If you’re taking your infant or toddler on a plane trip, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center offers these safety tips:
Although you don’t usually have to buy a seat for children under age 2, it’s advisable to do so anyway. Turbulence can cause a child to be propelled from your arms.
Use a car seat on the plane in the same manner as you would in a car.
Changes in air pressure can cause ear pain in very young children. A decongestant given an hour before take off may help, but discuss this with your pediatrician. If medication is recommended, try it for a day or two before you fly. Some brands can cause hyperactivity in children.
You can also help relieve the pressure by giving older children some chewy food or a lollipop. Younger kids can be breastfed or given a bottle.