Any Baby travel tips??
 

My wife and I are expecting our first child in September. We are in our mid-30's and have travelled quite frequently but this will be a new experience. <BR> <BR>We are planning a trip for April to either Mexico or the Caribbean from NY. What is an infans tolerance level in terms of trip length? Is it better to just pay for a 3rd seat? Any hints for 2 neophyte parents is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Definitely pay for the third seat! It's not only more convenient, it's also far safer were there to be turbulence. Plus where you are going you will probably want the carrier with you anyhow. The baby's tolerance for travel depends on the baby. Some are easygoing and don't mind, others resent any change to their routine. Unfortunately, there's no way to know now which kind you have! :) But I don't think that being a parent has to end life as you know it, just be prepared to be flexible.

Though we didn't buy a seat for our baby, we were told there were extra seats on a flight and took our baby car seat with us. The stewardess at the gate told us it wasn't FAA approved, so we couldn't use it. I had no idea a car seat was or wasn't FAA approved at that time, something to think about/look for in a car seat. <BR> <BR>I would be leary about traveling to Mexico with an infant for several reasons. One being the water of course. If the baby nurses exclusively at the time you travel there it shouldn't be an issue, but if bottle feeding or eating solids that you might wash in the water or mix with water you might have some concerns. I hear some of the resorts have "good" water, maybe those with more Mexican-water experience can comment. <BR> <BR>I don't think infants have any particular tolerance level for trip lengths. If you allow adequate time for them to nap comfortably, i.e. time to stretch out on a bed/in a crib on cool sheets versus sleeping cramped up in a carseat or stroller on the beach, they will probably be happy. Babies object when you try to do too much and too many adult oriented things, without allowing them adequate sleep and nourishment. It helps if you can sort of keep them on a sleep and eating schedule at least somewhat similar to that at home. Happy travels!

I also feel that alot of babies get very irritable on flights due to the air pressure and the pain it obviously causes to the ear. I know adults who are bothered tremendously by this and can't imagine how an infant feels. Great point about the water, too. Bacteria is going to be completely different in everything down in Mexico, so be prepared. You'll also want to pre-plan obviously in regards to any Pediatricians nearby, etc. if your baby were to get ill or something. Medical care is handled somewhat differently as well. Just some things to think of. You definitely need to be mega-preplanned for this trip but you probably have already thought of all this.

Your baby will probably be about 7 months old by then. That is the same age my daughter was when we took her on her first plane trip, a 9 hour flight. We didn't buy the extra seat and I held her the entire time. That was fine with me, though. I think it is, at least in part, why she was so peaceful on the plane. She slept for most of the trip and literally didn't cry once. All babies are different and my daughter was always an easy going baby. Maybe this is a unique experience, but that's how it was for us.

Thanks for the great advice and tips. I would't have even considerd the FAA car seat issue. <BR>Thanks again everyone! <BR> <BR>P.s. Hopefully, we will not be the couple with the screaming child on your next flight!

I just wanted to add, bottled water is probably a good idea. My child was breastfed and we didn't have to worry much about that. And don't forget your pediatrician's phone number. Also for the trip we took lots of her favorite toys and books to read to her. The days of traveling light are over for us. Trips with babies can be a bit more complicated, but not impossible with a little planning.

A suggestion for the ear pressure is to take along things for the baby to suck like bottles and pacifiers. The sucking helps relieve the pressure.

Both the Department of Transportaion and the Association of Flight Attendants strongly suggest you buy the extra seat and strap your child in. Clear air turbulence is a very real and present danger in the sky and an unsecured infant can act as a projectile. You buckle your kid up in a car, why on earth would you not buckle your kid on a plane with unstable air beneath you. And why would you lap hold an infant on your lap with seating as cramped as it is on an airplane? For your sanity and your child's safety buy the extra seat. Check to make sure the seat you buy is FAA approved for in-flight use. Most are. <BR> <BR>As to taking off and landing, make sure your child has something to drink to stabilize the air pressure in their ears. Take along toys, books, travel magna doodle etc. to keep them entertained. And don't forget to pack snacks if they are eating solids. Take extra handi wipes and plastic bags to put things in especially dirty diapers. I would buy a portable umbrella stroller or one that collapses easily, you can gate check it at the gate and they will have it sitting on the jetway when you deplane. Most of all--Be flexible and be patient. <BR>

I don't want to rain on your parade......but, our daughter was six months old when we went on our first vacation. We had a horrible time. She was upset with complete change in routine. She didn't sleep well in her portable crib. Most of all, I remember she cried a lot, which made all of us miserable. We did have other family there, so we could go out on a couple of dates. Looking back my husband and I both said we would wait until our next child is a little older before first vacation. Of course, your child may be different and do fine......I thought ours was too. <BR>BTW, now we vacation twice a year with her (3 yrs. old) and she does great and we have a wonderful time. <BR>As far as suggestions, take a first aid kit that includes a thermometer, Tylenol, and Benadryl just in case.

I wrote before about my daughter also going on her first plane ride at 7 months. By the time you travel, I suspect that you will know if you have the type of child who will cry with the routine change or take everything in stride. I didn't mean to imply that having the extra seat wasn't a good idea, but in my case I probably would have ended up holding my daughter for the entire plane ride even if we had bought the extra seat just because I would have wanted to hold her and I don't think it's as unsafe as the previous poster commented. Also, consider if you have a particularly large child for their age, holding them is not as easy. Take your cues from your child, even before they can talk they can tell you want they need. DO pack Tylenol and/or Motrin and Benadryl. Although, I never had to do this, some people like to give Benadryl to their children to make them drowsy for the flight and it's really harmless. Obviously, your pediatrician should be consulted about this, though. You will be suprised at how helpful your pediatrician will be on all aspects of your childs health and well-being. <BR> <BR>And absolutely encourage your child to nurse/take a bottle during take off and landing. If you can, hold off on feedings until that time. And if your babies ears do end up hurting, well crying WILL eleviate the pressure. Your fellow passengers will survive.

One more suggestion. When we took our 14 month old son on his first plane trip we got children's "earplanes". These ear plugs supposedly equalize ear pressure during the flight. My son didn't have any trouble while wearing them so maybe they really work. He was past the pacifier age at that time. They also make them for adults and can be found at the drug store usually. My two cents...get the extra seat. We didn't and lived to regret it.

Unless you are still nursing - 7 months is a perfect time to leave the baby with grandma for a few nights and get away together just the two of you and remember your other role (besides mommy and daddy.) We always loved our 4 and 5 day anniversary trips to mexico or the caribean when our kids were tiny. The one time we traveled with an 8 month old I came home more tired and stressed than ever before - never again. Little babies stayed home after that - there is plenty of time for big trips when they are older.

I am not underestimating the need for time together as a couple. I think that's important, too, but timing is everything. That said, I would caution you against listening to the previous poster's advice. Seven or eight months might be a terrible time to leave your baby because a lot of babies begin having seperation anxiety at around 6 months or so. Even though Mommy and Daddy may know everything is okay, baby will probably think you're never coming back. That's not something I would ever have wanted my baby to think. Besides that, I personally couldn't have stood being away from my baby for that long at that age. Lesson here, everybody balance parenthood and marriage differently. <BR> <BR> <BR>Of course, you never said you wanted to leave baby with Grandma. Maybe THAT WAS Grandma posting trying to get the baby for a few days!!! <BR> <BR>

We took our fifteen month old to St. Croix and had no real problems. One piece of advice to all regarding car seats in planes. We took a car seat with us on nearly 20 different airplanes from 4-5 different airlines over a three year period and never had a problem. In February we went to Florida on Midway and had no problems on the way down. All of a sudden on the flight back the Midway flight attendant said our seat was not FAA approved though she could not provide any proof. We were sure she was wrong. My wife and I stood at the plane entrance and turned the seat every which way and then found the notation that said it was approved for car or air travel. We showed the ground crew staff person who overruled the flight attendant. So make sure you know where on the car seat the documentation is since some flight attendants will make decisions on car seats that have no basis in fact.

Sorry Mom above, it is unsafe to lap hold your child. Remember the Sioux City United crash a few years back? A child who was lap held was killed when the plane crashed because he was not secured. Had this child been placed in a proper car seat, he would have survived. And why does both the American Association of Flight Attendants and DOT strongly recommend using car seats on airplanes?? Kids are used to being in their car seats and it is proven they are inherently safer for air travel. Ask any flight attendant and they will tell you the same thing. <BR> <BR>People like you make me see red because you are clueless as to the dangers of turbulence, etc. If you can't afford to pay the extra for your child's seat either stay home or drive to your destination!

Those are some pretty nasy remarks. What ever happened to the no rudeness policy? I disagreed with the previous poster, but managed to do so without saying being insulting. As I said before, having a seat is best, but I still don't believe it's absolutely necessary.

Until the airlines can clean up the quality of cabin air, I would be very hesitant to fly with a very young child. <BR> <BR>"Hydraulic fluids and engine oils can get into the aircraft's ventilation air, which is pumped into the aircraft cabin. Exposure to contaminants in an aircraft's air supply can have devastating health effects ranging from simple flu-like symptoms to neurological damage." Dawn Deeks, AFA. <BR> <BR>

Mom-You haven't been on here a whole lot have you? Rudeness is not monitored by Fodor's unless it is totally obscene. In fact, Fodor's laid off tons of people so the monitoring on this forum is slim to none. <BR> <BR>As to the seat issue-You are totally off base. The seat is necessary and safer. Why don't you check on the DOT's website and the AFA's website. You will see the same conclusion. People like you really shouldn't have kids if you are not going to do what's best for them....

Mom-You are still totally clueless... <BR> <BR>Here are excerpts from an article written on car seats: <BR> <BR>"Little children should have the same protection adults have in the airplane cabin," states Patricia Friend. "Using an FAA-approved child restraint device will provide children with that much-needed protection. Flying restrained in a child restraint device is the only safe way for children to fly." <BR> <BR>AFA has been a strong advocate of mandatory aircraft child restraint seats for nearly 10 years. Most recently, AFA participated in a working group of the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security, and pushed for mandatory child seats on aircraft. In its final report, the Commission recommended that the FAA revise its regulations to require that all infants and children under 40 pounds and under the height of 40 inches be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system. The Commission added, "It is inappropriate for infants to be afforded a lesser degree of protection than older passengers." <BR> <BR>"As a flight attendant for 30 years, I can recount stories of injury and even death to small children flying unrestrained," states Friend. "Sitting on an adult's lap, unrestrained, little infants and small children are at risk of injury during takeoff and landing, or during turbulence." <BR> <BR>Another advocate of aircraft child restraints, the National Transportation Safety Board first recommended the use of the seats." Jane Goodman, Jill Gallagher. <BR>

check with babies doctor before leaving for sure..if prone to ear problems, they sometimes suggest decongestant 1/2 hr pre flight -will save you a trip to doctor while on your trip ...also extreme caution in the sun-again check with doctor as to which sun product for a baby that small,even under an umbrella the reflection will still cause a burn and lots of fluids for sure so no dehydration!(but as stated by others already only safe ones!)

I think people shouldn't be more rude to other posters than they would be to them face to face. All I have done is try to offer what I consider to be reasonable advise. I have said a seat is ideal. By the fact that there is no rule that children MUST be in a carseat, though means that it's not completely unreasonable. Who are you to say that I shouldn't have children? What a horrible thing to say, to extrapolate what kind of mother I am from my position on this. I only did something that is specifically allowed by the airlines. If it is that dangerous why don't they require a carseat, why did someone else have a flight attendant tell them not to use there perfectly fine carseat... I didn't do anything to warrant these kinds of verbal assults.

Mom - don't worry about it. People love to critisize. To the OP, it is hard to say how difficult it will be to travel with your child. All children are different. My oldest (who is now 28) was a difficult toddler. Hyper active, defiant and my youngest was an easy going baby. Funny, the roles are reversed now. The 28 year old is relaxed and easy and the 24 year old is a bit hyper active. Once your child is born, you will be better able to judge their temperment. With the baby coming in September, it will give you ample time to plan for April. <BR> <BR>All of that aside, I think that a baby seat is a good idea. I was always a stickler for those when my children were young and when they get used to them, they start to feel comfortable in them. <BR> <BR>Good luck on your holiday.

Mom, airlines require luggage to be stowed away, beverage carts etc. to be restrained while taking off and landing. It only makes sense to have an infant or small child secured in an approved car seat. <BR> <BR>In the Sioux City crash, the "G" forces were so great it was impossible for parents to hold their children in their arms. They were literally ripped from them. The National Transportation Safety Board conducted numerous tests on the g forces and using car seats for children in planes, they (NTSB) sent a strong recommendation to the FAA that the airlines require children to be properly restrained in approved car seats. However, the FAA did nothing. In 1990 an Avencia 707 crashed off of Long Island, the NTSB concluded had the one child aboard been properly secured it would have survived the crash. Likewise, in 1994 a DC9 crashed near Charlotte airport killing 37 people including a 9 month old. The NTSB concluded the baby would have been saved if properly secured. There have been numerous other incidents involving crashes, turbulence etc. documented that showed unrestrained children killed or severely injured. <BR> <BR>The FAA did its own study and testing and concluded the same results as the NTSB. Again, the FAA did nothing despite all the hard evidence it has. Why has the FAA done nothing? Since its inception in 1935, the FAA has a dual mission, to enforce and enact airline safety and to promote the airline industry. The airline industry has lobbied very hard to the FAA not to make car seats mandatory because of costs involved and the FAA has taken the side of the airlines. <BR> <BR>Here are the current rules pretaining to car seats: <BR> <BR>1.)A child under 24 months can sit on a parents lap at no charge or if the parent prefers to bring the car seat the seat next to the parents (if available) will be offered at 1/2 off regular price. <BR> <BR>2.) After 24 months of age a seat must be purchased for the child. <BR> <BR>Airlines require an FAA approved sticker on all car seats used on airplanes. The flight attendant who hassled the above poster probably did not see it, so it is a good idea to make sure it is visible and/or carry your handbook with you. <BR> <BR>It is best to check the policy for each individual airline BEFORE you fly and tell them when booking you will be flying with a small child. <BR> <BR>As parents, it is OUR RESPONSIBILITY to be informed when traveling with our precious children. You can access the Department of Transportations Consumer Aviation website and other safey sites for more information. <BR> <BR> <BR>

You will find out so much about your new baby soon after it is born that will help you plan. Some babies travel well, some do not. Some are snugglers and some want to be left alone when they are tired. <BR> <BR>Use sunscreen. Some brands say not to use on babies under 6 months, so check with you doctor - ours told us it was fine for a four month old. <BR> <BR>We've taken several beach vacations with our kids. I think they are easier than heavy sightseeing trips because you don't have a rigid schedule to stick to. <BR> <BR>Depending on how your baby sleeps, it might be worth it to get a suite. If you find that the baby needs dark and quiet to sleep, you can put it to bed or down for a nap in the bedroom without having to go to bed yourself. We usually rent a condo and found it is well worth the extra money for the kids to have thier own bedroom.

I'm a few years from the day's of travel with young children, but we did haul 1 then 2 then 3 little ones with us from Asia to the US at least once per year for six years. Total travel time: 24 to 30 hours each way. <BR> <BR>The best news is that you won't be making a serious time zone shift. That helps with the adjustment for you and the baby. <BR> <BR>Yes, get an extra seat and a properly rated car seat. We found that our boys, used to traveling in the car seat, were more at ease there than being held, plus there's no doubt it's safer. <BR> <BR>Take a bottle or pacifier to ease the pressure adjustments, and don't count on the airline for any food or supplies. <BR> <BR>Use bottled water exclusively en route and at your destination, including washing out the bottles (unless your using nature's own!). Don't count on being able to buy supplies at your destination. <BR> <BR>Ask for a bulkhead seat. You can get a portable crib that connects to the bulkhead, and at the very least you don't have to worry about people racking their seat back while your trying to get your seven month old out of his/her chair. <BR> <BR>Find out where the restroom is with the "baby changing station" and use it. Changing a soiled diaper in the main cabin won't endear you to your neighbors. <BR> <BR>A seven month old is crawling. Check the room out when you get there and make sure all the "baby dangers" are taken care of. <BR> <BR>Get a small portable stroller that folds small enough to be easily stored on the plane. <BR> <BR>Get to the airport early, board early. <BR> <BR>Relax, have fun. <BR> <BR>

Philip, before you fly, look at the child safety information at www.nhtsa.dot.gov ... specifically at the latest advice on infant seats, child seats and safet belt use, plus installation in a car and onboard an aircraft. Be aware that NHTSA, not FAA, is your best source of information. NTSB is not an expert source either. be aware that for many years, FAA resisted parents bringing safety seats onboard. It was NHTSA that insisted kids need to be in appropriate safety restraints in aircraft. Carrying an infant on the lap is a bad idea, no matter whose rules are cited. The selection of the appropriate safety restraint, given age and size, is a technical matter. The NHTSA website was developed for just this type of question by parents and other caregivers. Since your travel is next spring, you want to be careful you get the right infant carrier ... the website I've cited will inform you. Flight attendants and airline gate agents may or may not know what is correct ... so, travel informed. Good luck, and congrats. Ciao from us in the safety sector in DC.

Mom-Hopefully, you have been reading the above posts and now know and understand that it is necessary to take a child seat when flying with small children even though it is not mandatory. As the above posters said, you need to be informed. If you still think it is not necessary to use a car seat in an airplane, you should be horsewhipped and have your kids taken away from you--because you are not a RESPONSIBLE PARENT!

There are many reasons why it is extremely unwise to travel overseas with infants.