Friday, April 11, 2014

Toddler on an airplane?




mommy of 2


My daughter and I are going on a trip, and I was wondering what kind of identification she will need, if any?

I was also looking for some tips on what kind of things to bring on the plane with me. Thank you!



Answer
Acceptable forms of identification are established by the T.S.A

However when a child under the age of 18 is traveling with an adult they are not required to show any identification. Unless the child is a lap child then they might ask to see Birth Cert. to verify age. If your going out of the country you will need a pasport. Me personally when I travel with my son (one year old) I bring a copy of his Birth Cert. Just in case. I have yet to be asked to show it. But the one time they might ask I want to make sure I do have it on hand.

About things for you to bring for your child. Anything that you know she likes that will keep here happy. Toys she really like if she has a favorit book or coloring books. Snacks she loves to eats. Any thing to keep her busy sitting down.
If you dont have a min. DVD player it is worth it to get one. A few of her fav. moves & your there in no time! ;o)

Hope this helps!

flying with a toddler?




Kayla


My daughter is going to be 2 in june. we are taking a flight on May 22nd at around 6pm. I am worried about how she will handle the airplane. I tried to book a later kind of flight so that way she might be sleepy but I dont know... Does anyone have advice on flying with a toddler in a plane. o ya our flight is luckly only 2 hours


Answer
If you are prepared and take a few easy steps, the flight will be a breeze. The idea of getting her to sleep is a good one, though with only a two hour flight, it will be easier than you think. It would be useful to allow her some to run around a bit before boarding. Basically, see if the airport you are departing from has a children's play area, and let her run loose. The goal is to let her wear herself out. You can also try to shorten her nap (but don't skip it, then you will have an overtired, cranky tot).

Here are the things to consider... First is hydration! The air in the cabin comes in from a source on the engine (called "bleed air"). Being from the ambient air outside, it is remarkably dry. It is at most single digits, if that much at all. The problem here is breathing. We lose water normally from sweat, urination, etc; but in an airplane we also loose a lot from just breathing. The moisture comes when we exhale.

Any adult can easily become dehydrated if not taking in adequate water, but for a small child, this is an even greater concern. At two hours, you will be alright, but she will be more cranky if she is tired and thirsty... :)

You will likely have to purchase the water or juice inside the terminal as they do not allow sufficient quantity of liquid through security screening. Also, I do not trust the "tap" water on airplanes, drink only the bottled water...

A bottle or sippy cup, pacifier, teething ring, etc to suck on is also a must. During ascent and descent, the cabin pressure will change and as a result, she may get an ear block. These can be painful, but are relieved by negative pressure in the mouth and throat. If it is really bad, you can try to yawn with her looking at you, the yawn reflex is strong and it often results in equalizing the pressure (ever yawn after watching someone else yawn? or did you just yawn because you've read this?). You can also try gently massaging her forehead, neck, and around her ears if it doesn't clear.

I've flown so many sick kids, I'm pretty good at recognizing the "ear block" before it really becomes an issue; and it during the early onset that it is easiest to treat. Look for her becoming fidgety, reaching for her ear, changes in breathing patterns, etc. Even slight, subtle clues would be enough to try the "yawn reflex", or give her a sippy cup, bottle, etc. The combination of yawning and sucking give enough negative pressure to the ear canals to prevent a true ear block from developing.

If it does develop, it can last for days, so be vigilant here.

Before you go to the airport, check her carseat and make sure there is a sticker on the side attesting to the fact the carseat is certified for air travel. Most are, but not all.

Toys and distractions are also requirements. Nothing big or fancy, just something that might occupy her for twenty or thirty minutes.

Coloring books, toys that beep or vibrate, Be creative, but you don't have to go too crazy either. You can even go so far as setting a small budget for her and letting her pick something out at the airport shop; but remember not to give it to her until you're in the airplane.

Finally, see if you can get a bulkhead row seat. This will give you the opportunity to let her play on the floor area without being able to get away. Just put a blanket down and some toys, and she will have her own play area.

I hope this helps! I'm a flight paramedic and have transported many children. I am also a frequent traveler, including many international destinations. I speak from both a professional medical provider and a frequent flyer. I've seen dozens upon dozens of parents travel with small children, and with a few simple steps, it can be easy and enjoyable for all.

Cheers!




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