Q. Does he need a car seat??
I'm buying him a seat, but does he need a carseat?.. i'm traveling alone and dragging a him, luggage, diaper bag and a car seat doesn't sound easy! :)
Is there a place to change his diaper on the airplane??
What are the rules with liquid like juice and milk??
are their any rules about snacks?
thanks for any help!
I'm buying him a seat, but does he need a carseat?.. i'm traveling alone and dragging a him, luggage, diaper bag and a car seat doesn't sound easy! :)
Is there a place to change his diaper on the airplane??
What are the rules with liquid like juice and milk??
are their any rules about snacks?
thanks for any help!
Answer
Will you have a car seat at your destination for him to use? If not, then you should bring his car seat. Car seats can be used on the plane as long as they are approved for air travel. Look at the bottom of the seat, if it is approved for air travel there will be a stamp or sticker saying so. Technically, he does not need the car seat while on the plane, however, it is safer for him to use it. He'll also be more comfortable in it as it is familiar to him.
If you don't want to use the seat on the plane, but will need to use it at your destination you could check the car seat with your luggage. The airline will usually place the seat in a large plastic bag to keep it clean.
Try to curb check your luggage when you get to the airport so you have less to carry. Consider using a backpack as a diaper bag so you can have your hands free. You can also use your stroller in the airport and gate check it right before you board the plane. The stroller will be waiting for you outside the plane when you arrive at your destination.
Changing his diaper on the plane can be a challenge as the bathrooms are small. Some of the larger planes are equipped with handicapped accessible lavatories which are larger and sometimes have fold down changing tables. If possible, try changing him while he's standing (if he's only wet). You'll need to practice this at home before you go, but it will be much easier to have him stand on the toilet in the restroom while you pull off the wet diaper and put on a new one (pull ups are good for this, no tabs to deal with). Poopy diapers will still require him to lay down which will be a challenge. The flight attendants can often recommend the best place to change your child.
You'll want to bring extra diapers, wipes and clothes in the diaper bag/carry on as you never know when your plane may be delayed. Some kids have major 'blowout' diapers when they fly due to the unfamiliar surroundings and noises. You should also carry zip top bags to put the dirty diapers or soiled clothes in as no one wants to smell poo for hours on end.
For rules regarding liquids you should visit the TSA website http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm You are allowed to bring milk in larger quantities but you must declare the items to the TSA screener. The website will give you all the info you need.
Most airlines offer apple, orange, cranberry and tomato juices on the air plane as well as some milk. You may want to purchase a bottle of juice after you clear security before you get on the plane as the beverage service usually doesn't start until 30 minutes or so after takeoff.
You can bring snacks from home (a great idea actually). Stick to foods your child is familiar with, don't require refrigeration or re heating and that pack well and come in individual servings. Some good ideas are individual packages/boxes of dry cereal (Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Life, Chex, etc), granola or Nurtigrain bars, string cheese, peanut butter sandwich crackers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (in disposable plastic containers so they don't get smushed), baby carrots, apple slices, small packages of cookies or crackers, '100 Calorie' packs, M&Ms, and other finger foods.
Foods that are a liquid, gel or paste consistency must be in containers of 3.4oz/100ml or less and must fit into one 1qt zip top bag. This would include items such as applesauce, jello, pudding, yogurt, soup, etc. If you want to take yogurt I suggest GoGurt or Trix yogurt which comes in tubes. Simply snip off the top and suck the yogurt out, no spoon needed.
Make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check your bags, clear security and find your gate. Take advantage of pre boarding so you can get settled before everyone else begins boarding. If you are taking the car seat you may want to review the owner's manual before your trip to familiarize yourself with how to install it in the air plane seat. (If you can't find the owner's manual, go to the manufacturerâs website and download or request a new one)
Will you have a car seat at your destination for him to use? If not, then you should bring his car seat. Car seats can be used on the plane as long as they are approved for air travel. Look at the bottom of the seat, if it is approved for air travel there will be a stamp or sticker saying so. Technically, he does not need the car seat while on the plane, however, it is safer for him to use it. He'll also be more comfortable in it as it is familiar to him.
If you don't want to use the seat on the plane, but will need to use it at your destination you could check the car seat with your luggage. The airline will usually place the seat in a large plastic bag to keep it clean.
Try to curb check your luggage when you get to the airport so you have less to carry. Consider using a backpack as a diaper bag so you can have your hands free. You can also use your stroller in the airport and gate check it right before you board the plane. The stroller will be waiting for you outside the plane when you arrive at your destination.
Changing his diaper on the plane can be a challenge as the bathrooms are small. Some of the larger planes are equipped with handicapped accessible lavatories which are larger and sometimes have fold down changing tables. If possible, try changing him while he's standing (if he's only wet). You'll need to practice this at home before you go, but it will be much easier to have him stand on the toilet in the restroom while you pull off the wet diaper and put on a new one (pull ups are good for this, no tabs to deal with). Poopy diapers will still require him to lay down which will be a challenge. The flight attendants can often recommend the best place to change your child.
You'll want to bring extra diapers, wipes and clothes in the diaper bag/carry on as you never know when your plane may be delayed. Some kids have major 'blowout' diapers when they fly due to the unfamiliar surroundings and noises. You should also carry zip top bags to put the dirty diapers or soiled clothes in as no one wants to smell poo for hours on end.
For rules regarding liquids you should visit the TSA website http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm You are allowed to bring milk in larger quantities but you must declare the items to the TSA screener. The website will give you all the info you need.
Most airlines offer apple, orange, cranberry and tomato juices on the air plane as well as some milk. You may want to purchase a bottle of juice after you clear security before you get on the plane as the beverage service usually doesn't start until 30 minutes or so after takeoff.
You can bring snacks from home (a great idea actually). Stick to foods your child is familiar with, don't require refrigeration or re heating and that pack well and come in individual servings. Some good ideas are individual packages/boxes of dry cereal (Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Life, Chex, etc), granola or Nurtigrain bars, string cheese, peanut butter sandwich crackers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (in disposable plastic containers so they don't get smushed), baby carrots, apple slices, small packages of cookies or crackers, '100 Calorie' packs, M&Ms, and other finger foods.
Foods that are a liquid, gel or paste consistency must be in containers of 3.4oz/100ml or less and must fit into one 1qt zip top bag. This would include items such as applesauce, jello, pudding, yogurt, soup, etc. If you want to take yogurt I suggest GoGurt or Trix yogurt which comes in tubes. Simply snip off the top and suck the yogurt out, no spoon needed.
Make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check your bags, clear security and find your gate. Take advantage of pre boarding so you can get settled before everyone else begins boarding. If you are taking the car seat you may want to review the owner's manual before your trip to familiarize yourself with how to install it in the air plane seat. (If you can't find the owner's manual, go to the manufacturerâs website and download or request a new one)
Any parenting advice please?
Q. I am 32 years old and 8 months pregnant with my first baby. I will be raising her on my own, and want to be the best mother I can be. I have read most of the books, researched a lot online, and still have many fears.
Any words of wisdom?
Any words of wisdom?
Answer
Congratulations! It seems you have done everything I have done when I had my son (now 5 y.o.) - books didn't help much⦠only gave me the basic idea on things. I did talk to parents online, there are message boards you can participate in and get advice from other parents.
Not everything that worked for others will work for you so it's best to keep an open mind, listen to your instincts and remember to rest physically and emotionally. If you can get any help of your friends to watch the baby so you could sleep - that will help you. I am still sleep deprived, five years later :).
If you happen to feel depressed after the delivery - a little baby blues are a normal thing as your hormones change, but if you feel the "blues" don't go away and starting to develop into a depression (lasting lets' say more than a month) - you may want to see a doctor and get her advice. I did get depressed after my son was born and it's hard caring for a baby when you're not feeling like doing anything at all...
People will tell you many, MANY things. Some will push their opinion onto you and some will make suggestions. It's best to keep an open mind. The way I looked at it - if this is something that my doctor tells me and I agree with it - that's the road I am going to take. If someone tells you smth outrageous and claims it works - use common sense and your best judgement. If ever in doubt - talking to other parents or a doctor [or both] usually provides enough useful information for you to make an educated decision.
Watch your budget - being a single mom can get tough financially. If you're planning on sending your child to day care - this can get a little pricey. What I learned from it - visit different day care centers, talk to teachers and ask questions. Walk through multiple rooms and review. If anything you don't like - move on to another center. And in my experience with childcare - you get what you pay for... Same goes for private babysitters and nannies â but I personally chose against hiring a nanny for safety reasons. I heard too many stories of abuse so I trust day care centers more because there is more structure there. And the day care center will be held accountable for every bump your child gets while in their care - so you know they will make sure to follow all the rules.
There's going to be lots of trial and error situations. As they say "it will get hard before it gets better" and with newborns it's very true. But even if you catch yourself thinking: "this will never end, I'll be stuck to this baby forever with no time for me" - no, you won't be. It's true that you will be glued to this child for the first year most likely and it will be hard to find time for yourself... But it's only until the baby starts walking, talking and etc... As the times goes by you will be getting your personal time back.
I agree with someone who said this earlier â take lots of pictures!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Ok, and here is the list of things I could not live without. Links are for information only â I am in no way soliciting any particular products, this is just a list of things I had and found they did work (for me). Maybe you will find it helpful.
- Vibrating bouncer with ocean sounds
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Ocean-Wonders-Aquarium-Bouncer/dp/B000324Y7U
- Simethicone drops (Mylicon) which I added to my son's formula or gave by mouth (he had colic and these drops did majic to him)
http://www.medicinenet.com/simethicone_drops-oral/article.htm
-Tiny Love symphony-in-motion mobile
http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Symphony-Motion-Mobile/dp/B00067ELGG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1216408151&sr=1-2
- Enfamil formula (highly recommend if you choose to use formula).
- Gap backpack instead of a regular "diaper bag". I loved it - it looks great, not like a diaper bag, very roomy inside, convenient and the best thing - you throw it on your back, pick up the baby and off you go. Very easy.
(I tried to find a link but they don't sell them anymore...It used to be in "Diaper Bags" section on Gap website...)
- Dr. Brown baby bottles. They do work.
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Natural-Flow-Bottle/dp/B00005BYUR
- Baby Einsten videos â my son loved them all!
http://babyeinstein.com/en/
Congratulations! It seems you have done everything I have done when I had my son (now 5 y.o.) - books didn't help much⦠only gave me the basic idea on things. I did talk to parents online, there are message boards you can participate in and get advice from other parents.
Not everything that worked for others will work for you so it's best to keep an open mind, listen to your instincts and remember to rest physically and emotionally. If you can get any help of your friends to watch the baby so you could sleep - that will help you. I am still sleep deprived, five years later :).
If you happen to feel depressed after the delivery - a little baby blues are a normal thing as your hormones change, but if you feel the "blues" don't go away and starting to develop into a depression (lasting lets' say more than a month) - you may want to see a doctor and get her advice. I did get depressed after my son was born and it's hard caring for a baby when you're not feeling like doing anything at all...
People will tell you many, MANY things. Some will push their opinion onto you and some will make suggestions. It's best to keep an open mind. The way I looked at it - if this is something that my doctor tells me and I agree with it - that's the road I am going to take. If someone tells you smth outrageous and claims it works - use common sense and your best judgement. If ever in doubt - talking to other parents or a doctor [or both] usually provides enough useful information for you to make an educated decision.
Watch your budget - being a single mom can get tough financially. If you're planning on sending your child to day care - this can get a little pricey. What I learned from it - visit different day care centers, talk to teachers and ask questions. Walk through multiple rooms and review. If anything you don't like - move on to another center. And in my experience with childcare - you get what you pay for... Same goes for private babysitters and nannies â but I personally chose against hiring a nanny for safety reasons. I heard too many stories of abuse so I trust day care centers more because there is more structure there. And the day care center will be held accountable for every bump your child gets while in their care - so you know they will make sure to follow all the rules.
There's going to be lots of trial and error situations. As they say "it will get hard before it gets better" and with newborns it's very true. But even if you catch yourself thinking: "this will never end, I'll be stuck to this baby forever with no time for me" - no, you won't be. It's true that you will be glued to this child for the first year most likely and it will be hard to find time for yourself... But it's only until the baby starts walking, talking and etc... As the times goes by you will be getting your personal time back.
I agree with someone who said this earlier â take lots of pictures!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Ok, and here is the list of things I could not live without. Links are for information only â I am in no way soliciting any particular products, this is just a list of things I had and found they did work (for me). Maybe you will find it helpful.
- Vibrating bouncer with ocean sounds
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Ocean-Wonders-Aquarium-Bouncer/dp/B000324Y7U
- Simethicone drops (Mylicon) which I added to my son's formula or gave by mouth (he had colic and these drops did majic to him)
http://www.medicinenet.com/simethicone_drops-oral/article.htm
-Tiny Love symphony-in-motion mobile
http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Symphony-Motion-Mobile/dp/B00067ELGG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1216408151&sr=1-2
- Enfamil formula (highly recommend if you choose to use formula).
- Gap backpack instead of a regular "diaper bag". I loved it - it looks great, not like a diaper bag, very roomy inside, convenient and the best thing - you throw it on your back, pick up the baby and off you go. Very easy.
(I tried to find a link but they don't sell them anymore...It used to be in "Diaper Bags" section on Gap website...)
- Dr. Brown baby bottles. They do work.
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Natural-Flow-Bottle/dp/B00005BYUR
- Baby Einsten videos â my son loved them all!
http://babyeinstein.com/en/
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