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Thomas W
Hello everyone and thank you for helping me on my question. My brother is having a baby any day now and he is planning on flying out here most likely when the baby is 5 days old. Is that bad? Or how old should the baby be before she travels on a plane with the mother and father. If so what are the reasons why?
Thank you very much.
Answer
As long as their child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, theirr child will be safe to fly almost immediately after birth. I have seen children as young as 1 day old fly. Make sure that even after their initial visit to the doctor, they take their child for another check-up right before you leave.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. Here are some other tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help them:
1.) They will need to have all their baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with them. Have them verify what travel documents they will need in advance to make sure they have everything.
2.) They can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that they will be able to use it all the way up until the time that they board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for them. When they exit the plane, it will be waiting for them at the door as well.
Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that they can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
3.) Airline regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat).
The Flight Attendants should place them in a front seat where they will have more room. Depending on the airline and length of flight, the Flight Attendants might give them a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put their child in (however they can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
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.
4.) 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, will help their child sleep, and gives both of them the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant 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.
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. They should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
5.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing they can do to help with the ear popping, is if their child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give the child a bottle to drink (formula, water- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and they are not limited to the amount they can bring aboard (as long as your child is with them), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations allow them to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that they have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Have them save their money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide them with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that they request, no matter how many times they request it.
Another trick is that if their child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or 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.
They can also 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 to help with the ear popping.
6.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things, such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for their child. They will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case their luggage gets lost.
8.) Keep their 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 They can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
They should be respectful of other passengers and always change their 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 (tend to be at the rear of most planes), 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 themselves, make sure that they undress their baby so that he/she has just a diaper on while at their seat. Grab the diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever they use for changing their childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier.
Tell them to try to change their childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. If the flight is not long, they may get lucky and their child will not need their diaper changed while on the plane.
9.) Keep your doctors name and number with them. Also get the name and number of a doctor where they are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
10.) Bring any medications that they might need for their 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.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Tell them NOT give their child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
11.) Tell them to keep their calm. If they get stressed out, their child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.
12.) Last but not least, if help is offered to them, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
As long as their child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, theirr child will be safe to fly almost immediately after birth. I have seen children as young as 1 day old fly. Make sure that even after their initial visit to the doctor, they take their child for another check-up right before you leave.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. Here are some other tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help them:
1.) They will need to have all their baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with them. Have them verify what travel documents they will need in advance to make sure they have everything.
2.) They can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that they will be able to use it all the way up until the time that they board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for them. When they exit the plane, it will be waiting for them at the door as well.
Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that they can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
3.) Airline regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat).
The Flight Attendants should place them in a front seat where they will have more room. Depending on the airline and length of flight, the Flight Attendants might give them a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put their child in (however they can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
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.
4.) 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, will help their child sleep, and gives both of them the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant 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.
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. They should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
5.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing they can do to help with the ear popping, is if their child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give the child a bottle to drink (formula, water- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and they are not limited to the amount they can bring aboard (as long as your child is with them), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations allow them to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that they have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Have them save their money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide them with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that they request, no matter how many times they request it.
Another trick is that if their child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or 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.
They can also 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 to help with the ear popping.
6.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things, such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for their child. They will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case their luggage gets lost.
8.) Keep their 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 They can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
They should be respectful of other passengers and always change their 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 (tend to be at the rear of most planes), 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 themselves, make sure that they undress their baby so that he/she has just a diaper on while at their seat. Grab the diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever they use for changing their childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier.
Tell them to try to change their childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. If the flight is not long, they may get lucky and their child will not need their diaper changed while on the plane.
9.) Keep your doctors name and number with them. Also get the name and number of a doctor where they are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
10.) Bring any medications that they might need for their 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.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Tell them NOT give their child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
11.) Tell them to keep their calm. If they get stressed out, their child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.
12.) Last but not least, if help is offered to them, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Traveling by plane with car seat and stroller, any experiences?
Ivan
Delta said we could check both at the gate (it's a travel system, the car seat sits on top of the stroller) but I was wondering if anybody has any experience with this; such as, is it a good idea to bring your own garbage bags to stuff it in so it doesn't get dirty or do they provide that? plus any other tips you can offer.
Thanks!
Answer
As a former Flight Attendant, I urge you to try to use your car seat onboard if possible. It is the only way to fly safely with the baby. It also guarentees that your carseat will not get lost or damaged in the hold.
First, check that your seat is FAA approved;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
Most car seats in the U.S. are.
When you check-in, ask if you can get an empty seat to strap your carseat into. They usually heed this request since flying with babies can be tricky for everyone. We always made an effort to get families extras seats, car seat or not.
They do sell special bags for putting car seats in. I saw a bunch on Amazon or try specific baby supply sites like Albee, etc. I have used the big plastic bags that airlines have supplied. Another option is to use a duffle bag. I bought mine at a camping supply store. These are super sturdy and fold down nicely.
Just as a word of warning, if you do get to use the car seat onboard, be sure that he's strapped in for take-off and landing. There is no reason to remove a child from a car seat during these times. It's a myth that they need to suck during take-off and landing. It's a good idea at any time during ascent (after take-off, while reaching altitude) and the most critical point is at the top of descent. This is when passengers complained. Landing (when the plane touches down) is too late.
To really prevent ear problems, see the doctor before leaving. One of mine was very good at getting symptomless ear infections. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes. I never do anything special on take-off and landing and none of them, including one with the "history", never had any problems. I rarely saw them in my 13 years in the air either.
Before handing the stroller over at the gate, remove all "extras", i.e. cup holders, toys, even the sunshade depending on the model (I put mine in the checked suitcase). Attach the straps. Bring a bungee cord and after folding it, double secure it so that it doesn't pop open en route and get damaged.
I've been flying with my three children since the oldest was 4 months old. I fly alone with my three (closely spaced) children between Europe and California about twice a year (am I insane?). We also do short hops in between including experiencing the joys of cut cost carriers.
When I saw some of the misinformation on the web on the subject of flying with children, I put an article I wrote a few years ago on a blog to share with others. Many parents have contributed as well. None have reported problems with strollers or car seats and I never saw any with work either.
I spent many hours going through safety and security training over a 10 year period with two companies before I had my first baby. For more information from someone who actually worked in the industry as well as flown many times with my own children, feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
Good luck getting the extra seat and have a great flight!
As a former Flight Attendant, I urge you to try to use your car seat onboard if possible. It is the only way to fly safely with the baby. It also guarentees that your carseat will not get lost or damaged in the hold.
First, check that your seat is FAA approved;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
Most car seats in the U.S. are.
When you check-in, ask if you can get an empty seat to strap your carseat into. They usually heed this request since flying with babies can be tricky for everyone. We always made an effort to get families extras seats, car seat or not.
They do sell special bags for putting car seats in. I saw a bunch on Amazon or try specific baby supply sites like Albee, etc. I have used the big plastic bags that airlines have supplied. Another option is to use a duffle bag. I bought mine at a camping supply store. These are super sturdy and fold down nicely.
Just as a word of warning, if you do get to use the car seat onboard, be sure that he's strapped in for take-off and landing. There is no reason to remove a child from a car seat during these times. It's a myth that they need to suck during take-off and landing. It's a good idea at any time during ascent (after take-off, while reaching altitude) and the most critical point is at the top of descent. This is when passengers complained. Landing (when the plane touches down) is too late.
To really prevent ear problems, see the doctor before leaving. One of mine was very good at getting symptomless ear infections. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes. I never do anything special on take-off and landing and none of them, including one with the "history", never had any problems. I rarely saw them in my 13 years in the air either.
Before handing the stroller over at the gate, remove all "extras", i.e. cup holders, toys, even the sunshade depending on the model (I put mine in the checked suitcase). Attach the straps. Bring a bungee cord and after folding it, double secure it so that it doesn't pop open en route and get damaged.
I've been flying with my three children since the oldest was 4 months old. I fly alone with my three (closely spaced) children between Europe and California about twice a year (am I insane?). We also do short hops in between including experiencing the joys of cut cost carriers.
When I saw some of the misinformation on the web on the subject of flying with children, I put an article I wrote a few years ago on a blog to share with others. Many parents have contributed as well. None have reported problems with strollers or car seats and I never saw any with work either.
I spent many hours going through safety and security training over a 10 year period with two companies before I had my first baby. For more information from someone who actually worked in the industry as well as flown many times with my own children, feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
Good luck getting the extra seat and have a great flight!
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