Pediatrician - Wall
3350 Highway 138 Building 2 Suite 126
Wall, NJ 07719
732-280-6455
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Let's face it, flying with children isn't easy. Check out these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to assist you in your travels.
Having a new baby around the house tends to make even the most routine of pre-parenthood tasks require a bit more forethought.
In this age of upward mobility, a large number of new parents find themselves faced with what we consider to be an altogether new form of travel: airplane travel with a baby. With a little knowledge and a positive attitude, you will find that you are very capable through even the most challenging aspects of what lies ahead. In this article, adapted we’ve included insights that apply specifically to flying with your baby. While there isn’t one answer to the question of when it’s easiest to travel, the fact of the matter is that newborns and young babies generally adapt pretty well to changes in sleep and eating schedules.
We have found that babies tend to sleep more reliably at nighttime than they do during naptime travel after the first few weeks. If you and your baby can sleep on the plane, a late-night flight may be the way to go.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require the purchase of an airline ticket for any child younger than 2 years. However, because turbulence is the most common cause of nonfatal injury among passengers and flight attendants, according to the FAA, adults, coffeepots, and tray tables all need to be restrained during flight — and we believe infants should be no exception. Also, many babies who would otherwise be content to sit in their car seats and entertain themselves or sleep tend to have much greater expectations about playtime when they are held.
The safest place for a child under two on an airplane is in a car seat, not on a parent’s lap. However, if you still find yourself looking for tips about traveling with an infant on your lap, we have some useful ones to offer:
Figuring out how to get everyone and everything checked in and to the gate requires some forethought. Many airlines now require that infants without a paid ticket receive a boarding pass. And, as inconvenient as it may seem, safety regulations now require that you lift your baby out of her car seat—even if your baby is sleeping contentedly.
We highly recommend dressing yourself and your child in easy-on, easy-off layers so that you are prepared for whatever in-flight conditions you may find. In making your selections, remember that easy access and comfort are key.
Simply put, elastic-waist pants, zip-up outfits, or easy-snap crotches are far easier than tights and lace-up or button-up-the-back Onesies when it comes to diaper changing — especially when faced with doing it in cramped quarters.
If everything you choose to bring along fits easily in your carry on bags, it will significantly decrease the likelihood that you will leave a trail of belongings in your wake.
Fortunately for all involved, many young babies actually do travel well in flight. As for ear pain caused by the change in cabin pressure, a great many babies never show the slightest sign of discomfort. It’s useful to know that there is a practical and realistic alternative to gum chewing that works very well for babies when it comes to relieving ear pressure.
Offer a breast, pacifier, or bottle during takeoff and initial descent. If you must get resourceful in soothing your child, take comfort in knowing that the drone of the engines usually limits how far a crying baby can be heard. Airplane cabin noise hovers around 100 decibels, and is even louder during takeoff. Using cotton balls or small earplugs may help to decrease the decibel level your baby is exposed to, and as a result make it easier for her to sleep or relax.
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3350 Highway 138 Building 2 Suite 126,
Wall, NJ 07719