Airports

Practicalities Getting There Air Airports 

Airports are getting better at catering for children, more of them for example offering baby changing facilities, and even sometimes play areas.

In the UK there is a babycare policy for all BAA airports (of which the biggest are Heathrow and Gatwick). The relevant area should be unisex, of a minimum of 20 square metres, a temperature of 20ºc and ventilated. Entrances should be wide enough for a pushchair and preferably for a double buggy. The areas should provide nappy disposal bins, baby changing surfaces with guard rail, sink and drainer, paper towels and bottle warmer. There should be a separate screened area for breastfeeding with chair, also playpens and an adult size lavatory.

There is no policy on breastfeeding outside these areas. In practice it is reported it would not be discouraged if discreet (ie not upsetting any other traveller) but if seen the mother would probably be advised of a designated area.

US domestic airports may provide family lounges but they are not well advertised and can be hard to find. The best way of locating one is to ring the airport in advance and ask for the custodial department.

Worldwide, baby changing areas are not the rule but are becoming more common, generally installed when airports are refurbished. Feeding areas are less so except in the best equipped.