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Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Straits Times
How to fly long-haul with a baby
A little planning and a few handy tricks might make the daunting task of flying with a baby less stressful. NEW YORK – 'Try flying any plane with a baby if you want a sense of what it must have been like to be a leper in the fourteenth century,' wrote American journalist, film-maker and author Nora Ephron in her 1983 novel Heartburn. That is not too far off. And I would know, as it was not long ago that I flew 19 hours across the world with my three-month-old. A newborn or young infant cannot be reasoned with, nor can he or she sit in front of a screen or snack on treats. What do you pack for an infant on a long flight? Where do you even put the baby? And that is all before accounting for the side eye you get from fellow passengers bracing themselves for screaming and crying. A little groundwork, though, can go a long way towards easing some of that stress, said Mr James Howard, a Delta Air Lines cabin manager and father of a toddler. You might even enjoy it, he added. Advance planning If you know you will travel in the first few months of your baby's life, you can add your child to your airline ticket even before he or she is born , said Mr Brian Kelly, founder of the Points Guy website and a father of two. Your airline would use a placeholder name – usually 'Baby' and your last name. Then, closer to your travel dates, update your booking with your child's legal name. For most domestic US flights, infants can travel free on the lap of an accompanying adult, though many experts do not think this is safe. On international flights, you might be charged a portion of your fare. Navigating check-in Breast milk and formula in your carry-on are not subject to the Transportation Security Administration's liquids limit, meaning you can take along large quantities of them on board. You will, however, need to take them out for screening. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Singapore HSA extends hotline hours, launches new platform to report vaping offences Singapore No unified guidelines? Animal shelters chart their own paths on welfare standards Asia Tearful relatives await news of Vietnam boat capsize rescue as death toll rises to 38 Multimedia How to make the most out of small homes in Singapore Singapore Minor Issues: Why I didn't send my daughters to my brand-name primary school Opinion I thought I was a 'chill' parent. Then came P1 registration World Diplomats dismissed: Inside the overhaul reshaping Trump's foreign policy 'I always tell parents to have the agents change their gloves before they do that because I don't know what they've touched,' said Dr Lauren Hughes. The paediatrician at Bloom Pediatrics in Kansas City, Kansas, has become popular on social media for sharing practical infant and toddler tips and tricks. If you know you have to get through a large airport, Mr Kelly recommends taking a foldable stroller that would fit in the overhead compartment with you rather than one you need to check in, which might get damaged or need to be picked up at an oversized luggage counter. Another option is to pack a baby carrier so you can keep your hands free through the airport, said Ms Christy Slavik, owner of the travel agency Mom Approved Travel. Seating choices Though having an infant sit in your lap is allowed, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that babies be strapped into car seats during flights and advises against holding them in your lap. That does require you to buy a seat that is certified for flying and you should check whether the plane will have the right seat belts to secure it. Most business or first class cabins do not, said Mr Kelly. Getting an extra seat also ensures that in the event of a loss of cabin pressure, there would be an oxygen mask at the ready for the baby too, said Dr Hughes. If they were on your lap, one might not drop down for them but would be made available if you requested it. For longer international flights, it might be worth booking a bassinet for the baby to sleep in, said Mr Howard . Airline bassinets are free and can be requested through the airline reservations team, but they are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. They cannot be used during take-off, landing or during heavy turbulence. You also cannot hold your baby in a carrier for take-off and landing. Some international flights will provide an infant seat belt to loop around your baby on your lap that then attaches to your own seat belt for take-off and landing. Keeping your baby happy, healthy and clean When it comes to the safety of your infant, the biggest risk, said Dr Hughes, is the infection risk of being in an enclosed space. 'A fever in a child under 60 days old is an emergency, so my general guidance is to wait until at least 60 days old' to get them on a flight, she added. Also, pack a first aid kit in your carry-on that contains bandages; an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for itchy, irritated skin; a topical antibiotic for cuts and scrapes; as well as infant versions of Tylenol, ibuprofen and an antihistamine, Dr Hughes said. To make sure babies are comfortable during the change in air pressure at take-off and landing, offer them a bottle or a pacifier or nurse them in those moments, Dr Hughes added, as the sucking can help with the ear-popping sensation. And ideally, you could try to time your flights around naps or take a night flight so that your baby can sleep for at least some part of the journey, she said. Diaper changes on flights can be a little tricky. Bathrooms that feel uncomfortably small for an adult, can feel even smaller with the addition of a baby and a diaper bag. According to Mr Howard, there should be at least one diaper-changing table on every aircraft. But before taking your baby into the shoebox of a bathroom, make sure your wipes and fresh diapers are easily accessible with one hand as there is not much space or time to fumble around searching for them in the depths of your carry-on bag, he said. That might mean you go in first and set up the diaper changing table while your partner or a crew member holds the baby. 'In my almost eight years of flying, I have helped watch children while the parent has gone to the restroom, I have helped install car seats, I've helped break down strollers and store items,' Mr Howard said. 'As a parent, it's important to remember that any extra pair of hands you can get is great.' NYTIMES
Observer
19-07-2025
- Observer
How to fly long-haul with a baby
'Try flying any plane with a baby if you want a sense of what it must have been like to be a leper in the fourteenth century,' wrote journalist, filmmaker and author Nora Ephron in her 1983 novel, 'Heartburn.' That's not too far off. And I'd know, as it wasn't long ago that I flew 19 hours across the world with my 3-month-old. A newborn or young infant cannot be reasoned with, nor can they sit in front of a screen or snack on treats. What do you pack for an infant on a long flight? Where do you even put the baby? And that's all before accounting for the side eye you get from fellow passengers bracing themselves for screaming and crying. A little groundwork, though, can go a long way toward easing some of that stress, said James Howard, a Delta Air Lines cabin manager and father of a toddler. You might even enjoy it, he added. Advance Planning If you are flying internationally, your baby, no matter how young, will need a passport. You can apply for one online, mail in supporting evidence, like a birth certificate, and then show up in person for an appointment. The process can take roughly three months, although you can pay to expedite it. You will need a passport photo; the State Department concedes that the baby can be lying down for the photo, and 'it is acceptable if your infant's eyes are not entirely open.' If you know you will travel in the first few months of your baby's life, you can add your child to your airline ticket even before they're born, said Brian Kelly, founder of the Points Guy website and a father of two. Your airline would use a placeholder name (usually 'Baby' and your last name). Then, closer to your travel dates, update your booking with their legal name. For most domestic U.S. flights, infants can travel free on the lap of an accompanying adult, though many experts don't think this is safe; on international flights, you might be charged a portion of your fare. If you are traveling in and out of the United States and want to use Global Entry, babies need their membership, no matter how young they are. You will need to sign your baby up separately, and they must go for the interview. Navigating Check-In Breast milk and formula in your carry-on are not subject to the Transportation Security Administration's liquids limit, meaning you can bring large quantities of them onboard. You will, however, need to take them out for screening. 'I always tell parents to have the agents change their gloves before they do that,' said Lauren Hughes, a pediatrician at Bloom Pediatrics in Kansas City, Kansas, who has become popular on social media for sharing practical infant and toddler tips and tricks, 'because I don't know what they've touched, I don't know what the hell is on your gloves and I don't want it on my baby's milk.' If you know you have to get through a large airport, Kelly recommends taking a foldable stroller that would fit in the overhead compartment with you rather than one you need to check, which might get damaged or need to be picked up at an oversized luggage counter. Another option is to pack a baby carrier so you can keep your hands free through the airport, said Christy Slavik, the owner of the travel agency Mom Approved Travel. Seating Choices Though having an infant sit in your lap is allowed, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that babies be strapped into car seats during flights and advises against holding them in your lap. That does require you to buy a seat that is certified for flying, and you should check whether the plane will have the right seat belts to secure it (most business or first-class cabins don't, said Kelly). Getting an extra seat also ensures that in the event of a loss of cabin pressure, there would be an oxygen mask at the ready for the baby, too, said Hughes. If they were on your lap, one might not drop down for them, but would be made available if you requested it. For longer international flights, it might be worth booking a bassinet for the baby to sleep in, Howard of Delta said. Airline bassinets are free and can be requested through the airline reservations team, but they are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. They can't be used during takeoff, landing or during heavy turbulence. You also can't hold your baby in a carrier for takeoff and landing. Some international flights will provide an infant seat belt to loop around your baby on your lap that then attaches to your seat belt for takeoff and landing. Keeping Your Baby Happy, Healthy, and Clean When it comes to the safety of your infant, the biggest risk, said Hughes, is 'the infection risk of being in an enclosed space.' 'A fever in a child under 60 days old is an emergency, so my general guidance is to wait until at least 60 days old' to get them on a flight, she added. Also, pack a first-aid kit in your carry-on that contains bandages, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for itchy, irritated skin, a topical antibiotic for cuts and scrapes as well as infant versions of Tylenol, ibuprofen, and an antihistamine, Hughes said. To make sure babies are comfortable during the change in air pressure at takeoff and landing, offer them a bottle or a pacifier or nurse them in those moments, Hughes added, as the sucking can help with the ear-popping sensation. And ideally, you could try to time your flights around naps or take a night flight so that your baby can sleep for at least some part of the journey, she said. Diaper changes on flights can be a little tricky; bathrooms that feel uncomfortably small for an adult human can feel even smaller with the addition of a baby and a diaper bag. According to Howard, there should be at least one diaper-changing table on every aircraft. But before taking your baby into the shoebox of a bathroom, make sure your wipes and fresh diapers are easily accessible with one hand, as there isn't much space or time to fumble around searching for them in the depths of your carry-on bag, he said. That might mean you go in first and set up the diaper changing table while your partner or a crew member holds the baby. 'In my almost eight years of flying, I have helped watch children while the parent has gone to the restroom, I have helped install car seats, I've helped break down strollers and store items,' Howard said. 'As a parent, it's important to remember that any extra pair of hands you can get is great.' This article originally appeared in
ABC News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Listening to Country with composer James Howard, and the Stiff Gins celebrate 25 years
For Jaadwa composer, sound artist and electronic musician James Howard, sound, Country and identity are inextricable. His latest release is a reworking of his score for Australian Dance Theatre's Marrow , a work which interrogates our dominant cultural narratives, written amidst the 2023 referendum. He also recently had his orchestral composition Nyirrimarr Ngamatyata / To Lose Yourself at Sea premiered by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The Stiff Gins are 25 years into what they hope is a lifelong partnership. Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson and Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman Kaleena Briggs look back at a quarter century of making music together, from their first meeting at Eora college, to the changing landscape of language and touring. Back in 2023 they chatted to Andy and performed two songs live in The Music Show studio. The Stiff Gins new album Crossroads is out now. And they're touring across Vic, Qld, NSW, SA and ACT. Find the full details here. Australian Dance Theatre have upcoming performances of Marrow in Sydney, Wyong, Albury, Canberra and Alice Springs. More info here. Music in this program: Title: Raki Part 2 Artist: Daniel Wilfred, Paul Grabowsky, Peter Knight Composer: Daniel Wilfred, Paul Grabowsky, Peter Knight Album: Raki Label: Earshift Title: Cycles Artist: James Howard Composer: James Howard Album: Marrow Label: Independent Title: Nyirrimarr Ngamatyata / To Lose Yourself at Sea Artist: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Aaron Wyatt (conductor) Composer: James Howard Concert recording courtesy Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Title: life doesn't move through time, time moves through life Artist: James Howard Composer: James Howard Album: Variations on Country Label: Independent Title: Happy This Artist: Stiff Gins Composer: Kaleena Briggs and Nardi Simpson Performed live in The Music Show studio Title: Burruguu Artist: Ensemble Offspring Composer: Nardi Simpson Album: To Listen, To Sing: Ngarra Burria - First Peoples Composers Label: ABC Classic Title: Bear & Bee Artist: Stiff Gins Composer: Kaleena Briggs and Nardi Simpson Performed live in The Music Show studio Title: Yarladhu Artist: Stiff Gins Composer: Nardi Simpson and Kaleena Briggs Album: Crossroads Label: Independent The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
CBS News
17-06-2025
- CBS News
Couple accused of running massive fentanyl, cocaine operation in Chicago's southwest suburbs
Feds say couple was running huge fentanyl and cocaine operation in southwest suburbs Feds say couple was running huge fentanyl and cocaine operation in southwest suburbs Feds say couple was running huge fentanyl and cocaine operation in southwest suburbs Federal agents raided a house in the southwest Chicago suburb of Frankfort, Illinois, on Monday. The owner is now accused of running a huge fentanyl operation, which landed him and his girlfriend behind bars. The drug operation spans from Frankfort to Oak Lawn, and includes a storage unit in Alsip where drugs, weapons, and wads of cash were found, according to the feds. According to a federal criminal complaint, James Howard, 32, and Shantel Robinson, 31, were behind a huge fentanyl and cocaine distribution operation. Robinson lives in an apartment building off 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue in Oak Lawn, right across from Chicago Ridge Mall. The federal complaint said Robinson's apartment was "being used as a drug laboratory." The feds had suspected the pair of running the drug operation. They set up a hidden camera in a flowerpot outside Robinson's third-floor unit. U.S. Department of Justice Prosecutors said the camera spotted Howard coming out with a comforter he placed in the hallway. But inside the bag with the comforter were "1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and approximately 850 grams of suspected cocaine from within the sheets," according to prosecutors. "This seems to be a case of these subjects to being very bold and careless at the same time," said former FBI agent Phil Andrew. An image shared by the U.S. Department of Justice shows Howard discovering the hidden camera in the flowerpot. But even after Howard "appeared to notice the camera at the top of the staircase, and momentarily ducked out of the frame," the feds said he did not stop the illegal operation, prosecutors said. Andrew pointed out that Howard and Robinson hid in plain sight. Agents raided Howard's house in Frankfort. The nearly $800,000 new-construction house was paid off in full despite Howard moving into the house just in April. "Clearly, the point they're making in this complaint is that that is likely due to the ease of access to this drug money," Andrew said. Prosecutors said they found an arsenal of weapons, along with cash and drugs, inside the Frankfort house. U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Department of Justice But the operation did not end there. It stretched to a storage facility in Alsip of 115th Street and Cicero Avenue. It was there that the feds said additional drugs and weapons turned up. Andrew pointed out that local agencies have continued working jointly to win the fight against drugs. "Law enforcement — this is actually their bread and butter," he said. Andrew pointed out that many criminals may believe federal agents are focusing their attention on immigration. But he said this case is proof that public safety is a high priority. Howard and Robinson remained in federal custody Monday night.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Canada's health care system collapsing as surgeries rise but patients suffer longer waits and deadly delays
What do waiting for joint replacements, vision blurring behind cataracts, and anxiously waiting for radiation therapy have in common? They're all stories in Canada's healthcare struggle, as revealed in a new June 12 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Canada performed 26 percent more hip replacements, 21 percent more knee replacements, 11 percent more cataract surgeries, 7 percent more cancer surgeries, and delivered 16 percent more MRIs and CT scans between 2019 and 2024, But under the surface, deeper problems persist. A shrinking share of patients received care within national time benchmarks: only 68 percent of hip replacements and 61 percent of knee replacements were done within the 26-week target, down from 75 percent and 70 percent in 2019. Radiation therapy within the 28-day goal dropped from 97 percent to 94 percent, and urgent hip‑fracture repairs within 48 hours fell from 86 percent to 83 percent. Most alarming, median waits for prostate cancer surgery increased by nine days, to 50 days; other cancers rose by one to five days. Live Events CIHI and experts point to several root causes: 'Health systems are managing multiple challenges, including an aging and growing population, rising demand for procedures, and health workforce shortages,' CIHI noted in a release. 'More scheduled procedures are being performed to meet growing demand.' Canada's aging population Those 65+ grew 19 percent faster than the overall population in five years, combined with workforce shortages. Anesthesiologists are up just 6 percent, orthopedic surgeons only 3.5 percent, while demands soar. Hospitals also juggle crowded ORs, stretched beds, and emergency cases. Dr. James Howard, chief of orthopedics at London Health Sciences Centre, warns that patients now arrive 'later… with more complex problems,' a factor that drags on wait times. What can be done? CIHI suggests concrete steps: centralized booking systems, better wait-list triage, and shifting low-risk surgeries to outpatient or private clinics. A promising pilot in one province showed day surgeries for hips and knees rose from 1 percent to over 30 percent, cutting costs, freeing hospital beds, and helping urgent cases. Performing more procedures is only half the battle. Ensuring timely, equitable access is the rest.
