Baby food and breastfeeding on plane

[r2iforme]

We are r2ing in October 2007. My younger daughter will be 11 months old by then. I have a few doubts in mind, please help me clear them.

1. Is baby food allowed on plane? If not, do they give baby food on plane? What if they do not have Organic brand or the flavors that my baby likes?

2. Recently a Mom was booted off the plane because she was breastfeeding a baby on plane with out covering herslef but her husband was sitting next to her and her breast was not exposed. What if its not allowed to breastfeed on plane? Sometimes covering up is not possible because baby is moving and playing, she might pull the blanket and may not like being covered up. My baby does not take any formula, never tried it on her before and do not intend to do so.

3. Do they allow a bigger stroller into the airplane? I find the normal bigger stroller more convinient than umberlla stroller.

4. Anyone has experience travlling with 11month old? How to keep them calm and happy in the flight? :emcrook:

[Chicago Desi]

We are r2ing in October 2007. My younger daughter will be 11 months old by then. I have a few doubts in mind, please help me clear them.

1. Is baby food allowed on plane? If not, do they give baby food on plane? What if they do not have Organic brand or the flavors that my baby likes?
[/quote]

Yes, baby food is allowed. We took food and Nutripals drink for our kids on our India trip. The package was completely sealed in a shrink wrap while leaving the US. We were not asked to open it in the US. In London (where we had our halt), I was asked to open a bottle (the shrink wrap had come of by then), and take a sip, which I did and that was enough. In general, there should be no issues. At the most, you will asked to open the container and taste it.

[quote]
2. Recently a Mom was booted off the plane because she was breastfeeding a baby on plane with out covering herslef but her husband was sitting next to her and her breast was not exposed. What if its not allowed to breastfeed on plane? Sometimes covering up is not possible because baby is moving and playing, she might pull the blanket and may not like being covered up. My baby does not take any formula, never tried it on her before and do not intend to do so.[/quote]

This should not be an issue either. Delta had later apologized to the woman they had offended. Breastfeeding is the best option for your kid and kudos to you for continuing to breastfeed your child.

[quote]
3. Do they allow a bigger stroller into the airplane? I find the normal bigger stroller more convinient than umberlla stroller.[/quote]

Typically, strollers are checked in at the gate. You can carry them to the gate and when you are about to board the plane, they take them from you and tuck them with the luggage. Do not forget to make sure the stroller gets transferred to the next flight (if there is a changeover). For this, you will have to physically take possession and check in at the gate again.

[quote]
4. Anyone has experience travlling with 11month old? How to keep them calm and happy in the flight? :emcrook:[/quote]

On the way to India, we were a bit idealistic. It was torture for them to stay in one place for so long and the made our flight (and of passengers around us) miserable. On the way back, we gave our kids a dose of Benadryl to help them sleep. If you pursue this route, please make sure you talk to your doctor about the right amount of dose to help them sleep. Also make sure your child is not allergic and has eaten well before you give them the dose. Sounds kinda cruel, but it worked for us and I do not have guilt about it because they were not as miserable either.

[Purujit]

In addition to CD's comments;

1. Is baby food allowed on plane? If not, do they give baby food on plane? What if they do not have Organic brand or the flavors that my baby likes?[/quote]
If you have any special needs like medicines, gels, etc., to carry with you on the flight, make sure you get a letter from your doctor which you can show to the customs. I have not heard the airlines carry organic food.

3. Do they allow a bigger stroller into the airplane? I find the normal bigger stroller more convinient than umberlla stroller.[/quote]
My wife flew Lufthansa and they took the stroller at the gate in Frankfurt. Then she had to walk and get on a bus to go to another terminal which was tough with my son and baggage in hand, and also since I did not accompany them.

[Chicago Desi]

If you are carrying express breast milk in a bottle, I have heard stories where the mother had to taste it to show that it was not a dangerous substance. However, if you are going to breastfeed on the plane, this is not something you will have to worry about.

[restlessdesi]

Try to avoid flying via London if possible. They have the most stringent rules for carrying liquids on board etc. They will also allow only one carry on (unlike other airlines which will allow you to take a laptop bag etc. with you), and in general you might have a better baby friendly travel experience if you avoid transit in London.

[Desi_by_Nature]

Recently a Mom was booted off the plane because she was breastfeeding a baby on plane with out covering herslef but her husband was sitting next to her and her breast was not exposed. What if its not allowed to breastfeed on plane? Sometimes covering up is not possible because baby is moving and playing, she might pull the blanket and may not like being covered up. My baby does not take any formula, never tried it on her before and do not intend to do so.[/quote]

That's why they invented the "breast pump". You can get a basic one for as cheap as 50 bucks. Comes in really handy when you need to feed your baby with breast milk in public places.

[Chicago Desi]

That's why they invented the "breast pump". You can get a basic one for as cheap as 50 bucks. Comes in really handy when you need to feed your baby with breast milk in public places.[/quote]

There is nothing wrong with breast feeding in public places. I don't think that is a good reason to buy a breast pump.

[Desi_by_Nature]

There is nothing wrong with breast feeding in public places. I don't think that is a good reason to buy a breast pump.[/quote]

Just because there's nothing legally wrong with it does not mean that it is the only way to do it.
I think one should look at it more from a convenience point of view for the mother and the baby especially when traveling. A breast pump is certainly money well spent.

[Chicago Desi]

Just because there's nothing legally wrong with it does not mean that it is the only way to do it.
I think one should look at it more from a convenience point of view for the mother and the baby especially when traveling. A breast pump is certainly money well spent.[/quote]

Are you saying the breast pump is more convenient? Ask someone who has used one. A breast pump is a good investment when the mother works and is away from the baby and cannot feed the baby at will.

However, while traveling, due to FAA regulations, even if express milk is carried on person, the mother may be asked to taste it, which in itself may be unacceptable to some mothers. Also, it is much more convenient to breast feed when traveling than carry bottles of express milk. Also, it is challenging to keep the express milk at low temperatures when traveling long distances and then warm it up on the flight for use.

As for feeding on flight, precautions can be taken to cover so that it is not an issue for the mother or the fellow passengers.

[Desi_by_Nature]

However, while traveling, due to FAA regulations, even if express milk is carried on person, the mother may be asked to taste it, which in itself may be unacceptable to some mothers. [/quote]

The TSA website says just the opposite!

[INDENT]When carrying formula, breast milk, or juice through the checkpoint, they will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers will not test or taste formula, breast milk, or juice.
[/INDENT]
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm