Consider reserving a seat for your baby and bringing a car seat with you. While airlines allow children under two to ride in a parent's lap, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Federal Aviation Association recommend keeping your infant buckled into a car seat during the flight except during times the flight crew deems it safe to move about the cabin. Other safety precautions to consider are whether your child has any medical conditions that you may need to attend to during the flight. Young babies with respiratory problems may require supplemental oxygen in a pressurized environment like an airplane. Consult your pediatrician before your flight to see if your child may need medical assistance during the flight.
Have something on hand to feed your baby. The Transportation Security Administration has specific guidelines regarding taking formula or breast milk on board a plane. Reasonable quantities, defined as only as much as is needed for the flight duration, of formula or breast milk are allowed on the plane in quantities exceeding the normal 3-ounce limit imposed on liquids and gels taken in carry-on baggage. These are considered to be in the same category as liquid medication and should be declared and separated from other carry-on liquids and gels at the security checkpoint. Mothers may also elect to nurse their babies on the plane; this is safe to do as long as the crew has given leave to move about the cabin. Allowing your baby to eat during the flight reduces fussiness, encourages sleep and keeps your baby comfortable.
Your baby's ears are not as able to adjust to the changing air pressure on a plane as an adult's. This can be painful for a baby if the pressure is not relieved. Encourage your baby's jaws to move and "pop" the ears by having him nurse or suck on a bottle or pacifier; this is especially important during take-off and landing. Dress your baby in a lightweight bottom layer and a jacket, hat and socks on top. Temperature can vary during a flight and your baby can be undressed or redressed as needed as it gets warmer or colder. Bring a durable blanket or spit-up rag; these can help clean messes or double as another layer if is cold. Messy diapers can happen mid-flight, so remember extra diapers, baby wipes and a change of clothing for the baby. Consider bringing an extra outfit for yourself too.
A bored baby is an unhappy baby. Bring a few beloved books and toys in your carry-on baggage and include a couple of items that are either new or that your baby has not seen often. To keep these toys interesting to your baby for as long as possible, do not hand them over all at once. Give your baby one toy or book at a time and wait until they start losing interest to hand over a new item. Talk to your baby about what is going on during the flight. He will be comforted by your voice.
