What can I do to make my 6 month old Comfortable on our flight?
My husband and I are flying to Los Angles this Saturday with our 6 month old son he's never been on a plane before, I have flew plenty of times but never with a child, luckly we have a non stop flight leaveing from Houston to LA but on our way home we have to stop in Denver, anyone have any good ideas or anything at all? (ear popping)
Air Travel - 4 Answers
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1 :
make sure you have a bottle or a pacifier to keep him quiet. I have no problem complaining to the flight staff about a crying baby. and I came very close to getting the aircraft to land and having the baby removed for being disuptive.
2 :
Perhaps in the future, you might think about taking the train or driving. It would be a better environment for everyone - you, the baby and the other passengers. Plus, all that recycled air in the cabin isn't healthy for anyone, especially a wee one. If you're not headed out to see family with the new baby, is it possible for the him to stay home with a grandparent or aunt/uncle? It's often tough travelling with toddlers because of the pressurization problem and ears, but with a 6 month old, it's impossible to communicate with them to pop their ears or to chew gum. Have the baby suck on a bottle or pacifier until the plane is no longer changing altitude and at take off/landing. Perhaps talk to your pediatrician about the issue. Best of luck in whatever you decide.
3 :
From personal experience with myself, my kid brother, and the children of friends ... (1) Something to suck on such as a passifier. (2) Talk to your pediatrician about a medication to knock your child out. Having a positive, if sleepy, first plane experience will make a huge difference in future plane travel. Ear popping and the very loud engine noises are all sources of potential trauma. Being sleepily drowsy through the entire experience averts that trauma. (And makes the passengers around you happy, too.)
4 :
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children. First of all, does he have a seat on the plane? This is by far the safest way to fly. If you are bringing the car seat, do NOT check it as luggage. They get broken and lost by the airlines all the time. Ask nicely at check-in if the flight is full and if not, if you can get an empty seat if he is a "lap" baby. Babies are more comfortable in their own, familiar seat than perched in parents' laps, the safety argument aside. Most all car seats sold in the U.S are FAA approved for flying (the only one I know of which wasn't is no longer being produced). Check for the sticker; http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/ Take the seat to the gate regardless and have it gate-checked if you are unsuccessful getting the extra place. This is better than luggage checking it, although no guarantee. If you do manage to get your car seat on board, please keep him safely strapped in for take-off and landing. It's a myth that children are supposed to suck on something during those times. Children actually rarely have ear problems on flights (can only recall one time in 13 years of flying). I have never done this in all the flights I've taken with my own children and we have never had any ear problems. I would recommend delaying solids until after your trip. I started two of mine at 7 1/2 months and they did great with good weight gain and are not fussy eaters. Baby food is messy, bulky and unnecessary at this tender young age. Milk is all your baby needs for now so take advantage! The secret to easy flying with a baby is to have a good baby carrier. At 6 months, your child is too big (or almost) for fiddly front packs like the Bjorn. A good quality carrier goes to age 2 or 3. If you don't already have a wrap, ring sling, Mei Tai or other front/back carrier, look into the subject. They're magic for calming babies on flights and there are certain times that you just need your hands free when you travel. Just some odd tips; -Bring enough diapers! Too many parents run out. He will need more than he normally does and sometimes you'll change him simply because you can now and wont get another chance for awhile (like before boarding). -Wrap diapers in plastic bags, straight from the package (so that they're flat) and bind with rubber bands to make less bulk in your diaper bag. -If he can stand with support, learn to change him in that position. You'll love this tip anytime you're out in public. The changes on the airplane are tiny! -Use a backpack or backpack-style diaper bag. Get a larger one if necessary. -Mom, lose the purse and use a "bum" bag or small one around your neck. -Use a bungee cord to double secure your stroller before giving it over at the aircraft. -Use bottles with disposable liners and premeasure the powder if your child is formula fed. Much easier than compartmentalized containers or individual packages. The sinks on airplanes are not good for bottle washing. -Make sure your baby takes his bottle at room temperature. No health-advantage to warming so skip this cumbersome task. -Online check-in is a parent's friend. Use it if available! For more information, ten years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed; http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com Have a good trip!
