Vim & Vigor - Fall 2019 - CH - 41

Navigating Life with a New Baby
TIP 1: Give yourself
time.

"Life with infants and toddlers is
mostly that you have to prepare for
the unexpected-whether it's spit-up
or a blown-out diaper or just all those
little things that come up with young
children," Flais says. "You have to allow
more time than you think you're going
to need."
That includes time at the airport to
navigate security, but it also includes
travel time to the airport itself. Allowing
an extra 30 minutes or an hour to
account for traffic and security might
seem excessive, but it will go a long way
to preserving your peace of mind-and
to keeping your baby calm, too, Flais says.

TIP 2: Use your baby
gear to your advantage.

Most airlines allow children 2 and
younger to fly for free as a "lap baby."
That means they don't have a designated seat of their own, and that you
are potentially seated between two
strangers holding a squirming toddler.
If possible, the American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends paying for
another seat so children have a space of
their own to sit, in a car seat.
It's safer, too; if there's turbulence
or a rough landing, a car seat can protect your child. The Federal Aviation
Administration's website, faa.gov/
travelers/fly_children, has information
about children's safety seats that are
approved for flying.
Also, strollers can be checked at the
gate-and don't count toward your
bag limit for most airlines-so consider
bringing yours to the airport to make
getting around easier in the terminal
and at your destination.

Being a new parent is an exhilarating time, but it comes with many questions. The hospitals of Community Healthcare System offer a variety of childbirth education classes
to help guide you through pregnancy and the first few months after baby's birth.
"Information is empowering, but we want to stress the importance of getting
information from a reliable source," says Barbara Pennington, a registered nurse
and childbirth educator at Community Hospital. "Knowing what to expect reduces
stress and creates a more positive experience. Our classes give expectant moms an
opportunity to benefit from in-person discussions and ask questions."
Classes range from preparing for delivery to providing information about infant
massage, breastfeeding, baby care, safe sleep and infant development. There is also
a free lactation clinic, as well as classes to prepare siblings for the new arrival and
update grandparents on infant care.

CALL

TIP 3: Prep, prep, prep.

Ready for Baby?

Airports can be overwhelming for everyone, but especially for children experiencing them for the first time, Flais says.
Talk to your child about what they can
expect at airport security, when boarding the plane, during takeoff and landing
and in flight. Even children as young as 1
can understand basic explanations, she
says-things like "we'll show our tickets," and "we'll put our bags on a conveyor belt."
And prepare for as many possible
scenarios as you can. That means extra
diapers, extra clothes, extra snacks and
extra toys.

Talk with your pediatrician as soon
as you start planning the trip so he or
she can help you figure out what steps
to take.

TIP 4: Avoid germs and
check on vaccinations.

TIP 5: Protect against
popping ears.

"Wash your hands frequently, bring
tons of extra hand sanitizer and wipes-
especially for a toddler, who is going to
be getting into more things," Flais says.
"And bring extra medication if your
child needs it."
Depending on travel plans, some
vaccines can be given earlier than
recommended-six-week vaccines, for
example, can be given at a baby's 1-month
birthday with a doctor's permission.

The hospitals of
Community Healthcare System
offer free childbirth education
classes for expectant mothers
and their families. Register
early; class sizes are limited. Call
219-703-2020.

Popping ears on takeoff and landing are
annoying for adults but can be terrifying and painful for infants and young
children. If your child is nursing or taking
a bottle, try to feed during takeoff and
landing-swallowing will help clear the
pressure, and feeding could also provide comfort.
If your child is no longer nursing, a
water bottle or snacks could help alleviate ear pain. ■

FAL L 2019

http://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children http://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children

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