1st time flying abroad with 15 mt old baby any advice?
im flying friday to memphis from uk. its my 1st time and i feel sick with nerves. im taking dd with me who is 15 months. any advice please how to keep her happy can i take her baby milk aboard? will there be somewhere she can comfortably nap. the 1st flight is 8 hrs 2nd is around 2 hrs. i keep thinking airports must be huge scary places (flying from heathrow) every imaginable worry keeps going through my head its sending me crazy. i know once im there i will feel more settled but just the thought of going so far away is making me feel homesick (never been more than 200 miles away before). im having to leave hubby and 3 of my grown up kids behind for financial reasons and they seem real cool about it but it sounds crazy but i already miss them. please any travel advice from other 1st time flyers who flew with young kids would be great
Air Travel - 4 Answers
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1 :
they will allow u to have a nice seat in the front with the baby.. and dont worry the baby wont feel a thing they will prolly njoy looking out the window and njoying how the plane moves have a nice trip!!
2 :
The only place for her to sleep will most probably be on your lap. There are some seats where you can put a baby seat, but it's not guaranteed you'll get one. Yes you can take her milk onboard, you'll have to taste it at security to prove it's safe (actually tasting it proves nothing. If you were about to blow up the plane and die anyway, you'd happily taste explosive) Feed her on takeoff and landing to help her adjust to the change in pressure. Take favourite toys, but not ones that make a noise (rattle/squeak/beep) Make sure to keep yourself to yourself - don't drape yourself and the baby all over the poor passenger next to you. And definitely don't expect them to help you with the baby (...it's happened to me, a woman just put the baby on my lap and said "hold her while I get a drink out"....baby got put back on her seat immediately) As the baby is on milk, why not leave her at home instead of subjecting her to this journey. Or wait until you can afford to have your husband travel with you for help.
3 :
The one flaw that may be in your plans is the transfer to your second flight. depending on your timing and the airports. The timing of flights is so close sometimes you have to literally run off one plane, run through the airport, check in and run to the departure gate, I have missed planes twice before by only 5 minutes resulting in half a day waiting around for the next flight. You could not do that with a baby with you so make sure you have at least 2 1/2 hours between flights to allow for minor delays and getting lost in the Airport. That will give you 1/2 hour to get off plane, get through customs, 1/2 hour walk through airport check in for 2nd flight, 1/2 hour to get to departure gate half an hour before departure, this will give you 1/2 hour spare. There are delays through bad weather a lot from Florida to Tenessee so be prepared for a possible unexpected overnight stay. My 2yr old always falls asleep after 1/2 hour so you will not have problems there. I would also recommend that on the 1st leg you get up and walk around the cabin for 5 minutes once every 2 hours and stnd near the toilets for a stretch, (helps circulation and fatigue). Get friendly with the people in adjacent seats all around you as soon as you get on, introduce yourselves as they can help with baby when you go to loo etc Get to Heathrow early and specifically ask for a better seat, they will not put you in the emergency exit area where there is more legroom but there are other seats that they can put you. Good luck
4 :
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I spent 10 years working transatlantic flights, 6 years at Heathrow Airport. Then I had my own children and now I fly with the three of them between continental Europe and California about twice a year, plus other flights in between, mostly alone... It's normal to be a little nervous, especially the first time but the vast majority of parents I saw did fine with their little ones. If you're prepared, it should go smoothly. Toddlers can be tricky because they're so active and can't be reasoned with in the same way as older children. (i.e. "Take your seat now and later you can get up and walk the aisles...") I do recommend that she have her own seat and that you bring her carseat along. Try to get an extra seat next to you if the flight isn't full. This is not only safer for her but much more comfortable for both of you. This is the only way to fly securely with any baby. Lap children are allowed because statistically, flying is so safe, there's very little chance of anything going wrong. If it does though, a lap child has no protection. If you are flying a U.S. company, check that your seat is FAA approved; http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/ If it's a British company, check your airlines' website for more details as it can vary in that country. Since you haven't booked a seat for her, call the airline and see if the flight is full. Then, at check in, ask nicely if you can have an empty seat next to you to place your carseat in. They often do this for families. Ask even if you can't take the seat just for comfort and room. To get through the airport, they sell all sorts of gizmos like these; http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html I simply use a small metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord and it works great. I skip on the stroller and she can even ride in it (and she's 3 1/2). She usually prefers to walk and then I load the carry-ons abord. Besides, taking your car seat onboard virtually guarentees that it'll be there at your destination. Checking them risks damage and loss. Wont you need it when you get there? Baby milk or formula is exempt from the liquid restrictions in both the U.K. and U.S. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm You are allowed a "reasonable amount" and simply show it to the security people when you go through. You don't have to put the formula or the bottles in a bag as is required for other liquids. 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. Even better is if she can take a sippy cup before leaving so you wont have to deal with bottles. But the liner bottles are pretty common in the U.K. and several brands are available. If you use bottled water, be sure to give yourself enough time to buy some once you're past security. Parents are supposed to be able to take bottled water for their children through security but there are complaints that it is still being taken away (and with security, you don't have much recourse). Make sure you have enough. The water on the aircraft is filtered tap so decide if you're comfortable using that for your baby. At 15 months, she should be fine but talk to your doctor is unsure. Bottled water runs out fast on flights and we never had any extra for babies. Be sure she does not need the bottle warmed. Get her 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. For entertainment, get her a new toy, anything and it doesn't have to be expensive. Keep it and give it to her once you're on the plane. Simple at this age works best. Stickers, coloring things, play dough, etc. Please don't bring any toy that makes even a quiet noise (toddlers love to run them again and again and again...) My son at that age liked anything with wheels. Once, I simply had a package of plastic animals. Kept him busy for ages! I actually don't recommend a portable DVD player *unless* she can watch it without sound. I doubt she'll wear the headphones at this age but try it at home if you want. Do not play a DVD player aloud on the aircraft, even softly. Either headphones or no sound. Books are good, chunky ones with flaps toddlers love to open. No one will mind if you read to her. Just some other small tips; -Bring a change of clothes -Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need -Learn to change her standing up (don't try to fit her on those tiny babychangers and toddlers hate to lie down in strange places) -Get up and move around with her but keep an eye out. Those carts the F/A's use are the perfect height for hiding little ones -Bring snacks. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests! -Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you -Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead! -If you have a good baby carrier (a good one, not a front pack) it is still useful at this age so bring it! My sling was magic for calming my toddlers and helpful if they fell asleep before landing. For the record, I have never used any sort of medication to get my children to sleep. I've seen it work and a couple of times, it did the opposite, making the child wired on board. IF you go this route, talk to your doctor first and make sure it's something she's taken many times before. Don't give her the full dosage since all medications are stronger in the air. It's actually a myth that children need to suck on something for take-off and landing. I rarely saw it in my 13 years as a Flight Attendant and with all those flights with my own children, I have never, ever done anything special with them for take-offs and landings. I saw so many parents wake up their children unnecessarily especially during take-off, when they often fall asleep. Let her rest! ENT specialists simply recommend that the child is awake for landing; http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude.htm The delicate time is not during take-off or landing/touchdown but at the *top of descent*. This is usually 40 minutes to an hour before landing and everyone's ears have to reverse the pressurization. I can confirm that when I worked, if any passengers had ear problems, this was the time. Not just children either! They actualy felt *better* as we got closer to landing. The BEST way to avoid ear issues is to take your little girl to the doctor a few days before flying. My son was good at getting symptomless ear infections. The doctor will look in her ears and make sure they're clear and infection-free. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes. For more information, about 8 years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed; http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com Just concentrate to getting everything organized and you'll do great. Being away from home is actually the same whether it's 20 or 3000 miles and they'll do fine. Good luck and have a good trip!
5 :
1.) If at all possible, buy a seat for your daughter. Here is where I talk about it's importance: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuzCyPcceRfxbsmok0f_jRPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081016015002AASP55j&show=7#profile-info-qgIGOJQOaa 2.) Pack plenty of things to entertain your daughter. My children bring coloring books, a Doodle Pad, Leap Pads (+ booklets), & scrap paper. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear & my son likes to bring along action figures. I found that a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books & sheets, & stickers. http://www.megabrands.com/en/products/description.php?product_id=1031&brand_id=36&cat=4&age= I take the contents out of the box & place them in a travel pack. Here is my sons: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577667314/ - outside http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577681352/ - inside Let your child (I let my children start this at the age of one) pick out her own carry on bag & a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens his carry-on. 2.) You are allowed to take a stroller with you for your journey, and it will not count towards your checked baggage limit. All airlines differ on what kind of stroller you are allowed to take, but all allow an umbrella stroller.Check with your airline to see if they will allow a bigger one. Here is a link that talks about the procedure for gate checking your stroller: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnKvCt1q1JVJISfMQUsXcyPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081005224258AAmgcGm&show=7#profile-info-942f313b2c81b37310c7808f5ed1d1a9aa 3.) Liquid and powder formula, milk, juice, baby food, and water are allowed in quantities over 3oz (100ml). Here is a link that will give you all the details (same rules apply for the UK): http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApaVhxxUaNiiEsDfths2ADjty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081002064751AAqUtKH&show=7#profile-info-Y3IuVmeiaa http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/requirements Bring Snacks! Just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. You can also bring a limited amount of yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml) http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/requirements 4.) Many parents are concerned about pressure changes in their childs ears, but honesty, I've never had problems with any of my children. In fact, not all children have a problem with pressure changes in their ears. The "popping" is what helps to equalize pressure changes in ears, so it is actually the result you want. What you do *not* want, is for them not to be able to "pop" their ears. Make sure your child has a check-up with the doctor to ensure she is healthy enough to fly. Doctors recommend that anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not take the flight. My husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick. If your child seems to have problems with equalizing pressure in her ears, here are some ways to help: For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent - about an hour before landing), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to: 1. If your child is nursing, nurse her 2. Give her something to drink (formula, milk, juice, water - it doesn't matter) 3. Give her a pacifier to suck on 4. Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears 5. Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears. 6. Give her something to eat. 6.) Other tips: -Keep your diaper bag well stocked with what you will need -Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your daughter -Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. -Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child -Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder -Do NOT plan on giving your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep on the plane. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well. -Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8&6, 9 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
