The thought of facing an airport and a flight right after delivery may fill parents with horror. Parents are bound to have several questions regarding their child’s health and safety during the travel.
Newborns are fragile and have a lot of needs. The prime concern of many parents is whether or not their child is capable of air travel, considering the extreme flight atmosphere.
Experts from Mayo Clinic say, most babies can travel regardless of age, but one has to make sure that they consult the doctor before flying with the newborn. The doctors however discourage parents from flying shortly after the baby’s birth because air travel may expose the baby to germs that could cause potentially serious illness. Some airlines also require a letter from the baby’s physician, approving air travel for the newborn. Each airline sets its own minimum age for flight travel and this can range from two to fourteen days old baby. In case of a premature baby, it is usually counted from the due date and not the day they were born.
The documentation part is crucial for parents traveling with a baby so as to prevent cancelation afterwards. For international travel, the child may probably need a passport. Due to security reasons across the world, many countries which allowed travel for parents and children from neighboring countries without a passport now require one. The system of allowing children to travel with their parents’ passports is less common now. These days, every member of the family is required to have their own documents.
In case one is in an organized visit or a cruise, the company involved should inform you of what you need. In case of domestic travel, some airlines will require a birth certificate or any other ID to prove that the child without a seat (“lap baby”) is less than two years of age. Most airlines will not really ask but some airlines may require a birth certificate of all lap babies. Parents might want to stay alert because some airlines may have a different policy which may be stricter than their own governments’ laws. Most of the employees you encounter do not have the power to change or make exceptions to any rule. They simply must follow them, even in cases where logic or safety is questionable. Thus, one should check the airlines’ website to be sure of what they require and refer to the FAA websites strictly to be informed about the needs and requirements for the child.
These are a few things you should consider while flying with your baby:
Your baby’s Age:
Generally, age doesn’t affect an infant’s ability to handle air travel. However, your baby’s doctor might discourage unnecessary air travel shortly after birth. Keep in mind that newborns have a developing immune system and air travel might increase the risk of catching an infectious disease.
Your baby’s Ears:
Changing cabin pressure during flight causes temporary changes in middle ear pressure, which can trigger ear pain. To help equalize the pressure in your baby’s ears, encourage your baby to suck on a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing. If your baby is ill, consult the doctor before flying.
Your baby’s breathing:
During flight, air pressure in an aircraft cabin is lower than air pressure on land. Although this temporary change in oxygen level doesn’t seem to pose problems for healthy babies, your baby’s doctor might recommend supplemental oxygen if your baby has an underlying respiratory condition. If your baby was born prematurely and has a history of lung disease, your baby’s doctor might recommend postponing air travel until age one or later.
Your baby’s Safety Seat:
For most infants, car seats are certified for air travel. Although airlines typically allow infants to ride on the caregiver’s lap during flight, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats. If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane in case one can be assigned to your infant. For most room, choose bulkhead seats if you can.
Getting through Security:
Navigating security with your infant is another challenge altogether. Everyone gets screened, including babies.
Advantages of Flying
The biggest advantage of flying is that it can get you to your destination faster. When you’re traveling with a newborn, even a short car ride to the store can seem like a torture because of the incessant cries if your baby, which makes you want to get to your destination as soon as possible. If you have no layovers, flying can help you do that. Direct domestic flights can take an hour or lesser. Assuming that your baby may fall asleep during the flight or that your partner will be able to keep your baby occupied, you can also relax, read a book or enjoy the in-flight entertainment facilities.
Fly Right
The FAA publishes an article and brochure for parents, outlining child safety on airplanes with full details and every parent should go through these and heed to their advice. Be sure your child’s car seat is one that is approved for airline travel. Make sure your child is of the appropriate size for the seat you plan to use and also be familiar with instructions and operation of your child safety seat. Securing and operating a child’s safety seat is the responsibility of parents, not the flight crew.
Discounts
Many airlines offer discounts for children, so be sure to ask about the same while making your reservations. Generally discounts offered are around 75% of the adult fare and you know, every bit counts.
Disadvantages of Flying
Flying might get you to your destination faster, but unless you’re willing to shell out for first class accommodations, you probably aren’t going to be very comfortable. Seats can be cramped, and unless you want to pay for an additional seat for your baby, you’re going to be even more cramped with your infant on your lap. Not only can carrying your baby on the lap be uncomfortable, it can also be unsafe. However, if you want to use a safety seat, you have to buy an extra seat, which can cost you a lot of money, depending on your destination. You may also have to pay additional fees for all the gear and baggage that you need for your baby.
Controlled environment:
Going by car would allow you to control the environment in which your baby travels unlike in the planes. Traveling by car allows you to keep your baby safe without paying extra. Traveling by car also allows you to stop, rock, feed your baby or purchase additional items that you may need if an emergency such as a sickness or a diaper blowout arises.
Not literally free
Each and every airline has their own specific rules when it comes to lap children and how they need to be documented. Often, there is a service or ticketing fee which can cost an average 10% of the adult airfare. Foreign airport taxes and fees may also need to be paid by “free” lap children. Many large online travel web sites do not calculate these extra charges and parents find themselves unpleasantly surprised at the airport check-in desk. Also for foreign flights, remember lap children will need a passport. Don’t forget to calculate those costs as well.
Luggage
It’s amazing when you think little humans require so much “stuff” to be safe and comfortable. Most airplanes do not stock diapers, baby food and they don’t even offer changing facilities. It’s recommended that parents pack a minimum one day supply of these items not to mention strollers, clothing, portable cribs etc. because lap children are not paying for an airline seat. This means they do not get any luggage allowance. Parents need to calculate the cost of excess or oversized luggage fees in the cost of their child’s “free” ticket.
Size of Airline Seats
The average size of most airline seats is 14-16 inches with minimal legroom. Can you and your child sit comfortably in this space during your flight? Also consider the feelings and comfort of fellow passengers seated around you. If they have paid full price for their ticket, they might not look kindly at a cranky child infringing their space.
Tips for Air Travel
- It is important to think about how you’ll occupy your baby during the flight. You might bring on board a teething ring, pacifier, special blanket or stuffed animal, and age-appropriate toys and books. If your baby is fussy while you’re in the air, take occasional breaks to walk up and down the aisle as long as the crew approves moving throughout the cabin. A walk about may completely change her mood. In addition to that, be prepared to feed your baby during the flight. Baby formula, baby food, expressed breast milk and juice are allowed on board in reasonable quantities, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
- Breastfeed or bottle feed your baby during take-off and landing. The swallowing will help prevent the uncomfortable ear popping.
- Night flights are good for long journeys. Look for flights that won’t upset your baby’s routine.
- If you have to change planes, ask for a courtesy cart between gates.
- If the flight isn’t full, see if you can move to a spare row of seats.
- Avoid strangers from coming up close to your little one and then spewing or coughing germs directly into his or her face.
- Always use good hand washing soap before and after feeding. Bring an antibacterial ‘hand sanitizer’ to cleanse your hands in the seat.
- Come prepared! Bring all the essentials in your tote bag (diaper change, wipes, plastic baggies, extra bottles, a clean blouse, a spit-up cleaner towel, etc.)
- Keep yourself well hydrated (remember: airplane air is dry) if you are breastfeeding, so there’s plenty of milk for baby.
- Use a really absorbent diaper before takeoff to avoid diaper changes on the plane. Diapering in the postage stamp size bathrooms on the plane is no fun.
- Call ahead of time and ask for a “bulkhead” seat, which has more legroom and may be a bit more comfortable.
- If you are holding your infant on your lap, do not put the safety belt around her during takeoff and landing. The doubts are never ending when it concerns your newborn but infants aren’t as fragile as parents sometimes fear and by the age of three months or so, babies are pretty good for travel, so relax. Happy travelling!
