Wednesday, January 22, 2014

How do you travel by plane with a three year old?

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I want to fly home with my three year old but I am worried about him having a tantrum. Ever since I saw that story on the news about those people who got kicked off the flight becasue their 4 year old had a melt down, I have been super stressed about trying it. I want some advice from people who have flown with children and some tips. Did your child lose it? What did you do?


Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:

1.) You will need to have all your child's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of this notarized birth certificate with you. If it is an international flight, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your son as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well.

3.) Since your child is at the age where he/she has to have a seat, I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat (car seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

4.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child something to drink (milk, water, juice- it doesn't matter), a candy (I prefer sugar-free) to suck on, or gum to chew.

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 bring just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. with you also. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants 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 child is not wanting to drink, suck on candy, or chew gum, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (or a laptop) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.

My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper so that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well.

You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out his/her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without your child seeing so that he/she has an extra surprise when he/she opens his carry on.

Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let him/her stretch his/her muscles. It's actually a good idea for the whole family to do!

6.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

7.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.

If your child is still in diapers, you should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.

8.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.

It is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/her ears aching for days after the flight.

Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.

9.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

10.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.

11.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it. Try to get your older child to help from time to time as well.

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

do three year olds need to have a car seat on an airplane?




kellee g


how to intertain a three year old girl on her first airplane ride? what are some must haves for that first trip for mom and dad ?


Answer
Under FAA regulations, she does not NEED a car seat, but she will need her own seat on the plane.

Since you will have to pay for a seat for your daughter, I advise that you put her in a CRS. A child safety device 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/

For take-offs and landings, give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a candy to suck on.

Another trick is that if your daughter is not taking to the above mentioned, gently rub the neck of your daughter from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your daughter. A few of her 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 daughter. Also be sure to bring along an extra change of clothes and any medications your daughter might need in case she gets sick, or in case your luggage is delayed.

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. Dried fruit also makes a great snack (and it's healthy!). You can also bring chips, 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.


To entertain yourself:
- Bring along a few books, magazines, puzzles (such as crosswords or Sodoku if you like those).
- Bring along an iPod, MP3 player, or CD player to listen to music.
- A laptop is good to have as you can play games on it, connect to the internet, and get any work done that you may have. (You have to have a WIFI card in your laptop and the airline will charge you to connect to the internet)
- Try talking to the people next to you. Sometime you will meet some really interesting people, and forge friendships.

If I can be of more assistance, feel free to contact me anytime. Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip!




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