4 month old and plane trip-have your ever???!!!

[goofyme]

taking our 4 month old on possibly 2 two hour plane rides. i guess we will get a seat for him although i bet we won't use it much. we have taken a 9 month old with no problems(that kid must've breastfed for 2 hours)....if you have taken a child this young on a plane, did it bother your baby's ears much? do you have any tips for us(besides that we are nuts and should stay home)?

 

[disneyag]

We took a 6 month old once. Just make sure they are nursing on the way up and the way down. Other than that, there should be no problems with their ears.

 

[tmfranlk]

DD's first flight was at 6 months and DNieces was at 3 months. Both my sister and I didn't buy a separate seat knowing that they would be nursing during take off and landing. Also, you can put an infant in a front carrier AFTER take off and BEFORE landing. Any time mid-flight is okay. DD, now 20 months, always nursed on the way up an was out before we reached cruising altitude. Then she's wake up and nurse on the way down.

I don't think you'll find too much difference between the 4mo and when you travelled with the 9mo. DD acted pretty much the same on the plane until she hit about 18mo.

 

[JenniferW]

Mine did no problem, just bring spare items in case things run late, diapers, wipes, etc. Nursing solved any ear problems for us.

Jenn

 

[ChiTownZee]

I took a trip with both DD's by myself in July/August ...2nd DD was 3 months and did fine, just made sure to feed her during take-off and landings. I wore her carrier on and off the plane so I could guide older DD, and carry diaper bag and carry-on, and gate-checked her stroller.

 

[stacy6552]

No! Do not nurse on take off and landing! Your child should be strapped into her seat.

Sucking does releave ear pressure so bring a bottle or pascifier.

 

[jenjersnap]

ODS's first trip at 4 months was our easiest with him so far! He slept most of it. He had a total poopy blowout on the plane (it was like the pressure made it fly out of him! LOL) so bring at least one extra set of clothes and plenty of diapers. If you are flying with DH or another person, have them use the early family boarding to install the carseat while you hold the baby and get on as late as possible.

I nursed him while he was strapped in his carseat on taking off and landing. DH installed the carseat rear-facing just like in the car (we've done this on United, Northwest, and Allegiant Airlines but I understand that some airlines insist on front-facing) and I just leaned over and put a breast in his mouth. We're old hands at this method since we do this all the time in the back seat while Daddy is driving.

Have fun and good luck! (Our younger little Mr. Indendent will be 16 months when we go to WDW next month, much more difficult age to travel in my experience! I am envious of you!)

 

[tjmw2727]

Both my girls have flown since about 4 months and did very well. Make sure the FA is aware of the age of your child as the pilot can request (but not guarantee) a slower ascent and decent depending on the destination and traffic. This can help with ear discomfort.

We did use the CSR as we brought the infant "bucket" seat and the girls were comfy and familiar in them. Sucking does help on takeoff and landing, paci, breast or bottle no matter but I agree that baby should be strapped in for takeoff and landing and as much as possible in between.

Of course you will need a cuddle and diaper change during the flight but be careful of turbulance. My sil did a lap child flight last Easter and they hit one of those scary air pockets as well as a very rough landing. Needless to say she is an advocate for babies in CSR's now regardless of the cost or inconvenience.

Have a great time.
TJ

 

[Tarzan]

A little off topic, but could someone please tell me where you change baby's diaper.I travelled with 11month old 5 years ago and am travelling with 5month old in December, but I just cannot remember where I changed DD on last flight. Thanks

 

[robinb]

You have another choice other than buying a seat and leaning over to nurse (BTDT, it's not easy!) and the possibility of your child flying out of your arms.

When my DD was less than 2 years old, I didn't buy her a seat since I knew she would want to nurse, snuggle, sit on my lap etc the whole time.

Instead, I bought a Baby B'Air harness (http://www.babybair.com/) .

The harness goes on the baby and it attaches to the parent's seatbelt. It is very similar to the device that is provided to parents flying internationally on British Air when my DD was 6 months old. I was specifically given the BA strap on take offs and landings, but US regulations say that the Baby B'Air can't be used at those times. I figured that my DD was safer attached to me, so I attached the strap to my seatbelt after the flight attendants were seated. The attaching strap on the Baby B'Air has plenty of room for nursing and snuggling.

You might be able to find one on eBay. That's where I sold mine when my DD turned 2 .

 

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by robinb
You have another choice other than buying a seat and leaning over to nurse (BTDT, it's not easy!) and the possibility of your child flying out of your arms.

When my DD was less than 2 years old, I didn't buy her a seat since I knew she would want to nurse, snuggle, sit on my lap etc the whole time.

Instead, I bought a Baby B'Air harness (http://www.babybair.com/) .

The harness goes on the baby and it attaches to the parent's seatbelt. It is very similar to the device that is provided to parents flying internationally on British Air when my DD was 6 months old. I was specifically given the BA strap on take offs and landings, but US regulations say that the Baby B'Air can't be used at those times. I figured that my DD was safer attached to me, so I attached the strap to my seatbelt after the flight attendants were seated. The attaching strap on the Baby B'Air has plenty of room for nursing and snuggling.

You might be able to find one on eBay. That's where I sold mine when my DD turned 2 .

Unfortunately these are not allowed on any aircraft regardless of the carrier for takeoff or landing and most do not allow them at all. Despite the clever advertising you must have an FAA approved sticker on any type of child restrant system and this does not have one.

Just fyi for those reading not to waste any money on this. It is highly recommended that you purchase a seat for children and use a CSR until they can sit safely without one.

TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by Tarzan
A little off topic, but could someone please tell me where you change baby's diaper.I travelled with 11month old 5 years ago and am travelling with 5month old in December, but I just cannot remember where I changed DD on last flight. Thanks

Most have a small table that pulls down in the restroom- its cramped but doable. My best advise is to change baby last minute and hope for the best.

TJ

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by tjmw2727
Unfortunately these are not allowed on any aircraft regardless of the carrier for takeoff or landing and most do not allow them at all. Despite the clever advertising you must have an FAA approved sticker on any type of child restrant system and this does not have one.

Just fyi for those reading not to waste any money on this. It is highly recommended that you purchase a seat for children and use a CSR until they can sit safely without one.

TJ

TJ, are you a flight attendent? How do you know that most airlines do not allow the Baby B'Air? Have you witnessed people being asked to remove the vest? You may be confused since the Baby B'Air is not considered a "child restraint system". The rules you mention are for car seats.

We traveled quite a bit with my DD in her Baby B'Air and we never had a problem using it during regular flight. I also used it for take-offs and landings, but waited until the FAa were already seated to attach it. For us, the Baby B'Air was not a waste of money. Buying a seat for a child who would not sit in it ... that would have been a waste of money.

 

[BevS97]

we flew with our 4 month old last year, and with her yesterday (she's now 14months) ,both were 9 hour flights.

she was fine both trips, she was upset on the descent into Orlando when she was 4 months, but not bothered this trip. We didn't have a seat for her on either trip as UK airlines have different rules. We did use a belt which was provided by our airline.

Go and have a wonderful trip, 4 months is a very easy age (and actually 14 months was pretty good too)

 

[dirkus]

Our son was 1 month old when he first flew! We had him in his car seat and he had a pacifier for take-off and landing. No problem.

Airbusses typically have the drop down changing table in the lavs but few others do. We just gave him a fresh diaper right before leaving and then changed him at the lay-over -- we got lucky and didn't have any enroute blow outs!

 

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by robinb
TJ, are you a flight attendent? How do you know that most airlines do not allow the Baby B'Air? Have you witnessed people being asked to remove the vest? You may be confused since the Baby B'Air is not considered a "child restraint system". The rules you mention are for car seats.

We traveled quite a bit with my DD in her Baby B'Air and we never had a problem using it during regular flight. I also used it for take-offs and landings, but waited until the FAa were already seated to attach it. For us, the Baby B'Air was not a waste of money. Buying a seat for a child who would not sit in it ... that would have been a waste of money.

To answer your questions No I am not a FA and never represented myself as such. I tried to explain my position in a calm reasonable manner and gave my experience to back it up.

I have done lots of research so yes I do know that most US carriers don't allow the vest - in fact at least one website selling the vest mentions this in the "disclaimer".

Yes I have seen moms asked to remove the vest as well as a snugli and have them stored in the overhead for the duration of the flight. The fact that you admit you used the vest at take off and landing when instructed not to should be an indicator that something is not quite right.

You can check each and every carriers website if you like and you will find simliar wording. I don't have the time but since I fly Southwest, Jet Blue and American Airlines I have researched the requirements.

From Southwest -
What is an appropriate CRD?
Many child safety seats that are designed for use in automobiles are also appropriate for use on aircraft. Appropriate CRDs should have hard sides and backs, include integrated shoulder straps, and secure to a passenger seat via channels through which the seatbelt is threaded and attached. Many of these carry the FMVSS.213 insignia and/or language indicating that they are "approved for use in motor vehicles and on aircraft."

Although one might think that any type of restraint device would provide at least some degree of flight safety enhancement, this is not the case. Some child restraints may do a good job of protecting children in automobiles or in other situations, but are not appropriate for aviation use. Recent testing and research have led the FAA to ban the use on aircraft of certain types of child restraints that may be harmful to a child in the event of an aviation emergency.

*** These include booster seats, safety belt extensions (commonly referred to as "belly belts"), and vest or harness devices that attach to an adult or to the seatbelt of the child's own seat. Although some that were manufactured before the FAA's ban may carry an insignia and/or language indicating they are approved for aircraft use, please understand that they are no longer permitted.***

Here is the link - http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html

I am sure that with the information you had at the time you were doing all you could to keep baby safe and happy. Now there are more options including a reduce fare seat and bringing a FAA approved CSR.

TJ

eta - delta -

http://www.delta.com/travel/special_services/services_for_children/infant_seating/index.jsp

and american -
https://www.aa.com/content/travelIn.../childrenTraveling.jhtml#Seating Restrictions

 

[robinb]

Again, TJ ... you are quoting FAA regulations for Vest Child Restraint systems like this:

You are right, they are not allowed.

In addition, if a parent has a problem using the Baby B'Air they will refund your money:

If any parent has a problem using the Baby B’Air during flight, they may return the vest directly to Baby B’air for a refund by providing the airline* and flight information (flight number, date, departure city and final destination). This enables us to follow up with the FAA and the airline

Many airlines make their own rules. Perhaps Southwest has different rules and it would be wise for parents to check with the airline and Baby B'Air before purchasing the vest. FWIW, your American link specifes take-off and landings only.

It's OK for you to feel that having a child in a carseat as the safest option. That's your opinion. However, I believe that the the Baby B'Air option is still available, still FAA legal and still safe.

 

[tjmw2727]

No I am not - I have never seen that "thing" and I did see your first picture clearly and have seen the baby b' air.

Ok last try at clarification, from my post above:

*** These include booster seats, safety belt extensions (commonly referred to as "belly belts"), and vest or harness devices that attach to an adult or to the seatbelt of the child's own seat. Although some that were manufactured before the FAA's ban may carry an insignia and/or language indicating they are approved for aircraft use, please understand that they are no longer permitted.***

I have seen the vest you quote originally - "Baby B' Air removed from a child and placed in the overhead and it was AA in Feb 04. I can find the flight numbers if you like. I have never seen the "device" in your most recent picture above!

Here is the website for the FAA and fwiw the device you pictured in your first quote the baby b' air is commonly referred to as a "belly belt".
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/childsafetyseats.cfm

I feel that the ads for these products are misleading and in addition to taking money they provide a false sense of security. They are no longer FAA approved and of this I am sure. You can disagree, that is your right but you have not provided a link that states any airline will allow this. And the ads for the product don't count as they are obviously bias.

Imagine the surprise of a caring parent, after boarding and getting the child settled only to find that the FA asks you to remove it a stow it leaving your child sitting on your lap with no other option.

Again your child was safe, you had a good experience and you did the right thing at the time. Evidently others have not had such a good experience and more testing was done to come to the above conclusion. I fly at often with and without my children and have seen and experienced more than I care to share.

I have no doubt that you did the best thing at the time but for new readers considering this I must put in my .02 against it.

To those flying with a child under 2, don't take my word do the research and come to your own conclusions. The AAP and FAA all highly recommend the use of a FAA certified CSR while flying with children under 40'bs. We do it in the car without thinking twice why is airline travel so different?

TJ
edited for spelling, my obvious weakness!

 

[Tarzan]

Thanks for the replies, think I will change just before boarding and hope for the best!

 

[NotUrsula]

For those who care, the actual regulation governing the use of *any* type of child restraint is 14CFR121.311 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/....gpo.gov/cfr_2004/janqtr/pdf/14cfr121.311.pdf)
and the regulation that defines the different types of seat referred to in 14CFR121.311 is 49CFR571.213 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/....gpo.gov/cfr_2003/octqtr/pdf/49cfr571.213.pdf)

Read them for yourself. On a US-based carrier, if the properly-worded approval label is not on the thing, then it may not be safely used during takeoff and landing. Some unapproved devices may be used during cruising, but that is normally interpreted by the airlines to mean only if the seatbelt sign is NOT illuminated.

Just so that you know, I've read the hearing testimony regarding the use of these devices, and the reason for banning them is that when a child is secured on a parent's lap during an impact or sudden braking maneuver, there is a good chance that the parent's upper body will be thrown forward with sufficient force to fatally crush the child. The most common times when this can happen are during takeoff and landing; the times when the aircraft is in motion on or near the ground. Remember that on an aircraft, the adult is NOT wearing a shoulder harness. In the old days (or in FC) this would not matter as much because the seat pitch was generous, but the average coach seat in the US now has a pitch of less than 32". The back of the seat in front of you is metal and reinforced fiberglass, and it is well less than 3 feet away from your face, much closer than the windshield or dashboard of a car normally is. If your child hits it with the weight of your upper body behind him, he's not going to walk away unharmed.