meg m
Answer
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and 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 babys documents in order. Generally do not need an ID for a child when traveling domestically, but it is always good to keep a notarized copy of his/her birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) Since your child is at an age where you have to buy him/her 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 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/
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child a something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
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 non-perishable snack items like goldfish, cheerios, dried fruit, etc.
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' 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, 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.
4.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets. The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of other non-perishable snack items, such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, etc.. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.
5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his/her favorite toys, books, a portable DVD player and 1 or 2 movies, and any comfort things such as a blankie.
You may also consider taking him/her to the store and letting him/her pick out his/her own carry-on back. Buy her a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to buy a few without him/her knowing so he/she will have a surprise when he/she opens her bag.
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.) If you still use a diaper bag, be sure to keep it 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.
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.
Also 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 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.) When in the airport for your layover, walk around with your child and let them explore. Consider taking them into a book shop and buying him/her a new book, or taking him/her to buy a kids meal or an ice cream. Try to let him/her expend any excess energy that he/she has.
11.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
I hope they have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and 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 babys documents in order. Generally do not need an ID for a child when traveling domestically, but it is always good to keep a notarized copy of his/her birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) Since your child is at an age where you have to buy him/her 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 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/
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child a something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
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 non-perishable snack items like goldfish, cheerios, dried fruit, etc.
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' 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, 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.
4.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets. The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of other non-perishable snack items, such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, etc.. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.
5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his/her favorite toys, books, a portable DVD player and 1 or 2 movies, and any comfort things such as a blankie.
You may also consider taking him/her to the store and letting him/her pick out his/her own carry-on back. Buy her a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to buy a few without him/her knowing so he/she will have a surprise when he/she opens her bag.
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.) If you still use a diaper bag, be sure to keep it 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.
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.
Also 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 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.) When in the airport for your layover, walk around with your child and let them explore. Consider taking them into a book shop and buying him/her a new book, or taking him/her to buy a kids meal or an ice cream. Try to let him/her expend any excess energy that he/she has.
11.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
I hope they have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me
Traveling with a 2 year old?
Andrea
My hubby, 2 to daughter, and I currently live in Hawaii but moving to VA in December. We will be traveling for a total of 12 hours (and at night). I know my daughter (Marley) won't sleep and she will become restless sitting in a seat so long. How can I make this travel easy for her (and everyone else on the plane!)?
Answer
Well it depends. If you are worried she will be bored, then bring her books, some unsweetened candy to suckc on during liftoff (so her ears dont pop) bring some toys and some earphones so she can wartch the movie if its a goodone. or, you could bring her along a portable dvd player to keep her occupied duringthe flight and read to her and justkeep her busy by talking to her lots and letting her draw pictures, etc...
If youre worried that shell be scared and hate it and scream her head off, then you should bring some baby benedryl or baby gravol. it wont harm her and it will just make her tired so she will fall asleep and wake up when you get there, making the expereince a lot more relaxed and less scary for her.
PS.. i know i will prob get a lot of thumbs down for that but its not like i believe in druggin up your baby, its just that there are certain times when giving them medicine to help them fall asleep is ok. one is a terrifying experience like flying where they are going to freak out and the other is if they are sick and cannot sleep due to pain or coughing or uncomfortableness. every sick kid needs sleep. you know your child. you know better than us if shes going to be scared by flying or not. good luck tho.
Well it depends. If you are worried she will be bored, then bring her books, some unsweetened candy to suckc on during liftoff (so her ears dont pop) bring some toys and some earphones so she can wartch the movie if its a goodone. or, you could bring her along a portable dvd player to keep her occupied duringthe flight and read to her and justkeep her busy by talking to her lots and letting her draw pictures, etc...
If youre worried that shell be scared and hate it and scream her head off, then you should bring some baby benedryl or baby gravol. it wont harm her and it will just make her tired so she will fall asleep and wake up when you get there, making the expereince a lot more relaxed and less scary for her.
PS.. i know i will prob get a lot of thumbs down for that but its not like i believe in druggin up your baby, its just that there are certain times when giving them medicine to help them fall asleep is ok. one is a terrifying experience like flying where they are going to freak out and the other is if they are sick and cannot sleep due to pain or coughing or uncomfortableness. every sick kid needs sleep. you know your child. you know better than us if shes going to be scared by flying or not. good luck tho.
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