Are you planning to travel with your little bundle of joy by air? Here are some tips for travelling by air with an infant just for you.Is it safe to travel by air with a baby? Will the infant be in a position to handle air pressure? Can she withstand a long 13 hour flight at such a tender age? These are some of the usual concerns that parents have when required to travel with small babies especially for the first time.
Usually, parents wait for the baby to turn two months old before planning their air travel. However, you must consult a paediatrician before you plan your travel with your baby.
Travelling with infant is perfectly fine. A normal healthy baby will be able to tolerate the cabin pressure even on a long flight. Some of the main issues related to long
air travel with an infant are as follows:
A) Exposure to Large Number of People
In the airport and inside the aircraft an infant will be exposed to many people some of whom may be carrying infections which are contagious. Since infants do not have a fully developed immune system they will easily catch infection from others. Hence most doctors recommend that an infant travels only after she turns six weeks old. The ideal age to start air travel is three months. This is because by the time a
baby turns three months old she would no longer be as fragile and would have gained strength and immunity to travel by air without much difficulty.
B) Discomfort in the Ears
At the time of takeoff and landing most people including adults and infants experience discomfort in the ears due to cabin pressure. To reduce the discomfort for an infant it is best to make her suck on the breast or bottle during ascent and descent. This will help to equalise pressure in the ears in the same way as swallowing does.
C) Place of Travel
Another important factor to be taken into consideration while
travelling with an infant is the destination. In case of travel to developing or underdeveloped areas particular attention must be paid to drinking water. Prior to travel it is essential that the infant
immunization schedule is up to date.
What You Need to Pack for Your Baby While Travelling?
Breastfeeding is extremely convenient while travelling since you do not need to pack all equipments required for bottle feeding. In case you wear appropriate clothes it will be fairly easy to feed the infant as and when required.
In case of formula fed babies parents must preferably purchase small travel size packs of readymade formula which is available at most health food stores. Boiled water must be carried in insulated flasks to mix the
formula powder. Although, most airlines do provide hot water it is best to carry your own water to prepare the baby feed.
Carrying along a sheet and the baby's cover which is normally used on a day to day basis will also be useful. The familiar smell and feel of laundry helps infants settle down easily in new places. Similarly, taking a few bright coloured toys which the infant is used to playing with at home will help the baby adjust to the new surroundings better and faster.
As a precautionary measure it is important to pack a first aid-kit, with basic supplies required to meet any immediate health problems. These include infant Paracetamol for relieving fever, medicine for colic and nose drops for stuffy noses.
Most parents prefer staying at home with an infant rather than travelling or holidaying outside. A small baby normally requires a lot of attention almost throughout the day which can get tough on the parents in new surroundings and places. However being well prepared and travelling with people whom you can depend upon for support can make travelling enjoyable for both the parents and the infant.
Is it safe to travel by air with an infant? What precautions should be taken while travelling by air with an infant? Which issues can parents face during their air travel with an infant? Discuss here.