Flying with Young Children - tips from a veteran flight attendant
Sep 21 '00 (Updated Sep 23 '00)
As a flight attendant for over 20 years, I would like to clarify statements made about travel with children, particularly infants.
I have two boys (now 6 & 8), so I can empathize with parents flying
with kids. I've been there!
1) Get a ticket for the baby and use a FAA recognized car seat. I cannot
stress enough the importance of saftey over cost!!! Try to ask for the aisle and window seat when you check in, and IF there is space available on the flight, the gate agent might "block" the middle seat for you as a courtesy.
2) Place the baby seat in the WINDOW seat, then in the event of an emergency you won't have to stumble/climb over the seat to exit.
3) A bulkhead seat is great, but get a regular seat if you need to change lots of diapers (wet ones) because the armrests raise up so that the infant can lie down. The armrests won't lift on a bulkhead seat if a tray table is stored here! The bathrooms are quite small for changing diapers anyway.
4) Flight Attendants (F/As) can hold children for parents. How can a parent use the restroom and hold the baby at the same time? Many times I have walked a crying baby up and down the aisle, giving Mom/Dad and the passengers a break. Sometimes a little distraction is all it takes to quiet a little one down. Of course, that's after I've served everyone!
5) FAA regulations stipulate that only flight crew members may occupy aircraft jumpseats, so breastfeeding there is out of the question. Get a window seat and bring a blanket to cover yourself.
6) NEVER place a seat belt around you and your baby. Strap yourself in and HOLD your baby. That's why children should have their own seat.
7) Heating baby bottles on an airplane is rather difficult. Buy a gel pack that heats the bottle when the sensor is broken. I had them for my children. They can be re-used by heating in a microwave.
8) Don't count on a crib unless you're sitting at the bulkhead on a wide body aircraft. Other planes cannot accommodate them.
9) Never change a diaper on the lap tray or let your baby "sit" on it with only a diaper. The tray is meant to be clean for food.
10) Besides formula, bring water or juice for the baby. The air is dry and you need to keep the child hydrated. I use to take diluted gatorade on long flights.
11) NEVER EVER make a pallet for your child on the floor. Too much can happen too fast, especially with unexpected turbulence.
12) Always have your children KEEP their shoes on when they leave their seats. The carpets are not clean, and I won't even go near the condition of the bathroom floors.This is for grown-ups too!
I know I've gone on far too long, and there are so many more tidbits of info to offer. Remember, this message is just a guide, and there are exceptions to the rule for everything. I've made some myself.
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