Traveling by air with 3mo old, ear pain???

[NUHuskies#1]

Hi there-

We are traveling the end of August with a 3 mo old, 7 yo, and 11yo. I was reading in my baby book about how ear pain during ascent and descent can be difficult. Can someone give me some tips on how to deal with this? It talked about using this time for feedings. Any other suggestions? Please let me know your experiences.

Thanks!

 

[HopperFan]

When I traveled with a newborn (6 weeks and on) I would either give him a bottle of milk/formula, bottle of water or pacifier. The sucking seemed to be what kept the ears "popping" and I never had a problem. Quite often the rumbling (especially at takeoff) put him to sleep.

 

[BevS97]

I flew to Orlando with my 3 month old last December - 2 flights each way, so 4 ups and 4 downs. of those, we had problems on one descent - I offered her a bottle on all the take offs and landings but as we descended into Orlando she refused the bottle and just cried all the way down - she stopped as soon as we landed. all the others she was fine, usually having a drink but on the return to the UK she slept right through the descent and didn't wake at all.

they need to swallow to equalise the airpressure, so the bottle or feed is recommended, but be prepared that it might not work, and if your baby cries, do your best to comfort him/her (obviously) and don't worry about anyone else on the plane, babies cry and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it

Bev

 

[Meekomaria]

A lot of times it really has to do with the plane you're on and how well they pressurized it. My ds is almost 2 and has been on 10 flights and most of the time we haven't had a problem. But on the very last flight, he cried for over 20 minutes on the descent into orlando. He cried along with 5 other toddlers on the plane. It was so hard to watch but there really wasn't anything we could do. He pushed the binky away and the sippy cup.

As soon as we landed and the plane door opened, he stopped crying.

My doctor told me to give him a decongestant before the flight -- it helps with the pressure. But I would check with your doctor before doing that given the age of your child.

 

[prplcrzy]

I have also given the decongestant about a half hour before take-off, but I'm not sure at that age.

The bottles and pacifiers did the trick when my ds was 10 weeks and then 6 months. The good thing is that they usually fall asleep during the trip, but you don't want them asleep during take-off and landings if you can avoid it so they can suck.

Good luck!

Nancy

 

[julybride]

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My doctor told me to give him a decongestant before the flight -- it helps with the pressure. But I would check with your doctor before doing that given the age of your child. [/B]

I would also check with my doctor for recommendations for an infant that young. Even if they don't allow decongestant for an infant maybe they would suggest a dose of Tylenol?

 

[mrskay9]

little ear plugs for little kids. I swear I've seen the ad in Parenting magazine but can't remember the name of it. I remember looking at my walmart and drug store for them, but I'm so rural....Its possible they sell them where you are. What pluggin up the ears does to help, I don't know.

I've flown a lot w/ my dd and she's never cried once. Cries everywhere else, but no on the plane. Who cares anyway, you'll never see these people again anyway!

(Yes, i know the stares and comments will be hard to take, not to mention what the crying does to YOUR nerves!)

Anyway, I always fed her or gave her a bottle during these times and never had a problem. The take off and landings bother me more than her it seems. Now that she's a bit older, I gave her gummi bears or some thing chewy candy type that she likes and will make her swallow--you could do this for the older ones.

good luck, hopefully you won't have a problem

 

[erikalk]

Originally posted by mrskay9
little ear plugs for little kids. I swear I've seen the ad in Parenting magazine but can't remember the name of it. I remember looking at my walmart and drug store for them, but I'm so rural....Its possible they sell them where you are. What pluggin up the ears does to help, I don't know.

They are called EarPlanes. I can usually find them at Wal-Mart, Target, or local drugstore. Drugstore.Com also has them. They have both Children and Adult sizes. I use the children's size for my small ears. They will probably be to big for the infant. I would definately talk to your pediatrician.

 

[Kid at heart]

I have travelled Many times with my now 14 month old DD & 7 yr DS, my DD did have ear pain on her first flight to the UK at 2 months old. My Doctor told me to give her Tylenol 1 hour before take off. It did the trick - no problems after that. I know as parents we dont like to give medicine often, but my little DD was in pain - this solved the problem & made for good relaxed flights for all - she was happy. Talk with your doctor - Good luck!

 

[NUHuskies#1]

Thank you all for your kind words. I am hoping that all goes well, 9 days and counting!

 

[4greatboys]

I would def nurse the baby or give the baby a bottle. Worked very good for mine. ds #2 was 2 months old his first flight and ds #4 was 5 months old his first flight.
None of my kids could have decongestant at that young age. Thought I do give it to my youngest now 4 and 2 when we fly.