Cami-
We took Maiya to WDW when she was 6 months old, and I got a yard of sheer material that I fastened on her stroller using velcro. It blocked the sun from getting directly on her, but still allowed breezes to come through. Also, she could still see out. I fastened to the shade so that it draped over the front of the stroller; think bride with wedding veil. Several other guests and CMs commented on how smart that was.
Also, some of the practicalities of travelling on the plane with a baby.
1. When my kids were daiper bag age, I never carried a purse on the plane. I stuck my wallet in the diaper bag, and packed my purse in checked luggage. One less thing to keep up with at the airport.
2. If you are planning on bringing her carseat, DO NOT check the car seat at the ticket counter with the rest of your luggage. If you bought a seat for her, and your carseat is FAA approved, you can use it on the plane. If not, "gate check" the carseat. This means you get a gate check ticket from the ticket agent at the gate and when you walk down the jetway, you drop off the carseat (and stroller) at a certain point. It does get put in the belly of the aircraft, but you pick it back up on the jetway at your arrival (and connecting) locations. It is a little extra hassle to carry it in the airport(s), but it's tough to leave an airport in a car without your carseat!
3. Feeding schedule be damned. Stick a bottle in her mouth during take off and landing to help her ears cope with the pressure changes. Pacifiers are OK, but the swallowing action that accompanies a bottle are more effective at popping the ears. This was a great tip given to me by a well traveled mom when my oldest was an infant.
4. Remember that if she is less than angelic on the flight, you will never see those people again!! And most of us that are parents have been there, done that and can be very sympathetic.
Have a great trip!
