Air Travel With Baby Tips

Formula restrictions, strollers and confusion about child safety seats make traveling with a baby difficult. For multiples air travel is even more stressful. Not only do you have to take more stuff, it's more likely for one of the babies to be unhappy during flight. Preparing yourself beforehand helps ensure that everyone has a safe, happy and relatively easy flight.

Booking Your Flight

Airlines don't require parents to purchase tickets for children under age 2. Some airlines allow parents to use unsold seats for babies, but it's not guaranteed unless you purchase a separate ticket. Window seats are quieter and darker, making it easier for a baby to sleep. If the airline has assigned seats, book a window seat for each baby and the seat next to it for the traveling adult. If you travel with multiple babies alone, purchase seats for the children so your hands are free to tend to their needs.

Child Restraints

It's safer -- and more comfortable -- for your baby to sit in a car seat during flight. The seat must be approved for both cars and aircrafts; this is typically noted on the tag attached to the car seat. Place your child's seat in a window seat so you don't have to move around it in case there's an emergency.

Baby Food

Breast milk, formula, baby food and juice aren't restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) 3-oz. liquid rule. Keep your items for babies separate from other liquid items you take on the plane, and inform security officers that you have them. Liquids in larger amounts are often tested by security personnel for explosives.

Since multiple babies require more food, pack separate carry-on bags -- one for each adult to carry -- in case you don't end up sitting in the same row.

Comfort Items

Babies are more likely to cry if they don't feel secure, so it's important to bring items to ensure babies stay comfortable during the flight. Have a pacifier on hand to calm your babies if they cry; sucking also helps if either baby's ears are affected by the change in altitude. Also, take an infant anti-inflammatory or acetaminophen in case one of the babies needs it.

If one of the babies is inconsolable, walk up and down the isle using a baby sling.
Gate Check

With multiples it's necessary to have a stroller when you navigate the airport. Don't check the stroller with your bags -- instead use the gate check. At the gate, before you board the plane, ask the attendant for a baggage ticket, and place it on the stroller. You simply leave the stroller, with the ticket attached, at the gate for the attendants to take out to the plane. When you arrive at your destination, gate-checked items are picked up at the gate.

If you didn't purchase tickets for the babies, take their car seats to the gate with you anyway. If there aren't any unsold seats available to use, simply gate check the car seats before you board.

Pregnancy Air Travel Tips

Air travel is considered safe for most pregnant women throughout pregnancy. Air travel during the second trimester is typically most comfortable, as you are likely beyond the morning sickness of the first trimester and not yet to the uncomfortable stage of the third trimester as your uterus further expands. There are ways to make air travel more comfortable at any stage of pregnancy.
Before Air Travel

Before you book your flight, check with your doctor to ensure travel is acceptable. In most cases, doctors will allow air travel for pregnant women who are otherwise healthy until week 34. Beyond that, travel is generally restricted, so you will be close to your doctor and hospital in the event labor begins. Some doctors will issue a letter stating you have been cleared for travel. Check with the airlines before you book your flight as well. Airlines differ in their policies regarding pregnant women. Some do not require any documentation, while others will require a letter from your physician before allowing you to board.

Be aware that airlines do not view pregnancy or its complications as a reason for a refund if you must cancel your plans. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have sickle cell disease, severe anemia, clotting disorders or placental abruption, you should consult your doctor before flying. Alert your doctor if you will be traveling by air often during your pregnancy, as the guidelines may differ for you.
During Air Travel

Hydration is important throughout pregnancy as, according to the American Pregnancy Association, dehyrdration can cause preterm labor. During your flight, you will need to drink more than usual to stay hydrated because of the low humidity levels in the cabin. As allowed, walk around the plane at least once per half hour during air travel. Exercising and stretching your legs can improve circulation, help with swelling and prevent blood clots. When walking through the aisles, use the seat backs for support. Balance is altered during pregnancy because of the weight of the uterus on the front of the body.

Turbulence during flight can hit suddenly and unexpectedly. It is important to maintain your balance to avoid a fall.
Weight Restrictions

Pay attention to the weight of your luggage. The amount of weight you are allowed to lift during pregnancy depends on your fitness level prior to pregnancy and what your body is accustomed to lifting. Your doctor can give specific recommendations for the maximum amount of weight to be lifted. Do not be shy about asking for help from fellow passengers or airline employees.

Pet Travel Safety Tips

Animal lovers with travel plans often face the difficult choice of taking a furry family member along for the trip or leaving a beloved pet behind. Travel with pets can present a distinct set of challenges, and frequent travelers must address a number of pet safety considerations while preparing to take an animal along on a journey.
Health

A pet’s health must take top priority when leaving home for an extended period of time. According to the Dog Owner’s Guide, an online pet owner magazine, travelers should take pets to a vet no less than two weeks before departing. A qualified veterinarian will administer a complete physical and bring all vaccinations current before the trip begins, and some vets will apply flea and tick preventatives to ensure continued health.
Diet

What a pet eats before traveling and on the road can play a significant role in his or her health during travel. Food composition and even water additives vary from location to location, so the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends packing some bottled water and food before leaving home. In addition, according to the ASPCA, a pet should eat at least three hours before departure with periodic snacks at rest stops. The organization cautions against feeding a pet inside a moving vehicle.
Equipment

A number of commercially available products help ease the process of taking pets on the road. At a minimum, pet owners should invest in a quality crate or carrier before leaving for travel; these devices can prevent injury in a vehicle collision while on the road and act as a familiar bed while staying at an unfamiliar location. Some additional travel equipment recommended by the Dog Owner’s Guide includes a brush or comb, a six foot leash, towels or blankets, a first aid kit and a travel-friendly set of food and water bowls. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals adds a waste scooper, grooming supplies and a favorite toy to the list, and the organization recommends allowing the pet ample time to become familiar with the crate or carrier before hitting the road.
Car Concerns

Travelers journeying by car face a special set of pet safety concerns. The frequent starts, stops and side to side motion common to automobile travel can wreak havoc on motion-sensitive pets, and the Dog Owner’s Guide recommends securing a pet’s travel crate inside the vehicle to minimize this motion as much as possible. The organization also cautions against allowing pets to ride in the front seat, as this position can make them more vulnerable in an accident. The ASPCA notes that pets allowed to stick their heads out of moving car windows become susceptible to ear and lung infections, and some may become injured by passing objects. Finally, both organizations advise travelers to never leave a pet alone in an unattended vehicle for even a short amount of time.
Services

Pet owners who feel uncomfortable with the demands of taking a pet on the road may consider a pet travel service company. These companies that specialize in animal travel handle all aspects of preparation and safe transport, and can deliver a happy and refreshed pet to a travel destination at a predetermined time. According to the pet travel company Happy Tails Travel, common services include pet pickup, flight arrangements and pet delivery.