flying with a 9 mo

[ffemtmomof4]

I'm flying from PA to New Orleans in about 2 weeks with my son. It is just the 2 of us going to visit a friend. Actually we haven't seen each other in 15 years and her husband is paying to have me fly down to see her. I am her Christmas/birthday gift.

Anyways, I have never flown with a baby. The only time I flew with a child my older son was 4 years old and then when he was 9 yo.

Any suggestions or ideas you can give me would be great. I do not have the money to pay for a ticket for him so he will be a lap baby. Also, I was thinking I would take his infant seat along just in case there is an empty seat and to use once we get there. I will take my moby wrap or sling to use in the airport but I am trying to decide if I should take a stroller along too. I have an older P3 stroller that is small if I decide to take a stroller.

He is nursing so will I be able to take a cup of water for him to drink from?

Thanks so much.

 

[flevy]

When my DD was around 9mo I flew with her by myself. It really wasn't a big deal. I would take the stroller and gate check it. Since you have a baby you're going to want to be able to take your time getting through security. Carrying a baby around for 2 hours can get heavy

I wouldn't take your infant seat on the plane with you if you don't have a seat. I'm assuming you have to take it with your for when you arrive in NO. I'd just check it when you check your luggage. And yes, check your luggage. Yes, it probably costs some money and yes it takes longer to get out of the airport, but it will make your life so much easier not to have to lug it around the airport with your son and the stroller. You only have 2 hands--LOL.

You can pack an empty cup in your carry-on and buy a bottle of water after you get through security. Also in your carry-on, pack some favorite toys, snacks, books, and be prepared to entertain your son the entire flight if necessary. The best case scenario is that he nurses at take off and goes to sleep for the flight but we all know that just because we'd like that to happen, he may not feel like it

Nurse at take off even if it means a cranky baby for a little while. The swallowing will help equalize the pressure in his ears. And I found my Moby wrap to be a life saver on the planes. My dd usually fell asleep when she was snuggled up against me in her wrap. I paced the plane for a while to rock her to sleep.

Good luck with the flight.