Baby Air Travel Dangers
Traveling with a baby can be quite challenging, especially if it is the first time you are flying by plane with a baby. Air travel presents various dangers for babies that need to be addressed and avoided. Preparation is the key to making air travel safe and peaceful while flying with a baby. Many of the travel dangers presented by air travel can be greatly reduced with a few steps of caution and preparedness. Knowledge and research are the two most effective ways to prepare when traveling by plane with a baby.
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The Facts
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One of the most common dangers for anyone flying, but especially for babies, is sickness. When traveling by plane, a person is confined to recycled air with hundreds of other people. If someone is carrying a particular germ or bacteria, it can get cycled through the air system and infect adults and babies alike.
Types
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With the air pressure constantly changing, a baby can experience severe ear pain, especially if there is fluid already in the ear. A baby's ear needs special attention while flying. If the baby has had multiple ear infections, the parent should take extra caution because the ear drum has the potential to erupt, causing a horrible condition. Giving a baby a bottle or nursing a baby during take off and landing can greatly reduce the chances of ear pain.
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Considerations
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Before traveling, start your baby on a vitamin and herbal supplement regimen. Vitamins A and C are essential to building up your baby's immune system. Supplementing echinacea and zinc are also both good to support a healthy immune system. Taking these supplements three days before a flight will establish a strong immune system that can better resist potential sickness.
Misconceptions
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Many people believe that being in an airplane for two or three hours won't affect their baby's health. Others think that a baby's immune system can fight just as hard as an adult's, but it can't. A baby's immune system is vulnerable and susceptible to bacteria and can pick up a harmful germ in a matter of minutes.
Prevention/Solution
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The best way to avoid sickness is to wash hands often. Every time there is an opportunity, wash the hands of the parent and the baby to rinse away any harmful bacteria or germs. Using sanitizing wipes to clean the seating area will create a safe environment for parent and baby. The bathroom on an airplane is a germ-filled area. If the baby needs to enter the bathroom, take sanitizing wipes and disinfect the changing table, door knobs and other areas that either the parent or baby will touch.
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