Flying with an 8 month old to Europe any idea?

I dont mean to gran other peoples posts but I am flying tomorrow with my 6 month and this lady wrote a very good article you should read this and then go to her website. As long as your child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, your child will be safe to fly almost immediately after birth. Most airlines require that a baby be at least 7 days old, unless you have a medical certificate. I have seen children as young as 1 day old fly. You should call the airline you plan to fly with to see what their policy is.

I flew from my home here in Tunisia to visit my parents in Colorado (14+ hours) when my children were each 2 months old and they were fine. My next baby is due in December and we are planning on taking her to visit her grandparents when she is two months as well. Just make sure that you have all the necessities that you will need with you.

I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. Here are some other tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:

1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you. Since it is an international flight, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your baby. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well. You can do this with a car seat as well.

Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily.

3.) Airline regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). International flights will charge you a 10% tax for your child.

The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on space and availability, the Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.

4.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

5.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (formula, water- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry.

New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes.

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

You can also 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 to help with the ear popping.

6.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things, such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.

7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

8.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.

You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (tend to be at the rear of most planes), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help.

I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper.

To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that he/she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier.

Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make you baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).

9.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.

Make sure you have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If your child has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/her ears aching for days after the flight.

Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.

10.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

11.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.

12.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.

I wrote a small article about this if you would like to reference it. It gives more in-depth information, and rules for airport security in the US, EU, and UK.

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

* 5 months ago

Source(s):
Husband is a pilot
Frequent world traveler
Have been traveling internationally with my two children since they were 2 months (now 8&5)
Baby number 3 due in December

I dont mean to gran other peoples posts but I am flying tomorrow with my 6 month and this lady wrote a very good article you should read this and then go to her website. As long as your child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, your child will be safe to fly almost immediately after birth. Most airlines require that a baby be at least 7 days old, unless you have a medical certificate. I have seen children as young as 1 day old fly. You should call the airline you plan to fly with to see what their policy is.

I flew from my home here in Tunisia to visit my parents in Colorado (14+ hours) when my children were each 2 months old and they were fine. My next baby is due in December and we are planning on taking her to visit her grandparents when she is two months as well. Just make sure that you have all the necessities that you will need with you.

I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. Here are some other tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:

1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you. Since it is an international flight, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your baby. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well. You can do this with a car seat as well.

Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily.

3.) Airline regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). International flights will charge you a 10% tax for your child.

The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on space and availability, the Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.

4.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

5.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (formula, water- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry.

New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes.

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

You can also 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 to help with the ear popping.

6.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things, such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.

7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

8.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.

You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (tend to be at the rear of most planes), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help.

I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper.

To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that he/she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier.

Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make you baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).

9.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.

Make sure you have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If your child has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/her ears aching for days after the flight.

Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.

10.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

11.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.

12.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.

I wrote a small article about this if you would like to reference it. It gives more in-depth information, and rules for airport security in the US, EU, and UK.

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

* 5 months ago

Source(s):
Husband is a pilot
Frequent world traveler
Have been traveling internationally with my two children since they were 2 months (now 8&5)
Baby number 3 due in December