Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Flying With Baby – Minus The Tears

YES, we are going to PERTH again coming May 2010 BUT it will be without Lucas :O(
and i Wondered if I can stay apart from Lucas for 10 full days.... I miss holiday badly... feeling alittle guilty about booking flights even before the arrival of Lucas....Daddy says u will be ok alone in Singapore with ah ma... keeping my finger cross as we hv not told bei's mum about it yet...

Saw read up about flying with baby.... is interesting...

You don’t have to stop travelling once baby arrives. The keys to enjoying smooth air travel? Proper planning and staying calm.

What’s the best age for air travel?

Baby is never too young to travel, except for his first seven days. In fact, the younger baby is, the more low-maintenance he is.


What medication/immunisations does baby need?

Before international trips, allow four to six weeks to meet with your child’s doctor for advice about medications and immunisations. Keep a copy of your child’s vaccination records on your trip. Avoid giving baby sedatives on long flights as it can have the reverse effect. Sucking on a preferred drink can have the same soothing effect.

Plan-ahead strategies

1.When reserving your flight, say you’re travelling with an infant. Ask for a flight that’s not fully booked and get a front-row seat (for more leg room). Often, these seats are also near the toilets, so you can change baby’s diapers urgently.
2.Book a bassinette for baby to sleep in during the flight.
3.Arrive at the airport early to check in before the queue starts forming.
4.Look for flights that won’t upset your baby’s routine, like night flights or those that coincide with baby’s naptime.
5.If you’re changing planes, ask for a courtesy cart between gates.
What should I take in my hand-carry luggage?

Pack at least two weeks ahead and keep your list in a prominent spot. Choose a bag with a waterproof lining and wide shoulder straps. Keep baby happy onboard with these:
Bibs
Bottles
Bottle of water. Many parents take 1.5 litres of bottled water.
Pre-measured servings of infant formula. Most planes have formula onboard, but supply and brands are limited, so bring your own. Take more than you’ll need on the flight in case of delays.
Bottled baby food or boxed cereal
Feeding spoon
Face cloths (three)
Changing pack comprising five to eight disposable diapers (depending on flight duration), wet wipes, diaper changing cream, tissue, cotton wool and three zip-lock bags (for soiled clothes). This way, you don’t have to take your entire knapsack and baby into the tiny loo.
Two changes of shirt and pants (cotton separates is best for easy changing), in case of spills etc. They also help baby “layer up” if it gets too cold.
Baby wrap, for comfort, to keep warm or to swaddle smaller babies.
Pacifiers, to help soothe an upset baby.
A bag of treats like biscuits, toys or books to distract her. Recommended: anything shiny, mirrors, rattles, light-up musical toys and soft cuddlies.
Baby sling, for smaller babies. It also leaves your hands free for luggage.
A lightweight stroller.
Medicines, especially infant paracetamol for pain and fever relief. Also consider a colic treatment, saline nose drops for stuffy noses and teething gel.
Extra shirt or cardigan for yourself.
A muesli bar and some packed nuts. You may not get the chance to eat your airline meal.
A camera, so you can capture memorable travel moments with baby, especially if it’s her first flight.


In-flight tips

A baby is allowed to sit on your lap until she’s two years old. For long-haul flights, however, book a separate seat so you’ll both be more comfortable.
During landing and take-off, encourage her to have a drink or suck on a pacifier; swallowing relieves ear pressure at high altitudes.
If your baby gets upset, cuddle her and walk along the aisles – it will be less of a problem for baby and you, and other passengers.
If there are rows of spare seats on the flight, asked to be moved.


Which airlines are baby-friendly?
Families travelling with young children are usually invited to board the plane before other passengers, so you have easier access through the plane and time to settle your children in their seats. In general most airlines offer the following to help make travelling with baby easier:

Sky cots. These bassinets are for infants aged up to 12 months and weighing less than 10 kg to 14 kg (check with your airline) not occupying a seat. Available on request, these are fitted after take-off.
Changing table. Most aircrafts have toilets with a pull-down changing table.
Baby items like diapers, creams, powders, wipes, bibs, baby formula and food are available on request, but stock is limited.
If your infant has a separate seat, bring a car seat for her to sit in. But it must have its own built-in restraint system and be approved for use in motor vehicles.
Amenities kits. Many airlines give out kits containing things like talcum powder, wet wipes, bib and toy.
Baby stroller service. You can borrow one free-of -charge from the airport so you won’t have to carry a 10-kg baby and a hand-carry bag all over. Most airports offer this service, but supply is limited.
Twin travel. Inform the airline if you’re travelling alone with two infants, as special arrangements are required, like a child seat.

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