Infant travelling

The Knocked-Up Knockout

Nove 2006: No 1

www.beautyandthedirt.com

Travelling with Baby

Hannah Claire Shapiro

I recently took my now 11-month-old son on a transatlantic trip back to Blighty. Just me, him and a plane full of strangers who eyed us with a look that expressed both fear and pity (and relief when they realized that they weren’t sitting next to us) as they boarded the plane. This wasn’t the first time I had flown solo with Asher but I instinctively knew that this boisterous boy was a far cry from the meek little darling who had traveled with me eight months prior. Gone are the days when A will sleep through anything and demand no more nutrition than the occasional bottle. That angelic, sweet and quiet little baby has been replaced by a toddling boy who likes to jump, squeal(both in delight and horror) and play.

As the day of the trip dawned upon us, my average number of hours slept per night was dwindling as my mind raced with questions: “How many bottles should I bring?” “How many changes of clothes will A need?” “What if the formula in England makes A ill?” “How am I going to carry everything I need onto the plane?”

Something had to be done. And seeing as Asher’s own Daddy would not be joining us for this adventure, I thought I might benefit from an expert daddy point of view. So, in preparation for our flight, I spoke with Dad-centric author, Armin Brott (www.mrdad.com) to see what he suggested to calm down this manic mama. Armin’s advice is brilliant and applicable whether you are flying solo or with your partner so I had to share it with you. It will keep all traveling mummies as yummy as they can be on a long-haul flight with a baby in tow!

Here are Mr. Dad’s Traveling Top Ten Tips:

Get to the airport early. Going through security with a baby can be a real adventure. You’ll have to fold up the stroller to put it through the x-ray machine and in most cases you’ll have to carry the baby through the metal detectors. And be prepared: if you set off any alarms, the security people may pat your baby down too.
Use your stroller to haul your carry-ons, car seat and other stuff and carry the baby in a front-pack or sling along. Most airlines will let you check the stroller at the gate.
Always request the bulkhead seats—they generally offer a little more room, and you won’t have to worry that your child will kick the seat of the people in front of you. Also, ask to be seated next to an empty seat if possible. On long-haul flights, sitting in the bulkhead seat will also enable you to use the airplane’s SkyCot, which can hold babies up to 23 pounds.

If making special requests of the airline staff at check-in or while on board the plae, be sure to hold your absolutely adorable baby in your arms while you’re asking—this can improve your chances of getting what you want.
Don’t board early. Instead, send your partner on with the carry-on stuff while you stay out in the lounge, letting the kids run themselves ragged until the last minute. Why spend any more time cooped up in the airplane than you absolutely have to?
If you’re going on an extremely long trip and your child is particularly restless or active, schedule a stopover or two to give you all a chance to get off the plane, stretch, and run around.
Every child under two years old should suck on something—breast, bottle, or pacifier—on the way up and the way down. This will counteract the pressurization and reduce the chances of painful earaches. It may also make your baby a little drowsier.
Make sure your child drinks a lot while on board the plane and try to keep his nasal passages moist. Airplane travel can dry out your baby’s (and your) mucous membranes, making him more susceptible to colds or sinus infections.
If you can afford it, invest in buying baby his own seat. Yes, it’s more expensive, but holding a baby on your lap for a few hours, especially on a packed plane, can be a real pain. It’s also not nearly as safe as having the baby neatly secured in a car-seat.
Check as many bags as you can, but take one carry-on that’s stocked with diapers, wipes, an extra outfit or two, and enough toys for the journey (one per hour, including the hour or two you’ll be waiting at the airport). In case of plane delays, carry on enough food and diapers for 24 hours.
Armin’s website, books and DVD are jam-packed with similarly down-to-earth advice, and are available from his website www.mrdad.com. They would make a good holiday gift for all those fab—and expectant Dads—out there!
Happy Holiday Travels, to one and all.

Until next time,
Hannah xo