I'm flying to GA (from NH) for Thanksgiving, with my 5-month-old daughter. I have flown before but it was with my husband. This time around, he can't come along b/c of work, and I am just really nervous! I've never flown by myself, let alone with a baby. I know in my head that everything will most likely be fine, but I keep worrying about stuff like "what if the plane crashes?" or "what if I miss my connecting flight?" or "what if the baby gets fussy on the plane?".....Help! I have to be calm and sensible for my daughter's sake. Suggestions??
2006-11-13 12:24:33 · 16 answers · asked by peachy78 5 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
I always think about the fact that there are thousands of airplane flights per day and the chances of crashing are very remote. In your case, there are lots of people in your very same situation. They are nervous about missing flights and crying babies. When you get to the airport for your connecting flight, stop at the gate when you get off the plan and confirm your gate. If it is too far away, just flag down a golf cart and get a ride to your gate. The tip is only a couple of bucks and you won't have to drag all your gear and baby.
As far as being fussy on the plane, the good news is that sound is muted and a crying baby is not heard very far away. Don't worry. It will be a great adventure and you can do it.
2006-11-13 13:47:10 · answer #1 · answered by united9198 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just chill and relax. If you are freaked out, then get a seat near the aisle - that way you can also get up and take your baby to the bathroom easily if you need to.
Don't sit where you can see the wing, as seeing it move may freak you out. I personally find it fascinating. The plane is built so it is supposed to have a bit of movement, so don't worry about that.
After the plane lands and before it takes off, they do a whole swag of safety checks, both by crew on the ground and by the pilot and co-pilot. This is to ensure that nothing goes wrong and that the flight is just another routine trip.
If you are worried about missing connecting flights, then make sure you have all your tickets and documentation in your carry on luggage. That way everything you need is handy and you can get to it in a few seconds. Have a plan and know where you need to be before you get to the airport, so you can go straight there.
If the plane crashes, well you are pretty much stuffed. If your pilot is brilliant (which they should be as they have to go through so much training to be a pilot in the first place), then he will try to get the plane back on the ground in one piece if there is a problem. Listen to the safety instructions of the flight stewards, and should you crash, follow those instructions, and you and your baby will be fine.
If the baby gets fussy, just do whatever you normally do to keep the baby quiet and calm. Your baby might get a little distressed when the pressure changes and you need to pop your ears (that will depend on the type of plane you get on) - just make your baby yawn or swallow (feed her or have a bottle handy) and that should solve that.
And you have flown before. And you are typing this now, so that means that flight was safe. So, this flight will also be safe. Just think about arriving at your destination and thinking about what you will be telling your relatives about what you have been up to. Is the flight long enough to have an in-flight movie? If they do, then just sit back and watch that, and maybe get a set of headphones for your daughter as well, just so there is something constant going on which may distract her - if she can handle the headphones that is.
2006-11-13 12:40:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anna K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a child but you should stay calm put the baby to sleep while on the plane since you are in the air there won't be any bumps while in the air and be calm the planes won't crash the airline company won't let that happen again and leave your house 2 hours before the flight leaves that way you would have extra time if your flight comes in early
2006-11-13 12:37:08 · answer #3 · answered by Sean L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about if your baby cries people will understand and just do what you usually do to calm her down. If you miss your flight ask when the next plane that would go to GA then call your family and tell them that there is a delay so you're going to be late coming.As for your nightmare of the plane crashing don't think about it and pray that your plane won't crash and if it does that you and your daughter will be safe and ask friends and family to pray for you a safe trip.
2006-11-13 12:48:14 · answer #4 · answered by Michelle D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prepare some things ahead of time so you aren't rushing at the last minute. Make sure your baby is fed while on the plane...focusing on someone else will help to take your mind off your worries. Who is meeting you at the other end? Is it family? Think about them and how happy they will be to see both of you. If you focus on positive thoughts, you will have decreased your anxiety. You will be fine. Just relax and enjoy the time you will have with your baby. Just mom and me. Have a good flight and a good Thanksgiving!
2006-11-13 12:35:38 · answer #5 · answered by judirose2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will be fine. Make sure you get pre-boarded. This way your daughter and you will not be rushed. You can find your seat put away your belongings and get seated before the rush starts. Once on board, you might want to delay feeding her so she has something during take-off. The sucking motion will keep her ears clear. Also, before you board, let the agents know that you will be needing help once you land. They will have someone help you with your bags and direct you to baggage claim. If you let them know these things before you leave, you should have a pretty smooth time of it. Hopefully, you enjoy the flight and your daughter falls asleep for you. When you make your travel arrangements, ask for a bulkhead seat. They have so much more room,and nobody in front of you, more private.
2006-11-13 12:37:07 · answer #6 · answered by june clever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I once flew alone from SC to IN with two boys under the age of 2. I had faith that the plane would not crash (I am a fatalist by nature). I sat in the front part of the plane. My boys were fine. When Aaron got fussy (the baby), a couple behind me helped me out. You might be surprised to find that many people will help you with your situation. Just believe in yourself and relax with your little one. Everything will be fine.
2006-11-13 12:34:02 · answer #7 · answered by marchwindhamm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I fly all the time...and from NH , too :) Don't worry so much. It will be fine. You can prepare yourself with a few needs that will help you. One is try and bring a portable dvd player and a movie. This way you can totally distract yourself in a good movie. (assuming baby is quiet and sleeping..of which "most" do.) Just be sure to have babies bottle with you, or a pacifier, or a clean toy she can chew on...sucking is important because of air cabin pressure and their little ears. Also, do bring her car seat...if possible. It provides a more comfort area for her to relax and sleep...same as in the car. If you only paid for one seat and she sits on your lap, put her in one of the belly pouches that straps on to you and she is in the front. If it is at all possible....moneywise, see if you can upgrade to first class for larger space and much more comfy seats! (Aprox. $100 -$150 depending on airline.) And lastly...remember that many people love babies and will oogle all over her so that will certainly be a bit of a distraction for you, as well. Take care , have fun and don't worry about the plane crashing....the chance of that is soooooooooo slim and more accidents happen in cars on the road then in airplanes.
ALSO...and most importantly, if you hear noises and feel bumps and feel you may start to become anxious...just look at the airline hostess....if she looks scared too, then you know it is unusual and you can then be on the alert. If he/she looks calm...then that is because they are used to those noises, sounds and bumps and they know its nothign to worry about :) Hope that helps you..I know it has helped me.
2006-11-13 12:34:49 · answer #8 · answered by mastaocanasta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget the god myth stuff, here are some real facts to calm you down:
Planes are tested to stress levels 100x what they encounter in the air.
They can fly on one engine and glide on none.
That hollywood thing where a small hole in the plane causes explosive decompression is just a myth. It can not happen (and has never happened).
Flight attendents are trained in emergency first aid, there is a heart difibulator on board and anything short of major surgery can be taken care of.
Planes can take a direct lightening strike with no problem
SO relax, science has you covered. Enjoy the flight!
2006-11-13 12:31:51 · answer #9 · answered by Mac Momma 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just relax. Everything possible is being done to make sure you make it OK to your destination safely. All of those annoying safety checks and all that crap is for your safety. I've flown by myself plenty of time... and what really helps me is a prayer when the plane is taking off. Also, God is watching over u!
2006-11-13 12:28:12 · answer #10 · answered by yourbiggestfan:) 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋