Flying with newborn

iqwedding3

Hey folks,
So DH and I just got married a year ago, and the plan had been to have a celebration at my parents place this summer so we didn't ask 100 more distant relatives there to come all the way here for the wedding.  I'm due in May (obviously, I'm on the board ).  It's maybe 1-1.5 hour flight, but it's international.  I want to wait until she gets her first set of shots and she'll need a passport, so maybe visit at 2-3 months.  Has anyone flown with a newborn, any thoughts/advice on this?

Thanks!

Xath

We did a 2 hour flight each way when DS1 was 7 weeks old, with the approval of his pediatrician. It was super easy; I nursed him for take off and landing and he slept for the rest of the flights. We flew 11+ times in his first year and the tinier he was, the easier it was.

Make sure your Ped knows about the international destination. Your LO may require additional vaccines depending on where you're going. Bring your shot records with you. Also, you and your husband will both need to go full out the passport application together, or they will require a notarized authorization from the parent who isn't there. Same with taking LO out of the country; if you and your spouse aren't both going, make sure you have a notarized letter.

rainydayluck

We flew with DD when she was about 3 months old. It was pretty uneventful. Like PPs said, feed at take off and landing. Bring changes of clothes for baby and yourself.

MamaCheez

Same here, we flew to chicago from RI when the girls were very young and like a pp said, the younger they are, the easier. at least in my case. It was when they were more alert and curious that the real 'fun' begain! Good luck!

iqwedding3

It's not anywhere exotic, so vaccines etc shouldn't be an issue, just hopping over the border to Canada.

I'm thinking to make an extended visit because I'll still be on leave, so DH won't be with me on the way there.  Anyone know what exactly I need to show to avoid kidnapping suspicions?  DH is Chinese and I'm not, chances are DD is not going to look a whole lot like me.

Thanks for the advice, I was hoping that travelling that young meant she would be able to sleep most of the time!  Will have to remember to BF as suggested.

Junebug060609

I glee cross country with DS at about 10 weeks. Feed during take off and landing. Bring extra clothes for all of you. Bring more diapers than you think you will use in a day.

If you are nursing that will lessen the kidnapping suspicions Bring an official birth cert if you want to have proof.

At the time I was wicked stressed about it, but in hindsight its the easiest flight we have ever had with him.

iqwedding3

Junebug060609 said:

I glee cross country with DS at about 10 weeks. Feed during take off and landing. Bring extra clothes for all of you. Bring more diapers than you think you will use in a day. If you are nursing that will lessen the kidnapping suspicions Bring an official birth cert if you want to have proof. At the time I was wicked stressed about it, but in hindsight its the easiest flight we have ever had with him.

The problem isn't just about kidnapping someone else's child, it's kidnapping your own child.  I just figure that having a kid that looks different would make people even more suspicious   Oh, and then she'll be American and neither of us are as well   Passport, notarized letter and birth certificate are probably key.

Xath

Yep, the 3 you listed above.

raebee18

I'd call the airline ahead of time to make sure what all you need to bring. I know we have to get a passport for LO as soon as she's born to ensure we get it on time. I would hate to be surprised at the gate. I'm in a wedding August 2nd in the Bahamas and I'll be taking my newborn luckily I will have both my husband and my parents with me so I'll have tons of help. The one thing other parents have warned me about is bring extra everything in your carry on. If there's a flight delay or you get stuck somewhere it can be hard to go about obtaining diapers or a place to wash things up.

iqwedding3

raebee18 said:

I'd call the airline ahead of time to make sure what all you need to bring. I know we have to get a passport for LO as soon as she's born to ensure we get it on time. I would hate to be surprised at the gate. I'm in a wedding August 2nd in the Bahamas and I'll be taking my newborn luckily I will have both my husband and my parents with me so I'll have tons of help. The one thing other parents have warned me about is bring extra everything in your carry on. If there's a flight delay or you get stuck somewhere it can be hard to go about obtaining diapers or a place to wash things up.

We definitely need a passport, the extra everything is a good note.  We won't have any connections, but if the flight gets delayed or whatever and we're stuck in the gate area...  Ick.  Should be superfun given that I'll have baby AND carryons to lug around!

spinsoffresonance

We flew a lot with DD in her first year. First trips she was 3-4months old. Took a 2 hour flight to Chicago then a few weeks later a 12 hour connecting flight to Europe. It is super easy at that age, DD slept the whole flight. You just want to make sure LO is sucking/eating during take off and landing. I usually bring 3 changes of clothes for DD, a few blankets and lots wipes and diapers in my carry-on. I like to travel with DD in footed pajamas, keeps her warm in the freezing AC and makes easy diaper changes. If we travel with the carseat we gate-check it, although some people say you shouldn't even do that and should buy a seat on the plane for it. I like to wear DD at the airport rather than use the stroller it makes going through security and boarding much easier.

I have flown with DD half a dozen times to/from Europe. DH is usually with us only one-way. I have never been asked for a letter from him certifying that I'm allowed to take DD. it never even crossed my mind to have him write one, not that it would hurt to have it. Only once was I asked for her birth certificate (connecting in Germany) because we have different last names (also different nationalities). I didn't have it but they let me through anyways and didn't seem to care that much.

Be prepared for your LO to get sick after flying. I don't know what others experiences were but for us every single time we put DD on a plane in the first year she got really sick with high fevers lasting 3-5 days. And she's been in daycare since 6 weeks old, so it's not like she's not used to being around germs!

Xath

Also, if you do check your car seat, make sure you write your contact info on it, and make sure you check the tag when you pick it up.  I checked the seat on a trip to Detroit, and it turns out that someone else on the flight had the exact same seat model/color, only theirs was 5 years older.  When I picked up my seat at baggage claim, I just thought it had gotten really dirty.  I didn't know I had the wrong seat for 4 days until my mom was removing the tag from the handle and realized the address listed was from TX.  

Fortunately, we were able to contact the other people (who were already back at home) and the airline handled everything.  They got me my seat back from Texas the night we landed back at home, and it all turned out fine.  

Also, if you end up getting a loaner or a rental seat from the airline or rental car agency, make sure you check the expiration date.  The airline originally wanted to loan me a car seat that had been expired for 6 years.  They said they had no idea that seats expire.  

usernewname

If DH is flying with you should be fine crossing into Canada, if not … get him to write a letter stating he's allowing you out of the country with the baby. So no one thinks your running and just keep it with your passport in case … that's how it goes in Canada.

I know in Canada you can cross the border into the US via land you don't need a passport, not sure if your flying to a border city, but it would save the hassle of getting a passport and just drive over. Not sure if its the same for the US coming into Canada though.

rainbowsockmonkey

It's recommended to buy a ticket for your child and have the carseat in a seat.  When they get checked, they could get damaged, and it might be something that you can't even see.  Also, any amount of turbulence could cause your baby to become a projectile while in your arms.  The safest place for an infant when flying is strapped in a carseat.  

rainydayluck

I just wanted to throw it out there that you can plane side check your car seat and/or stroller for free. If you are worried about the car seat getting banged around if you baggage check it, it should get thrown less with plane side check.

spacepotatoes

florassecret said:

If DH is flying with you should be fine crossing into Canada, if not … get him to write a letter stating he's allowing you out of the country with the baby. So no one thinks your running and just keep it with your passport in case … that's how it goes in Canada.

I know in Canada you can cross the border into the US via land you don't need a passport, not sure if your flying to a border city, but it would save the hassle of getting a passport and just drive over. Not sure if its the same for the US coming into Canada though.

@florassecret The bolded has not been true for at least 2 years, if not more. You need a passport to go between the US and Canada regardless of how you're entering.

ETA: https://passport.gc.ca/planification/occident.aspx

Lizmullen

spacepotatoes said:

florassecret said:

If DH is flying with you should be fine crossing into Canada, if not … get him to write a letter stating he's allowing you out of the country with the baby. So no one thinks your running and just keep it with your passport in case … that's how it goes in Canada.

I know in Canada you can cross the border into the US via land you don't need a passport, not sure if your flying to a border city, but it would save the hassle of getting a passport and just drive over. Not sure if its the same for the US coming into Canada though.

@florassecret The bolded has not been true for at least 2 years, if not more. You need a passport to go between the US and Canada regardless of how you're entering.

ETA: https://passport.gc.ca/planification/occident.aspx


Edited for quote fail...

Depends where you live. As a Washington resident I have an enhanced drivers license and can land travel to Canada without a passport.

spacepotatoes

Lizmullen said:

florassecret said:

If DH is flying with you should be fine crossing into Canada, if not … get him to write a letter stating he's allowing you out of the country with the baby. So no one thinks your running and just keep it with your passport in case … that's how it goes in Canada.

I know in Canada you can cross the border into the US via land you don't need a passport, not sure if your flying to a border city, but it would save the hassle of getting a passport and just drive over. Not sure if its the same for the US coming into Canada though.

@florassecret The bolded has not been true for at least 2 years, if not more. You need a passport to go between the US and Canada regardless of how you're entering.

ETA: https://passport.gc.ca/planification/occident.aspx

Edited for quote fail... Depends where you live. As a Washington resident I have an enhanced drivers license and can land travel to Canada without a passport.

True, if you are a US citizen there are some exceptions like that. And there's NEXUS for frequent travelers. But it sounds like both the OP and her husband are Canadian citizens so they will definitely need passports. We don't have any alternatives besides NEXUS.

[That's for land crossing only. For anything else, all passport, all the time.]

usernewname

spacepotatoes said:

Lizmullen said:

florassecret said:

If DH is flying with you should be fine crossing into Canada, if not … get him to write a letter stating he's allowing you out of the country with the baby. So no one thinks your running and just keep it with your passport in case … that's how it goes in Canada.

I know in Canada you can cross the border into the US via land you don't need a passport, not sure if your flying to a border city, but it would save the hassle of getting a passport and just drive over. Not sure if its the same for the US coming into Canada though.

@florassecret The bolded has not been true for at least 2 years, if not more. You need a passport to go between the US and Canada regardless of how you're entering.

ETA: https://passport.gc.ca/planification/occident.aspx

Edited for quote fail... Depends where you live. As a Washington resident I have an enhanced drivers license and can land travel to Canada without a passport.

True, if you are a US citizen there are some exceptions like that. And there's NEXUS for frequent travelers. But it sounds like both the OP and her husband are Canadian citizens so they will definitely need passports. We don't have any alternatives besides NEXUS.

[That's for land crossing only. For anything else, all passport, all the time.]

I wasn't sure how it worked in the US, I knew how it did for Canada. I was hoping it was similar to make it easy for OP. Drat.

Xath

florassecret said:

spacepotatoes said:

Lizmullen said:

spacepotatoes said:

florassecret said:

If DH is flying with you should be fine crossing into Canada, if not … get him to write a letter stating he's allowing you out of the country with the baby. So no one thinks your running and just keep it with your passport in case … that's how it goes in Canada.

I know in Canada you can cross the border into the US via land you don't need a passport, not sure if your flying to a border city, but it would save the hassle of getting a passport and just drive over. Not sure if its the same for the US coming into Canada though.

@florassecret The bolded has not been true for at least 2 years, if not more. You need a passport to go between the US and Canada regardless of how you're entering.

ETA: https://passport.gc.ca/planification/occident.aspx

Edited for quote fail...

Depends where you live. As a Washington resident I have an enhanced drivers license and can land travel to Canada without a passport.

True, if you are a US citizen there are some exceptions like that. And there's NEXUS for frequent travelers. But it sounds like both the OP and her husband are Canadian citizens so they will definitely need passports. We don't have any alternatives besides NEXUS.

[That's for land crossing only. For anything else, all passport, all the time.]



I wasn't sure how it worked in the US, I knew how it did for Canada. I was hoping it was similar to make it easy for OP. Drat.

I believe you can also get the passport card as a US cit to travel to Canada, but I never really understood it since you need to acquire a passport before you can get a passport card.

iqwedding3

florassecret said:

If DH is flying with you should be fine crossing into Canada, if not … get him to write a letter stating he's allowing you out of the country with the baby. So no one thinks your running and just keep it with your passport in case … that's how it goes in Canada.

I know in Canada you can cross the border into the US via land you don't need a passport, not sure if your flying to a border city, but it would save the hassle of getting a passport and just drive over. Not sure if its the same for the US coming into Canada though.

Yeah, pretty sure this hasn't been allowed since 9/11 security stuff went through, mid 2000's, you must have a lucky border crossing!  When I first came to the US I didn't even need a passport for my student visa, life was so much simpler   I doubt we'll have time to do the NEXUS thing after she's born and before the trip, though I'm eager too since DH just got his green card.

iqwedding3

lica001 said:

We flew a lot with DD in her first year. First trips she was 3-4months old. Took a 2 hour flight to Chicago then a few weeks later a 12 hour connecting flight to Europe. It is super easy at that age, DD slept the whole flight. You just want to make sure LO is sucking/eating during take off and landing. I usually bring 3 changes of clothes for DD, a few blankets and lots wipes and diapers in my carry-on. I like to travel with DD in footed pajamas, keeps her warm in the freezing AC and makes easy diaper changes. If we travel with the carseat we gate-check it, although some people say you shouldn't even do that and should buy a seat on the plane for it. I like to wear DD at the airport rather than use the stroller it makes going through security and boarding much easier.
I have flown with DD half a dozen times to/from Europe. DH is usually with us only one-way. I have never been asked for a letter from him certifying that I'm allowed to take DD. it never even crossed my mind to have him write one, not that it would hurt to have it. Only once was I asked for her birth certificate (connecting in Germany) because we have different last names (also different nationalities). I didn't have it but they let me through anyways and didn't seem to care that much.
Be prepared for your LO to get sick after flying. I don't know what others experiences were but for us every single time we put DD on a plane in the first year she got really sick with high fevers lasting 3-5 days. And she's been in daycare since 6 weeks old, so it's not like she's not used to being around germs!

That would suck, for a 1 week trip?  Was it an illness or maybe a reaction to flying?  I was hoping that waiting until her immune system is back up and running and doing my best to make sure she doesn't touch anything or anyone would be good enough

iqwedding3

rainydayluck said:

I just wanted to throw it out there that you can plane side check your car seat and/or stroller for free. If you are worried about the car seat getting banged around if you baggage check it, it should get thrown less with plane side check.

Good to know.  However for international travel (yes Canada counts ) I think we're required to get a seat for DD, however it's super discounted.  So she'll get her own seat with the car seat.

Xath

iqwedding3 said:

rainydayluck said:

I just wanted to throw it out there that you can plane side check your car seat and/or stroller for free. If you are worried about the car seat getting banged around if you baggage check it, it should get thrown less with plane side check.

Good to know.  However for international travel (yes Canada counts ) I think we're required to get a seat for DD, however it's super discounted.  So she'll get her own seat with the car seat.

That reminds me.  Some international airlines have newborn bassinets.  If you call the airline when you book your ticket, ask them for a bassinet seat.  What happens is you'll sit by a bulkhead, and the bassinet attaches to the bulkhead so baby can lay flat in front of you.  Not all airlines have it, but I've seen them more on international flights.  

fyafighterwife86

^^
We always bring a travel size bottle of Lysol spray and completely sanitize all of our surrounding areas before we put anything down or touch ANYTHING. Planes are seriously disgusting and I wouldn't take any risks.

rainydayluck

iqwedding3 said:

rainydayluck said:

I just wanted to throw it out there that you can plane side check your car seat and/or stroller for free. If you are worried about the car seat getting banged around if you baggage check it, it should get thrown less with plane side check.

Good to know.  However for international travel (yes Canada counts ) I think we're required to get a seat for DD, however it's super discounted.  So she'll get her own seat with the car seat.



Oh, an international flight. Gotcha. We flew to Japan and even though she was an infant in arms, we still had to pay 10% of the regular fare. I think it's still full price if you buy a seat.

iqwedding3

gertiebarden said:

iqwedding3 said:

rainydayluck said:

I just wanted to throw it out there that you can plane side check your car seat and/or stroller for free. If you are worried about the car seat getting banged around if you baggage check it, it should get thrown less with plane side check.

Good to know.  However for international travel (yes Canada counts ) I think we're required to get a seat for DD, however it's super discounted.  So she'll get her own seat with the car seat.

That reminds me.  Some international airlines have newborn bassinets.  If you call the airline when you book your ticket, ask them for a bassinet seat.  What happens is you'll sit by a bulkhead, and the bassinet attaches to the bulkhead so baby can lay flat in front of you.  Not all airlines have it, but I've seen them more on international flights.  

Nice, that would be great to have.

iqwedding3

fyafighterwife86 said:

^^ We always bring a travel size bottle of Lysol spray and completely sanitize all of our surrounding areas before we put anything down or touch ANYTHING. Planes are seriously disgusting and I wouldn't take any risks.

Blech.  Good thinking.  Will remember!

iqwedding3

rainydayluck said:

rainydayluck said:

I just wanted to throw it out there that you can plane side check your car seat and/or stroller for free. If you are worried about the car seat getting banged around if you baggage check it, it should get thrown less with plane side check.

Good to know.  However for international travel (yes Canada counts ) I think we're required to get a seat for DD, however it's super discounted.  So she'll get her own seat with the car seat.

Oh, an international flight. Gotcha. We flew to Japan and even though she was an infant in arms, we still had to pay 10% of the regular fare. I think it's still full price if you buy a seat.

I was looking at United (we have many miles).  They don't charge you for the extra seat, but they give you one, I believe.  Between the breastfeeding and diaper changes, sucks to be the 3rd person in my row...  Would a pacifier work just as well during takeoff/landing?