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First-time Flyers

How to Have a Stress-free Plane Trip with Your Baby

By Carilyn Platt

Ascents and descents can wreak havoc on little ears. Have a bottle prepared or be ready to nurse once you are away from the gate. The sucking motion helps equalize your baby's ears during takeoffs and landings.

Changing a baby on an airplane can be a challenge, especially on the older planes not equipped with fold-down changing tables in the lavoratories. If you're stuck changing your baby on the seat or on your lap, try to relax. And if you get angry stares from fellow passengers do your best to ignore them or, better yet, remind them that they were babies once, too.

Lastly, though it may sound obvious, it really helps to be nice to the flight attendants. They are your friends on this flight. If you get lucky, they will fight over who gets to hold the baby, and you'll actually get time to read the magazine you bought!

Above all, try to enjoy this time. You will always remember your baby's first flight. And, if the captain is feeling particularly friendly, ask him or her to sign the baby's boarding pass and you can tuck it neatly away in his baby book for a memento.

Want to see more?

• Have Nap, Will Travel: Planning Trips Around Your Child's Nap Schedule
• Flying with Babies and Toddlers
• Parents' Essential Packing Guide: What to Pack When Traveling with Children
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