Ensuring a Smooth Trip - Airplane Travel With Infants   
By Susan Heim

 If you're pondering a trip to visit out-of-state family members, meet Mickey Mouse, or get away from the stresses of daily life, you may find that getting there can be just as stressful, especially if you're traveling with an infant. The key to ensuring a smooth trip is to plan ahead. Of course, nobody can be completely prepared for all complications, but there are a few things you can do to make the trip as pleasant as possible.

- Call the airline or check the airline's website ahead of time to make sure the flight is on time. You don't want to spend five hours at the airport with an infant because your flight's been delayed. Also ask how early you should show up before the flight ... and then add a little extra time because everything takes longer with young children. You'll want to allow yourself enough time for unexpected diaper changes, and so on.

- Ask for bulkhead seats, which allow for a little more leg room that makes it easier to move around with your baby. It also prevents some nasty looks as your little one can't kick the seat in front of her.

- If you can afford it, buy a separate seat for your child, especially if you're on a cross-country or international flight. It's well worth the money to have the additional room. If you aren't able to afford an extra seat, ask if your flight is full when you check in. They may be able to place you next to an empty seat.

- Pack plenty of supplies, including snacks, formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, sippy cups, etc. Pack more than you think you need in case your flight is delayed or you miss a connecting flight. Start keeping a list weeks in advance and add to it as you think of more items.

- Include extra clothing for your baby -- and yourself, in case you get spit up on! You can also layer on clothes if the plane gets cold. Bring a few extra receiving blankets for this purpose, as well.

- If your child uses a pacifier, bring extras in case it gets dropped on the floor or lost. Sucking also helps soothe your baby's ears as the plane is going up or down. If your child doesn't use a pacifier, have her suck on a bottle or breastfeed.

- Pack lots of entertainment for your child. Bring some new things along that she's never seen before and dole them out slowly. If you're okay with your child watching TV, you might want to bring a portable DVD player with her favorite movies.

- Be sure to look up current security restrictions so you're not held up during check-in if you're carrying items that aren't allowed.

Traveling with a baby can be challenging, but with adequate preparation -- and a relaxed attitude -- you may find that getting where you want to go is half the fun!

Susan M. Heim is the author of "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year" and "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence."

Visit her web site at http://www.susanheim.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Heim
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ensuring-a-Smooth-Trip---Airplane-Travel-With-Infants&id=553114