Experiences flying with an infant

[luvflorida]

Have you flown with a very young baby? I'd love to hear the good and the bad. All of my kids were at least two years old before we flew anywhere with them, so this is going to be a new experience.

In three weeks, my daughter, grandson, and I will be flying cross-country. The baby will be almost six weeks old. We will be spending a week in Maine, where there are a lot of relatives waiting to meet the baby. He is my 77 year old mother's first great-grandchild.

I booked a non-stop direct flight, Phoenix to Boston, figuring it would be easier than trying to deal with changing planes. I also bought a ticket for the baby so that he'll have a seat. I absolutely would never hold an infant while flying, mainly for safety reasons but also for comfort. We have three seats across, so at least no one else will have to worry about sitting next to an infant.

I'm hoping we can keep his stroller with us all the way to the gate, but I've heard some airlines allow this while others don't.

I'm also hoping we don't get "looks" from other passengers that don't relish the thought of getting on a plane with an infant on board. Note: We will do everything in our power to keep the baby content and quiet!

Anyone care to share their flying with an infant experiences?

 

[rie'smom]

I'd take the baby to the pediatrician at least 4 days before the flight to check for sinus/ear problems. When my son was 4, he had a stuffy nose and was miserable on a flight. We hadn't started the decongestant soon enough. It was 15 years before he'd fly again.
We were on a flight from Dublin and this poor tiny baby cried for the entire 6 hours. The baby's mom said her little one had an ear infection.

 

[mamacatnv]

Nurse or bottle feed for takeoff and descent - it will help with the ears. Try and plan out the flight so that you have a basic idea of when descent will begin, that is where my kids always had the harder time with their ears.

Gate check the stroller, we have never had an issue with this. When you arrive at the gate, let the staff know that you want to gate check so that your stroller gets tagged and there is no last minute confusion.

If your Pediatrician approves, a small dose of an antihistamine will go a long way to help with the ear pressure.

Ask for the bulkhead for seating - it is a bigger space which will give you more room to manuever the car seat and change diapers as necessary.

Bring along a small pillow for your arm for feeding.

Make sure you pack more diapers and formula for carryon than you think you will need. You never know when a flight can be delayed or diverted.

If using formula, you will need to bring powder and then obtain the water once thru security. I am not sure how strict the regulations are for infant liquid formula, you can check the TSA website for specifics.

You will get the look, but honestly, I would much rather sit next to a 6 wk old baby than an out of control toddler any day. It is what it is, do the best you can, don't stress over it, remain calm and hopefully baby will remain calm.

How is baby's temperment now? Easily soothed? That will give you some indication of things to come.

Have a great trip!

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

My DS is now 10. He started flying when he was 6 weeks old and racked up a TON of frequent flyer miles in his first 2 years! Here's what I remember.

1. The infant car seat must meet FAA guidelines. If it isn't marked on the back of the car seat, call the manufacturer.
2. The baby will have to sit next to the window so that his seat isn't obstructing a safe exit for any adult.
3. I either nursed him or gave him a bottle or pacifier as we were going up and coming down (unless he was sleeping).
4. BRING some plastic trashbags to tuck the dirty diapers into! We were flying across the Atlantic, had a bumpy flight, and had to change him at our seats...the plastic bag sure came in handy since it was a smelly one!
5. Bring enough diapers, wipes and feeding supplies for 24 hours! You never know what can happen.
   

Good luck! We were lucky and our DS slept for most of our trips. We always brought along simethecone (anti-gas) drops and gave him sudafed (per Dr.'s orders) when we flew. Medicine keeps changing so I'd suggest asking your pediatrician what he/she suggests.

Have a great flight.

 

[Amlee]

I watched a couple fly with an infant about the age you will be flying with. I was so impressed I took note of all that they did and asked questions.

She said when they booked, they requested the bulk seating. So keep that in mind. Another thing she said they did was time their flying around the baby's nap times.

They fed the baby about an hour or so before boarding started. When boarding started, the dad gathered all of their gear and went on board. The mom stayed and walked the baby around and did any last minute diaper changing. I was seated across from them. When I got on board the dad had put away all of their items, except what they would need for the baby.

The mother was the last person to board the plane and the baby was almost asleep. We took off with the mother holding the baby in her lap. Once we were up and we could move about. The dad got a blanket out and spread it out in the floor in front of them. Remember that bulk seating? They then put the baby down on the blanket and that child slept the whole time we were in the air. Just before landing she woke up and was a very happy baby.

Happy Baby + Happy Parents = Happy passengers!

 

[mommasita]

I have never heard of an airline not allowing you to gate check the stroller. That is bring it right up until you board.

As the PP stated, bulkhead seating over MUCH more knee room and room on the floor, not necessarily leg room, because you do not have any seats in front to extend the legs, but the wall.

If the airline sells seat selection, I would DEFINITELY go ahead and do that now. Bulkhead *for us at work, is normally kept for medical reasons, and people traveling with infants.

It really is easy to fly. Just make sure (surely it is) the car seat is within the guidelines for traveling.

I always found it much easier to fly with them that young than 2 and up

Congratulations once again, and I am hope you are enjoying Arizona.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Great advice so far! I can't think of anything else we did when our girls were babies, and we always had pleasant flights. Oh, except bring a pacifier as well. If the baby isn't hungry, he can still suck on a paci to help his ears with pressure changes.

Yes, some people will give you "the look", but don't worry about them. All you can do is do your best to keep him happy and quiet. If he cries, don't stress, or he'll sense that and cry more! Just keep comforting him and his crying should be short-lived.

Congratulations to both you and your mom on becoming grandma and great-grandma! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[luvflorida]

If the airline sells seat selection, I would DEFINITELY go ahead and do that now. Bulkhead *for us at work, is normally kept for medical reasons, and people traveling with infants.

It really is easy to fly. Just make sure (surely it is) the car seat is within the guidelines for traveling.

I always found it much easier to fly with them that young than 2 and up

Congratulations once again, and I am hope you are enjoying Arizona.

I chose our seats when I made the reservations. I chose seats toward the back of the plane figuring it would be best for all involved. He really is a pretty calm baby, so hopefully he'll sleep for most of the flight. We've checked and his car seat is FAA approved.

Yes, we're loving Tucson and all the wonderful sunshine! I am so thrilled to be able to spend so much time with our new grandson, and of course our daughter and husband. And, I'm absolutely thrilled at how well our youngest has adjusted to college life. Life is good and I'm really grateful!

 

[Cool-Beans]

My little darling screamed for an hour and a half, beginning when the plane went up and ending when it came down. Nothing helped. Everyone kept coming over to give me suggestions on how to make him stop. I'd say that I'd already tried it, but nothing was working.

The stewardess even brought me juice after I'd told her I had juice and formula and water, but he wouldn't take any of it. "Just try," she said. Like I hadn't. Grrr.

He annoyed the entire plane the whole trip. I was mortified. Every single person that got off the plane walked by and looked at him. I kept saying, "I'm sorry." Some people said, "Well, he seems to have quieted down NOW."

It was the worst. I'll never forget it.

I'd never have taken a 3mo on a plane if I could have helped it, but someone had died and I had to go to the funeral.

 

[Amlee]

My little darling screamed for an hour and a half, beginning when the plane went up and ending when it came down. Nothing helped. Everyone kept coming over to give me suggestions on how to make him stop. I'd say that I'd already tried it, but nothing was working.

The stewardess even brought me juice after I'd told her I had juice and formula and water, but he wouldn't take any of it. "Just try," she said. Like I hadn't. Grrr.

He annoyed the entire plane the whole trip. I was mortified. Every single person that got off the plane walked by and looked at him. I kept saying, "I'm sorry." Some people said, "Well, he seems to have quieted down NOW."

It was the worst. I'll never forget it.

I'd never have taken a 3mo on a plane if I could have helped it, but someone had died and I had to go to the funeral.

If a parent is trying I'm ok with it. It's the ones that don't that make me see red.

 

[kristilew]

DD flew a bunch from the time she was born. She was one of those babies who got tired of being held and needed to kick and wiggle. We would put down the tray tables and lay a quilt on them and let her lie there for a little bit. (Obviously NOT when the seat belt sign was lit up.)

The only other advice would be to get one of those big packs of foam earplugs (medical aisle at Target) and be prepared to offer them to those around you if baby starts screaming. Kidding, but only kind of.

 

[Cool-Beans]

If a parent is trying I'm ok with it. It's the ones that don't that make me see red.

I'm proof that you can do everything right - travel when it is time for baby to sleep (although he slept almost all the time anyway, he was a sleeper!), try to offer them juice as the plane climbs, EVERYTHING!...and still have a baby who just screams his lungs out.

He was a really good baby, too. Slept all the flippin time and almost never, ever cried.

Except on that plane.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Sorry. I'm sorry. I'm very sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm soo sorry." I don't know how many passengers were on that plane, but I think I apologized to every single one of them as they walked by and took a look at the most annoying, irritating creature they'd ever encountered. My baby.

 

[DMickey28]

The mother was the last person to board the plane and the baby was almost asleep. We took off with the mother holding the baby in her lap. Once we were up and we could move about. The dad got a blanket out and spread it out in the floor in front of them. Remember that bulk seating? They then put the baby down on the blanket and that child slept the whole time we were in the air. Just before landing she woke up and was a very happy baby.

Happy Baby + Happy Parents = Happy passengers!

I am glad that the baby slept the whole time but I can't imagine anything more dangerous than laying a sleeping baby down on the ground on the plane for a length of time. What if they hit sudden turbulence? YIKES ....

I have had DS as a lap baby until he was just over a year old. He is too big now to be a safe lap baby.

Nursing/bottle on take off and landing is great. My DS hasn't had problems with his ears but it was good to have. The paci as well incase the baby won't take the bottle.

A downside to the baby getting their own seat is that at that age if they will not settle down usually if they have their own seat they are required to be in it so your DD may not be able to nurse on take off and landing.

I flew with DS when he just over 2 months old. He slept almost the whole way, in the infant cuddle on my chest. He had a bottle on take off and was asleep until we hit the ground. It was 3 hours and 15 minutes. At that age they sleep most of the time so working around nap time isn't necessary.

I have flown Southwest, United and Jet Blue with DS. I have never had a problem bringing the stroller AND the carseat to the gate, even if I wasn't using the carseat on the plane.

Good Luck ... it's really simple and easy. Especially since there are two of you. I flew many times with DS from the time he was 2 months until this past summer (14 months) mostly alone. It's not bad ...

 

[macaronigal]

I have a vote against the bulkhead seating. I work for an airline and DD14 took her first (of very many) flights at 3 days old...I had to fly to a different city to have her. She has flown all over the world and I personally hate bulkhead seating with a child. Where do you people put your carry-on luggage and diaper bag? What do you get, like 2 extra inches of floor space?
I prefer the rear of the aircraft for the noise to lull baby to sleep and the proximity to the washrooms.
OP stated she was taking baby in a car seat so nursing/feeding for take off and landing seems like a moot point. You won't need extra room to move the car seat around - you put it in and leave it, you don't unbuckle till the flight is over.
I absolutely second the suggestion to have 1 person pre-board with all the stuff and keep baby/toddler off till the last possible moment. For toddlers, let them run around like crazy and burn off as much energy as possible!
Car seat will have to be placed at the window so as not to impede anyones safe exit out of the row so be aware of sun in his eyes.
We flew from Hawaii to Vancouver when DD was 4 months old and she cried four at least half of the flight before we figured out to bounce her on our knee...she never liked that before and never liked it after that - you gotta do what you gotta do and you never know what that might be! Keep trying if baby starts to cry. Luckily there are 2 of you so you can alternate and try new things.
Good luck to you. Enjoy your flight

 

[Briarmom]

At that age mine were a lot easier to travel with than when they started to become 'mobile'.

I always held them on my lap at that age so they could eat when we were taking off and landing. I don't know for sure but it seems like some airlines are pretty insistent on them being in the carseat for that, and then I wouldn't have been able to feed them.

It will be fine. Have a great trip!!!

 

[JessicaR]

We laugh about it now but at the time it was the MOST stressful situation a new parent could have encountered. (or so we thought) My husband and I decided to visit my grandparents in Florida so they could spend time with their first great- grandchild. He was 7 months old. I prepared us for all situations that could arise, or so I thought.

I fed him a bottle on take off and had many diversions so he wouldn't cry during the flight. If only I could have prepared for the explosive diarrhea attack he was about to share with us. It wasn't bad enough that it stunk worse than any diaper had ever stunk in history. And that it just instantly wafted all around the cabin and kinda hung in the air. It was more the horror when we realized it was everywhere all over him, up his back, out the legs, just everywhere!

Instantly we looked at each other and simultaneously begged the other to take him back to the bathroom and 'handle it'. Neither of us won so the only fair thing to do was for us both to go! Talk about a long walk to the bathroom it took forever to get there! All those disgusted stares. Not really, I'm sure it was all in our new parent imaginations.

You do know how tiny those bathrooms are right? We both went in baby and all. I'll spare you the gory details but thankfully the flight attendant had a zip-lock bag for us. We threw that sucker away! It is possible to bath a baby in one of those sinks too. After surviving that scene nothing ever seemed so bad.

 

[Amlee]

We laugh about it now but at the time it was the MOST stressful situation a new parent could have encountered. (or so we thought) My husband and I decided to visit my grandparents in Florida so they could spend time with their first great- grandchild. He was 7 months old. I prepared us for all situations that could arise, or so I thought.

I fed him a bottle on take off and had many diversions so he wouldn't cry during the flight. If only I could have prepared for the explosive diarrhea attack he was about to share with us. It wasn't bad enough that it stunk worse than any diaper had ever stunk in history. And that it just instantly wafted all around the cabin and kinda hung in the air. It was more the horror when we realized it was everywhere all over him, up his back, out the legs, just everywhere!

Instantly we looked at each other and simultaneously begged the other to take him back to the bathroom and 'handle it'. Neither of us won so the only fair thing to do was for us both to go! Talk about a long walk to the bathroom it took forever to get there! All those disgusted stares. Not really, I'm sure it was all in our new parent imaginations.

You do know how tiny those bathrooms are right? We both went in baby and all. I'll spare you the gory details but thankfully the flight attendant had a zip-lock bag for us. We threw that sucker away! It is possible to bath a baby in one of those sinks too. After surviving that scene nothing ever seemed so bad.

At least you got up, changed the diaper and did a way with the diaper.

On one of my flights, we had the diaper from hell from a family in front of me. I was honestly gaging. She proceeded to pull the tray down in front of her. Yes the very tray that people eat off of us. An changed that nasty diaper right there on that tray. Now that was bad enough.

But she then gave the nasty diaper to her husband who held the thing for the remaining 2 hour flight. The flight attendant didn't have anything for them to put it in and they didn't think to bring anything either.

The person sitting next to them demanded to be moved, the whole freakin plane smelled like baby crap.

Now those people got some much deserved nasty looks from people. An I was one of them!

 

[CowboyCO]

OK -- DS was 11 months old and we were flying from Denver to DC with a short layover in Cleveland.

When we got to the airport we had two carry-ons, in addition to our luggage. One was a change of clothes and toiletries (pre-9-11) for a us and a change of clothes for DS, and the other was the diaper bag.

As we checked in, I asked my wife if we really needed to lug the second carry-on, as we had everything we would need in the diaper bag. We agreed and checked the bag. What DW didn't know was that I had moved DS'es back-up outfit out of the diaper bag and into the carry-on.

As we sat at the gate, we decided to wait to board until the last call. Then just as the last call is given, I hear a rumble and get a whiff... UH Oh. I send my wife to the gate and make a mad dash to the bathroom to change DS.

I opened his cute outfit on the changing table and OMG! A poop bomb had gone off inside his outfit. I used an entire package wipes trying to clean him up and finally resorted to paper towels and water from the sink. I throw away the outfit, grab for the back-up and UH -- Oh . No outfit!

I run naked diaper-only baby to my wife, shove him into her arms and RUN to the gift shop to find something -- anything for him to wear. All I can find is a 3T T-shirt $25. I buy it , run back to DW and we stumble onto the plane. The Clampett's have arrived!

I put the t-shirt on him and it looks like a dress. We are upfront and DS is great all the way to Cleveland. I get off the plane in Cleveland, run all the way to the main terminal to get a different outfit. All I can find is a fleece Cleveland Browns outfit -- $55. I grimace and buy it. We put him in it and get back on the plane. Now mind you, we are Broncos fans and we are on a flight from Cleveland. Now all these people from Cleveland have gotten on, and everybody has to say what a cute little Browns fan...

 

[luvflorida]

Thanks, everyone. I'm really enjoying these stories, and hoping some of them don't happen to us!

I'm having a problem with the multi-quote button, so:

Mrs. Toad: Thanks so much for the congrats!

Cool-Beans: Wow, I can't imagine how stressful that trip must have been. Here's an after-trip hug!

DMickey28: Thanks for mentioning the baby carrier. My daughter received a nice Baby Bjorn carrier for a shower gift, and I don't think she's even used it yet. It would be nice to have for off the plane, also.

kristilew: Seriously, I like the idea of buying a bag of earplugs!

JessicaR: We'll be sure to bring extra diapers, extra wipes, extra clothes, extra plastic bags, and extra anything else that we might need!

CowboyCO: All I can say is

 

[lemondog]

6 weeks should actually be fairly easy. They are not mobile yet!

But seriously, we flew from Moscow to Nashville with a 6 month old...who was sick with an ear infection! It was almost 24 hours of travel total with 2 flight changes, and we honestly had no problems. She slept a good bit of the way from Moscow to NY. It was hard because traveling west, we stayed in the sunlight pretty much the whole way. We brought along small, quiet toys for her to play with and really she was no trouble. In fact, now that she is 7 going on 17, she is MUCH more difficult to travel with!

Remember to have your daughter nurse or give a bottle to the baby during takeoff/landing to prevent pressure buildup in the ears.