novnelson
My hubby and I fly a lot back and forth to Michigan...we now have a bright 5 month old son. We just got back last week and are headed up again in 2 weeks. Granted, the flights are only supposed to be 2 hours long, but last week we got stuck in the air over ATL and ground delayed for 2 hours as well as taxi-ing for ab 45 minutes each way. It ended up taking us 6 hours instead of 2. Needless to say, Zan got pretty bored and seemed to be pretty uncomfortable in his baby sling for that long. I was exasperated by the time I got home, and exhausted from desperately trying to entertain a stimulated 20 lb 5 mo old boy who wanted nothing more than to capture and hold the attention of every girl on the plane who was trying to sleep. lol. Very cute but tiring for my hubby & I.
I have searched google and all I can find is the flyebaby airplane hammock...which is misleading bc the sales picture is apparently taken of a lady sitting in the worlds roomiest airplane.
IDEAS?
Answer
If you're flying an airline that lets you pick your seat (I think most do nowadays), you can usually pay a few extra dollars for a bulkhead seat (the roomy first row behind first class). Once you're up in the air and cruising smoothly, you can set your baby down on a blanket on the floor with some toys and let them play away. I got this tip from a flight attendant friend of mine! I am flying alone with my daughter (who just started sitting independently) in about a month, and I paid $25 extra for the bulkhead. The last time I flew with her was with my husband and we were able to pass her back and forth, but it was still pretty mentally draining! I'm hoping this works out okay for us.
If you're flying an airline that lets you pick your seat (I think most do nowadays), you can usually pay a few extra dollars for a bulkhead seat (the roomy first row behind first class). Once you're up in the air and cruising smoothly, you can set your baby down on a blanket on the floor with some toys and let them play away. I got this tip from a flight attendant friend of mine! I am flying alone with my daughter (who just started sitting independently) in about a month, and I paid $25 extra for the bulkhead. The last time I flew with her was with my husband and we were able to pass her back and forth, but it was still pretty mentally draining! I'm hoping this works out okay for us.
baby on plane?
proudmommy
im am taking a 4 hour flight with my 5 month old son,.. im taking him as a lap child. does this mean hes on my lap the whole time, or does he have his own seat with a carseat? also any advise from anyone that has done this!??!
also im flying at night, and hes sleeping thorught the night, so hoopefully i will luck out
Answer
FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). You will need to inform the airline ahead of time that you will have a small infant traveling with you.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on the length of the flight and the airline, Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
If you are not given a bassinet, you will have to hold your son in your lap the entire time.
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.
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.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). Here are some other tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) You will need to have all your son's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his notarized birth certificate with you. If it is an international flight, you will also need a passport and possibly a visa for your son (depending on length of your stay). Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your son is still nursing, nurse him. If he is not nursing, give him something to drink (formula, milk, water, juice- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
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 also bring a limited amount of baby food and non-perishable items such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, just add water packets, etc, onto the plane with you. 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 taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink or nurse, gently rub his neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
3.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books or toys, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
4.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he gets sick, spills something on himself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
5.) 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.
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.
6.) 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 has even a slight cold, the pressure in his ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his 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.
7.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he get sick or that he 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 sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
8.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). You will need to inform the airline ahead of time that you will have a small infant traveling with you.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on the length of the flight and the airline, Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
If you are not given a bassinet, you will have to hold your son in your lap the entire time.
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.
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.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). Here are some other tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) You will need to have all your son's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his notarized birth certificate with you. If it is an international flight, you will also need a passport and possibly a visa for your son (depending on length of your stay). Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your son is still nursing, nurse him. If he is not nursing, give him something to drink (formula, milk, water, juice- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
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 also bring a limited amount of baby food and non-perishable items such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, just add water packets, etc, onto the plane with you. 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 taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink or nurse, gently rub his neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
3.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books or toys, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
4.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he gets sick, spills something on himself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
5.) 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.
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.
6.) 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 has even a slight cold, the pressure in his ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his 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.
7.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he get sick or that he 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 sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
8.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
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