(This is an update of an article I wrote some years ago. It also appeared in the New York Times.) When traveling by air, a lasting nightmare is sitting near a cuddly little baby that suddenly morphs into a nonstop noise machine, emitting high decibel, ear-piercing, headache-producing, sleep-preventing discomfort. An even worse nightmare: it’s your […]
Should infants sit in safety seats for air travel?
December 8, 2019 by
1. The facts: Infants are the only items on an aircraft that need not be battened down (secured) for takeoff, turbulence and landing. In case of severe turbulence and survivable crashes, an unrestrained 20-pound (9 kilos) infant sitting on your lap instantaneously becomes a 300-pound weight (136 kilos) that you cannot restrain. Infants have hit […]
Can infants and young children travel by air? Answers to frequently asked questions. An update.
October 17, 2018 by
1. Can healthy newborns travel by air? Healthy newborns, yes. However, two groups of infants require medical evaluation prior to flying: those born significantly premature and those having heart and lung issues at or soon after birth. Such infants should be evaluated by pediatricians until they reach their first birthday, even if they show no […]
Young Children Flying Alone: An update
July 20, 2018 by
Did you know that five-year old children may fly unaccompanied on major US airlines? 1. In airline parlance these children are “UMs”: unaccompanied minors. Each airline has its own rules for transporting UMs. The rules are outlined on each airline’s webpage. There are no government regulations. In Canada and the United Kingdom, children must be […]
“Flying” through the airport with young children: An update
May 22, 2018 by
If a car seat containing an infant is placed “just for a moment” on a non-moving conveyor belt at an airport security machine, the infant may pass through the machine. It has happened. How? Parent places car seat on the belt. Parent turns around to take off his/her shoes or to tend to another child. […]
Will family vacations ever be all fun and games?
March 16, 2018 by
Poor parental planning spoils more family vacations than lousy food, miserable weather, no-star accommodations – or cranky children. While a family vacation will rarely be all fun and games, savvy planning can keep the inevitable misadventures down to a manageable few. 1. Successful family vacations are primarily kids’ vacations. This means getting away from daily routines and regimentation, declaring a moratorium […]
Mom, I think I am going to vomit. Motion sickness/Children/Prevention/Treatment – An Update
January 18, 2018 by
If no one in your family has ever been motion-sick, it’s only because they haven’t yet encountered the right (or is it the wrong?) ride. It may be a storm at sea, an “amusement” park roller coaster that spins in three dimensions simultaneously while riders are strapped in upside down, a ride atop a camel […]
Is air travel safe for infants/young children? Answers to your questions
September 9, 2017 by
(Folklore says that infants traveled by air centuries ago and the flights were healthier than those today. Storks “delivered” infants. Storks had the wisdom to skim rooftops, eliminating concerns of high altitude and the accompanying ear issues, dehydration, and excessive stomach air. Each newborn was a sole passenger enjoying fresh rather than recirculated air, with […]
Is air travel safe for young children with bad colds and ear issues?
April 2, 2017 by
If a decade ago you’d asked your doctor if young children should fly with ear infections, nasal allergies or bad colds the likely answer was an emphatic no, that flying with these conditions could damage the ears. Today, if you asked, the likely answer is a conditional yes. 1. No studies exist to help make […]
Children/Airports/Safety
December 30, 2016 by
If a car seat containing an infant is placed “just for a moment” on a non-moving conveyor belt at an airport security machine the infant may pass through the machine. It has happened. How? Parent places car seat on the belt. Parent turns around to take off his/her shoes or to tend to another child. Belt […]
