How to Travel with Infants

Many new parents find it quite a challenge to travel with a baby. Air travel with infants can be put off to some degree due to the relative age of baby. The first question many new parents ask is: When is it safe to fly with baby? Certainly, they can't keep putting off a visit to an eager grandfather or grandmother too much longer. The infant is actually safe to fly at two to three weeks of age. If you want to be doubly safe then the air flight can be made when the youngster is four to six weeks old. The child by this time has developed a strong enough immunity to any types of germs that may cause you concerns about his or her health.

First you'll need to know what rules are enforced by the Transportation Safety Administration(TSA)in regard to infant air travel. An infant between two weeks to two years is allowed to sit on the lap of his or her parent or guardian without the traveler responsible incurring any extra charge. You won't need a boarding pass for your child; however document identification needs to be in place for the infant you are carrying on the plane. Also a birth certificate is a requirement in order that airline officials may verify the age of the child.

Infants are no exception when it comes time to go through the airline's security scanner. There are limitations as to liquids and gels carried on by other consumers; however, parents of infants may be excluded from the rule when it comes to carrying items such as baby formula or other necessary liquids for the child. Nevertheless, any liquids you do plan on bringing on board for the child will need to be declared for airline security inspection

Here are some more general travel tips. It is highly recommended you book your airline tickets well in advance. This will allow you to prepare for the journey and minimize the likelihood of frustration that may occur if you are not organized. Try and get a seat toward the front of the plane since these have the most leg room. The back of the plane since is much noisier due to the close proximity of the plane's engines.

Make certain you select a flight that is not going to disrupt baby's standard daily activities. If the journey is rather lengthy, then it is best you book your flight during nighttime hours. In this way, the little one has appropriate time to sleep during travel. Make certain you tell the air company you are traveling with an infant child.

The airlines, in turn will provide you with information as to what amenities are available to people with infants. Also, call a day ahead of the scheduled departure to make absolutely certain that necessities as it pertains to the child are noted on the air company's computerized system.

Baby may have a great many outfits, a fair quantity of food, bath essentials, sunscreen, toys and other provisions. However, even though you are loaded down with baby care items, make certain you only carry with you, on the flight, the items of prime importance. This way you'll scale down on the weight and amount of luggage. Stow extra baby food and diapers in your bag as sometimes flights do not arrive right on schedule. You'll also want to make certain you bring along wipes, and baby bibs. Other essential items include an extra set of clothes for baby and an extra blouse for mommy. The extra items are necessary in case things get messy at feeding time. It is also a good idea to take along a nice warm blanket since airplane cabins can get chilly from time to time.

You will need to make certain you and the little one wear comfy clothes while making journeys from one city to the next. Dress the baby in layers. This way you can add or subtract clothing according to environmental and climatic changes. You will want to layer yourself in case there are spills to address.

On the day of departure you should arrive early. This way you'll be nice and relaxed and there is less chance things should get harried. If your little one needs to be changed prior to boarding do so if there is time. It is very difficult to change baby once on board. When the plane touches down as well as upon take off the baby will experience air pressure inside his or her ears. This will cause the child to move about somewhat. In order to address the issue allow the infant to secure his or her mouth around a mock feeding bottle. If baby starts to cry and you are doing your level best to calm him or her, disregard any passengers who may look annoyed. Additionally, allow the air company customer service reps to help you when it is reasonably necessary they do so. The staff is trained to offer the utmost care to parents who are traveling with infant children.