14 Month Old Baby on the Plane

[Disneyfan88]

Hi - DH and I are taking our baby on her first plane ride in September. She will be 14 months old, and we will be traveling for 5-ish hours. Any suggestions on appropriate toys or other things to help keep her occupied and happy would be greatly appreciated. We will not have a separate seat for LO on this trip. We will have an iPad and headphones, and Cheerios will already be a given (the girl LOVES her Cheerios ). She's also walking already, so I'm already counting on having to spend lots of time walking the aisle with her. I want to do everything in my power to make the trip as easy and pleasant for her as well as everyone around us.

For those of you who are experienced travelers with little ones - I've read that it's recommended that you give LO something to drink or suck on during takeoff and landing. About how long do we need to keep her actively sucking on something each way? I exclusively pumped, so nursing won't be an option. I'm thinking of bringing water or juice in a sippy cup, but I'm not sure how long we need it to last her (if that makes any sense).

Also, I do not change LO's diapers in public bathrooms (generally prefer to use my car or her stroller if necessary as the thought of her touching everything or anything on or near the changing table makes me ). Any tips or suggestions on diaper changes on the plane would be greatly appreciated. Although I've flown on via plane plenty of times (with no baby), the last time I've been inside of a bathroom on an airplane was probably over 20 years ago when I was a little kid (something that continues to perplex my husband to this day ). I honestly have no idea what the changing table set up even looks like in there.

Thanks in advance!

 

[staralfur]

The first time we flew with my LO she was 18 months old. It was a 5 hour flight and then another 3 hour flight. I was terrified! I was convinced that I'd be constantly trying to keep her from crying, screaming, kicking seats, etc. but it was actually way easier than I had expected. It was all very new and exciting for her so she spent most of the time just looking around. We brought a few books for her and some small toys but she didn't take much interest in them. She had a short nap each way.

I think she nursed on takeoff only twice out of all 4 flights (there and back) and it was only because she was tired. The takeoffs/landings didn't seem to bother her at all.

The changing situation probably depends on the airline to some extent. The flights we were on just had a teeny tiny little change table that pulled down over the toilet. It's not ideal but there aren't really a lot of options!

Snacks are a good idea. We brought lots of cookies and stuff that made my LO really excited about having to just sort of heighten the excitement of the whole experience.

 

[Disneyfan88]

The first time we flew with my LO she was 18 months old. It was a 5 hour flight and then another 3 hour flight. I was terrified! I was convinced that I'd be constantly trying to keep her from crying, screaming, kicking seats, etc. but it was actually way easier than I had expected. It was all very new and exciting for her so she spent most of the time just looking around. We brought a few books for her and some small toys but she didn't take much interest in them. She had a short nap each way.

I think she nursed on takeoff only twice out of all 4 flights (there and back) and it was only because she was tired. The takeoffs/landings didn't seem to bother her at all.

The changing situation probably depends on the airline to some extent. The flights we were on just had a teeny tiny little change table that pulled down over the toilet. It's not ideal but there aren't really a lot of options!

Snacks are a good idea. We brought lots of cookies and stuff that made my LO really excited about having to just sort of heighten the excitement of the whole experience.

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Very helpful. I'm hoping that she naps for at least part of the flights. I have about a month and a half to get her used to wearing the headphones I bought her. She's still in the "I want nothing to do with those on my head" phase.

 

[Disneyfan88]

Any other tips out there? Thanks!

 

[zorak]

Like PP said the changing table is usually a little ledge that pulls down. Just take your own mat. Please don't change LO in your seat its not pleasent for other passengers.

Does your airline provide bassinet seats? Even though your LO would likely be too big book one of those seats as they give much more room.

 

[Tigerlily01]

Not all airplanes have changing tables, so be prepared for that. I recently took a Delta flight with my 11 month old and there wasn't one on the aircraft in any restroom (I asked). In that case your choices are: 1) do a change standing up in the restroom (my son was too young for this unfortunately), 2) bring a large blanket to change in your seat/in your lap if you have the entire row (the flight attendant suggested this...but not really an option if you have a stranger sitting next to you, or if it's a poop diaper), or 3) bring a blanket and use the toilet seat top if you have a small kiddo.

We did option 2 on one flight, using our laps and a blanket, since it was just a pee diaper. In the other direction we got stuck in a row where the armrest didn't fold down, so there was no space, plus it was a poop diaper, so we did option 3...NEVER again. Totally disgusting, and my son was tall enough that only his head and half of his torso fit on the toilet seat, so his waist and butt were hanging in the air with me holding his feet while trying to change his diaper in midair. It was ridiculous. I had to keep the door open because I didn't fit in the restroom with him otherwise.

They make Clorox travel/disinfectant wipes, I suggest picking some up to wipe things down if you have to use the toilet seat, or for afterwards if you do a change in your seat, since someone else will eventually be sitting there. They kinda smell though, so ideally you'd wait to wipe your seat until you are getting off the plane.

 

[Disneyfan88]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Would it be awful to admit that I've thought about putting her in an overnight diaper and praying that she doesn't poop during the 4.5-5 hour flight? (I'm only sort of joking -- of course I'd totally change her diaper if she really needs one)

My husband has already indicated he wants to bring ear plugs on the flight. He says he's only kidding, but I don't doubt he'd wear them if he thought he could get away with it.

 

[SpringCrane]

I've traveled with my son at 9, 10, 11, and 22 months... two were to the east coast from California and two were overseas... so, all long flights. AND, they all went GREAT! I know it's really daunting, but it's not as bad as a lot of people make it seem. Everyone has always been super friendly and helpful, passengers and airline staff.

Someone mentioned the bassinet seats... I'd actually warn against them. Those seats don't have moveable armrests (because they are bulkhead seats and the tray table and/or TV is stowed in the armrest), and since your LO is likely too big to sleep in the bassinet, she'll probably want to spread out across your laps. It is nice not having to worry about her kicking or bugging the person in front of you, but it's not worth it to me if she's going to be a lap infant.

As for what to bring... my son really likes books, especially lift-the-flap type ones, so I always buy a new one to give him on the flight. We downloaded some videos on the iPad for the last flight (to Ireland from California), and they were great for when he was kind of drowsy. There are a lot of really good ideas on Pinterest, too, for small "busy bag" type activities that don't take up a lot of room in your bag.

We always fly with a ton of food. My son had weaned before our most recent flight, so I brought lollipops for him to suck on for his ears if I noticed him feeling any pain. He didn't need them. I also brought some powdered pedialyte packets to add to his sippy cup... he never gets juice so it was a special drink and I was assured of his being hydrated (I always get super dehydrated flying despite drinking a lot).

For the diaper changes, you might be able to get away without a change, but the 5 hour flight is really more than that of time on the plane. Can your husband do the diaper change so you don't have to go in there if it makes you squeamish? We usually go in together, actually. Most planes I've been on have had changing tables, but not all. For the one without, my husband just held my son up and we did a hanging change. Not easy, but not the end of the world. My son didn't touch anything but his daddy. (I also avoid public restrooms as much as possible!)

We did a lot of walking up and down the aisles. Books. Snacks. New and exciting cheapy dollar store toys.

Oh, and if they allow you to board early because the baby, I'd suggest having one of you go on with all the bags and get the seats all sorted, and the other delay getting on as long as possible to get the wiggles out (and do that final pre-plane diaper change!).

My son "discovered" airplanes (and all other forms of transportation) between the third and fourth trip, and it made the most recent trip a HUGE hit. He was so excited about the airport and airplane. If your daughter hasn't really caught the transportation bug yet, maybe get some books and toy airplanes to get her interested.

If they are serving a meal (domestic is unlikely these days!), ask the flight attendant to bring one at a time. One of you can eat at a time, meaning you don't have to deal with a lap baby and two trays of food.

Call a day or two before the flight and ask if there are any empty seats--if there are, ask to be put next to it. If no luck, do it again at check in... and again at the gate. We've had a few flights that we were told at one point were "overbooked" but there'd end up being empty seats we could sit next to. Makes a big difference having an extra seat! If you plan to gate check the car seat, you can even bring it on for the empty seat. And I'd recommend a car seat travel bag for sure.

OK, I think I might be overdoing it on the advice. But I spent A LOT of time thinking and planning before each flight, and it has always gone great. We fly again in a couple of months and I'm actually looking forward to it!

Have fun

 

[Disneyfan88]

Thanks so much, SpringCrane! Lots of very helpful information and advice! We are flying out of California as well (heading to Hawaii). We are changing islands halfway through the trip, so we will be embarking on a total of 3 flights. The inter-island one should not be too bad as long as she doesn't have any issues with her ears. I am planning on getting some lollipops for the flight just in case she doesn't want to drink whatever juice or water we bring (she almost never gets juice at home). I will probably just find some sugar free ones unless there are any out there that are more appropriate ingredients-wise for a baby. The pedialyte idea is terrific.

I ordered a couple of lift the flap books from Amazon last night. She tried to rip the flaps off when I tried showing her one 6 months ago, but I think she will really like them now. I have plans to visit the dollar store for cheap busy stuff soon, too.

Have you ever had problems with one of you preboarding without the baby? What kind of car seat do you bring for air travel. I picked up a scenera next but haven't decided yet if we want something with a little more padding.

Thanks again to you and every ones else for the tips!

 

[Perplexed]

Will you be using a car seat for the plane trip? I think it's much better than carrying your child in your lap.

When dd was 8 months, I carried her in my lap with the baby seatbelt. Now she's 19 months and I got her her own seat because I carried ds in my lap. The plane seatbelt was unsuitable for dd...she could easily slip from underneath it. When we started descending she actually slipped and landed on her feet...I asked a flight attendant to take her to my mom's seat behind us to be held in her lap with a child seatbelt. Really wish we have a car seat for the trip back.

Dd didn't cry at take off and landing when she was 8 months. I didn't give her a bottle or anything and she was absolutely fine. Dd didn't cry at landing but had a huge meltdown at take off- she was tired. I had to wake her very early so we wouldn't miss the flight. She fell asleep after the melt down but I'm 100% sure it was due to her exhaustion and not take off. She had the meltdown in my mother's lap (behind my seat) and the passenger next to me seemed heartbroken at how she was crying. I honestly felt he was sad for me and dd not angry or aggravated at his flight being disturbed. Ds however was quiet at both take off and landing.

stuffed animals and little books kept dd entertained after she woke up.

 

[Disneyfan88]

Will you be using a car seat for the plane trip? I think it's much better than carrying your child in your lap.

When dd was 8 months, I carried her in my lap with the baby seatbelt. Now she's 19 months and I got her her own seat because I carried ds in my lap. The plane seatbelt was unsuitable for dd...she could easily slip from underneath it. When we started descending she actually slipped and landed on her feet...I asked a flight attendant to take her to my mom's seat behind us to be held in her lap with a child seatbelt. Really wish we have a car seat for the trip back.

Dd didn't cry at take off and landing when she was 8 months. I didn't give her a bottle or anything and she was absolutely fine. Dd didn't cry at landing but had a huge meltdown at take off- she was tired. I had to wake her very early so we wouldn't miss the flight. She fell asleep after the melt down but I'm 100% sure it was due to her exhaustion and not take off. She had the meltdown in my mother's lap (behind my seat) and the passenger next to me seemed heartbroken at how she was crying. I honestly felt he was sad for me and dd not angry or aggravated at his flight being disturbed. Ds however was quiet at both take off and landing.

stuffed animals and little books kept dd entertained after she woke up.

Thank you for sharing your experiences! We are bringing a car seat for DD, but for this particular trip, we did not purchase an extra seat to install it in.

 

[pansorie]

Can we check in stroller and car seat at the gate? I am travelling with my baby who will be 3 months old when we fly and I can't get a clear answer.

 

[Disneyfan88]

Can we check in stroller and car seat at the gate? I am travelling with my baby who will be 3 months old when we fly and I can't get a clear answer.

Yes - you can gate check both for free. Don't check them with your luggage as they are more likely to get damaged by the airport baggage handlers.

 

[SpringCrane]

We traveled with whatever car seat we were using at the time, or we rented one with the car rental. We never got a travel specific car seat.

I've never had trouble pre-boarding without baby... Just talk to the folks at the gate and fingers crossed they're nice and understanding