Any Baby travel tips??
Jul 4th, 2001, 10:01 AM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
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!)
Jul 4th, 2001, 10:49 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
Jul 4th, 2001, 10:54 AM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
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.
Good luck on your holiday.
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.
Good luck on your holiday.
Jul 4th, 2001, 11:41 AM
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
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.
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.
Here are the current rules pretaining to car seats:
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.
2.) After 24 months of age a seat must be purchased for the child.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are the current rules pretaining to car seats:
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.
2.) After 24 months of age a seat must be purchased for the child.
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.
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.
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.
Jul 5th, 2001, 08:31 AM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jul 5th, 2001, 10:31 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
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.
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.
Take a bottle or pacifier to ease the pressure adjustments, and don't count on the airline for any food or supplies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get a small portable stroller that folds small enough to be easily stored on the plane.
Get to the airport early, board early.
Relax, have fun.
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.
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.
Take a bottle or pacifier to ease the pressure adjustments, and don't count on the airline for any food or supplies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get a small portable stroller that folds small enough to be easily stored on the plane.
Get to the airport early, board early.
Relax, have fun.
Jul 5th, 2001, 11:26 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
Jul 5th, 2001, 12:26 PM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
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!
