Travelling with a baby

Before having a child when travelling on a plane l would hear a baby cry and think...shut-up, l need to sleep. But now with a child of my own l know it is easier said than done and sometimes it does not matter what you do, you cannot stop him from crying. But with that said here l some tips to make your trip and enjoyable one!

Planning ahead
Try to schedule flights during non-peak times or days, so it is less crowded and less over stimulating for your baby, this can make for a very fussy baby. Also in form them you have a baby and request a bulkhead seat -- where there is no seat in front of you -- which should offer the most room. ?Most planes l know also offer a bassinet when you sit in that area, that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence). If your child is under two, you are allowed to hold her as a lap child, meaning that she will have to sit in your lap the entire time.

If you haven't booked a separate seat for your child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it.

In some planes you can also place your baby during the flight is in an FAA-approved car seat, however check with your airline before you travel.

What to bring
A diaper bag if possible one you can carry as a backpack, so your hands are free and packed with the following:

• Plenty of diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream.
• A bag to hold dirty diapers.
• A bottle of hand sanitizer, so you can "wash" your hands, when there is no water.
• Bottles and extra pacifiers.
• A baby blanket -- good for warmth as well as for privacy when breastfeeding.
• 2-3 change of clothes for Baby. Remember, airplanes can get cold or very hot during your trip. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
• An extra top for you in case you leak breast milk
• diaper changing pad.
• A small can of disinfectant spray or wipes that kills bacteria and viruses to clean surfaces where you change your baby.
• A bottle of water for mixing formula and for you to keep hydrated! Make sure to ask the flight attendant for a cup of warm water to put the bottle in to heat the formula or breastmilk.
• A bib, bowl, spoon and baby food if your baby is on solids, along with snacks for babies on solids.
• A cloth to quickly wipe up spills or spit up.
• Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly.
• Some toys to keep Baby entertained.
• Stroller that you check in just before you board the plane to make getting around the airport easier.

Ear pain
When travelling by plane, the change in altitude, especially when taking off and landing, can cause an infant to cry! There are a few things you can do to keep his ears from hurting.
Give her something to drink (formula, water- it doesn't matter).
Give her a pacifier to suck on.
Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.
Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.

Lastly, don't worry about what the other passengers are going to think or say should your child cry. This will only add stress, which your child can pick up on.Instead, just relax, and handle the situation like you would if you were at home.

Remember to enjoy the ride!