e-mail
print
RSS
reprint
AIM
Digg it
del.icio.usABCS of traveling with baby
A little preparation can make first flights with a little one smooth and safe.
BY STEPHANIE OSWALD
Travelgirl Magazine
Beyond making sure that your baby has something to suck on during take-off and landing, here are 26 tips for traveling with a flier younger than 2.
A
Always use the restroom yourself as your final move when you're still in the presence of another adult who can watch your child.
B
Remember to buckle your seat belt on the plane before you get your child settled on your lap.
C
Cheerios are a mom's best friend. Those magic circles can come in handy at the gate, on the tarmac -- any time you're in need of a distraction or a small snack for your mini-traveler.
D
Direct flights are key to successful flying when it's you and a tot in transit.
E
Ease your baby into the jet-setting lifestyle. Starting out with an 18-hour flight to Australia isn't fair to your baby, or you.
F
Forget about the alcohol. Celebrate your safe arrival with a cocktail once you reach your destination.
G
Germs are everywhere, so be sure to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or diaper bag.
H
Have a straw handy. Keep one in your carry-on bag, for those times when you don't have a bottle or sippy cup on hand. You can "feed" your child water with the straw.
I
Introduce yourself and your child to the other passengers in your row as soon as you are getting settled on the plane. People tend to be more lenient with a baby who they know by name.
J
Journals are a traveling woman's best friend. Start a travel journal, save boarding passes and keep track of states and airports you've visited together.
K
Knapsack full of soft toys equals a lifesaver. Consider a small cloth knapsack to be used expressly for carting in-flight entertainment for your child.
L
Leave the diapers at home. Well, not really. Bring plenty for your travel time, but consider shopping for any bulk items you'll need en route to your final destination.
M
Make a custom luggage tag for your child, to be attached to his/her clothing. Especially if your child isn't talking yet, it's important to be sure they have contact info on their person in case of an emergency or accidental separation. Be sure your cell phone number is on the tag.
N
Don't forget your Nursing Shawl or a way to breast-feed baby discreetly in public. It can also double as a blanket when needed.
O
Oh say can you see... your child's name, or "Infant in arms" printed on your boarding pass? If not, be sure to check with a gate agent to be sure your child is accounted for on the manifest. Some airlines will have you write your child's name and birth date on your boarding pass.
P
Pack extra clothes for yourself in the diaper bag. You might need a change too, if your new traveler gets sick or has a bathroom accident.
Q
Quick, change the baby! Even if grandma and grandpa haven't seen their little angel in months, take time out for a diaper change before you leave the terminal. A fresh baby is a happy baby.
R
Remember to pack an extra blanket. No matter what the season, it seems there's always use for a second cover.
S
Savor the budget relief: It won't be long before you have to purchase a seat for your little one.
T
Take time to enjoy the view from her eyes. Watch your little one gazes in amazement at the giant plane wing, follow the clouds or wave to the baggage handlers.
U
Under no circumstances should you leave your baby alone on the plane, even if he's sleeping and you absolutely must use the lavatory. Press the call button and a flight attendant will come to your rescue.
V
Volunteer bumping may be a thing of the past. A 6-hour delay meant nothing when you could shop and work in the terminal, or hop in a cab for a quick excursion. But with baby in tow, getting home to normalcy could take priority.
W
Water is a great thing to have on hand when you're stuck on the tarmac -- for you and your baby.
X
X-ray machines at security can be alarming for little ones who haven't been through them before. Explain to them that it's like a parade at the airport and everyone has to wait their turn.
Y
You aren't going to get work done on the plane anymore! If you were formerly a flier who considered your aisle seat an office at 35,000 feet, be aware that those days are temporarily over.
Z
Zzzzzz: If you're lucky enough to get into a bulkhead seat with the row to yourself, put a blanket on the floor and put your sleeping baby down to rest on top of it. Letting infants sleep on the seat next to you might seem like a better idea, but the floor is safer. On the seat, falling is a risk if they wake suddenly.
