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Flying with your baby is a challenge. There are several things you can do to make it more manageable.
Try to arrange non stop flights if at all possible. Longer but fewer trips are easier on you, your child, and everyone. They'll be less times to install/uninstall the car seat, less waiting time and more uninterrupted nap times. Direct flight avoids the problem of multiple taking off and landing, so babies will be more likely to go through it without too many problems. You can give your baby a decongestant before take off to keep the ears and sinuses clear on take off and landing. If your child is showing signs of a cold or an ear ache before the trip, take them to the doctor before you leave. There is nothing worse than flying on an airplane while you have an ear infection. Feed your baby during take-off and landing, or give them something to chew on or a pacifier to release the pressure in the ear drums.
Always buy a seat for your baby. It is tempting to have your baby on your lap because it is free, but saving the money may cost you more in aggravation later. Your baby will be safer in their car seat than on your lap during turbulence. Your baby will feel more secure and might even go to sleep if they are in their own car seat. In addition, you will be able to eat with out a baby on your lap grabbing everything.
If two adults are traveling with the baby it will be much easier. Send the firstperson ahead with the car seat to board first. Get a 'bulkhead' seat in the front, they have much more leg room. The parent with the child tries to be one of the last to board the plane. That way the baby gets a few extra minutes of crawling/walking time off of the plane. Plus, when you get on the plane, your partner has the car seat all set up and ready so you just can place the child in and don't have to hold up the line of people boarding.
If you are traveling alone, then you will have to depend on the kindness of strangers and ground staffs. Usually it's not a problem and people are more than willing to help a mom - especially one with an infant, umbrella stroller, diaper bag, and car seat.
Instead of using a regular diaper bag, use a college student sized back pack. Fill it with tons of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for you and baby, a bag of toys and books, and snacks for the trip. Bring toys that don't have too many pieces or make a big mess. Quiet toys will be appreciated by the other passengers. Bring an extra blanket for your baby. The airlines have blankets but it’s not a guarantee that you can get one. Always bring a sippy cup, which is great for drinking on take off and landing to help ears pop. Great snacks are anything packaged so that you can get it through customs: cheese and crackers, fruit roll ups, raisins, and cookies. Suckers are also good for take off and landings.
Most airplanes have at least one changing table, albeit a small one. The changing tables are usually in the restrooms. The major complaint about flying babies are when a parent changes a stinky, yucky diaper on the seat. The air on the plane is already bad and there's nowhere for the smell to go. When an airplane does not have a changing table you will have to make do. Change the baby on the floor and put the used diaper in a zip lock bag before disposing it in the bathroom trash can.
Flight attendants can be a great help. Just remember they are human too and have more than you and your child to take care of. Please be aware that the airlines typically do not have any supplies for babies. The stewards and stewardesses are instructed that they cannot handle or hold babies, therefore you will typically have to cope with your baby on your own.
Ask for a crib when you are on board, most airlines carry a crib for babies, this should be placed on the floor or there may be a way to secure the crib, the crib has to stowed during take-off and landing.
If your baby likes to kick the seat in front of them with their shoes, remove their shoes and the person in front of you will appreciate it.
Some people do not like sitting next to a passenger with a baby. If you find yourself in a bad seat, or next to a person who is clearly unhappy - look around to see if there are any better seats or blocks of seats without passengers.
Flying with small kids shouldn't be stressful for the mom, the child, or the other passengers. Just plan ahead, try to think of problems that may occur, and communicate with the airlines. Above all, keep your sense of humor!!!
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