We plan to take an 18-hour flight with a baby (~6 months) half way around the world. Any advice from experienced readers? Things to prepare, gotchas etc
Thx I'm a former Flight Attendant and I now fly a lot with my own three children. We usually travel between Europe and California about twice a year. My youngest has just finished her sixth round-trip transatlantic last month and that's not counting all the flights I made with my older two children since each was 4 months old.
For most of my career, I flew international, long-hauls.
I'm usually alone, and I've never used any sort of medication to get them to sleep.
First, you need to talk to your doctor. Second, you need to try it at home first to make sure they don't have any allergic reactions. You want to be able to get to the ER, like my parents had to when they gave me Benedryl when I was seven years old. Even though my dad was a doctor and my mom a nurse, they couldn't find my pulse...imagine if we had been in the air! Even though these are OTC drugs, they aren't harmless.
Frankly, it's not necessary for a child under 7 or 8 months old and I wouldn't give it to them after about 3 or 4 years old, when they can occupy themselves in their seats better.
Remember that all meds are stronger at altitude. You know how that glass of wine goes to your head a bit faster when you're flying? Most medical emergencies I saw were because of this.
First of all, I really recommend bringing a car seat and using it onboard. Make sure your car seat is approved for use on aircraft. If you're flying on a U.S. company, see the below link for information on if it's approved. Most car seats, including infant buckets, sold in the U.S. are.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_childr...
If you are flying a non-U.S. company, see the information for your airline. If you search with the name of the airline, followed by "children", that will usually give you the right page.
This way, the seat will get to your destination without risking it being damaged or lost in luggage. On my last transatlantic with my kids, three of our four bags didn't make it but since we had the car seat with us, my daughter was safe for the 2 hour drive home (the bags arrived 2 days later).
If you don't have a seat for him, request it at check-in. Ask if the flight is full, and if not, they can "block" the seat next to you, only using it if they really need it. They often do this for families.
Bring the seat to the gate, even if they are unsure that you'll get a seat. This way, if you don't manage it, they will "gate check" your seat, sending it down with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is gentlier than checking it in at the desk.
I also recommend trying to sit at the bulkhead. These are the seats with the wall in front, located in different places depending on the aircraft. Some airlines provide mounted bassinets. Nice when you can get one but even if not, bulkheads are easier with children since no one is leaning in front of you.
If you have a travel system, you can use the stroller until you get to the door of the aircraft and then it'll be "gate checked". If not, use a stroller frame for a infant seat. You'll have it again, by the door of the aircraft when you arrive. If you have a convertible car seat (going to 40lbs), there are a number of contraptions you can use to wheel it around. I simply strap mine to a small metal luggage cart and that works great.
If you do have a stroller, bring a bungee cord and double secure it before leaving it at the door of the plane. They can get damaged if they pop open en route. Make sure the claim ticket can be seen and isn't squished or hidden.
Bring at least 1/3 more diapers than you think you'll need. I saw so many parents run out on flights when I was working! Wrap them in plastic bags and throw a bunch of rubber bands around them to save room in your carry-on.
For a formula fed baby, I really recommend using the bottles with plastic liners. Traditional bottles are too difficult to wash onboard because of the kind of sinks on airplanes. I premeasured the powder and rolled them up, placing the rolls in a ziplock bag. Then you throw the liners away as you use them and only have the ring and nipple to clean.
If you use bottled water, be sure to give yourself enough time to buy some once you're past security. Make sure you have enough! The water on the aircraft is filtered tap so decide if you're comfortable using that for your baby. Bottled water runs out fast on flights and we never had any extra for baby bottles.
Be sure you baby does not need the bottle warmed. Get him used to a room-temperature bottle before leaving. This is unnecessary health-wise and a real pain to do while travelling. I warmed many bottles on my flights but I wasn't there in the check-in line, the security line or the waiting area! Babies do great with room-temperature bottles.
Make sure you have at least one change of clothes. I would bring two. At that age, I simply dressed mine in sleep suits for flying. No one will care so keep him comfortable. Bring extra socks if he crawls so that he doesn't pick up anything nasty on the floor and to keep his hands clean.
Hopefully you have a good baby carrier. They're so useful for flying, especially at this age. I had a sling but other parents swear by their wraps and pouches. The Ergo is another popular carrier for travel. I liked the sling because I could slide my babies from into and out of a stroller or car seat without waking them. It also doubled as a blanket, baby changer and sunshade! My sling was magic for calming my babies during the flight. Other parents wanted one when they saw how easy it made my travels. Avoid front packs like the Bjorn since they're so bad for both the parents' and child's back. A good carrier should go to at least age 2.
Many flying tips say to make the child suck on something or drink during take-off and landing. This isn't accurate. ENT specialists say to have the child awake about an hour before landing (top of descent, landing or touch-down is too late).
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandalt...
I can confirm that is when I saw problems at work. Take your child to the doctor in the last few days before you fly to make sure his ears are clear and infection-free. Heathy ears can handle pressurization changes.
If you'd like more information on flying with children, about 8 years ago I wrote this totally non-commercial article based on both my professional and practical experience. Parents from around the world have also contributed over the years;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
My contact information is at the end. I'd hate to be on this flight. Please tell me you are not flying from San Francisco to Australia this Wednesday. Give it cough syrup to put it to sleep. your only carry on should be the baby - and you said we so your travel partner's carry-on should be stuff for baby - food, toys, clothes, meds, and everything you can think of that you will need. have baby feed during takeoff and landing will help with ears and air pressure in cabin. pull out toys one at a time. aisle seat are best for ease of in and out Make sure you bring lots to do..keep them ocupied..chew toys plastic rings that sort.... |
