In an attempt to calm my nerves I developed some little routines that I would *have* to do before we took off. I would watch the safety demonstration intently (even though I practically knew if off by heart), religiously count the number of rows to the nearest exit and an alternate exit and I would read the airline safety card.

Since that time I have become less nervous about flying but I still follow that little routine on the plane. It has even rubbed off on my kids. Loll will get out the card and read it too - he is particularly intrigued with the pictureof a ditched aircraft floating in the water with people getting into liferafts.

Once when we were flying to Perth when he was four, he got out the card and read it for ages. Then he turned to me and said in a serious tone, “mummy, when is the plane going to crash so we can wear the lifejackets?”. The old lady on the other side of him said “dear, I don’t think your mummy wants the plane to crash!”. It was a cute but funny moment.

By the way - not only does the airline safety card provide useful information in the event of a crash but it also provides a good distraction to a restless baby!

PS - has anyone else ever noticed that most cards tell you that you can’t bring one of those annoying Furbies on board? I wonder if there ever was a “Furby incident” (headline - Furby causes plane to crash) or the cabin crews just got sick of them?!

Babies under 2 are not generally given a seat and must sit on your lap. You may be lucky enough to have a spare seat next to you but during takeoff and landing your baby will need to restrained.

Most airlines will offer you a lap belt that you attach to your own belt. However, you may need to ask the cabin crew for one.

Chances are that your baby will hate the belt and squirm and wriggle but it’s important that they remain restrained as the plane will reach speeds in excess of 100kph on the runway. When you land your plane may need to make a sudden stop or it may be slippery. It doesn’t need to be an emergency landing to be bumpy - on a recent flight our plane swerved as it landed and some items fell out of the overhead compartments.

Think of it this way - you wouldn’t travel on a freeway with an unrestrained child so don’t do it on a plane!

* please note that belly belts are banned for use in planes in the United States*

• Airsafe - Air safety, accidents, resources
• Fear of Flying - list of sites and resources
• Fear of Flying Online Course (free)

MAKE YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER

When you fly on the commercial airlines of the United States, you are flying on the safest, most efficient form of transportation. When the rare accident does occur, more and more people survive due to advances in aircraft manufacturing and design, air traffic control technology, emergency planning, and cabin safety.

Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the Federal Aviation Administration are proud of their contributions to aviation’s impressive safety record. You, the air traveler, play a very important role in aviation safety.

You can take responsibility for your own safety.

• Listen To The Safety Briefing

• Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened

• Obey Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

• Wear Sensible Clothing

Fly Smart. Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even safer.

LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING

Fly Smart travelers always listen to the safety briefing because they know that every aircraft is different. The following are some tips to ensure that you are familiar with the aircraft you are on:

• Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and follow along while you listen to the safety briefing. Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent takeoffs and landings.

• One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an emergency. As part of this plan, count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

• If you have any questions about the safety procedures, ask the flight attendant. Flight attendants are professionals; they know about the safety procedures of the aircraft.

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT

Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips, “Your Seat Belt.”

In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10-year period. None of the injured had their seat belts fastened. To

prevent turbulence-related injuries, Fly Smart travelers should always:

• Keep their seat belt fastened at all times.

• Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips.

OBEY CARRY-ON BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

Fly Smart travelers should be aware of what they bring on board.

• Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger.

• Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. It’s a good idea to put the heavier items under the seat.

• Carry-on items could become flying projectiles during turbulence. Heavy items and baggage with sharp corners can be hazardous.

• Some hazardous materials are restricted. They can be dangerous if carried (or checked) on an aircraft. Following is a partial list of common articles from the home, workplace, or garage which, because of their physical or chemical properties, can pose a danger when transported.

• Mace, tear gas, and other irritants

• Aerosols containing flammable material (hair spray, deodorant,repellents)

• Loaded firearms

• Loose ammunition

• Gasoline and other flammable materials

• Propane, butane cylinders or refills, and lighter refills

• Wet-type batteries, e.g., as used in cars

• Fireworks and flares

• Safety or -strike-anywhere+ matches (in checked baggage)

• Paint and paint-related materials (thinners and cleaners)

• Corrosive (acids), poisonous, infectious, and radioactive materials

The above list is not all inclusive. There are certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, and equipment to support physically challenged passengers. There are also provisions for sporting equipment. When in doubt, check with your airline.

• In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, leave everything behind.

WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING

For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of an evacuation, Fly Smart travelers should follow these guidelines:

• Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather. They offer the best protection. Synthetics may melt when they are heated.

• Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid restrictive clothing.

• Wear low heeled shoes or boots. (Shoes with laces or straps are recommended. Avoid sandals.)

• Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible. (Long sleeves/pants are recommended.)

PASSENGER CHECKLIST

SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER

Sensible Clothing

• Shirt - Long sleeved, natural fabrics.

• Slacks/pants - Long, natural fabrics.

• Shoes - Leather or canvas and low-heeled.

Child Safety Seat

Check with airline for policy on use before arrival at airport and on board the aircraft .

• Safely stow carry-on baggage.

• Wear seat belt snug and low across the hips.

• Keep your seat belt fastened at all times.

• If you take your shoes off, put them on before landing.

Review the passenger safety card before each takeoff and each landing.

• Listen carefully to the safety briefing.

• Ask questions if safety information is not clear.

• Make a mental plan of the actions you would take in an emergency.

• Be familiar with all exits.

• Count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

Exit Row Seating

• Listen to the safety briefing and/or read the written instructions for aircraft specifics.

• You must be physically capable and willing to perform emergency actions. If not, request another seat.

• You must know your responsibilities in the unlikely event of an emergency.

• Ask questions if instructions are not clear.

• Consider the effects of alcoholic beverages.

• In the unlikely event of an emergency, you should be aware of the following.

Evacuation Slides

• Jump feet first into center of slide.

• Do not sit down to slide.

• Place arms across chest, elbows in, and legs and feet together.

• High-heeled shoes can damage slides.

Decompression

• Pull oxygen mask toward you to start oxygen flow.

• Put your oxygen mask on as quickly as possible.

• Help children and others with their masks.

Flotation Devices

• Know where they are and how to use them.

• Life vests (under seat, if available), life rafts, and some seat cushions and evacuation slides can be used as flotation devices.

Evacuating the Aircraft

• Follow instructions of crew member (if possible).

• Stay calm and proceed quickly to exit.

• Leave all your possessions behind.

Fire or Smoke

Inflight

- Use wet paper towel or handkerchief over nose and mouth.

- Move away from the source of fire and smoke.

On Ground

- Stay low.

- Proceed by your predetermined count of seat rows to exit(s) and/or

- Follow floor proximity lighting to an exit.

- Exit the aircraft.

- Leave all your possessions behind.

Outside the Aircraft

• Move away from aircraft, fire, and smoke.

• If possible, help those requiring assistance.

• Remain alert for emergency vehicles.

• Never go back into a burning aircraft.

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Are you planning to go on a trip? This might mean spending a few days or even weeks away from home, and if you are a new parent, you might feel hesitant to go out. If ever you decide to travel, having your baby in tow might affect your whole trip altogether. Here are some tips that will help you manage your child’s safety when travelling and at the same time, this will also allow you to enjoy your trip more.

Travel by car

If you are going for a road trip, it is imperative that you acquire a safety seat for your baby. This is essential not only when having long drives but also when you are going to the nearby grocery or restaurant. As they say, you can never be too sure when it is your child’s safety that is on the line. It is not advisable for you to buy a used baby seat. This is because you are not assured about the seat’s ability to keep your baby safe. It may even have defects that are hidden from view. Always get brand new baby seats that have been tested and certified to be of good quality. Avoid placing the baby seat in a seat that has airbags. Airbags can cause injuries to your baby during a crash instead of keeping him or her safe.

Air Travel

A nightmare situation that all parents try to avoid is when their child begins crying its lungs out while inside the aircraft. It does not only make your trip a hassle, it also disturbs the other people on board. This can be avoided by making sure that all your baby’s needs are provided. The baby should have eaten before boarding, is wearing a dry diaper, and totally comfortable. If the baby has no reason to fret, it will just sleep for the duration of the flight.

Ear discomfort during aircraft elevation and landing

A lot of babies are affected by the imbalance in air pressure caused by the aircraft’s takeoff and landing. This can be complicated if the baby is currently suffering from asthma, fever, or the common cold. What the parent should do is to motivate the baby to open its mouth and swallow. This can be done by providing something for the baby. This aids in soothing the baby as well as the leveling of the pressure on the eardrum from the outside as well as in the interior of the ear.

Eating during the flight

Make sure to test the temperature of the food provided by the flight attendant, it is usually too hot for the baby to eat. It is better for you to carry baby food yourself as well as the utensils and baby bowl. This also helps in settling down your baby since it is eating something familiar in an unfamiliar environment. Disposable bibs come in very handy when feeding your baby on board since it is less hassle and messy.

Immunization concerns

Before traveling, you should be careful to check whether your baby’s immunization schedule is up to date. Make sure to coordinate with the family doctor before you leave and ask for advice. If you are travelling abroad, it is best for you to seek advice from the local travel clinic near you a few months before you travel. This is because your child might need extra vaccine shots depending on the country or state you will be visiting.

Remember, traveling with your baby can either be a nightmare or an enjoyable event. Always anticipate what you might need for any situation and always be ready to improvise. By taking into account all your child’s needs, your trip need not be stressful and a great hassle.

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For up to date links and information about Pregnancy and Child Care, please go to http://www.PregnancyClue.com

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There is no standard minimum age restriction for babies flying on aircraft. These restrictions are set by individual airlines - for example on Air Canada a baby must be 7 days old, whereas on Alaska Airlines there is no age restriction. Some airlines may require a doctor’s note before they will allow you to fly with a newborn. If in doubt, check with the airline you intend to fly with for any restrictions.