Traveling with babies can be challenging, especially during flights due to the discomfort caused by the change in pressure at high altitudes. Babies often cry as a result, leaving parents feeling helpless in calming them down. A Sydney-based pilot named Jimmy Nicholson shared some tips he discovered to help soothe babies during flights after conducting research with a group of moms. He claimed that these tips can help stop babies from crying on planes by addressing the gas trapped in their bodies during takeoff and descent.
Nicholson explained the science behind the discomfort babies experience during flight due to the expansion and release of gases in their bodies as the aircraft ascends and descends. While adults have methods like swallowing or chewing gum to alleviate this discomfort, babies lack such techniques. The first tip he suggested to help babies during descent was to breastfeed. According to Nicholson, the sucking and swallowing motion during breastfeeding can help get rid of the trapped gases in the baby’s ears and sinuses, potentially reducing their discomfort.
In addition to breastfeeding, Nicholson shared a more unconventional tip involving an ice cube to help unclog the baby’s ears during descent. He advised parents to ask the flight attendant for an ice cube and have the baby suck on it to alleviate the discomfort in their ears caused by the changing pressure. However, some individuals raised concerns about the potential risks of giving an ice cube to a baby, citing choking hazards and obstruction risks. Despite the mixed reviews on this particular tip, Nicholson’s advice generated a conversation about effective ways to soothe babies during flights.
Some parents offered their own tips based on their experiences traveling with babies on planes. Suggestions included using a bottle for the baby to suck on during takeoff and landing, providing headphones or olbas oil to create a soothing environment, and offering milk or water to keep the baby calm. By sharing their insights and experiences, parents highlighted the diverse strategies that have been successful in calming babies during flights. Ultimately, finding the best method to soothe a baby during air travel may vary based on individual preferences and the baby’s comfort.
Navigating air travel with a baby can be a stressful experience for parents, especially when faced with a crying infant during a flight. The discomfort caused by the change in pressure can lead to babies becoming upset, leaving parents searching for ways to alleviate their child’s distress. Through the sharing of tips and advice from a pilot like Jimmy Nicholson and fellow parents, travelers can explore different strategies to help their babies feel more comfortable during flights. By understanding the science behind the discomfort babies experience in the air and exploring various soothing techniques, parents can make the travel experience more manageable for both themselves and their little ones.
