Have you flown with an infant

Kristal - posted on 01/07/2010

my daughter was 4 mnths old on her first flight, and 10 mnths when I flew alone with her. Bring your sling, it will help to keep baby comfortable. I nursed on takeoff and landing and brought along snacks to keep her occupied when she was older. She slept through most of the traveling.

Erynne - posted on 01/07/2010

We went flying at the beginning of Dec with our (then) 8-month-old son. He was happiest sitting in a lap while in the air. He played with his toys (some) and nursed (some) and slept (some). It was much less stressful than I'd anticipated.

We did gate-check his carseat, and he was very content to bounce in my lap or in his daddy's lap, look out the windows, peek over the backs of our seats to look at the people behind us, etc.

I second wearing your baby in the airport. It is so, SO much easier to get around if you have your hands free to hold things. And not having to try and manage a stroller along with all the other things we had with us made it much better.

- E

Elizabeth - posted on 01/04/2010

If you can request a bulkhead seat because you can get a bassinet from some airlines. These make it easier for you to move around. I don't know how long your flight is but its nice to be able to find a comfortable position. Always ask if there is a seat open next to you when you board so that there is a possiblity that you may be able to buckle your little one in. This is much safer for baby. Bring snack and favorite toys on the plane and lots of hand sanitizer.

Jenine - posted on 12/06/2009

My daughter (14 months) has flown twice now - once when she was 6 months old and this last time a week ago. I agree that breastfeeding on take-off and landing is a must, though most babies' ear canals do not "pop" until they are two or so (structurally different from older kids/adults). I also highly recommend wearing the baby during transitions (boarding, deplaning, waiting for baggage, etc.) This last time we flew I did bring her stroller and I was glad of it - it was fine, I just checked it at the gate. But she still loved being in the sling more than in the stroller. I highly recommend small, light toys or books, and food (if your baby eats solids, puffed rice or cherios or whatever dry cereal is great, easily packed and kept my daughter occupied, also bananas are great). It isn't as scary as it seems - the airport personnel are very accommodating. Just give yourself a little extra time so you don't have to rush - security may take longer b/c they have to go through the diaper bag and test food/bottles (even water). Good luck!

Lucy - posted on 11/23/2009

We flew with my son when he was 4 months. I did nurse him on take off and landing, but he cried regarless on the flight home landing. Other passengers were very understanding though.
Make sure to stock your diaper bag well- it doesn't count as carry on.
We took my son in his car seat, because I was too paranoid to check it. You can check it planeside if you want.

Kirsten - posted on 11/23/2009

I flew with my 1 year old on a 7 hour flight. It wasnt that bad actually. We decided not to use a stroller and carrier our son on our backs - that way we could move more quickly to catch our connecting flight. Also easier to deal with any luggage that way. We also timed the long flight to coincide with his bedtime (we had an overnight flight). We gave him a bottle when we were taking off (helped with his ears popping) and he fell asleep almost immediately.

Erin - posted on 11/20/2009

I flew with my daughter when she was 5 mos and also nursed while taking off and landing. She slept most of the time due to the noise of the plane. I would also suggest wearing your baby in the airport while you won't have to worry about a stroller and you'll have your hands free.

Cassie - posted on 11/13/2009

I flew with my son when he was 1 month, 4 months, and 8 months. He only got better with every trip. I made sure to nurse him on take off and landing to keep his ears from popping. And brought a few toys for any layovers. It was so much better than any long trip in the car we've had to take.