Flying pregnant and with a 2 year old?

Question

I have a VERY ACTIVE 2 year old and currentally 7 weeks pregnant will be 9 weeks by the time i fly....my husbands job is relocating to Hilo, Hawaii for a year and we will be leaving from Little Rock, Arkansas but my problem is that my husbands job pays for his ticket  and most likely not able to get on the same flight so i will be by myself with our daughter...it will be 4 different flights...my question is what are some tips and things to do to keep er occupied so she wont scream and get us kicked off the flight?

τυηιsιαη βεΙΙε · Accepted Answer

My answer is long, but I tried to address all your concerns in it.

I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and at least 3 trips a year are me and the children alone. 

I also traveled internationally this summer by myself while pregnant (still have the return trip to do) with my two children along with me. I left when I was 13 weeks and will return when I am around 30 weeks. I have also traveled internationally at various stages with my first two pregnancies as well. 

Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you. First for your daughter:


1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) Since your daughter is at the age where you will have to pay for a seat for her, 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, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit. It will also help your child (and you) to sleep better.

A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat (car 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.

3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child something to drink (milk, water, juice- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of non-perishable food items, such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, and just add water packets. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/p...

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 drink, gently rub her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

4.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.

You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without your child seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry on.

5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new 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.

If your daughter is still in diapers, 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.

7.) 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.

It is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If she has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave 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.

8.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz 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 her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

9.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.



Now for tips with your pregnancy:

You should get a check-up from your doctor to make sure you are in fit enough health to fly. Most airlines will not require a note from your doctor this early on in your pregnancy, but it is always best to verify that before hand.


FAA Airline regulations state :

Obstetrical patients are free to fly, but pose a significant risk in later stages of precipitating delivery during flight. Pregnancy past 32 weeks should be carefully considered for restriction from flight and must be accompanied with an authorization note from a doctor. Those past 36 weeks should be prohibited from flying unless personally accompanied by their doctor. (Taken from my husbands flight security and survival manual & FAA site) http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/designees_delegations/designee_types/ame/media/Section%20II.7.1%20Transportation%20of%20Patients%20by%20Airline.doc

All airlines make up their own rules and regulations regarding pregnant women. Some do not restrict travel at all, no matter what stage of pregnancy a women is in, and others start to restrict at 7 months, although the majority restrict around 36 weeks.

Please note that while airline regulations do not prohibit flying while pregnant, and even if you brings a doctors note, the final decision is entirely up to the Captain (who will be informed by the gate crew of your status).

While traveling I advise you to keep your medical records, and the name and number of your doctor. You should also get the name and number of a doctor where you will be staying/visiting in case an emergency comes up.

To keep yourself safe and comfortable on the trip, follow these simple things:

*drink plenty of water
*avoid caffeine
*don't eat food that causes gas for at least one day before you travel (pressure builds up as you ascend through the altitudes and could cause pain)
*walk around as much as you can (up and down the aisles)
*stretch while sitting
*wear loose fitting clothing
*wear slip on shoes (your feet may swell)
*wear maternity support pantyhose or socks
*try to get an aisle seat or a front row seat for more leg room
*eat light foods
*eat small meals or snacks at frequent intervals rather than big heavy meals
*do not eat salt
*ask for a seat belt extender (depending on how big you are) and wear it just under your abdomen, or wear a normal seat belt just under your abdomen
*relax

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

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Flying pregnant and with a 2 year old?