I tried to prepare myself for the long journey by practicing at home - holding my carry-on in one arm and holding her in the other, converting the car seat into stroller while I carry her (luckily, I bought those 2-in-1 car seat/stroller combo that you convert just by pulling or pushing a handle) and using the bathroom while holding her. Man! It was tough! But at least I have a pretty good idea on what to expect. It's just a matter of her cooperating with me actually. I just hope she wouldn't cry!
My carry-on bag included bottled water, formula, feeding bottles, spoon, diapers and wipes, extra clothes, a book and a rattle toy. It's so bulky! And then, I began to ask, is it safe for babies to travel on an airplane? Here's what I found out:
Air travel is safe for infants, even newborns. However, a doctor may advise against unnecessary air travel during the first two weeks of life - when your baby's body is still adjusting to life outside the uterus. Air travel exposes an infant to lots of people and their germs, especially in recirculated cabin air. Also, you don't want to travel if your baby is ill, and evidence of illness in newborns may be subtle.
Other concerns parents may have about flying with a newborn:
- Ear pain. Many parents worry that air travel will hurt a newborn's ears. But the effects of flying on a newborn's ears are no different than for an adult's ears. Fluctuations in cabin pressure cause temporary changes in the middle ear, which can result in pain. Sucking helps equalize the pressure in the ears. So feeding your baby during takeoff and landing may help.
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Some parents may be concerned that reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes increases the risk of SIDS in newborns. But there is no evidence that this is true.
- Travel safety. When you travel on an airplane with a newborn, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you place the child in a rear-facing child safety seat that's properly installed and secured in the seat next to yours. Most child safety seats are certified for air travel. Check the label if you're not sure. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, child safety seats shouldn't be wider than 16 inches for the best fit in aircraft seats - especially in smaller commuter aircraft. If you can, choose a bulkhead seat and avoid being seated in emergency exit rows.
