Thursday, February 20, 2014

Airplane travel with an infant....?




London's M


I am going on a short (1.5 hours) airplane ride with my 3 month old this weekend. I purchased a seat for her and will be putting her in her car seat on the plane. Any tips for a smooth ride.... ? Any experiences...?
umm Red.. that didn't answer the question..
As naive as this sounds.. the airplane is going to emit the same amount of CO2 whether we are on it or not :)



Answer
She'll probably sleep the WHOLE time. Nurse or bottlefeed her, bring one toy for her and a change of clothes. We took my daughter for a plane trip at 2 months, she didn't have her own seat I just held her, it was about 6 hours total of flying time, split into two flights. She slept and slept, she only cried for about 15 minutes total and that was because the plane was really hot before takeoff on the second flight. We did only one diaper change on the plane when her diaper leaked, but you'll probably be able to get away with just changing her before and after the flight. Don't worry, the whole flight will probably be over in the blink of an eye. I took my daughter on a 1.25 hour flight more recently when she was about 14 or 15 months, and she chewed a teething toy and watched cartoons and waved at people, and then I fed her as we were landing and we got off. She thought it was a great adventure.

what should i know about taking an infant on an airplane?

Q. he will be 8 mo when we will fly


Answer
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:

FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). If you are flying internationally, the airline might charge you (I say might because not all do) a 10-20% fee.

The steward/stewardess should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Most airlines will provide you with a special baby seat belt that hooks onto yours so your child can be buckled up as well. And depending on the airline and length of flight, the steward/stewardess might give you a crib type thing that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during take-off and landing).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device, but does not mandate it because of the cost to the parents.

1.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulance, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not.
http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1

This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

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/


2.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do is if your son is still nursing, make sure to nurse him. If he is not nursing, give him a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take with you, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard 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 son is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub his neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

3.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your son. A few of his favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie. The Fa's will also provide you with a toy or coloring book for your son also.

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 and a few other non-perishable snack items. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.


5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your son. You will need this in case he gets sick, spills something on himself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Also bring any medications that you might need for him should he get sick. Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

6.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.


I hope you have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me




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