Dyann Eding Flight Attendant

June 13, 2009

As a flight attendant, I’ve picked up some wonderful ideas from passengers and I have a few insider tips to share about flying with infants and toddlers. Here’s my top 10 list:

1. Get a good seat. Pre-book a seat in the front of a section (where there’s leg room). Be flexible if you find your seating has changed. Once everyone has boarded, ask your flight attendant to help you find a better seat. Most airlines do not charge for children under 2 who will be sitting on a parent’s lap, but if you can afford it, book a seat anyway. There is often a significant discount and it gives you extra room.
2. Contact the airline in advance if you are traveling with a child with special needs.
3. Bring simple toys, DVD players and earphones for young children.
4. Pack plastic bags for dirty diapers and always throw disposables away in trash receptacles. Or try to change diapers in the airport so you won’t have to in the plane. Have plenty of diapers, bags and changes of clothes available.
5. Pack snacks and food for your children.
6. Bring photos of people you’ll visit to show your children.
7. Carry as little as possible. Check booster seats because they aren’t approved for use on flights and anything else that will not be necessary during your flight. I can’t stress this enough!
8. Don’t belt infants or toddlers in with you. Your child will be squeezed if there is turbulence.
9. Breast- or bottle-feed infants during take off and landing to reduce pressure on their ears.
10. Be flexible. And enjoy the ride.