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I will be flying with a 16 month old (in my lap) for the first time- any tips for on the plane and layover? |
Travel Info I will be flying with a 16 month old (in my lap) for the first time- any tips for on the plane and layover? Travel Tips I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and at least 3 trips a year are me and the children alone. 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 baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything. FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on the airline and length of flight, the steward/stewardess might give you a crib type thing that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during take-off and landing, or turbulance). 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, but does not mandate it because of the cost to the parents. 2.) 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 a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cssrating/i... 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. 3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier. Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/c... 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 baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/p... 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. Another trick is that if your 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. 4.) Make sure to pack any comfort things to entertain your child, such as toys, books, a portable DVD player and a movie, and any comfort things such as a blankie. You might also want to take your child to the store and let him/her pick put carry-on of his/her choice. Let him/her also pick out a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to buy a few without him/her seeing so he/she will have a surprise when he/she opens his/her bag. 5.) 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. 6.) Keep your diaper bag 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. You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. 7.) 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. 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/her 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. 8.) 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. 9.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it. As for the layover, walk around the concourse with your child. Let him/her explore the stores, and maybe buy him/her a book or something to eat. If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me Source(s): Husband is a pilot Frequent world traveler Have been traveling internationally with my two children since they were 2 months (now 7&5) http://360.yahoo.com/jamie_hassen... http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cssrating/i... http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/c... http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/p... Other Travel Tips Take a sippy cup with his/her fave juice or water (if you can), take some snacks to keep him/her happy and free of hunger, take some books to read, fave toys, anything that will keep little hands busy. Good luck and have fun! First of all, you need to bring a car seat for your child. Do you really think traveling with a child on your lap is safe? I don't think the airline would allow you to hold your child on your lap-especially during take-off or touch-down. I took my son when he was 13 months. OMG...it sucked! I swear the next time I go I will buy him his own seat! Hopefully you are going when most of the time he'll/she'll be napping! When he slept it was fine. If there is an open seat they will let you have it! I would suggest to bring snacks and toys! Try to keep him entertained! The lay over is easier, because they will be able to walk and have some fun. By the way something I didn't know. You can take the stroller with you all the way to the gate. You just have to tell them about it and they give you a tag. They put it on last in the luggage area and will pull it out for you right as you're getting off the plane! The attendants told me to hold my son in my lap. If you don't buy him a seat don't bring a car seat you will have no where to put it! We have a 16 month old and just got back from Denver today. We always buy him his own seat. He loves sitting in his car seat and sleeps and stays settled. He never settled when we traveled with him on our laps. They just can't settle on your lap. They won't be comfortable and neither will you. Snacks are good, have your water and milk/formula ready to go. We carry a little bag with frozen packs to keep everything cold. Keep his favorite toys and blankets with you. Good Luck!! |
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