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baby travel system necessary image
Jewel
We are going on vacation to visit family for the first time in Europe this summer but I am a little scared about the flight over and back. I have a 10 yr old, 6 yr old and a 2 yr old (all boys) and I need some serious ideas to keep them entertained during all parts of the flight (take off, supper, sleeping, landing etc). I'm especially worried about the 2 yr old and 6 yr old. What are some good traveling tips, ideas to bring (not just in general toys, what kind?) hints that would help on their first international airplane ride?
Answer
I've been traveling internationally with my son since he was born (now 26 months) and for longer than that with my nieces and nephews and with a little planning all will go smooth. Looks like you are already on the right track.
Here are some tips:
1 Arrive at the airport early to get checked in comfortably and be sure you have documents in order. In addition to a passport, it is always good to carry a copy of your children's birth certificate -- you may need it to prove you are their parent. Also if you are traveling alone with your children be sure you have a notarized letter from the other parent giving you permission to do so or you may be stopped at security.
If you need a stroller for your 2-year-old, you can go through security with a stroller and take your baby in the stroller right up to the door of the airplane -- you stroller will need a tag that you get at the gate -- and they will check it for you there. Take advantage of early boarding for families -- if your kids won't get too crazy waiting on the plane for everyone else to board. If so, board last.
2. When booking your seat, ask for seats in the bulkhead. That is the area right in the front of the plane. It has more room and will allow you to easily change your child or let him/her play when it is safe to do so. One note though: Because there are no seats in from of you, you'll have to stow all your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments during take-off and landing and that could impede access for necessary items like toys. A window seat is great for kids and maybe your kids can share, switching off for the flight. My 2-year-old loves to look out the window and see the wing and the clouds!
3. Be sure to bring favorite snacks (we always have cheerios on hand) as many airlines don't serve food anymore and those that do either serve things kids won't eat, can't eat (peanuts) or serve junk food. (We order a kid's meal on one flight and it consisted of potato chips, candy bars and a sugery drink -- things we don't give our kid anyway, but a disaster to pump them full of sugar on a plane). Bottled water is plentiful on board so you can always bring dried cereals that can be rehydrated and heated by flight attendants, who in my experience have always been willing to help. Remember that there are limits on liquids that you can bring on through security these days -- including baby foods -- but whatever you buy after security is okay. Look for easy to carry, easy to eat foods in the airport. I know not always easy but even applesauce is a good choice.
4. Before the flight, go to a dollar store and pick up some cheap toys. I usually get one thing for every hour of flight -- that would be times 3 for you. What you get is really up to your child's interest but make it something that can carried easily. A new toy is a novelty and will keep your child entertained longer. Do pack a few favorites from home, especially some good books your child loves to read or have read to her. But if your child has an irreplaceable toy (a favorite teddy bear he has to sleep with for example) either don't bring it or don't bring it out during flight in case it gets lost. Your child will be desperate! (Don't pack it in your checked luggage either -- if this gets lost, same problem). Before you leave find out if the plane your will be on has in-seat entertainment systems. These are great for kids because they can play video games or watch TV or movies. If not, you may consider investing in a portable DVD player if you kids will wear headphones -- although with three kids unless you want to lug 3 players this could become a problem.
Make sure each kid has there own piece of luggage -- a backpack or small rollaway -- to keep their stuff in and make them feel like they a big kid for having their own suitcase.
Get the kids interested in the flight plan -- they usually show this on video at certain points during the flight. They can figure out how long they've been flying, what countries they've passed over, etc. Lots of fun for the older ones.
5. To deal with pressure on the ears for your child, be sure they have something to suck on. The older two can learn how to yawn or unblock their ears in otherways like by chewing gum. For the little one, if your child takes a pacifier let him have it during takeoff and landing. If not a sippy cup is good.
6. Some people might recommend this but I don't think you have to drug your child to fly with them. Some people will suggest that you give your child things like benadryl to make them sleep and I think this is a mistake. You child should only take medications that are medically necessary not for the convenience of you or other adults who may not like that you are traveling with an infant.
What you should do is carry any common medicines you use for your children (Children's Tylenol, for example) in case they get sick while you are abroad and you can't find medicines they are used to taking. Also keep your pediatrician's contact info with you in case you have to contact them.
7. Always ask for help if you need it from airline employees both on the ground and in-flight. They are more than happy to help to make your flight as smooth as possible.
Finally, check with your pediatrician before you leave to see if they have any suggestions for you or if your child is not well if it is okay to fly.
Hope this is all helpful and that you have a great flight and vacation!
I've been traveling internationally with my son since he was born (now 26 months) and for longer than that with my nieces and nephews and with a little planning all will go smooth. Looks like you are already on the right track.
Here are some tips:
1 Arrive at the airport early to get checked in comfortably and be sure you have documents in order. In addition to a passport, it is always good to carry a copy of your children's birth certificate -- you may need it to prove you are their parent. Also if you are traveling alone with your children be sure you have a notarized letter from the other parent giving you permission to do so or you may be stopped at security.
If you need a stroller for your 2-year-old, you can go through security with a stroller and take your baby in the stroller right up to the door of the airplane -- you stroller will need a tag that you get at the gate -- and they will check it for you there. Take advantage of early boarding for families -- if your kids won't get too crazy waiting on the plane for everyone else to board. If so, board last.
2. When booking your seat, ask for seats in the bulkhead. That is the area right in the front of the plane. It has more room and will allow you to easily change your child or let him/her play when it is safe to do so. One note though: Because there are no seats in from of you, you'll have to stow all your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments during take-off and landing and that could impede access for necessary items like toys. A window seat is great for kids and maybe your kids can share, switching off for the flight. My 2-year-old loves to look out the window and see the wing and the clouds!
3. Be sure to bring favorite snacks (we always have cheerios on hand) as many airlines don't serve food anymore and those that do either serve things kids won't eat, can't eat (peanuts) or serve junk food. (We order a kid's meal on one flight and it consisted of potato chips, candy bars and a sugery drink -- things we don't give our kid anyway, but a disaster to pump them full of sugar on a plane). Bottled water is plentiful on board so you can always bring dried cereals that can be rehydrated and heated by flight attendants, who in my experience have always been willing to help. Remember that there are limits on liquids that you can bring on through security these days -- including baby foods -- but whatever you buy after security is okay. Look for easy to carry, easy to eat foods in the airport. I know not always easy but even applesauce is a good choice.
4. Before the flight, go to a dollar store and pick up some cheap toys. I usually get one thing for every hour of flight -- that would be times 3 for you. What you get is really up to your child's interest but make it something that can carried easily. A new toy is a novelty and will keep your child entertained longer. Do pack a few favorites from home, especially some good books your child loves to read or have read to her. But if your child has an irreplaceable toy (a favorite teddy bear he has to sleep with for example) either don't bring it or don't bring it out during flight in case it gets lost. Your child will be desperate! (Don't pack it in your checked luggage either -- if this gets lost, same problem). Before you leave find out if the plane your will be on has in-seat entertainment systems. These are great for kids because they can play video games or watch TV or movies. If not, you may consider investing in a portable DVD player if you kids will wear headphones -- although with three kids unless you want to lug 3 players this could become a problem.
Make sure each kid has there own piece of luggage -- a backpack or small rollaway -- to keep their stuff in and make them feel like they a big kid for having their own suitcase.
Get the kids interested in the flight plan -- they usually show this on video at certain points during the flight. They can figure out how long they've been flying, what countries they've passed over, etc. Lots of fun for the older ones.
5. To deal with pressure on the ears for your child, be sure they have something to suck on. The older two can learn how to yawn or unblock their ears in otherways like by chewing gum. For the little one, if your child takes a pacifier let him have it during takeoff and landing. If not a sippy cup is good.
6. Some people might recommend this but I don't think you have to drug your child to fly with them. Some people will suggest that you give your child things like benadryl to make them sleep and I think this is a mistake. You child should only take medications that are medically necessary not for the convenience of you or other adults who may not like that you are traveling with an infant.
What you should do is carry any common medicines you use for your children (Children's Tylenol, for example) in case they get sick while you are abroad and you can't find medicines they are used to taking. Also keep your pediatrician's contact info with you in case you have to contact them.
7. Always ask for help if you need it from airline employees both on the ground and in-flight. They are more than happy to help to make your flight as smooth as possible.
Finally, check with your pediatrician before you leave to see if they have any suggestions for you or if your child is not well if it is okay to fly.
Hope this is all helpful and that you have a great flight and vacation!
Is it necessary to have my baby vaccinated for tuberculosis before travelling to Asia?
free_chloe
We're planning on taking a trip to Asia, probably stay longer at the Philippines where TB is widespread. My baby was 5 weeks premature, now she's 6 months. What can i do to prevent her from contracting TB
Answer
you should check with your physician but here is what i have found.
The TB vaccine is a live, weakened bacterial vaccine made from the bacterium that causes TB in cows. It was first administered to humans in 1921. It has been given to 4 billion people worldwide and has been used routinely since the 1960âs in almost all the countries of the world, primarily in young infants. Changes in the TB bacteria over time have led scientists to create the different TB vaccines used throughout the world, and their effectiveness appears to be highly variable.
The U.S. does not recommend the vaccine for all children because it is not highly effective (see Effectiveness of the Vaccine) and may cause confusion for physicians when trying to interpret a TB skin test. The Netherlands is the only other country that has not recommended this vaccine for all children.
Who Should and Should Not Receive this Vaccine
Who should receive the vaccine?
Although TB vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organization and is given in more than 100 countries, in the U.S. it should only be considered in select circumstances. In the U.S., the vaccine should be considered for infants and children who do not test positive for TB but who are:
*
Continually exposed to a patient with infectious TB of the lungs (and the child cannot be removed from this person)
*
Exposed to a person with TB that is resistant to antituberculosis drugs
In addition, vaccination is recommended for health care workers who are employed in settings with patients who have drug-resistant TB, and where comprehensive TB infection-control precautions have been implemented but have not been successful.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
*
HIV-infected children or children whose immune systems are not functioning fully (e.g., patients undergoing chemotherapy)
*
People with burns or skin infections
*
Pregnant women
*
People who are moderately or severely ill should consult with their physician before receiving any vaccine.
This vaccine is recommended by:
*
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
*
American Academy of Pediatrics
*
American Thoracic Society
Dose Schedule
The TB vaccine is given as a shot; one dose is required. Infants may receive the vaccine soon after birth, or later, but preferably before exposure to persons with active tuberculosis.
Effectiveness of the Vaccine
Studies examining vaccineâs effectiveness against tuberculosis of the lungs have drawn various conclusions; however, one large study found the vaccine to protect about 50% of recipients. Effectiveness rates are highest among those who get the vaccination in early childhood.
Those who receive the vaccine may still develop TB, but approximately 80% of recipients are protected from developing life-threatening forms of the disease, such as miliary disease and meningitis (inflammation of the brain).
Known Side Effects
Accurate rates of adverse events due to the TB vaccine are difficult to estimate, but serious or long-term complications after TB immunization are uncommon.
Frequent reactions to the TB vaccine include redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site.
Moderate swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits or neck, which may progress to pus-filled nodes that require drainage in some people, also occurs. In addition, swelling at the injection site may turn into a pustule and then a scar. An ulcer may develop where the shot was given in some people. These reactions occur after approximately 1% to 2% of immunizations, and may last three months or longer.
Because the TB vaccine is a live vaccine, it may cause TB meningitis, or disseminated TB (TB infection that has spread throughout the body), which occurs at a rate of 0.06 to 1.56 cases per 1 million vaccinated. The vaccine may also cause tuberculosis infection of bone growth centers, which may occur several years after the vaccine was given.
Related Issues
A person previously vaccinated may have a positive reaction to a TB skin test, potentially causing confusion for health care providers attempting to determine if that person has TB.
good luck
you should check with your physician but here is what i have found.
The TB vaccine is a live, weakened bacterial vaccine made from the bacterium that causes TB in cows. It was first administered to humans in 1921. It has been given to 4 billion people worldwide and has been used routinely since the 1960âs in almost all the countries of the world, primarily in young infants. Changes in the TB bacteria over time have led scientists to create the different TB vaccines used throughout the world, and their effectiveness appears to be highly variable.
The U.S. does not recommend the vaccine for all children because it is not highly effective (see Effectiveness of the Vaccine) and may cause confusion for physicians when trying to interpret a TB skin test. The Netherlands is the only other country that has not recommended this vaccine for all children.
Who Should and Should Not Receive this Vaccine
Who should receive the vaccine?
Although TB vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organization and is given in more than 100 countries, in the U.S. it should only be considered in select circumstances. In the U.S., the vaccine should be considered for infants and children who do not test positive for TB but who are:
*
Continually exposed to a patient with infectious TB of the lungs (and the child cannot be removed from this person)
*
Exposed to a person with TB that is resistant to antituberculosis drugs
In addition, vaccination is recommended for health care workers who are employed in settings with patients who have drug-resistant TB, and where comprehensive TB infection-control precautions have been implemented but have not been successful.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
*
HIV-infected children or children whose immune systems are not functioning fully (e.g., patients undergoing chemotherapy)
*
People with burns or skin infections
*
Pregnant women
*
People who are moderately or severely ill should consult with their physician before receiving any vaccine.
This vaccine is recommended by:
*
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
*
American Academy of Pediatrics
*
American Thoracic Society
Dose Schedule
The TB vaccine is given as a shot; one dose is required. Infants may receive the vaccine soon after birth, or later, but preferably before exposure to persons with active tuberculosis.
Effectiveness of the Vaccine
Studies examining vaccineâs effectiveness against tuberculosis of the lungs have drawn various conclusions; however, one large study found the vaccine to protect about 50% of recipients. Effectiveness rates are highest among those who get the vaccination in early childhood.
Those who receive the vaccine may still develop TB, but approximately 80% of recipients are protected from developing life-threatening forms of the disease, such as miliary disease and meningitis (inflammation of the brain).
Known Side Effects
Accurate rates of adverse events due to the TB vaccine are difficult to estimate, but serious or long-term complications after TB immunization are uncommon.
Frequent reactions to the TB vaccine include redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site.
Moderate swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits or neck, which may progress to pus-filled nodes that require drainage in some people, also occurs. In addition, swelling at the injection site may turn into a pustule and then a scar. An ulcer may develop where the shot was given in some people. These reactions occur after approximately 1% to 2% of immunizations, and may last three months or longer.
Because the TB vaccine is a live vaccine, it may cause TB meningitis, or disseminated TB (TB infection that has spread throughout the body), which occurs at a rate of 0.06 to 1.56 cases per 1 million vaccinated. The vaccine may also cause tuberculosis infection of bone growth centers, which may occur several years after the vaccine was given.
Related Issues
A person previously vaccinated may have a positive reaction to a TB skin test, potentially causing confusion for health care providers attempting to determine if that person has TB.
good luck
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