Flying With infants: How To Make The Trip Easier On You And Your Child
If you are planning a trip with your baby and are worried about being airborne, you can relax. There are some tips and techniques that can help make the trip easier and keep your baby happy. However, it is important to remember that most pediatricians recommend that baby is at least a month old before they fly on an airplane.
Making the Reservations
When you are making the reservations for your trip, be sure to advise the airplane personnel that you will be traveling with an infant. Ask what polices are in effect regarding car seats, baby carriers, and whether they allow you to board first.
There are usually some regulations on which airline seats can accommodate a car seat. Normally, the car seat will go in a window seat, as it’s easier for other passengers to get down the aisle. If possible, you will want to stay towards the front of the place. There is less vibration and noise, and it’s easier to disembark at the end of your flight.
Unfortunately, some airlines are rather ambivalent when it comes to baby passengers. There are several airlines that do not let the families with young children board first. If you and your baby are allowed to board first, it makes it a lot easier navigating the aisle and getting settled before the rest of the passengers arrive.
If your baby is a few months old, you may want to inquire into available seating in the bulkhead row. This will eliminate a thrown toy ending up in the lap of the passenger in front of you!
Pack Accordingly
When you are traveling through a busy airport, you’ll quickly become aware of how much baggage you have. Trying to balance a baby, a car seat, a stroller, your luggage, the diaper bag, and a variety of other items can be a real chore. Use the skycaps at the curb to check your luggage. This will be really invaluable as you try to maneuver through the airport. A tip of a dollar per bag is worth the convenience.
A stroller will also be very beneficial when traveling. Almost all airlines will let you check the stroller at the gate. You can place your baby, the car seat, and the diaper bag in most strollers without any problem. In most cases, you’ll be able to get your stroller back in time to make your next connection!
Avoid Injuries to Your Baby
When you board the plane, especially if you aren’t boarding first, everyone knows it can become a little frenzied. Your baby could become injured if someone bumps into while carrying luggage or someone is trying to put bags into an overhead bin and the bags fall. If you are traveling with another adult, one thing you may consider is to have them board first with your bags. Have them place all the bags in the overhead bin and get the car seat ready. After most of the passengers have boarded, then you can board with your baby. This will also minimize the amount of time you are onboard the aircraft.
Pack Extra Supplies in the Baby Bag
You never know when you will be delayed or have to spend the night in a city that wasn’t planned. In order to avoid shopping for supplies in an unknown city, make sure you pack at least two days worth and carry them with you. That way you can be ready for the unexpected delay should it occur.
Protect Your Baby’s Ears
Sometimes the pressure change during takeoff and landing can really hurt your baby’s ears. In order to avoid this, you can use a bottle or a pacifier during these times. This will help your baby’s ears “pop,” making it much more comfortable for him or her. If your baby has an ear infection, you may not want to take the trip at this time.
Changing Time
Some passengers will become offended if you change your baby’s diaper in the cabin. If possible, try to use the lavatory; however, you must ensure the baby does not fall off the pull down shelf. If possible, you may want to wait until you are in the airport terminal if you are on a short flight.
Time Changes
If you are on an international flight, your baby may be completely off their normal schedule. Understand that it could take a couple of days for your baby to adjust to a new time zone. Babies can suffer from jet lag, just like an adult. Rest when the baby does so you aren’t exhausted if they suddenly decide that nighttime is now their daytime. You can now buy special beds for babies for your holiday or the beach check out these great baby travel beds
A Few Final Thoughts
You can fly with your baby, without all the headaches you may expect. It simply takes a little planning ahead of time. If your child decides to cry throughout the flight, you can expect some passengers to be a little disgruntled. By saying a polite “I’m sorry” and really meaning it, you may find you have more understanding passengers than you might have expected.
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