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Amy
I am due on April 19th, 2008 and I am wondering how soon I can fly after having him. My husband is in the AF and his next assignment allows for me and our son to come and live on base with him. The flying part is required too.
Can anyone help? Thanks!
Answer
As long as your child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, you are safe to travel with your child almost immediately after birth. Most airlines require that a baby be at least 7 days old, unless you have a medical certificate.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8, 6, & 11 weeks). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips and suggestions:
1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. 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. Another thing you should consider bringing with you is your childs immunization book. That way if any emergency should arise while you are on vacation (no matter where you are) the treating physician will at least have some verifiable information to go on. This book also usually includes what your child is allergic to, and some small but very helpful notes from your doctor. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) A car seat is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. Since your child is under two, you are allowed to hold her as a lap child, meaning that she will have to sit in your lap the entire time. Try to book a bulkhead (front) seat where you will have more room, and a bassinet. Bassinets are limited, and not available on every flight. If the bassinet is available (they can only be used in bulkhead seats) it will attach to the front wall for you to put your child in (however you can not use this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children under 40lbs have their own seat with a child safety device - 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, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit. A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant or child safety 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. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.
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.
If you haven't booked a separate seat for your child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it.
3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. It will not count towards your checked luggage. 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 from you at your departure gate, tag 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.
4.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
*If your child is nursing, nurse her
*Give her something to drink (formula, water)
*Give her a pacifier to suck on
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
5.) As long as your child is with you, you are able to take as much formula, breast milk, or regular milk that you will need for you child for the duration of the time you will spend in the airport and on the flight (as long as it is within reason).And no, you will NOT have to taste it - no matter what form you bring it in.
All that you must do is:
1. Separate the milk from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size (1 liter) zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of the Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -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, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
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.
6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to be vigilant.
Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well. I have also seen where it backfires; a parent gives their child a dose of Benedryl to make them sleep, but instead it gets the child more hyper and the parents get absolutely no rest on the flight (and neither does anyone else).
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. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (they usually tend to be toward the rear of the plane), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help. I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper. To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier. Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make you baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).
7.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
8.) Don't worry about what the other passengers are going to think or say should your baby cry. This will only add stress, which your child can pick up on, and it could make her cry longer and harder. Instead, just relax, and handle the situation like you would if you were at home. Most times the other passengers are very understanding anyways and some will even try to help you. Which reminds me, if help is offered, take it.
I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
As long as your child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, you are safe to travel with your child almost immediately after birth. Most airlines require that a baby be at least 7 days old, unless you have a medical certificate.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8, 6, & 11 weeks). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips and suggestions:
1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. 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. Another thing you should consider bringing with you is your childs immunization book. That way if any emergency should arise while you are on vacation (no matter where you are) the treating physician will at least have some verifiable information to go on. This book also usually includes what your child is allergic to, and some small but very helpful notes from your doctor. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) A car seat is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. Since your child is under two, you are allowed to hold her as a lap child, meaning that she will have to sit in your lap the entire time. Try to book a bulkhead (front) seat where you will have more room, and a bassinet. Bassinets are limited, and not available on every flight. If the bassinet is available (they can only be used in bulkhead seats) it will attach to the front wall for you to put your child in (however you can not use this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children under 40lbs have their own seat with a child safety device - 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, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit. A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant or child safety 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. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.
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.
If you haven't booked a separate seat for your child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it.
3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. It will not count towards your checked luggage. 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 from you at your departure gate, tag 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.
4.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
*If your child is nursing, nurse her
*Give her something to drink (formula, water)
*Give her a pacifier to suck on
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
5.) As long as your child is with you, you are able to take as much formula, breast milk, or regular milk that you will need for you child for the duration of the time you will spend in the airport and on the flight (as long as it is within reason).And no, you will NOT have to taste it - no matter what form you bring it in.
All that you must do is:
1. Separate the milk from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size (1 liter) zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of the Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -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, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
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.
6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to be vigilant.
Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well. I have also seen where it backfires; a parent gives their child a dose of Benedryl to make them sleep, but instead it gets the child more hyper and the parents get absolutely no rest on the flight (and neither does anyone else).
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. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (they usually tend to be toward the rear of the plane), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help. I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper. To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier. Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make you baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).
7.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
8.) Don't worry about what the other passengers are going to think or say should your baby cry. This will only add stress, which your child can pick up on, and it could make her cry longer and harder. Instead, just relax, and handle the situation like you would if you were at home. Most times the other passengers are very understanding anyways and some will even try to help you. Which reminds me, if help is offered, take it.
I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Can any moms of multiples answer some questions please?
;)
Did you use a hands free feeding system?
What items did you find was the most useful while caring for your children?
What bottles do you recommend if you formula fed?
What breast pump do you recommend if you breast fed?
Did you use cloth or disposable? Which was easier?
What equipment did you find the most useful or useless?
Did you co-sleep? If you co-slept, where did baby sleep?
Did you pay for a house cleaning service? If so, which one did you use?
If you have any useful tips or advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Please no rude answers.
Answer
Hi. I have twin sons who will be 4 in August. They were born at 27 1/2 weeks. When they were 4 1/2 months old I became a single mom.
Did you use a hands free feeding system? When the boys were newborns I nursed them at the same time. I just sat in a chair and put a head on each arm, so their feet were facing eachother. I never really perfected the football hold, so I didn't do it. I never used a Boppy with them either, but they do make Boppies for twins. When they had bottles, I laid them on the floor propped up on a pillow (never leave them alone like that) and held a bottle in each of their mouths at the same time. I tried to keep them on the same feeding schedule so they wouldn't be waking up at different times during the night. When they got just a little bigger I got a travel swing that had a bar that goes across the top. I tied a ribbon to the bar and tied a hair elastic on the end of the ribbon. Then I would wrap the hair tie around the bottle and it would hold the bottle upright in the baby's mouth. Sounds wierd, but it really helped out alot so that I could have one on one feeding time with the other twin, then for the next feeding I'd switch.
What items did you find was the most useful while caring for your children? With twins, I think it's super important to have 2 exersaucers for them. It is SO hard to run around after 2 babies trying to keep them out of stuff, so the exersaucer lets them stand up and play, but keeps them safely in one spot :-). The other item that was sooo useful was a pack n play. If I had to run to the bathroom or something like that, I could just put the boys in there and not worry about them being on the bed or floor, etc. You can move the pack n play into the kitchen while you wash dishes, etc. It's really convenient. The last, a DOUBLE STROLLER! If you ever want to leave the house again, buy a double stroller lol. They actually make a frame that you can just clip both carseats onto and it turns them into a stroller. It barely takes up any room and you don't have to worry about taking each baby out of the carseat, which is especailly nice in the winter or when it's raining.
What bottles do you recommend if you formula fed? I never really had a preference in bottles, but if you're going to formula feed you need ALOT of bottles with twins. At LEAST 20, ideally more.
What breast pump do you recommend if you breast fed? I used a Medela breast pump that was rented from Babies R Us. You definitely want an electric pump, because with twins you're going to produce alot of milk and the manual pumps are pretty tiring on the arm.
Did you use cloth or disposable? Which was easier? Disposable diapers all the way. There was absolutely NO way I would have had time to deal with cloth diapers and the messes you'll inevitably get. Take it off, throw it away, and that's that. Not all that "green," but it was the only option that would work for me!
What equipment did you find the most useful or useless? Kind of already touched on this earlier.
Did you co-sleep? If you co-slept, where did baby sleep? I did co-sleep because it was the only way I could sleep. If you plan to co-sleep, I would ONLY do it while holding both babies. Never lay them next to you, because you are going to be SO tired and you don't want to suffocate them. I laid on my back propped on pillows and held one on each arm. My body instinctively knew not to move and we never had a problem. They do make these little co-sleeper thingies that seem really cool. It's like a tiny little cloth box that you can lay on the bed next to you and the baby sleeps in that. I would have bought them for sure if I knew about them back then!
Did you pay for a house cleaning service? If so, which one did you use? HAAAA! I WISH!
My biggest piece of advice: don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if it's a 10 minute break where you do nothing but sit in silence lol. You need to keep your sanity and trust me, twins don't make that easy! Congrats, and good luck!
Hi. I have twin sons who will be 4 in August. They were born at 27 1/2 weeks. When they were 4 1/2 months old I became a single mom.
Did you use a hands free feeding system? When the boys were newborns I nursed them at the same time. I just sat in a chair and put a head on each arm, so their feet were facing eachother. I never really perfected the football hold, so I didn't do it. I never used a Boppy with them either, but they do make Boppies for twins. When they had bottles, I laid them on the floor propped up on a pillow (never leave them alone like that) and held a bottle in each of their mouths at the same time. I tried to keep them on the same feeding schedule so they wouldn't be waking up at different times during the night. When they got just a little bigger I got a travel swing that had a bar that goes across the top. I tied a ribbon to the bar and tied a hair elastic on the end of the ribbon. Then I would wrap the hair tie around the bottle and it would hold the bottle upright in the baby's mouth. Sounds wierd, but it really helped out alot so that I could have one on one feeding time with the other twin, then for the next feeding I'd switch.
What items did you find was the most useful while caring for your children? With twins, I think it's super important to have 2 exersaucers for them. It is SO hard to run around after 2 babies trying to keep them out of stuff, so the exersaucer lets them stand up and play, but keeps them safely in one spot :-). The other item that was sooo useful was a pack n play. If I had to run to the bathroom or something like that, I could just put the boys in there and not worry about them being on the bed or floor, etc. You can move the pack n play into the kitchen while you wash dishes, etc. It's really convenient. The last, a DOUBLE STROLLER! If you ever want to leave the house again, buy a double stroller lol. They actually make a frame that you can just clip both carseats onto and it turns them into a stroller. It barely takes up any room and you don't have to worry about taking each baby out of the carseat, which is especailly nice in the winter or when it's raining.
What bottles do you recommend if you formula fed? I never really had a preference in bottles, but if you're going to formula feed you need ALOT of bottles with twins. At LEAST 20, ideally more.
What breast pump do you recommend if you breast fed? I used a Medela breast pump that was rented from Babies R Us. You definitely want an electric pump, because with twins you're going to produce alot of milk and the manual pumps are pretty tiring on the arm.
Did you use cloth or disposable? Which was easier? Disposable diapers all the way. There was absolutely NO way I would have had time to deal with cloth diapers and the messes you'll inevitably get. Take it off, throw it away, and that's that. Not all that "green," but it was the only option that would work for me!
What equipment did you find the most useful or useless? Kind of already touched on this earlier.
Did you co-sleep? If you co-slept, where did baby sleep? I did co-sleep because it was the only way I could sleep. If you plan to co-sleep, I would ONLY do it while holding both babies. Never lay them next to you, because you are going to be SO tired and you don't want to suffocate them. I laid on my back propped on pillows and held one on each arm. My body instinctively knew not to move and we never had a problem. They do make these little co-sleeper thingies that seem really cool. It's like a tiny little cloth box that you can lay on the bed next to you and the baby sleeps in that. I would have bought them for sure if I knew about them back then!
Did you pay for a house cleaning service? If so, which one did you use? HAAAA! I WISH!
My biggest piece of advice: don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if it's a 10 minute break where you do nothing but sit in silence lol. You need to keep your sanity and trust me, twins don't make that easy! Congrats, and good luck!
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