traveling with a newborn

Bell

Mon, Apr 24 2006, 8:03 pm

Has anyone ever flown (aprx.6 hours) with a newborn (aprx. 3 weeks old)? Im trying to think if theres anything I should be aware of as far as cons or things that can happen or is it bad for the babys ears or anything like that??

hisorerus

Mon, Apr 24 2006, 10:25 pm

I know someone who flew from Australia with a 3-week old, but I don't know the things to watch out for.

ButterflyGarden

Mon, Apr 24 2006, 10:50 pm

My baby was about 2 1/2 weeks old when we took our first flight with her. It was about 6 hours. Some things to be mindful of:
1) Take extra time for EVERYTHING!! You think something will take an hour, and then the baby wants to nurse or needs a new diaper and it's taken an hour and a half.
2) Get to the airport as early as possible. You'll want a bulkhead seat and a bassinet and that can usually only be assigned at the airport.
3) Another alternative: Many airlines offer discounted infant seats. You use your car seat and she gets her own seat (also her own luggage and her own meal Wink

). Many times these can be as cheap as $50 and usually they are only 10% of your ticket. It's definitely worth it.
4) However many diapers and changes of clothes you think you need, double it. And don't forget that goes for wipes too!
5) A doctor friend of our suggested putting a drop of neosporin under her nose to help ward off infection.
6) Be sure to have a doctors note clearing her to fly. You shouldn't need it but the airline may ask for it, so it's better to have it.
7) If the baby will not have her own ticket, double check that she is listed on yours. I have heard of parents getting to the airport and being told they could board but the baby could not. This happens mostly with on-line bookings. Call ahead and double check.
8) Be sure you are drinking lots! The best way to keep baby hydrated is to make sure you are staying hydrated.
9) Nurse or let the baby suck something during take off and landing.
10) Many airports have baby rooms (usually by the women's room) where you can change and nurse.

Mishie

Mon, Apr 24 2006, 11:03 pm

For practicality -
I would recommend using a Baby-Sling (front carrier).
And when you make your flight reservations, make sure they give you a bassinet for the plane.

Good Luck!!!

8)

mummy-bh

Tue, Apr 25 2006, 1:20 am

I once took a 9 hour flight, 2 hr layover followed by 1 hr flight, with an 8 week old. The advice above is great, all I can add is:
-Make sure you have enough food for you!
-Take more diapers and clothing than u think u will need. Also formula if you aren't nursing. Take also a spare shirt for yourself - my baby threw up all over me!
-Check that you can have your stroller right up until boarding, and ensure it's right there waiting for you when the plane lands.
-Feed the baby at take off and landing, but if s/he wont feed, don't panic!

Are you travelling alone? Or with another adult?
Enjoy the journey, your baby may just sleep for the majority of the flight anyway!

queen

Tue, Apr 25 2006, 4:38 am

proper identification for baby.

(birth certificate probably didn't arrive just yet..... but check with airline for acceptable ID)

Tue, Apr 25 2006, 1:47 pm

We travelled with my 2 1/2 week old son transatlantic (US to UK)
He slept the whole time in the bassinet apart from waking for 1 feed in the middle of the flight. he was on formula.
We made sure he fed on the way up and down and had the stroller till boarding and as soon as we got off the plane. It was no problem at all.