First Getaway|First Getaway
About That Car Seat|About That Car Seat
Even if you're not planning to have your baby take up an extra seat on the plane, bring your infant car seat to the gate just in case. "If the airline has any open seat, they'll give you the seat for free. And if they don't, simply 'gate check' the infant seat at the jetway," Collins says. Bringing the car seat with you ensures it will arrive with you and not get lost in transit with the checked baggage. Plus, having one less thing to carry around is always the end goal (that, and making it through the plane ride without any meltdowns).
Getting to the Gate
On the day of departure, make sure you leave at least half an hour earlier than you would prior to having a baby, says Collins. This accounts for the last-minute diaper changes and feedings that may arise en route. With security, there should be a designated "family line" you can use where you can continue "wearing" baby through the metal detector (wear easy-to-slip-off shoes in case you have to remove yours). If you have TSA Pre-Check (which costs $85 for five years and requires an in-person application), you'll be able to skirt through with your shoes on.
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On the day of departure, make sure you leave at least half an hour earlier than you would prior to having a baby, says Collins. This accounts for the last-minute diaper changes and feedings that may arise en route. With security, there should be a designated "family line" you can use where you can continue "wearing" baby through the metal detector (wear easy-to-slip-off shoes in case you have to remove yours). If you have TSA Pre-Check (which costs $85 for five years and requires an in-person application), you'll be able to skirt through with your shoes on.
3-1-1 Rule?|3-1-1 Rule?
Speaking of security, the good news is that you won't have to measure out all of baby's milk or food into 3-ounce servings. While TSA may still have to X-ray or check the liquids, breastmilk, formula and juice are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule and don't have to fit into a quart-sized bag. Just separate these items from your other carry-on liquids and inform a TSA agent at the beginning of the screening. Also, ice packs and gel packs are permitted as well if they're keeping the baby's food cool. They just may be subjected to additionally scrutiny.
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Speaking of security, the good news is that you won't have to measure out all of baby's milk or food into 3-ounce servings. While TSA may still have to X-ray or check the liquids, breastmilk, formula and juice are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule and don't have to fit into a quart-sized bag. Just separate these items from your other carry-on liquids and inform a TSA agent at the beginning of the screening. Also, ice packs and gel packs are permitted as well if they're keeping the baby's food cool. They just may be subjected to additionally scrutiny.
Pressure Change|Pressure Change
If you plan on waiting to feed your baby until takeoff (even if it means delaying the usual schedule), you may want to rethink that. Takeoff isn't really when you have to worry about the pressure affecting their ears, Collins says, and your baby might sleep right through it. It's during the "initial descent" when most babies experience problems. During that time (which can be as much as 30 minutes before touch-down), you'll want to have a "sucking" device handy, be it yourself, a bottle or a pacifier.
The Dirt on Diapers
As you board the plane, ask the flight attendant if the plane has a diaper-changing station. If it does, you get to rest easy. If not, you might have to get creative when your baby is in dire need of a change. If you don't have the fortune of an empty row and would rather not use the tiny lavatory sink, doing a quick change on your lap may have to suffice. Having a portable "changing station" handy will be your new best friend.
Feeding Fixes
If you're breastfeeding, you're likely all set. If you're bottle-feeding, Collins recommends using the Playtex Drop-In system, especially for long flights since you won't be able to wash the bottles on the airplane. "Just be sure to bring enough bottle liners to last your whole trip," she says. If you absolutely need to pump, you'll want to use a hand pump (which works equally well for long car rides, too). If baby is already eating solids, consider bringing along a portable high chair, such as a Sack'n Seat which attaches to a chair to keep baby secure but can be condensed into a pouch for traveling.
