”

The power of popular faith

Efforts to preserve the property as the official Birthplace began in 1847, when it was put up for sale. In response to fears that P.T. Barnum was going to buy it and make it part of a show, a committee was formed to “save” the house for the nation, and the group began to solicit donations.

Not everyone was convinced. “The extraordinary sensation caused by the purchase of this shabby sausage-shop deserves a prominent place amongst popular delusions,” declared the 1848 Bentley’s Miscellany article . A writer for another British periodical mocked the gullibility of a nation pouring forth funds to buy a “rubbishing mass of lath and plaster in which the Poet was no more born than was the Man in the Moon himself.”

But the belief had already become an article of faith, strengthened by its own repetition. The Birthplace was a better shrine for the very absence of evidence — for the faith it required of its visitors — the publisher Charles Knight wrote at the time. That same year, the committee secured the Birthplace at auction for 3,000 pounds, worth about $323,000 today .

The “shabby sausage-shop” made an uninspiring temple. So the adjoining premises were demolished, walls moved, floorboards replaced, new doorways and staircases created. Its new stewards transformed it into the large, comfortable home of a prosperous Elizabethan family, leaving the cellar as “the only portion which remains as it was,” as the scholar Sidney Lee wrote in 1901. What emerged was less a Tudor dwelling than a Victorian imagination of one.

The committee became the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust , the group that still runs the site, and maintains its authenticity. “We know that, to the best of our current understanding, the building includes the surviving fabric of a property that is traditionally and intimately associated with Shakespeare and his family,” said a spokesman for the trust.

The trust went on to acquire more properties, including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a thatched farmhouse where visitors are invited to “relive Shakespeare’s love story.”

A temple to baby Shakespeare

“This is the room where we believe William Shakespeare was born in April 1564,” read a sign in the Birthroom. Next to the bed stood a cradle laid out with blankets and a tiny pillow, encouraging visitors to imagine the baby genius mewling by his parents’ side. For the Victorians, the Birthroom offered the mystical possibility of contact with the poet. Visitors recorded melodramatic accounts of what they felt on entering the room: They burst into tears. They fell down. They kissed the floor. Those desiring a more extended communion spent the night.

Others were unimpressed. “If I were to allude to Stratford, it would not be in connection with the fact that Shakespeare came into the world there,” wrote the novelist Henry James after visiting. “It would be rather to speak of a delightful old house near the Avon which struck me as the ideal home for a Shakespearean scholar.”

But the fantasy is resilient. In a 2023 PBS documentary, “ Making Shakespeare: The First Folio ,” the scholar Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute, stood in the Birthplace, gushing over “the very room in which Shakespeare was born.”

I shuffled around the cradle with the other visitors, unsure of what to do. Were we supposed to genuflect? Kiss it? After an appropriate amount of staring, we moved on.

To exit, I had to pass through the gift shop, where any lingering sense of piety dissipated in a tidal wave of consumerism. Visitors were loading up on Shakespeare T-shirts, breakfast teas and tea towels. Shakespeare rubber ducks and windup toys. Shakespeare Christmas ornaments, baby onesies, tote bags and luxury chocolates. Belief is good business.

When I returned to Stratford last February, little had changed since my first visit. The Shakespeare Centre was now showing modern artists’ interpretations of the poet, including a Surrealist painting of a masked figure that suggested the mystery surrounding him. The trinket stands were still hawking their modern versions of those 18th-century mulberry tree carvings. Faith in the traditions is bound up with desire — the need to believe.

Where was “the Immortal Shakspeare” really born? Stories are usually more seductive than the truth.

Sheelagh McNeill contributed research.

Elizabeth Winkler is a journalist, a critic and the author of “ Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature .”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

J.T. Poston leads RBC Heritage while traveling with newborn baby

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – J.T. Poston’s travel contingent is bigger than normal this week – louder, too.

The Postons took their newborn baby girl, Scottie, with them on the road for the first time. She’s already proving to be the good luck charm. Poston leads the RBC Heritage by two shots after his opening-round 8-under 63.

“It's been great. It's definitely an adjustment,” Poston said. “I think my wife and I were figuring it out. My mom is here. She's helping us out, too. So we've got plenty of help. We're just kind of figuring it out.”

Katherine “Scottie” Poston was born on March 20, three days after the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship (Scottie is a family name on both sides). Poston took the next three weeks off before heading to the Masters alone. This week’s RBC Heritage, roughly two hours from the Postons’ St. Simons home, provided the ideal opportunity for a family affair.

J.T. Poston's interview after Round 1 of RBC Heritage

“We've got a two-bedroom condo," Poston said. "My mom is staying with us. We've got (Scottie) in her little setup. Last night my wife was great, she got up in the middle of the night a couple times when she was ready to eat or being fussy and let me sleep, so maybe we'll keep doing that.”

They’d be wise to keep the same routine. Poston made nine birdies Thursday, including six on the front nine as he went out in 30. Poston made three more on the back, more than offsetting his lone bogey of the day at No. 12. Poston led the field in SG: Around the Green and finished second in Putting.

“I felt like it was one of those days where if I could give myself a look, and I felt pretty confident in being able to make those putts, whether it was a close one or a 20-, 25-footer,” Poston said. “It sort of freed up the tee to green a little bit I guess you could say.”

The tee-to-green game has been an issue for Poston in recent weeks. After carding three top 10s and two other top 20s in his first six events, Poston has yet to finish inside the top 25 since the PGA TOUR left the West Coast. Poston chalked up the recent struggles to the ebbs and flows of a season. “It's hard to hit it really good every week,” he said.

Perhaps the key is Scottie. Poston finished T30 at the Masters, his best result in two months, and now leads at Harbour Town Golf Links.

“Maybe that has something to do with it,” Poston said. “It's good to have them here and sort of takes away the pressure of – I'm not worrying about golf when I'm at home. I'm trying to change diapers and take care of her.”

Help and Support

Booking a flight to include a child not born yet, 25/11/2020 • knowledge, information.

How do I make a booking for my unborn infant?

Do not add an infant to your booking if they have not yet been born. Book your flight and when your baby is born call your local  Qantas office  to add their name to the booking.

See the  Children & Infants travel information  page for more details.

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