Traveling with Baby

Kelin - posted on 02/16/2009

I flew with my daughter when she was 3 months old, from CA to NY. It was a bit of a nightmare, but more due to the airline. We took Jet Blue and I fully expected to keep her in my lap the whole time. Another couple had a 6 month old and they boarded with his car seat. When I asked them if they booked a seat for their child, however, they replied that they didn't, the airline advised them to book the husband and the window seat and the wife in the aisle seat - leaving the middle seat open. That way, it would be easier to move another passenger to a different middle seat. My husband and I were booked window and middle seat so we had an aisle seat mate on every flight. I wouldn't have minded so much if I had gotten the same advice as the other couple I would suggest booking window, aisle if it's a 3-across plane, or if haven't booked yet, I hear that Virgin actually has a bassinet fold out on the bulkhead seats that you can use.

Otherwise, bring bottles and a pacifier so he has something to suck on to pop his ears. The great thing about airlines is that they let you bring the stroller right up to the gate and gate check it. Also, you can bring a diaper bag in addition to your two carry-ons. I couldn't breast feed so I brought these pre-mix formula bottles of Enfamil - you just screw a nipple on and ready to eat. The airlines let you bring over 3oz of formula or breast milk. Ironically, flying through the major airports was no problem, but this tiny airport in my mother-in-law's town had to swab the bottles (mine were 6 oz) to check the contents.

At the bigger airports, check the security lines for a "family" line - it's a little less stressful. You have to break down the stroller and put it through the x-ray machine. With that, our shoes, diaper bags, baby in tow, etc., it's just easier.

There are changing tables in airline rest rooms - and it's a tiny space but my 6ft tall husband managed to change her in there twice!

For my daughter, I found the only thing that distracted her was a toy that lit up and played music. I'm sure the rest of the airline wanted to kill me, but it was better than listening to her scream!

Good luck!

Bethany - posted on 02/16/2009

List of things I always take:



*pacifier - sucking really helps pop babies' ears during take off and landing. Don't bank on nursing or a bottle... what if he isn't hungry?! My daughter never took a binkie, but I gave her one a week before the trip

*baby carrier or sling - since we could never afford to put my daughter in her own seat with a carseat (which is safest), I always bring one of these to keep her in, especially to hold her securely during take-off and landing. Three flights I had no problem. On one the flight attendant said I couldn't use it and had to keep the baby loose in my arms. It will just depend on what flight you take.

*an extra bottle of pumped breastmilk - just in case she was having a hard time, got frustrated with nursing, or just needed comfort. I usually don't feed just for comfort, but flying can be a harrowing experience for a little one.

*a blanket - planes can be cold and I don't trust plane blankets to be clean.

*quiet toys or books



My daughter always did really well, but never slept much during the flight. It was hard work to keep her entertained sometimes. But, if you're apologetic for his crying, and friendly to people sitting around you, things will be a lot easier. During one flight the elderly lady next to me played with my baby girl almost the entire flight, and kept her happy. At two months, nursing and a comforting place to sleep will probably help a lot! Again, the biggest thing for me, was comfort backup! If she didn't want to nurse, I had a bottle. If she didn't want to eat at all, I had a pacifier.