Flying with baby - need advice!

[haleiwamama]

Hi ladies,

What are some of your tricks when flying with a baby? How do you keep the baby from getting scared (my baby scares easily)? How do you keep him entertained? What do you bring with you on the plane, other than your regular diaper bag stuff? He's only 4 months old and hes my first baby.

Im not a fan of meds but I think I want to bring something just in case its really out of control... any suggestion?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

I flew with DD by myself when she was 3 1/2 months. Babywearing saved the day; I just strapped her on my chest so I had my hands free. Make sure to pack extras of necessary items like diapers/formula (if needed)/etc just in case there's a delay. I didn't really bring anything extra on the plane since I had my hands full with her. I recommend a rolling suitcase if you're not going to have help - they're much easier to manage!

DD didn't have a problem with the planes and slept through most of the flights. You might want to bring something for your baby to suck on during take off and landing just in case the change in pressure bothers them.

 

[pansorie]

We are getting ready to fly cross country with our LO, who will be 3 1/2 months. We were told to bring something she can suck on to help with equalizing the pressure in her ears. We are also planning on having her strapped to SO's chest, as she is most comforted when she is clinging to one of us.

I think my baby is too young to be aware of what is going on, and from having spoken with a few others it sounds like they usually sleep through the flights.

 

[SpringCrane]

I've flown quite a bit with my little guy, and we've had nothing but good experiences. Airplanes are like giant sleep machines... the white noise and gentle motion are perfect. Definitely let the baby nurse, feed, or suck on a paci during take off and landing.

I always fly with spare ear plugs for nearby passengers, as it makes me feel better to think I'll have something to offer people if we have trouble, but my son has never really fussed on a plane. Definitely pack more wipes/diapers than you think you'll need--extra clothes, too. I'd recommend wiping down the armrests and tray tables with antibacterial wipes as planes can by pretty germy.

If you plan to babywear, make sure whatever you use is comfortable to sit down with (no ill-placed knots or buckles). We always fly with an extra pillow, too, to cover armrests that might not go up or just add extra padding.

I always bring along baby painkiller (whatever is appropriate at his current age), but never used it. I know my mom used to drug us with benadryl, but that was because we got really motion sick and she wanted us asleep rather than throwing up (can't recommend this course of action, just saying!)

If you're nursing, make sure you drink tons of water. Flying can make you dehydrated. I don't recall what entertained my 4 month old... but I'm sure whatever works at home will work on the plane (especially if it's a "new" something borrowed from a friend so it's extra exciting).

Make sure you get yourself set up with everything you might want to access within reach before getting stuck with a snoozing baby. Nearly all the flight attendants I've flown with have been super eager to help out, so I wouldn't be afraid to ask for anything you might need. Same goes for airport security.

Have fun and good luck! I'm like a little kid--I love going on airplanes and taking trips. I get so excited!