jrb@wdl1.UUCP (John R Blaker) (01/15/84)
Subject: Infants on Airplanes by evelyn (a modified dog) We've taken our daughter on several airplane trips in her first year, from San Francisco to Lost Angeles and back, at ~5 months, and from SF-NY-Tampa-SF at ~8 months. Things we learned: 1. It's true about bottles going up and down. They don't know enough to swallow and pop their own ears, and sucking helps immensely. 2. Powdered formula is easier to fix, because you don't have to refrigerate. Just stick the powder in the bottle and add water when you need the bottle. Powdered formula is also easier to carry in the amounts needed. 3. Buy bottled water wherever you are going. pThere are small differences in local microflora and -fauna which you won't notice but which will cause no end of distress to an unhardened stomach. 4. Your papoose will probably sleep much of the flight. This is partly due to the droning sounds /gradual motion/boredom, but is also due to thexl lowp oxygen content *deliberately* maintqn}ained by airlines to keep passengers drowsy=docile. If this bothers you COMPLAIN! and they have to do something about it (by law) (such as turn up the fans). 5. Most airlines will let you board first (with dp's). Encourage this practice by letting them know you wish to follow it. 6. We discovered that a portable cloth bassinet was a great investment. It allowed us to carry stuff in it, and was an excellent bed for her in places where there were no cribs. That's all for now, Evelyn (a modified dog)