Flying to Vegas ... Anyone with a 4 month old took a flight? Few Q's..

firstkid

Hi...so, we are all tired ( parents and grand parents) taking care of our newborn first child and we want to fly to Vegas for a break. I am curious to know.. 1. How you all manage to bathe ur child without the tub ( since we would be staying at a hotel) 2. I am currently pumping before every feed ( as I do not have enough supply) . How can I manage.. LO doesn't take formula much( 1-2oz). 3. I am OCD and terrified about hotels having bed bugs... (No matter if it's even a 5 starer). Should my baby be sleeping on bed any alternatives? 4. How do I hop in and off taxis.. Take care seat? Also on flight? . Do you think I can manage with my baby bjorn carrier?

melaport

1 - put the baby in the shower with one of you and have the other help. 2-I don't quite understand the concern or why you would be pumping before each feeding - maybe someone on the breastfeeding board can better help. 3-bring your own crib sheets. 4-I believe unless you are in a bus a car seat is required for a 4 month old. It is recommended for flight nut not required. As far as the carrier that depends on how well your baby tolerates it and your conditioning and fitness level.

ASmallWonder

On the last point - your baby absolutely needs to be in a car seat in a taxi.  Practice at home doing baseless installs so you're ready.  You should already have the car seat with you because baby needs to have his/her own seat on the plane and be in the car seat any time the fasten seatbelt sign is on, just like all the all travelers.

ASmallWonder

The reason people feel strongly about car seats on planes is two fold.  One, once you check the seat (as baggage or gate check) it now has an unknown history.  There are YouTube videos of seats literally being dropped to the tarmac from atop staircases.  It can be damaged in ways you can't see.  Two, the risk of an in flight major incident is low, yes.  But turbulence is very common and can be very severe and our human arms just aren't meant to hold a child under such force.  Runway accidents, which are more common than in-flight accidents) involve a plane traveling at significantly higher speeds than any car, yet wouldn't even risk driving a short distance in a car without our kids in seats.  The FAA, though they don't prohibit lap babies, actually acknowledges that a car seat is the preferred and safest way for a child to travel.