Flying with Baby Can Be Easy

Traveling with children by plane can certainly be a challenge, especially as most of the airlines virtually all of which are struggling in bankruptcy - have cut back on such things as children's meals or other special services.

When planning your trip, try to anticipate unexpected delays and plan accordingly. Most airport toilets have adequate changing facilities for babies, but they can be crowded and cramped to use. Make sure you have toys and books to occupy your children, both on the plane and at the airport. Most children will happily pass the time with a portable DVD player which can easily be used on board the plane.

Ask your airline representative or travel agent whether they offer children's meals. Most airlines have limited the amount of special meals they offer and many flights under three hours have no meal service. Carry some healthy no-sugar snacks in your carry on bag, stored in resealable containers or plastic sandwich bags.

Making sure that small children have something to eat or drink during take off and landing can also help to reduce the symptoms of cabin pressure changes which a small child can often find scary. A baby should be given a pacifier to suck on, which can help minimize the popping of the ears, and have a soothing effect. Many pediatricians also recommend having your infant drink from a bottle during take off and landing to naturally equalize pressure (popping of the ears).

Seating is going to be important if you are flying with children. The farther ahead you book your trip, the more chance you have of getting seats together, although pre-reserved seats are actually never guaranteed. If you cannot get seats together, always arrive early at the airport and ask when you check in as the airline staff can usually give seats that were previously assigned to families with small children. Bulkhead seating is often best, as it provdes more leg room than regular seats, and in most cases, bulkhead seats have an in-flight bassinet attachemt for children under eight months old.

If your child is under 2 years old, you actually do not need to buy a seat for him or her if you are traveling domestically. The baby would sit on an adult's lap for the duration of the flight, although if there is an empty seat nearby, the baby may take it.

Ask your airline whether they offer reduced prices for a confirmed seat for the baby. At least one major airline offers a confirmed seat for a baby for 50% of the applicable adults fare. If you are on a flight of more than a couple of hours, it may be well worth it to do this.