D.P.
answers from
Pittsburgh
on
In-flight beverage service.
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We're going to visit my in-laws at the end of the week. They've arranged to borrow a play-pen and a carseat, so we don't have to check those. I've read the TSA website on formula/breastmilk, which says I can take "a reasonable amount" through security.
Are there any restrictions on powdered formula?
I've heard that you should feed them at takeoff and landing, to help their ears with the pressure changes. But she won't eat twice that close together (it's a 1.5 hr flight) and she won't take a pacifier. Any other suggestions to help with this?
Any other advice? It's the first time I've flown with a baby!
Thanks!
We managed to hold off food so we could feed her at takeoff. That worked pretty well, though both going and coming she wanted to eat as soon as we were sitting on the airplane and things got boring, so she got a little fussy then. There was some pretty good turbulence for about 15-20 minutes when we decended, that she didn't like much and cried during most of that. The people around us were very understanding about it, and she was really good and content the rest of the flight. Coming home she slept some on the plane, which was great! We tried to feed her again at the landings, but that takes longer and she was mostly full from takeoff, so it was harder...
Overall, it was easier than I imagined.
In-flight beverage service.
They mention the liquids because liquids are restricted for the rest of the population. Powdered formula would not be an issue. I recommend at least one change of clothes for your baby and a change for you in your carry-on (you never know and you don't want to sit in stinky clothes). My son flew about 6 times by 2 1/2 and the early trips (5 mos, 9 mos etc) were by far the least stressful. The hum of the engines put him right to sleep. By 2 1/2 he was bored out of his mind and wanted to escape the seat and let everyone know it - lol. Good luck.
You don't have to give her a full feeding. Just offer her a bit till you get up in the air then offer it again when you start the decent. Other wise you will have a screaming infant. you may have to squirt a bit of milk in her mouth to get her to swallow.
I seriously recommend buying a sling if you don't have one already. Leaves you hands free during flight and baby will be very comfy strapped to mom or dad!
The previous poster mentions bringing a change of clothes for baby and parents, thats a very good point. Also, bring babys usual blankey and an extra in case that one gets spit up on.
With the powdered formula, you can bring as much as you think you'll need, they will supply the bottled water for you.
Keep your window cover closed and ask if those around you could do so as well so it's a bit darker for baby.
Ask to sit as close to the back or close to the front of the plane as possible so you'll be close to the changing stations.
Keep hydrated, but you already know that! And sleep if baby is sleeping, or at least try to!
Get something so you can "wear" baby through security. Needs to be free of the metal rings and hooks. You can ask your doctor if you can have ear numbing drops. They have saved us on more than one occasion. If baby starts crying, put a drop or two in, with a cotton ball to keep it from dripping. Works immediately. GL! 1.5 is bad at all. I'm sure you both will be just fine!
