Bf'ing in an airplane... any tips?

[Itsychik]

I'm taking an 8-hour flight this weekend and am wondering how difficult it will be to bf in the plane? Aside from the fact that I do NOT NIP (I'm just not comfortable with it) I'm going to try using a cover... but I was just wondering it anyone had any tips about bf'ing in a plane in general?

Thanks!

 

[Kiddo]

Feed on take off and landing as it helps their wee ears not to get sore. Harvey was 13 months when we took him to Canada and he bf no problem on the plane. Nobody batted an eyelid and remember that plane seats are in rows so only the people sat directly next to you will be able to see anything.

When we took DS1 to Canada we were able to get a sky cot for him so ask for one when you check in - it was great as when LO fell asleep we just put him in there and didn't have to carry him for the whole flight. It didn't cost any extra.

 

[Blah11]

No one will care hun. I BFd my 2 and a half year old on the plane in June and no one even batted an eyelid. Most people thought she was just sleeping, heh.

 

[katnav]

I breastfed my LO on a plane when he was 9 weeks old. I use a poncho when feeding out in public so i just slipped it on. I was sat in the middle between my husband and a stranger. The bloke was asleep most of the time, he woke up once, looked at me, realised what i was doing and closed his eyes and went back to sleep. Like Kiddo said when in rows there are only a very limited number of people who can actually see you anyway.

 

[cheese lover]

I just got back from a couple 2 hour flights and we fed on take off and landing (if LO was awake). It worked perfectly! She slept most of the flight. I was seated in the window seat which was awesome because I could put my foot up so my knee would help support LO while feeding.

 

[TigerLady]

I've done it loads at several ages -- 7 weeks, 1 yr, 2 yrs. No one even blinked. Even when I was sitting next to middle aged men who were strangers to me. I just wore clothes that revealed as little as possible (cami under, shirt over to pull up) so only my nipple plus a little peeked out. Sometimes I covered the kids with a blanket, but not always. Having a small pillow to place under your arm that is holding their head can help for support and comfort.

 

[WhiteDove]

I covered my baby with my scarf
I sat in the middle, no one took the seat from the window coz they saw I have a baby so I had extra space! this way I was able to put him on both boobs and he had space for his legs
it took me a few min to put the child seat belt so that it would not make him unconfortable, I didn't took it out the whole flight, I felt more secure this way
you will do great, don't worry

 

[LogansMama]

I BF my son on the plane when he was about a year old. Nobody could see except the MAN right next to me - but he kindly looked the other way. And I covered up as best as I could.

Try to get the window seat if you can... it will give you more privacy... and if you are traveling with any other Loved ones, have them sit beside you so it will even be harder for anyone else to see.

Honestly - people would rather you pop a boob in the wee ones mouth than listen to them scream the whole way.

It will be fine.

 

[Foogirl]

I would agree with those who say no-one will probably notice. And if they do - so what? I never had any problems NIP.

But, if you are very concerned and really don't want to do it next to a complete stranger, you could always ask the flight attendants if you can move seats if there are any rows which are emptier or use their crew quarters if there are any on the flight.

 

[LockandKey]

I just got back from vacation where I spent about 14hrs on a plane. I sat near the window and had DH sit beside me, I also brought my cover. DD slept the entire time except when she was hungry. Oh and have your LO nurse during take off and landing, the swallowing will help with the ear popping

 

[popat]

We had to do a 7 hour flight when LO was 6 weeks old. Luckily we had the four front seats to ourselves but there was still a constant stream of people walking up and down the aisles. At the beginning I tried to cover up, by the end of it, I honestly didn't care. The air hostesses/stewards were really lovely about it too.

I think a Window seat would definitely offer you some privacy but then you wont be able to have the air cot thingy (which we found really useful as he slept for most of it).