Finally, the last word on when and under what circumstances it is/isn’t safe to take a baby, well or sick, on a plane. Slate’s Dr. Sydney Spiesel interprets the findings of a great big new paper that brings together all things Babies on a Plane.
Flight School
Now that you’re ready to fly with your infant or toddler, here are some tips from Nancy Holtzman, RN BSN IBCLC, Director of Early Parenting Programs at Isis Maternity:
Plan and pack wisely: Bring extra diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, three changes of clothes for your baby and a clean t-shirt for yourself. Extra zip-top bags come in handy. If traveling with your partner, send him/her on for pre-boarding while you and your baby have a final restroom visit, diaper change and feeding—only get on the plane with your baby at the final boarding call—you’ll save 30 minutes of waiting while everyone else boards and gets settled.
If possible, purchase a seat for your baby. Children under age two can fly as “lap babies” but they are safest when buckled in a carseat. If the flight is not fully booked, you may request an empty seat next to you. Bring your child’s carseat to the gate - if there are no empty seats available, it will be gate checked or checked through with luggage. Another excellent option for kids 22-44 lbs is the Child Aviation Restraint System, or CARES. The first and only FAA approved child safety harness for airline travel, CARES (shown, above) attaches directly to the airplane seat belt, making a safe restraint system. Fits all airline seats, and is certified for all phases of flight including taxiing, take-off, landing and turbulence. Best of all, it weighs only 1 pound and fits in a six inch stuff sack, making it far easier to travel with than heavy toddler seats. CARES is available now in all Isis centers.
Wear your baby in the airport, in a sling, frontpack or backpack, and use your stroller to tote your diaper bag and carry-on luggage. Bring the stroller right up to the gate and check it there - it will be immediately available when you deplane at your destination. Stop in at Isis to pick up a baby carrier that you and other caretakers will love.
Security screenings: Understanding requirements prevents unnecessary delays: Remove your coat and shoes and place all bags (including diaper bags, breastpumps, car seats and folded strollers) on the belt for x-ray, have your baby out of their carrier and carry them in your arms through the metal detector. Current TSA regulations allow you to carry breastmilk, formula, juice or water “in reasonable quantities” when traveling with a young child. Aside from the baby’s milk, you may only pack one quart-sized plastic bag of liquids and gels such as diaper cream and hand sanitizer so find sample sized versions of these items that are three ounces or less. See TSA guidelines for more info when traveling with children.
Young babies enjoy being held, fed and talked to, and their ears are not usually bothered by the pressure changes so don’t stress about timing feedings to coincide with take off and landings if your baby is under nine months. Older babies and toddlers might react to the “pop” of their ears, so offer them something to eat or drink to help equalize their ear pressure, and have some new toys and books to entertain them with. Our staff associates have recommendations for quiet toys to keep children of all ages busy and engaged during travel, so stop in and ask for suggestions.
Use Your Words
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