what precautions should i take while flying with my newborn?

2jps
By 2jps

my baby boy will just be 40 days old when we will be flying to india.What precautions should I take in the flight? How should I dress him to make him feel comfertable (not too cold not too hot)? Please suggest and share your experience.

By Julie1962• 28 Mar 2009 21:43
Rating: 5/5
Julie1962

Another few tips I could give you:-

Try to keep your baby stroller with you as long as possible. They used to allow me to take mine on board but I dont think that is allowed any more. You usually will not get it back until you get your luggage which means a lot of walking carrying your child. They tell you that you can have it back at the other end but they dont tell you it will come off with the luggage!!!! You may be a lucky mum who gets theirs at the plane door but that usually doesnt happen.

Make sure when you book that you book a basinet seat for the flight. Just because you have a baby with you when you book your flight, doesnt mean you automatically get a basinet seat. YOU HAVE TO REQUEST IT AT THE TIME OF BOOKING Book a 'child meal' for your kids between 2-12 years. The food is much better for them than the adult meal and presented in a nice way to encourage them to eat.

Ask for the 'kids pack' as soon as possible. Even before take off. It is usually a small pack of games/toys for the kids. DONT WAIT for them to be handed out as on busy flights with lots of kids, there might not be enough to go around.

You may only be allowed one piece of hand luggage. Pack the baby changing things and spare clothing in one bag, pack your things in another. Stuff them both into one bag for the plane, when you get on the plane separate them back into 2 bags. Makes it quick and easy to find stuff in a hurry or for changing.

Try to find a bag that has a lot of pockets on the outside. You can quickly locate a bottle of milk/juice and a pacifier or toy or wipes in a hurry. Ideal when the baby is screaming! As soon as staff will allow, get your baby bag down from the luggage store and keep it handy. If possible, tuck it behind your legs (calves) on the flight so they dont ask you to put it up in the luggage rack in the first place. Babies always seem to get upset and you need that bag with you all the time.

When you have a toddler, wait until the last minute before you have to fasten the 'child' seatbelt. A lot of toddlers dont like it and will get upset way before the flight even leaves. I used to unfasten it when the staff weren't looking and just fasten it at the last minute.

Also for toddlers, I used to take around 4 x 8oz bottles of baby juice or tea to give them on takeoff and landing. It helps clear their ears and stops them screaming completely!

A few days before the flight, especially if it is the first one, play airplane games with your kids, practise making loud airplane noises and 'bump bump bump' games (for landing) and play it on the plane before take off and landing, that way they wont get upset/scared with any sudden noises or jolts.

I also used to practise changing diapers on my knee. Some flights only have one bathroom with a changing table and its really small. It also seems to have the longest queue. If you can do it on your knee it is much easier.

Buy new cheap 'disposable toys' - if you lose them on the flight it wont matter. I bought my kids new small trolley bags, made a big fuss about them and they were only allowed to use them on the flight - so they would happily carry their own stuff. I gave each child 2 small waters and 2 small juice. Some biscuit type snack in case they get hungry. They always do when there is no food around. Take Oasis Wipes - available from Carrefour or Family Food. They are cheap, VERY VERY THICK AND LARGE and can clean up the stickiest mess. They are packed in singles. Each child get 2 each. If they are old enough, they can clean themselves whilst you see to younger kids. I still use them and my kids are teenagers now.

Pack spare clothing for other kids, in case of a major spill at mealtimes. They can go into their own trolley bags. Clothes on the bottom, toys/games on the top to get at quickly, snacks juice and water in the outside pockets. One of my kids decided to scream for juice as we were about the climb the steps to get on the plane. It took 2 seconds to get the juice from his bag and immediate silence!

Treat yourself to disposable paper bibs which are great, I even made my kids wear them until they were about 7 yrs old. They catch all the food and bits, as airplane cutlery is tricky for kids. Other than the obvious reason of keeping your child's clothing clean they are usually plastic backed, so spilt juice/water doesnt create a problem either. Only let them open the juice/water cups A LITTLE BIT, this also helps stops spills. Keep them handy before the meal comes, also get the wipes and tissues ready. A nappy sack is handy for all the bits or rubbish.

If they can't manage their food alone, put yours on the floor if you can, cut up their food and pass the food tray back. Ask cabin staff to take off the foil lid if you cant get to it, its usually hot. Ask older kids to help if possible.

I travelled for many years with 4 kids on my own so these are my best tips.

By lauraferns• 4 Mar 2009 12:17
Rating: 5/5
lauraferns

Cover ur baby fully ... that is put on clothes that cover his full body. along with that keep warm wrappers ... Put on a monkey cap or anyother cap that covers his ears fully. put some cotton inside both the ears (dont put it deep)... give the baby a pacifier when the aircraft takes off and lands...see that the baby is chewing it.... or if u are feeding the baby , feed him while the aircraft takes off and lands both the time....This is mainly advised by the doctors becoz air can fill in the babys ears..... to avoid this the baby should be on the sucking reflex or else if air fills in the ears then the baby may get ear pain that is painful and may start crying.....try to keep ur baby warm in a cool climate .

Plz note: if the baby is sweating that shows that u have too many clothes on him... if the baby feels cold then u have put few clothes... so u should know ur babys needs better.... Tk care

Have a safe flight..........

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