How to Attain Stress Free Airline Travel with an Infant

Traveling with your infant on an airplane can be easy and stress free if you are prepared. Here are the best tips for making an airline trip a happy one for you and your baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• soft baby blanket
• comfortable clothing for you and the baby
• formula/food/extra bottle
• strategically packed diaper bag
• birth certificate

1. 
   Check with the doctor

   Start by checking with your pediatrician to make sure there are no restrictions on having your infant travel during the time you plan. For instance, some infants may at risk due to an immature immune system that would make traveling undesirable during cold and flu season. If your pediatrician is against traveling, take the advice. As hard as it is to change plans, your child's health is more important than the visit to the grandparents house - they can visit you this time.

2. 
   Always carry a copy

   If you are cleared to travel, and your infant will be seated on your lap during the trip, make a copy of your baby's birth certificate and place it with your carry on bag or diaper bag. As ridiculous as this may sound, you could be asked to prove that your 3 month old infant is under two years old to be allowed to fly free on your lap. Families that have forgotten to take proof of an infant's age, even with a baby that is clearly under two years, have been forced to purchase a ticket for the baby because "ticket agents are not trained to know what a child under two years looks like" and proof of age is therefore strictly enforced. Crazy yes, but it happens more than you would like to know!

3. 
   Nonstop flights are best

   Book your trip nonstop if at all possible. Even if you save money by taking that connection, you will later thank me for telling you to take the nonstop flight. Because, connecting flights take longer overall trip time, and infants are opposed to longer trip time, you may find the extra money is worth your peace of mind, literally. If you are not offered nonstop, don't lose your mind. You can use the time between changing planes for changing a diaper and a meal for you and the baby.

4. 
   Car seat prep

   Particularly if you book your trip online - which incidentally - is usually the best way to get the best rates, call the airlines that you book with afterward to find out if they allow car seats to be added checked baggage for free or will you incur an extra baggage charge. You may be better off renting a car seat from your car rental company, borrowing one from the friend picking you up at the airport, than incurring a $75.00 charge each way to bring your infant's car seat with you. Also, remind the airline that you will be traveling with an infant and to put that in their notes so there is no confusion at the time of check in.

5. 
   Pack a diaper bag well

   Strategically pack a diaper bag for the trip. Bring diapers (enough for the next twelve hours in the bag and the rest packed in your luggage), wipes in a travel case, and a diaper rash cream. Bring a smaller sized favorite stuffed toy or two for baby's distraction/amusement, a second comfortable outfit in case the first becomes soiled, a fleece or soft blanket - planes are cold after takeoff, baby Tylenol, gas relief liquid, any medications, any snacks or food if your infant is eating solids, and if on formula, enough pre-measured dry formula in each baby bottle to last you 12 hours (you never know if you will be delayed and for how long). Remember, depending on the level of homeland security alert, the security checkpoint will not allow large amounts of liquid through to the terminals. Once you are through security, you can have a terminal based restaurant or a flight attendant add warm water to the bottles as you need them, for your baby if you are not breast feeding.

6. 
   Bring the binky

   Also, bring a pacifier or two. Sometimes adults chew gum when landing to help with the inner ear pressure of the descending plane. That pressure can be very painful to a baby and is why many start to scream during landing. A pacifier or "binky" can help relieve some of that pressure and reduce your baby's pain if this occurs. If your little one doesn't care for pacifier, try a bottle instead. The swallowing is the key to relieving pressure.

7. 
   Before boarding routine

   Day of your flight, give yourself at least an hour extra than you think you will need to get to the airport. Dress yourself and baby in comfortable clothes. Print your boarding pass at home if you have that option. If you arrive early enough, you can feed your baby before boarding. A baby with a full tummy will be more likely to be a sleepy baby during the flight. And you may want to check that diaper once more before boarding - changing a diaper in a plane restroom requires a skill level you cannot imagine.

8. 
   Goal to is have baby sleep through flight

   Board the plane relaxed and with as little carry on luggage as possible. Once you locate your seat, keep the diaper bag under the seat in front of you for easy access. Try to soothe your baby to sleep after takeoff. The more relaxed and stress free you are the more your baby will be as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Book yourself into a window seat. You will have the most room to cradle a sleeping baby or amuse your little one without distraction from other travelers
• Consider taking a travel crib with you if one is not available where you are going. If you are counting on a hotel to provide one, make sure you find out beforehand if they will give you a newer model so you do not end up with a broken, outdated, possibly recalled crib that can be potentially harmful for your baby.
• If you purchase a seat for your baby, you should have your baby's car seat locked into place for your baby to be properly secured in his or her seat
• If you must change a diaper on board, ask the flight attendant if there is a restroom that has a changing table - sometimes not all airplane restrooms are alike.
• Don't let other non-child friendly travelers intimidate you. If you have prepared well, you should have all the necessary items to help you if your infant becomes fussy or cries in pain during landing.
• Smile politely and be a respectful responsible traveler. You will find that your good actions will win over the hardest child hating traveler (and if it doesn't then they have issues that have nothing to do with you - so just ignore them completely!)

Resources

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[ljstraight]

on 12/28/2008 Aduts need reasurance sometimes about flying. A infants needs the same and more consideration. Love and warmth is the answer. 5 stars