What is Infant Constipation?

March 04, 2011 :: Posted by - :: Category - Infant

What is Infant Constipation?

Infant constipation is the difficulty in passing bowels.  Usually the bowels are hard and dry.  It is actually a very common occurrence, especially in children and babies who have just been weaned off breast milk and have started formula milk or when he or she is given table food instead of strained foods.

Normal infant stool looks differently at every stage.  Breast-fed babies have stools that are soft, often yellow to orange with white flecks and varying in frequency.  Bottle-fed babies pass stools that look like soft paste, greenish gray, yellow or brown in color. 

Breast fed babies often pass bowel movements once a day or once in two days.  Babies eating solid food have stools that are formed, but still pasty and contain undigested food.  Color and frequency can vary according to the food eaten but often times, when babies start eating solid food, the frequency of bowel movement decreases.

Infant diarrhea, however, is characterized by firm, hard and dry feces.  Often, they look like pebbles.  Another sign of infant diarrhea is that your baby might cry while defecating, while bleeding from the anus might be present. Also check if your baby is eating less often or having abdominal pain.

There are many causes of infant diarrhea, including the lack of fluids, the introduction of new food, having low fiber in their diet, medications and the type of formula he or she is drinking.  Check whether your baby is of the right weight, uses more than five diapers daily, getting enough water.  If not, you might have a problem with infant diarrhea.

Bottle fed babies drinking formula milk are also more prone to infant diarrhea.  On top of that, there are some types of baby formula that can cause constipation, like those containing casein, lactose-free formulas, and anti-regurgitation formulas.  Switching formulas can also cause constipation.

Common medications and supplements like pain killers, antibiotics, iron supplements and aluminum-containing antacids can also cause infant diarrhea.

Contrary to popular opinion, infant constipation is not the absence of regular or daily bowel movement.  Parents are advised not to worry too much. 

Newborns often enter a period of transition during the first two to six weeks of age where there is a marked decrease in bowel movements and an increase in their irritability.  It is also around this time that babies begin to strain due to passing gas and bowel movement.  Straining, per se, is not a sign that your baby has infant diarrhea.  In fact, straining is normal for babies.  Straining is often brought about by gastro-colic and the defecation reflexes.  Think of it as your baby’s way of learning which muscles to use in the effort of eliminating feces.

Therefore, it is not infant diarrhea unless all three conditions are present: hard, firm and pebbly stools, crying and straining while passing feces, and no bowel movement for a certain period of time.

If your baby has infant diarrhea, you must give him lots of water, sugar, fruits, vegetables, juices and probiotics.  Probiotics have been found to have beneficial health benefits including improving the balance of microflora in the intestines.  In fact, infant formula with probiotics are said to change the constitution of intestinal microflora so that it is almost the same as those of breast-fed babies.  One of the most common probiotics in baby formula is bifidobacteria.

For severe cases, or when all these failed, then it might be good to consult your pediatrician to get a good laxative for your baby.  Do this only as a last resort.

Kirthy Shetty, Platinum author. Get all your tips related to: Infant Constipation

For more information on: Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome


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Natural Baby Skin Care – The Truth Revealed

February 13, 2011 :: Posted by - :: Category - Infant

Natural Baby Skin Care – The Truth Revealed

When you are a parent, you will find yourself thinking about many different things, including the baby skin care, baby skin cream and baby skin treatment products you have been using.  For those of you who want the best for your baby’s skin, then you may want to check into that natural baby skin care product that is sitting on the shelf.  Natural baby skin care products do not contain ingredients that are harmful to the skin.  There are many parents out there today that are not aware of the natural skin care products that are out there.   For those parents, we would like to share a few baby skin care tips.

Every parent out there wants the most for their baby.  Parents want their baby’s to have healthy glowing skin and that is why they choose skin care products that give promises.  The sad truth is that many of the large baby skin care corporations of today are opting for the non-natural ingredients to save money on manufacturing.   For this reason, it is important to do an adequate amount of research before selecting a product for your baby’s sensitive skin. important to do the adequate amount of research before you put it on your baby’s sensitive skin.

Ever since the beginning of time, it has been recorded that people used natural products. Why does the baby industry continue to make these harmful non natural products that are filled with chemicals?  For example with diapers, often times diapers made with non-natural chemicals can cause a bad diaper rash which can be very uncomfortable for the baby.

Why not use ingredients that are all natural to treat dry skin for babies?  Well, you see, the answer to this question is as clear as daylight. Those products are cheaply made in bulk.   Organic baby skin care products are not so cheap to make in bulk.  Price is often a big factor for parents.
If you find that your newborn has baby skin eczema, consider using ingredients that are all natural to treat dry skin for babies.  The best baby skin treatment comes by way of using the organic baby skin care products, usually found at a natural baby care company.  Baby skin pimples is another common problem that can be treated with natural baby skin care products.

Even diapers can contribute to skin problems for your baby.  For example, choosing the right all natural diaper for your baby can increase the chances of preventing rashes.  The rash can cause the baby to be cranky and can cause the baby to lose sleep.  Diaper rash cream can help calm the burning and heal skin within a few days.

When you choose a baby skin treatment that is all natural to use on your baby’s skin, you will find that it is far better for their skin. When you take the natural products and compare them to the modern products, you will not find as much fragrance added to the natural ones – but is the fragrance worth the harmful side effects caused to your baby in the long term?  Most are unaware that the added fragrances in the modern skin care products are harmful for a baby’s skin. This is because those fragrances have typically been made out of chemical ingredients.

If you find yourself standing in the aisle debating over natural baby skin care products vs. non natural baby skin care products, then we hope you will choose natural baby skin care products as they really do offer a safer, healthier route.   Natural products are something to look forward to as they will leave skin feeling smooth and less irritated.   If your infant could speak right now, they would tell you just how good the natural side feels.

About Baby’s Bliss™ and Mommy’s Bliss™: Baby’s Bliss™ and Mommy’s Bliss™ is a U.S Corporation with offices in San Rafael, California, just north of San Francisco. The company began in 1999 when Roshan Kaderali, CEO and founder, formulated Baby’s Bliss™ Gripe Water-the first and the original all natural colic remedy in the States. The product quickly gained popularity and the company now has two full lines of product, Baby’s Bliss™ and Mommy’s Bliss™ dedicated to bringing bliss to families … naturally.

* Disclaimer: The information available on this website should not be used as a substitute for professional or medical care for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment for you or your child. Please consult with your doctor, pediatrician or pharmacist before trying any prescription or OTC product. This information is provided only to help you be as informed as possible.

Sheryl Danes is the author of this article on Natural Baby Skin Care . Find more information about all natural baby products here.


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Toddlers with Diabetes: Caring for the Littlest Patients

November 16, 2010 :: Posted by - :: Category - Toddler

Toddlers with Diabetes: Caring for the Littlest Patients

Toddlers with Diabetes: Caring for the Littlest Patients


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Toddlers with Diabetes: Caring for the Littlest Patients

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Toddlers with Diabetes: Caring for the Littlest Patients

By: Sutikno Slamet

About the Author

Would you like to know more about Diabetes Control Made Easy?

Today I’m Going to Tell You What Most Doctors Refuse to Tell You Regarding Your Diabetes! …, Please visit : http://sutiknoslamet.com/diabetes.htm

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Toddlers with diabetes are suffering from Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or diabetes juvenile. The number of children under the age of five being diagnosed with diabetes juvenile has almost doubled in the past five years. Caring for toddlers is a challenge under the best of circumstances, and toddlers with diabetes need even more special care and attention.

<strong>Symptoms</strong>

First, if you are wondering whether your toddler has diabetes in the first place, here are some signs to look for:

•often complains of feeling thirsty
•hungry more often
•suddenly loses weight
•urinates more than usual, diapers more wet than usual
•occasional fruity smelling breath

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, discuss with your doctor the possibility you have a toddler with diabetes.

<strong>Special challenges</strong>

You or your caregiver will have to closely monitor your child’s blood sugar throughout the day to be sure it stays within a safe range. Ideally this means 6-12 mmol just before meals.

Toddlers with diabetes also require daily insulin shots, which can be traumatic for you as well as your child! When administering both finger pricks for the blood sugar tests and the insulin shots, you should be as quick and calm as possible about the procedure. If your child is playing, go where he or she is rather than having them come to you. That helps establish the procedure as just a normal part of their day.

Of course, your child will resist these procedures, and it can be hard for parents and caregivers to remember they are doing this for the child’s health. It must be done, however, and you may have to learn to restrain the child gently. It also helps to give them a big hug and a kiss after it’s finished to make sure they understand you still love them even though this hurt a bit.

Another problem is that toddlers with diabetes can’t tell you when they are feeling the effects of low blood sugar, which is another reason for careful monitoring.
Toddlers in general can be picky eaters, and toddlers with diabetes are no different. The challenge here is in making sure that all your alternatives fit within a healthy and appropriate diabetic diet. Have as wide a selection of those foods available as possible so that when they do refuse certain foods, you can tempt them with an appropriate alternative.

Toddlers with diabetes should otherwise develop the same way, and at the same rate, as other children of their age. So as long as you take the necessary precautions to treat the diabetes, and your child seems normal in all other ways, there’s no reason why he or she shouldn’t be a perfectly healthy and happy child.

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Would you like to know more about Diabetes Control Made Easy?

Today I’m Going to Tell You What Most Doctors Refuse to Tell You Regarding Your Diabetes! …, Please visit : http://sutiknoslamet.com/diabetes.htm

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toddler with diabetes, juvenile diabetes, diabetes juvenile, about diabetes, cure for diabetes, diabetes causes, diabetes control, diabetes cure, diabetes diagnosis, diabetes diet, diabetes symptoms, diabetes treatment, diabetes type 1, diabetes type 2

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Would you like to know more about Diabetes Control Made Easy?

Today I’m Going to Tell You What Most Doctors Refuse to Tell You Regarding Your Diabetes! …, Please visit : http://sutiknoslamet.com/diabetes.htm

Ditching Diapers – Potty Training Problems, Trends and Suggestions

October 29, 2010 :: Posted by - :: Category - Toddler

Ditching Diapers – Potty Training Problems, Trends and Suggestions

While researching potty training, and the elimination of disposable diapers from a child’s life, the author has come across several recent trends. The most disturbing trend is that children have gone from being potty-trained at around 18 months on average in the 1960s, to taking, on average, 30 months today.  It appears that this is expanding.  Three years ago, Pampers introduced Size 7 diapers to the marketplace (something that no other manufacturer has followed), but a recent review of the Pampers.com website found that Pampers is now calling some of their largest diapers (disposable training pants and disposable underwear) “Size 8″.  Another alarming recent article, purportedly from the U.K. discussed how children were remaining in diapers until school age.  It went on to say, school teachers were changing children in Kindergarten.  This article blamed time constraints on the family, and that many day care workers were putting children into diapers while at their day care center for “convenience” reasons, which effectively undermined any of the potty-training efforts the parents had done.  I question the validity of this article (especially about children going to elementary school without being potty-trained), so there is no mention of a link to it, but its ramifications, as I prepare to bring triplets into this world, are profound.  Even if this article is not true, some of the issues, especially day cares undermining the consistency efforts of parents with potty training are probably issues that many parents of children in today’s busy world will face.

The average baby in the United States uses 3,500 diapers per year (roughly 9 diaper changes per day).  This is an average, and because of normal diaper changes, sizes, etc. the average baby uses many more diapers their first year, then their second and so forth.  However, if a child stays in diapers for just one extra year, that is at least an extra 68 per child (based on the average prices of size 5, 6 and 7 diapers at .40 / diaper).  As the future parent of triplets, this means that my costs, per year, escalate to well over 00.   Therefore, the economic incentives alone are well worth investing time and thoughts on the subject, even though my family is unborn.

There are many factors that point to why our children are remaining in diapers longer.   Some blame parents for lack of consistency and time.  Others say day cares and other help we have to reach out for to make ends meet undermine our potty-training efforts by putting children back in diapers for their own convenience.  Others blame physicians who recommend letting the child “choose” when to ditch diapers. 

The culprit probably lies somewhere within and as a combination of most of these suggestions.  However, one of the most obvious factors that others are not discussing is that of children using disposable training pants that look, feel and protect like a diaper.  An example, as a child, the author’s brother was eight years younger than he was, and he still remembers his brother going through potty training.   At the time, training pants were entirely cloth, and resembled very thick underwear, and accidents were obvious, messy for everyone and created clear discomfort for the child.  After several accidents, the author’s brother was potty-trained quickly, but the clean-up and the extra work surrounding using underwear as training pants put a strain on the mother, and the potty-training process started and stopped repeatedly for several months.  Soon after the author’s brother was potty-trained, Huggies introduced Pull-Ups. 

Pull-Ups provided a great advantage for the parent, and for the child.  They still looked, felt-like and resembled underwear, but they contained accidents much better, resulting in less time.  This was also when diapers were generally a solid color, were plastic-backed, had tapes on them (instead of Velcro).  Pull-ups on the other hand felt like cloth, had cartoon characters on them, and the child pulled them up, instead of the parent putting the child in them.  Soon after though, diapers changed and they started making them with a cloth-like cover, Velcro tapes, and featured cartoonish designs.  The problem with this, in the author’s opinion, is that these improvements in the diaper removed the advantage for the child – that of wearing “big boy” pants.  The only real difference between diapers and disposable training pants (as far as the author can tell) is that the child pulls them up, even though they look, feel and protect like a diaper.  Another problem with this was the release of “convertible style” diapers which are no longer available for sale.  These diapers were pulled up (supposedly by the parent), and this left little distinction, if any, between the supposedly special training pant, and the diaper.  The diaper companies soon stopped making these diapers, but for them to put this type of diaper into the marketplace, knowing that they are identical to pull-ups in almost every aspect seems like flawed logic.  Are they deliberately trying to keep our children in diapers longer?   Probably, its good business, they sell more products, but fully fleshing this argument removes the blameworthiness from the parent, and puts it on an intangible corporation, something that should not be encouraged.   Even if they are doing this deliberately, it is up to the parent to take matters into their own hands.  If these products did not sell, the company would stop making them, if we keep buying them, then they have every incentive to keep producing it.  

The point with this diatribe is essentially that if you are going to try and get your child to use the potty, introducing pants to wear instead of diapers, that look, feel and do the same job as diapers – are just diapers to the child and the child sees no difference.  If you are motivating your child to get out of diapers, why then would you put them in something that is nearly identical?  

The convenience of disposable underwear is a huge bonus, but the problem still exists for the child – they are still wearing diapers, even though they are being told they are not.  Unfortunately, this might be a large contributing factor to why children have such difficulties with potty training now.   Couple this with the frantic schedule everyone leads, which diminishes the time available to be consistent with a child, and it is easy to see why it might take longer to potty train a kid. 

As for the author’s children, well, unless something changes, we will try to put them in cloth, traditional training pants.  There will be messes, but putting them back in diapers, regardless of how many times we tell them they are not “diapers” does not seem like it will achieve the desired results.  A key problem with this exists though, and if day care workers are undermining potty training efforts with pull-ups, then how will they act when a child has an accident in underwear?  At least we would have a chance with a pull-up though.  Unfortunately, I do not have the answers at this point, but I know what I will try to do in the future.  We have two years before we jump off this bridge, but with triplets, my personal goal is to eliminate diapers, and the massive expense that goes along with this as soon as possible.   Maybe we will just take a week off from work and try one of those potty-training boot camps, but from what I know, potty-training is a long, difficult process, where consistency is the paramount key.  Switching from diapers, and maintaining a diaper-free existence for the child should achieve success…   I hope.

Intelligent Mommy provides diaper-pricing calculators online and on your cell phone, along with other tools, communities and forums to help mothers save on the things that babies use the most.  Visit us at www.intelligentmommy.com for more information.  

Things To Buy For New Baby, Do You Know Which You Really Need?

October 26, 2010 :: Posted by - :: Category - Newborn

Things To Buy For New Baby, Do You Know Which You Really Need?

Do you know which things to buy for a new baby?  Walking down the aisles of a baby store can be very confusing.  They have more products than you can imagine.  Many of these products you really do not need and some are a necessity.  This article will focus on the three must have products and three products that you can leave at the store.

Of course the most obvious things to buy for a new baby would be a crib, car seat and diapers.  However, there are other items that will make your life much easier.  A baby carrier is a wonderful thing.  You may not think that you need one, but it is so nice to be able to carry your baby when he/she is fussy and still have your hands free to get things done.  That way when the baby is actually sleeping you can get some rest too.

Another important baby item is a bouncy seat.  Most babies really do enjoy sitting in the bouncy seat and will stay there for a good period of time.  The best part is they are easily moved, so you can have the baby in the kitchen when you are cooking or even bring him/her into the bathroom so you can finally get that shower in.  Baby bouncy seats are a good product to have around.

The third important item to have is a tummy time mat.  With the current recommendation being that babies should sleep on their backs, most babies do not enjoy being placed on their stomachs during the day.  However, tummy time is crucial for baby development.  It gives them the opportunity to build upper body strength.  Not to mention it helps to prevent the baby from getting a flat spot on the back of the head that might require a helmet to fix.  Since most babies do not enjoy being placed on their tummy having a good mat to distract them will be a big help.

The first item that you should leave at the store is a wipes warmer.  Really they are not necessary.  Your baby will not know the difference and wipes warmers are actually very good breading grounds for germs.  This is a definite waste of money.

The next baby item that you can do without is a large supply of newborn clothes.  Newborn clothes are designed for babies up to eight pounds.  Babies seem to be born larger and larger these days, and are typically out of those newborn clothes in a matter of a couple of weeks if they get to use them at all.  You are much better off getting a couple of newborn sleepers and get all of those really cute outfits in larger sizes.

The final baby product that is really not needed, although some might disagree, is a diaper pail.  In theory it is a really good idea.  However, most families have to take out their trash at least every other day if not sooner.  Dirty diapers will barely have time to smell up the garbage.  Whereas with diaper pails, it will take much longer to get to the point of emptying it, and you will start to get an odor from them.

Figuring which things to buy for new baby can be quite confusing.  If you would like to find out which other items are important to have, which will make life easier and which you really do not need visit Baby Thing.  While you are there be sure to check out some important car seat safety tips.

How many months should a newborn be before he/she can go on a flight?

August 31, 2010 :: Posted by - :: Category - Newborn

Question by Steena: How many months should a newborn be before he/she can go on a flight?
I’m planning to bring my newborn to another country to visit the father of my child.
I’m still pregnant though and my due date is just a week ahead.
Application for passports for infants is just a one-week process and I’m planning to buy a ticket immediately once I got the passport.
How many months old should a newborn be before he/she can go on a flight?
What should I expect or be aware of in flights with newborns?

Best answer:

Answer by tunisianbelle
As long as your child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, your child will be safe to fly almost immediately after birth. Most airlines require that a baby be at least 7 days old, unless you have a medical certificate. I have seen children as young as 1 day old fly. You should call the airline you plan to fly with to see what their policy is because it can vary from airline to airline.

I’ve been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips and suggestions:

1.) You will need to have all your baby’s documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you.

You mentioned that you will need a passport for your child, so that means this will be an international trip. You will also have to look into whether or not your child will need a visa and if there are any required vaccinations for the country you plan to travel to.

Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.

Another thing you should consider bringing with you is your childs immunization book. That way if any emergency should arise while you are on vacation (no matter where you are) the treating physician will at least have some verifiable information to go on. This book also usually includes what your child is allergic to, and some small but very helpful notes from your doctor.

Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) A car seat is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. Since your child is under two, you are allowed to hold him/her as a lap child, meaning that he/she will have to sit in your lap the entire time. The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on space and availability, the Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.

I do advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child – especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant or child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement. Here is a picture of what the sticker looks like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline’s policy is for using empty seats.

3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. It will not count towards your checked luggage. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it from you at your departure gate, tag it, and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well.

There are many products out there designed to help the traveling family. Here’s a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html

4.) Make sure you have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If your child has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/her ears aching for days after the flight.

Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.

Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you’ll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:

*If your child is nursing, nurse him/her.
*Give him/her something to drink (formula, milk, water, juice – it doesn’t matter)
* Give him/her a pacifier to suck on
* Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with – just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears
* Gently but with some pressure, rub his/her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.

You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childs needs. I personally have found pain relief medications don’t really help, and at least in my experience, decongestants are a waste of money.

5.) As long as your child is with you, you are able to take as much formula, breast milk, or regular milk that you will need for you child for the duration of the time you will spend in the airport and on the flight (as long as it is within reason).And no, you will NOT have to taste it – no matter what form you bring it in.

All that you must do is:

1. Separate the milk from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size (1 liter) zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of the Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml).

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#9

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to e vigilant.

Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child’s diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (they usually tend to be toward the rear of the plane), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help.

I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper.

To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that he/she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier.

Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make you baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).

7.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.

8.) Don’t worry about what the other passengers are going to think or say should your baby cry. This will only add stress, which your child can pick up on, and it could make him/her cry longer and harder. Instead, just relax, and handle the situation like you would if you were at home. Most times the other passengers are very understanding anyways and some will even try to help you. Which reminds me, if help is offered to you, TAKE it!

I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives airport security rules and regulations, plus offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

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