Dealing with a Crying Baby on a Plane

Babies and air planes do not always go well together. The air pressure sometimes creates pain in the ears which in turn causes them to cry. Or the child prefers to be moving around, which does not work well in the cramped quarters. If you are getting ready to travel by air with a baby or toddler, and are worried about how they might act on the plane, here are a few tips to keep them calm until you are safely back on the ground.

If you are on a newer plane, you won't have to worry about cabin pressure as much, since the computers are set up to adjust it automatically. However, if you aren't, or there is a little cabin pressure, let your child cry for half a minute if she is a baby. This will relie ve the pressure. After she has a cried for a very short while, pop a pacifier in her mouth, or better yet a lollypop. The instant sweet flavor of the pop with get her attention, shocking her into silence. Since she has stopped crying, she won't start again because the pressure is gone, but don't pull the lollypop away too quickly. Let her lick on it for a while, under your watchful eye, and slowly bring her attention to something else like a toy or crackers. Then you can put the lollypop up until it is needed again. One warning - never take your eye off the lollypop while she is licking it.

For toddlers with ear pressure issues, give them a stick of gum to chew on. They are less likely to cry due to pressure, but will tend to get irritable. Distract the child with a favorite toy while they are chewing the gum to lessen his grumpy attitude until the pressure is relieved .

As for the cramped quarters on a plane, it is enough to make anyone grumpy. Remember how you act is how your child will act. So if you are agitated or seem like you need to gain more room, your child will pick up on that. Try to stay calm and comfortable, and as soon as you get the chance to take off the seat belt, take your little one for a walk toward the bathroom and back. Do this several times during the flight, about every 20 to 30 minutes, to give them some space. Also bring a carry on for him with all his favorite little toys, but not ones with sound. This will keep him happy while seated and not annoy the other passengers. Snacks are also a good idea.