New parents generally face a host of challenges, including a lack of sleep, learning to care for a newborn, and balancing their lives to adjust to the new addition. If you have to take your infant on a flight, there are many things to think about ahead of time to make sure the trip is as comfortable as possible for your baby, the other passengers, and yourself.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has banned liquids more than three ounces except in the case of formula, breast milk, and juice. When you reach the security checkpoint, separate any of these liquids from your other items and let one of the security personnel know that you have them. The liquids will be examined for any trace of explosives and then permitted for you to take with you in your carry-on baggage. If your baby needs any liquid or gel medications, you must declare these to the security personnel as well. The TSA also allows teething toys filled with liquid or gel, and processed baby food. If you need water for your baby, after clearing the security checkpoint you are allowed to purchase beverages from the airport vendors to take with you on your flight.
Families with small children are permitted to board the plane before others so they have ample time to arrange their belongings. If you have a stroller, collapse it, and make sure it has a tag with your contact information on it before leaving it with the gate agent. Make your way to your seat and put your bags in the overhead bins. Keep bags containing formula, toys, snacks, diapers, and anything else you will need during the flight underneath your seat for easy access.
During takeoff and landing, babies, like adults, often feel uncomfortable pressure in their ears. Plan to nurse your child, feed her a bottle, or let her suck on a pacifier during takeoff and landing to help lessen the pressure. Feeding your baby often has a soothing effect as well. That along with the motion of the plane and white noise might put baby to sleep, making the trip even easier.
If the plane ride gets bumpy, the Federal Aviation Administration advises parents to hold the baby, giving uniform support to his head and neck. Also try to keep baby from flailing his arms and legs to prevent any injury. Turbulence is frightening to an infant, so talk to your baby softly and sooth him until the bumpiness passes.
Babies often suffer from uncomfortable stuffy, dry noses during flights. Bring some saline drops and a dropper with you to use in the baby's nose to help reduce any discomfort. You can also use expressed breast milk for the same effect.
