Xam's first plane ride happened last Thursday when we flew to Cebu to attend my nephew's wedding (Thanks to the generosity of Lola Rowie who offered plane fare for mommy Jet, Lola Nena and Xamboy). Everyone was so excited - Xam, the most was uncontrollably excited and kept on babbling on our way to the airport. The chatting change to a more louder cooing until it finally turned to screaming. I always miss and never got used to this behavior of Xam's, an indicator for a nap. It was all too late, having heard too much of his roaring.
When we boarded the cabin, he was asleep but woke up just right in time for the plane to take off. The first 30 minutes were just as fine as the weather although self-positioning was hardly achieved, as to where he wants to face - to his left to the window or right facing the other passengers, to rather lie, sit or be inclined. Bottomline is, the space was too uncomfortable for him that I had to pull the hand bar up, the one that separates mine and mom's seats.
It went so smooth after all. Just in time for the snack, Xam finally got to sleep, his head on my lap, and feet on mom's. The force of nature put me into a relaxed state supported by the soothing effect of the tea I've requested from the cabin attendant. I felt a need for a doze but my instincts open my consiousness, that Xam is not in a stable sleeping position he may fall from our laps, although I know mom can look after him because she was awake at that time. I reserved my remaining energy for the plane's landing, as I've never been comfortable with my previous experiences of plane's accent and decent. It's just an hour trip to Cebu that the captain finally announced that we're about to reach Mactan-Cebu International Aiport. The sudden shift of altitude made everyone awake including Xam, and the crying started.
When we boarded the cabin, he was asleep but woke up just right in time for the plane to take off. The first 30 minutes were just as fine as the weather although self-positioning was hardly achieved, as to where he wants to face - to his left to the window or right facing the other passengers, to rather lie, sit or be inclined. Bottomline is, the space was too uncomfortable for him that I had to pull the hand bar up, the one that separates mine and mom's seats.
It went so smooth after all. Just in time for the snack, Xam finally got to sleep, his head on my lap, and feet on mom's. The force of nature put me into a relaxed state supported by the soothing effect of the tea I've requested from the cabin attendant. I felt a need for a doze but my instincts open my consiousness, that Xam is not in a stable sleeping position he may fall from our laps, although I know mom can look after him because she was awake at that time. I reserved my remaining energy for the plane's landing, as I've never been comfortable with my previous experiences of plane's accent and decent. It's just an hour trip to Cebu that the captain finally announced that we're about to reach Mactan-Cebu International Aiport. The sudden shift of altitude made everyone awake including Xam, and the crying started.
According to physicians, the air sickness we feel during the flight as the plane swings is the effect of the unbalanced vestibular-labyrinthine apparatus in our ears (the inner ear structure for self-balancing). Xam reacts to the pain felt in the ear, head and even in the face but the crying helps to relieve the pain otherwise. For adults, we know exactly what to do - drink fluids, chew a gum or simply swallowing our saliva. But for babies, they obviously need assistance to prevent their dizziness or nausea. They don't chew gum or are not aware of the effect of swallowing so it's best to give them liquids. In Xam's case, though it's only an hour ago since his last feeding, I tried to give him 4 ounces to finish until the plane completely land.
MOM'S STANDPOINT
It's important for us moms to prepare ourselves for a safe and comfortable trip with our babies because all they care about is their own comfort, from diapers to a satisfied tummy and a comfortable seat or place to lie. Always keep in mind that our all-time objective is an enjoyable and less-complain hours for baby and a stress-free travel for us.
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