Tuesday, November 15, 2005

When You’re Flying With a Baby

Uh Oh. You’re sure you’ve forgotten something. But you’re weighted down with what feels like the entire nursery in your carry-on bag.

Welcome to air travel with a baby. It helps if the baby is happy when you fly. Try to book flights that won’t disrupt their nap schedules too badly. Feed them before your board. You don’t need the nursery. Here’s what you do need to keep your baby happy and safe on board:

—A SEAT FOR THE BABY. Yes, they can fly for free in your lap until they’re two but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that all children who fly, regardless of their age, use the appropriate restraint based on their size and weight. They are far safer in turbulence or an accident. The American academy of pediatrics concurs. A baby will be a lot more comfortable in a familiar seat. You’ll be more comfortable too. Under 20 pounds, they should be in a rear-facing seat; from 20 to 40 pounds in a forward-facing child restraint. Children over 40 pounds may safely use an aircraft seat belt. Visit http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/ for more information. Even some low-cost carriers offer infant fares. Southwest, for example was the first carrier to offer a fare that would give parents a low-cost alternative to traveling with a lap child.

—BRING YOUR STROLLER to the gate. You can check it just as you get on the plane and it will be waiting for you at the gate when you arrive.

—SECURITY SCREENINGS may mean long lines. Have a toy handy for the baby. Something to drink is also a good idea. 

—DON’T EXPECT the flight attendants to help. They’re too busy! 

—MORE CLOTHES, FOOD, DIAPERS and WIPES than you think you’ll need. Remember, you won’t be able to get diapers or formula on board. Be prepared with an extra shirt for yourself too. Cheerios or Goldfish can be activities as well as snacks. Let the baby make a game out of putting them in and taking them out of a small plastic container.

—A PICTURE ALBUM so that she can look at pictures of herself. Babies love looking at babies. If you’re going to visit relatives or friends, include some snapshots of those you’re going to see so the faces will look more familiar to the baby when you arrive.

—GAILY WRAPPED PRESENTS—Babies and toddlers love opening things. That will prove as much fun as whatever inexpensive toy or book you’ve bought. Baby mirrors, stacking cups and keys are always good bets.

—ZIPLOC BAGS for messy diapers and clothes. Keep a damp washcloth in another Ziploc bag for dirty faces and hands.

—EAR PAIN can be intense with the change in air pressure as the plane takes off and especially, as it lands. Make sure you give the baby something to drink or suck on—that will help. IF your child is over one, ask your pediatrician about Children’s earPlanes, a small plastic filter that you insert in the ears to regulate air pressure. Go to http://www.cirrushealthcare.com for more information.

—A MAGAZINE—just in case the baby falls asleep. If not, he’ll have a lot of fun tearing it up.

© 2005 by Eileen Ogintz, Westport, CT. All rights reserved.

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