Traveling with a little one:
Plan LOTS of extra drive time. Your baby will need to continue their normal feeding patterns, approximately every hour and a half to two hours. This will require you to pull the car over in a safe location and feed your baby. Taking this time is important because having your baby crying and uncomfortable for long periods of time ensures that your trip will not be pleasant or safe. Stops can be up to 30 minutes if it includes a diaper change. Remember to pad your time out accordingly. It is better to leave lots of extra time for your drive and arrive early then it is to not plan the time and arrive hours later than you expected. Starting out with the expectation that you will be stopping frequently makes sure that the tension of your travel is lessened. If you are flying: Breast pumps are considered medical devices. The pump is not carry-on luggage. If questioned about this please ask for the TSA supervisor. Breastmilk In bottles or bags are also considered a medical 'products'. The ounce restriction on what you may have with you.does not apply. Please remember TSA will put both your breast pump and your breast milk through the x-ray machine. There are no prohibitions to breast-feeding on an airplane. As a matter of fact, most people around you will be grateful that you are relieving your baby's stress. However, please be culturally aware of the other passengers. It is easier to avoid conflicts than have conflicts. Tell the person that is sitting next to you and your baby, if not your partner, that you are a breast-feeding dyad and give them the option before the flight to move their seat. If a flight attendant gives you a hard time about breast-feeding during the flight, remind the attendant that the laws that apply are the laws of the flights origin. All but three states now have right to breast-feed laws. The three states that do not have right to breast-feed laws do allow for breast-feeding in public. It is no longer considered indecent exposure in any state. The bottom line is most people would rather have you breast-feed during the flight then listen to your cranky baby. |
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