Flying with a 4 month old child

Rachel - posted on 04/29/2010

I flew with my son when he was 2 weeks old, I agree with the other ladies, that the airline staff will be more than accomodating and helpful. Checking the carseat is a fantastic idea since you will be holding him during the flight you will both be ready for him to sit in his seat for a while during a lay over or flight change. We had several flights and my son didn't take a bottle or binky with every take off which worried me at first, but didn't seem to bother him at all. The pre-mixed enfamil bottles that you just screw a nipple on were very helpful to have, you don't have to worry about getting a bottle ready or taking formula on the plane, just put some in your carry on (although they will inspect each one at the gate, still worth it).

Aimee - posted on 04/29/2010

I took mine oldest on a plane when she was 2 months old and again when she was 18 months but she has ear problems (needed tubes later) and was very sensitive to the pressure change when taking off and landing. I made sure she was eating (sucking on breast or bottle) when taking off and landing since her ears were so sensitive to the pressure change. Each child is different of how the pressure will effect them. I also made sure I had enough diapers, food, and drink incase my plane was late taking off and I had to wait around the airport after I checked my bags. I did not take too many toys just a couple of old ones and a couple of new ones. She did great. I agree with the don't pack to much and keep your stroller until you get to the gate. If the plane is not full they will often let you take your car seat on the plane with you and use an empty seat. If it is full you can check it at the gate with your stroller. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

Kristin - posted on 04/28/2010

I agree with Lisa, don't take as much stuff as you want too!! A couple of favoorites is all. Having your child sucking can help keep their ears open. I traveled with all my children at different infant ages and they all did well. I did have my doc. tell me to enjoy a glass of wine b4 I b/fed so they would sleep the whole way. I only did that for an afternoon flight that was off our schedule. Take his car seat if possible ( if they have their own seat) and stroller. You can check the stroller at the gate.The flight attendants were very helpful.

Kelly - posted on 04/28/2010

I will say this....I had a fast nurser so I timed it wrong and he was all done by the time we took off : ) After taxi'ing and waiting...however he did not seem bothered and I don't think it is as much of an issue landing as it is taking off. I wouldn't wake a sleeping child as they will not be bothered.

*Lisa* - posted on 04/28/2010

I took my son on a 10 hour plane flight when he was 4 weeks old. The only thing I recommend (apart from making sure that the airline company knows you are bringing a 4 month old and need to be seated at the front section of the plane) is to pack light. You probably won't need half the things you think you will need. I had too much stuff with me and it was annoying! Also, the flight attendants were really good on my flight and it really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Although, there is a bit of a difference between a 4week and 4 month old. As for making sure your baby is sucking on something while taking off and landing, the flight attendants on my flight said it doesn't really matter at all which was interesting. I was panicking a little coz my boy was still asleep and wouldn't take the dummy or anything while taking off and the flight attendant said it's not a problem. That being said, I have heard lots of people say baby should be sucking on something. So good luck! Hopefully you can enjoy the flight :)