There are both medical and safety issues related to taking an infant on an airplane. A newborn�s body is rapidly adjusting to life outside the uterus. In addition, signs of illness in newborns may be subtle. Thus, a doctor may advise against unnecessary air travel during the first 2 weeks after birth.
Many parents worry that air travel will hurt their child�s ears. Flying affects an infant�s ears the same way it affects an adult�s ears. Changing cabin pressure causes middle ear pressure, which can result in pain. Sucking helps equalize ear pressure. Thus, feeding from the breast or bottle during takeoffs and landings may help.
Infants with a recent ear infection might be more uncomfortable during the flight. Check with your child�s doctor before the trip if you have concerns. Your doctor may provide you with pain-relieving eardrops in case your baby develops ear pain.
Some people worry that changing altitudes during air travel may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But no research supports this.
When you travel on an airplane with a newborn, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you place the child in a rear-facing child safety seat that�s properly installed and secured in the seat next to yours. Most child safety seats on the market today are certified for air travel. Check the label if you�re not sure. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, child safety seats shouldn�t exceed 16 inches wide for best fit in aircraft seats � especially in smaller commuter aircraft.
Many airlines offer discounted tickets for young children. If it�s not feasible to purchase a ticket for your newborn, try to select flights that are likely to have empty seats.
Fortunately when children swallow such foreign objects, the objects usually pass through their digestive systems without causing injury. Even sharp objects like glass fragments and pins can pass harmlessly in their stools. A general rule is that if a swallowed object makes it into your child's stomach, it will usually pass the rest of the way through the intestinal tract.
If you know your child has swallowed a foreign object but he or she is not indicating any discomfort, usually the best course of action is to closely observe your child for a few days. Check all stools to see if the object has passed. Don't give your child laxatives or add fiber to his or her diet. If the object hasn't appeared after a few days, call your doctor.
Seek prompt medical care if your child exhibits any of the following signs and symptoms:
Trouble breathing, speaking, or crying
Difficulty swallowing
Spitting up saliva or drooling
Vomiting
Chest or abdominal pain
These signs and symptoms may indicate that your child's windpipe or esophagus is blocked or that a swallowed object has become lodged lower in the digestive system.
Obstructions caused by swallowed items
A swallowed object � including food � that's stuck in your child's larynx or trachea can prevent normal breathing. If the obstruction is total and isn't relieved within a few minutes, your child will lose consciousness. If your child has something stuck in his or her airway, perform the Heimlich maneuver and call 911 or emergency medical assistance.
An object lodged in your child's esophagus also is dangerous. If your child has trouble swallowing or is spitting up saliva, this might indicate that a swallowed object is stuck in the esophagus
Take precautions
Help safeguard children by keeping small items like toothpicks, razors, safety pins, buttons and coins out of toddlers' reach. Store discarded or unused batteries in a secure place where children can't reach them. When disposing of exhausted batteries, don't toss them into a wastebasket that a toddler can easily explore.
Pay special attention to toy safety. Before you let your child play with a new toy, check the recommended age range on the label. Under the law, toys made for children less than 3 years old may not contain small parts. Many toys designed for older children, however, contain small parts that may break free if the toy is damaged. Regularly check all toys in your house to see if any parts are broken or might be easily removed. Damaged toys should be discarded immediately.