The Smallest Traveler
Date :
Wednesday, May 20 2009
Source:
Kim Lamb
Spring fever results in everyone beginning to plan their summer vacations. It’s time to take your infant to visit your Great Aunt Margie. Do we fly or do we drive? Is my baby too young to fly?
Something you might consider for your baby’s first flight would be waiting until he’s 2-3 months old. The thought behind this suggestion is that by 2-3 months of age your baby’s immune system has had a chance to develop and is strong enough to resist the germs that pass through an airplane’s ventilation system.
Perhaps you can’t wait until your child is 2-3 months old. Consult with your pediatrician at your child’s two week check-up. You may receive approval for your infant’s first flight as long as he receives a clean bill of health. Premature infants will need to wait until their immune systems are more fully developed and strong enough to handle being exposed to germs that travel through areas of confinement such as an airplane.
Make your first flight together comfortable for the both of you. Established routines from home can be continued as you travel. Attempting to schedule your flight around your baby’s naptime can be helpful. Contact your airline to investigate what their policies are for flying with an infant. A few of the most common airline policies are:
- Children under 14 days old must have a doctor’s authorization to fly
- Verification of age (birth certificate)
- Boarding pass or boarding verification document- varies by airline
- Fees and seating arrangements vary by airline
- Most airlines require any child 40 pounds or under be in an FAA approved child CRD (car seat)
What should I bring for my infant that will support established routines as we travel? Travel as light weight as possible. Choose a lightweight bag with many storage pockets.
- One diaper per hour of travel plus 1-2 more in case of unplanned delays
- Changing pad
- Blankets- One to use and one easily on-hand in case the other becomes soiled
- Plastic bags for soiled items
- Diaper rash cream
- Small container of wipes for bottoms and other washable parts
- For adults, hand sanitizing gel
- Favorite pacifier; this will help with discomfort due the changing air pressure during take –off and landing. One for a replacement, who knows where they disappear to.
- A few favorite toys for the older infant
- 2 complete changes of clothing
- Plastic food containers and eating utensils for infants on solid foods
- Breastfed babies do well nursing during take-off and landing, to minimize ear problems from changes in air pressure. Check airline policies of requirements to have child in a car seat during such times. Remember to pack a baby blanket or shawl for the comfort of mom and baby.
- Formula and extra bottles. Even though prepared formula is more expensive it is ready when needed and you won’t have to carry bottled water or take risks with different water sources.
- FAA approved car seat and stroller for the airport
- First Aid Kit- pain reliever and prescription medications, phone number for pediatrician
- For yourself, an extra shirt for those little burps that leave you soaked
Planning ahead and packing in advance will make your trip a memorable one. Traveling with your infant, like all first-time experiences for a new parent, becomes easier with practice. Don’t forget your camera!