If you are planning a flight with your infant, there are many things to consider before you board an airplane. There are many safety rules and regulations being put in place by the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that you will have to consider. Not to mention the fact that many parents should also regard the other passengers that will be seated in close proximity to their little one. Here a seven tips to help make the flight with your baby a pleasant one…
- Be sure and call the airline beforehand and ask about the rules for carrying liquid on board. Of course you’re going to want to have a bottle for your baby as well as baby food – you’ll want to know how much you are allowed to take with you.
- If you have a longer flight and you need more milk than you are allowed to carry, bring some formula powder and some empty bottles. You can order water on board when the drink service comes around. Then just mix the formula and water in the bottle. Be sure and ask when booking your flight if a drink service is provided.
- Bring disposable changing pads along with you. Most stores carry these pads and you can lay them out right on your lap. Change your baby and dispose of the used pad in a plastic baggie – which you can discard upon landing.
- If your child is under 40 pounds or two years old, a child must either be carried in a passenger’s lap or they must be in an infant carrier. Also, you’ll have to position them in the window seat of a non-exit row. Any child restraint system must have an FAA-approval label and it must be securely fastened in an airplane seat using the provided seat belt.
Source: Thinkstock/Lane Fournerat
- A sling such as a Baby Bjorn is a great way to relieve the strain of holding your baby for hours and hours on a flight. These types of front carriers allow you to have your hands free throughout the flight.
- Bring a bag of earplugs for your neighbors on board. Every passenger dreads being the one stuck right next to the crying baby. If your baby begins to scream, at least you can offer a pair of earplugs to those around you. This kind gesture might make the people in your child’s vicinity a little more understanding.
- When starting your descent for landing, give your baby a bottle or pacifier to suck on. This sucking motion will help pop your baby’s ears when they begin to hurt due to the change in pressure. Most babies have the hardest time with landing.
Happy travels!
Sourced from: travelandleisure
Featured Image Source: Thinkstock/Ashley Webb