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tanja_chri
Hi. Will be flying to the UK with a 3-month old later this year and want to have the baby safely strapped in a car seat (category 0+) in case of turbulences. Can anyone recommend a suitable car seat (ECE R44/FAA - approved for air travel).
Thank you!!!
I am browsing baby store websites all day long, but they rarely give the information if the seats are suitable for aircrafts. I am hoping someone out there has travelled with their baby and can recommend a specific brand/seat for me so that I can check it out. So far most seats I found aircraft suitable are forward facing... I need one that's rear facing. Thanks guys!
Answer
This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
The list will include all types of car seats, and it's really up to you to choose which one suits your taste. When my children were infants I used an infant seat. When they got older I used a convertible seat.
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) You will need to have all your babys documents in order. You will of course need a passport, and possibly a visa depending on the length of stay. It is also always good to keep a notarized copy of his/her birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, be sure to nurse him/her. If not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
4.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.
5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie.
6.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
7.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
8.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
Also it is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
9.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
10.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
I hope they have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me
This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
The list will include all types of car seats, and it's really up to you to choose which one suits your taste. When my children were infants I used an infant seat. When they got older I used a convertible seat.
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) You will need to have all your babys documents in order. You will of course need a passport, and possibly a visa depending on the length of stay. It is also always good to keep a notarized copy of his/her birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, be sure to nurse him/her. If not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
4.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.
5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie.
6.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
7.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
8.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
Also it is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
9.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
10.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
I hope they have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me
Any suggestions for traveling overseas with a baby?
Jack
We're taking a 2 week trip to Japan with a 6 month old. I'd love any advice on dealing with an infant on a long (12 hour) flight, or managing jetlag. Our daughter has been sleeping wonderfully through the night for 3 months now. I guess that will all change.
Answer
Book bulkhead seats. (Assuming you’re flying economy.) These are seats that sit directly behind the bulkheads (dividers) on the plane, usually just behind business class. They offer a lot more legroom, and you usually get the option of booking a bassinet (see below). Plus your little one can crawl around a bit on the floor in front of you.
Book a bassinet. These attach to the bulkhead in front of the seat. They’re usually fairly small but your baby can lie with their legs over the end if necessary. Even if the baby doesn’t sleep in it, it provides a great place to stash the 3 tons of stuff you end up with (books, magazines, blankets, pillows, food trays, water, toys, …)
Be aware of liquid restrictions for air travel. There are exceptions for baby food and so on, but you still need to stick within certain limits. Find out more information on this Australian site.
Take your own baby food on the flight. Your baby will prefer familiar food. Although many airlines offer baby food in-flight, your baby may not like what’s available, and the food often has additives such as sugar and salt, too. Bananas are always a good standby when flying.
Give your baby something to drink after take-off and before landing. This will help with their ear pain as the pressure changes. Breastfeeding is great and has the added benefit of comforting. Water does the job too.
Have a stopover. If you’re flying from Australia to the UK, a stopover does help to break up the journey, but make sure it’s at least 2 nights or it’s not worth the hassle.
Be prepared for jet-lag. It’s worse when you have a baby! You can forget about having those blissful few hours’ sleep as soon as you arrive, as the little darling will have different ideas. You’ll be spending those first few hours trying to stop him or her bawling their head off. Also your baby will be waking up at 3am for the first few nights, thinking it’s the middle of the day. Very entertaining. The best strategy I can offer is: be prepared for this emotionally, and know that it will be OK after a few days.
Book bulkhead seats. (Assuming you’re flying economy.) These are seats that sit directly behind the bulkheads (dividers) on the plane, usually just behind business class. They offer a lot more legroom, and you usually get the option of booking a bassinet (see below). Plus your little one can crawl around a bit on the floor in front of you.
Book a bassinet. These attach to the bulkhead in front of the seat. They’re usually fairly small but your baby can lie with their legs over the end if necessary. Even if the baby doesn’t sleep in it, it provides a great place to stash the 3 tons of stuff you end up with (books, magazines, blankets, pillows, food trays, water, toys, …)
Be aware of liquid restrictions for air travel. There are exceptions for baby food and so on, but you still need to stick within certain limits. Find out more information on this Australian site.
Take your own baby food on the flight. Your baby will prefer familiar food. Although many airlines offer baby food in-flight, your baby may not like what’s available, and the food often has additives such as sugar and salt, too. Bananas are always a good standby when flying.
Give your baby something to drink after take-off and before landing. This will help with their ear pain as the pressure changes. Breastfeeding is great and has the added benefit of comforting. Water does the job too.
Have a stopover. If you’re flying from Australia to the UK, a stopover does help to break up the journey, but make sure it’s at least 2 nights or it’s not worth the hassle.
Be prepared for jet-lag. It’s worse when you have a baby! You can forget about having those blissful few hours’ sleep as soon as you arrive, as the little darling will have different ideas. You’ll be spending those first few hours trying to stop him or her bawling their head off. Also your baby will be waking up at 3am for the first few nights, thinking it’s the middle of the day. Very entertaining. The best strategy I can offer is: be prepared for this emotionally, and know that it will be OK after a few days.
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