Flying with an infant.
In Howard County and around the world, after having a baby, many people find themselves wanting to travel for leisure, business, or to visit family. Whatever your reason may be, flying with a newborn can cause anxiety to rise for many. Here are some tips to make it a smoother flight:
Buy a ticket for your baby
On many airlines, children under 2 fly free if they are on the parents lap. This may be tempting, but many parents have noted a more positive experience when they purchase an additional seat for their child and bring along their car seat. Keeping your child in the car seat for the flight is likely to reduce instances of them bumping into other people, or trying to find things to get into. You can have your baby in arms reach and easily give them anything they want in need without fear of it falling or being flung at a fellow passenger. For this reason you will want to plan your seat ahead of time and notify a flight attendant of your intentions to bring a car seat along.
Seek out a baby friendly airport and airline.
Most international airlines including Asian,Swissair and Virgin Atlantic are known for a good reputation in accommodating families with young children. With regard to domestic flights, JetBlue has been noted as providing the better of the experiences. With that said, they lack the luxuries that you may find with a more upscale airline.
BWI - Baltimore Washington International has a new breastfeeding room that is great for mothers interested in some cozy privacy while waiting for a flight. The rooms feature charging stations in a clean environment. Reagan International Airport also has three nursing rooms throughout the airport. Washington Dulles International Airport has 8 locations both pre and post-security screenings.
Prepare their ears
If your baby seems bothered by the air pressure, you can give him or her something to suck on such as a breast, bottle, or pacifier. It's safest and easiest to keep the baby strapped in so consider expressing breast milk for the flight. Not all babies will be bothered. If they are indifferent, leave them to rest peacefully.
Adjust their schedule
If the time zone in your selected destination is different from home, take steps to avoid jet lag. Try to gradually shift your baby's schedule on the days leading up to your trip and immediately get out in the sun once you arrive. If it is a short trip, you may also want to consider keeping your baby on the same schedule as if you were still home.
Breast milk
You will want to declare your breast milk even when the containers are empty. You are allowed to bring breast milk containers over 3 oz onto the plane. Make sure to bring a cooler for storage and be prepared to explain that your breast pump is considered a medical device and can not be contained within your regular carry on luggage during security scans. Be sure to request that the TSA agents put on clean gloves before handling your milk.
Be considerate
It is best to console your baby as much as possible as to avoid loud outbursts. Also, don't assume that others are going to want to interact with your child so try to keep a low profile and enjoy the flight. You can bring toys and pacifiers to entertain your baby as well as a white noise app on your phone. It is likely that other passengers will not hear the white noise once in flight.
If you feel that you want a helping hand, our doulas are available for travel care and would be happy to assist you. We are especially familiar with the airport accommodations for breastfeeding moms in DC, NOVA, and Maryland.
