At what age the first flight? Will his ears hurt? What do I do if she cries? There are many doubts that haunt new parents when they have to plan a holiday that requires the plane.
Can a small child, even a few months old, fly by plane? These are frequent questions in times of travel, when mom and dad have to plan a vacation.
Leo Venturelli, pediatrician and head of health education at Sipps (Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics), explains: “If there are no health problems, even a newborn can face a flight. There are generally no contraindications for pressurization. In fact, by plane it is as if you were at 1700-2000 meters above sea level. Only in the case of otitis perforated in the days before the trip you should not fly: the pressure in the cabin would risk piercing the tympanic membrane of the ear again».
If the child suffers from a contagious disease, such as chickenpox, the rule is that the child should not leave until five days after the onset of the disease. “For other disorders, the common sense of the parent is enough: if, for example, he suffers from gastroenteritis, with attacks of vomiting or diarrhea, it is better to stay on the ground,” he adds.
Small annoyances on board
“A bottle with a little water is a simple way to combat ear pain due to sudden changes in pressure in the cabin. at take-off and landing’. When the child swallows the fluid, it ‘adjusts’ the pressure on the eardrum and eliminates the discomfort.
“While the car can be annoying for children, the plane usually does not cause discomfort. In any case, if you fear problems, you can eat something dry before leaving, such as dry biscuits or crackers. To avoid colds it is better not to let the baby travel near a nozzle, where a constant flow of cold air arrives directly on his head».
On the plane, up to the age of two the child travels “hooked” and in the arms of the parent with a seat belt.
If the flight is long, you can ask the airlines what solutions are offered: the “baby cot”, a sort of cradle for babies up to 6 months, while up to 2 years there is the “infant seat”, a seat to be fixed to the seat. If it is an intercontinental flight and therefore of many hours, the most important warning is to equip yourself.
Everything you need in the cabin
It will be necessary to calculate everything necessary to feed and change the baby during the crossing.
If the baby is not breastfed, it is necessary to have more bottles available in addition to powdered milk, calculating the number of feedings he must do during the flight.
For water and to heat them you have to ask the hostess. The number of diapers must also be sufficient for the necessary spare parts during the trip.
Better a few more diapers than running out of spare parts. In the bag for the baby you also put the other necessary items on the road: pacifier, towel, disposable wet wipes, bibs …. The stroller is instead loaded into the hold and returned upon disembarkation.
In general, airlines try to facilitate the travel of families with children. Arriving early at the registration desk and if it is available, you can get a comfortable seat: the chairs in the front row offer more space, and you can have the bag with what you need for the little one at hand.
Many companies give priority to travelers with children when boarding.
Calculate that you have changed the diaper before take-off, since then it will not be possible to get up until you arrive at altitude. Keep your sweater and blanket handy if you feel cold.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.