Five Essentials for Air Travel with an Infant

Airline travel with a baby can be an adventure in itself. Just ask any Mom who has ever done it before and she may tell you the trip in the airplane may not have been worth that visit to Grandma's. I know from first hand experience what this is like.

First off, if your baby is still in the infant stages, you may be able to get through the trip unscathed. This is particularly true if the plane ride is of a short duration. However, if your baby is at that squirmy, curious stage you may be in for the ride of your life.

Make sure that before you even purchase a ticket, your pediatrician gives your baby the green light to fly. Make sure that there is no ear infection brewing and discuss a medication that you can have on hand should your child suffer with ear problems. No one, not you, the attendants, or the other passengers want to deal with a screaming infant.

Next, be sure to have ample bottles ready to go. Sometimes a calming nip of some formula is just the thing needed for a smooth flight. Now, if your child is beyond that infant stage, this can be tricky. I traveled with my less than two year old and mid flight he got a little hungry. Since we were progressing away from the bottle and had already been introduced to baby food, I thought taking along his favorite baby food and feeding him would keep baby and me nice and happy. Wrong! Baby could not take the solid food and, you guessed it. I wore his strained apples and peaches for the rest of the flight.

This takes me to the next very important suggestion, a change of clothes. My son was covered from head to toe with the effects of his upset stomach. Since it was the first time I had flown with him, I didn't anticipate needing to completely change him. Sure I was ready with diapers but I'm talking a full set of clothes. My baby landed wrapped in an airline blanket. It was not the fashion statement I was trying to make.

OK, so now you are probably wondering how do I keep baby calm and occupied? This is not the time to try new things. Take along his favorite toy and his favorite blanket. Comforts of home mean everything and this is not the time to teach your child about adapting to new things.

Don't forget to pack your sense of humor. It is true, you may be seated next to someone who believes that children should be seen and not heard but it is not a life-long commitment. As long as you are keeping junior calm and content, there should be nothing for anyone to complain about.

Don't make excuses for your child. Remind anyone that he is just that, a child. If a passenger is that bothered by your infant, suggest he ask for a seat change if possible. Don;t be surprised if it is you that is bumped to first class. Attendants are people like you and they can be very understanding.

So remember: Medication, bottles, change of clothes, toys or soothing objects, and a sense of humor. Keep a sense of relaxation and the friendly skies should remain that way.