Flying

hbird0723

I know some of you have flown with your LO. Any advice. I know someone has posted something about flying but wanted to see if those that have now flown have some advice too. She will be 3 months exactly when we fly. I'm so nervous!

Lbarron915

I was so nervous too! I flew when my son was 11 weeks. I actually got a flight that departed right at his normal feeding time, so he was sleeping while I was doing all the security stuff, and he woke to eat right as we were taking off. Then he fell back asleep for the rest of the short (2 hour) flight! 

I would recommend having something for him to suck on (bottle, you, pacifier) for takeoff and landing. I wore him in my carrier too, and I think that may have helped him feel secure. 

Also, for security, they will have to test any liquids (I brought formula and water in a bottle, because I wasn't sure) so make sure that you have them ready to take out and not at the bottom of your bag like me! 

Good luck!

Oh, and if you wear your kid through security, it actually goes pretty quick! They just swipe your hands for residue, but that's it!

yepyepsms

Everything pp said!

I was originally going to bring the stroller but ended up just wearing her and brought the diaper bag as my carry on and put my purse type things (wallet, keys, etc) in the diaper bag so I only had one thing to carry. So glad I didn't bring the stroller. It was so much easier without. Also I was surprised how nice and friendly everyone was. I felt like I got the royal treatment from everyone! I was by myself so maybe that helped too. My daughter cried for parts of each flight (we had two each way with a layover) but no one was rude at all.

Also if you can pick your seat get an aisle seat! I did this because I knew my daughter likes to be standing and bouncing so that way it was easier to stand with her when they turned off the seatbelt sign and also easier to get up for a diaper change.

I was so glad I bought a big water to bring on the plane. I breastfeed and am normally pretty thirsty but flying made me absolutely parched. I chugged water on each flight. Had to drink way more than normal to be hydrated.

Don't forget a good blanket to cover her on the cold plane or to make a nice comfy way for her to lay down if she sleeps on your lap. Also a nursing cover if u nurse and don't feel comfy being that close to someone on a plane with no cover.

Good luck!

hbird0723

Thank you! Love all the advice! I will bring my carrier for sure and nursing cover. It doesn't really bother me but I know it bothers others so I'll wear it. She hates it though so if she gives me too much trouble I might just cover enough for everyone's comfort I got a night flight hoping she would sleep but now I'm worried she'll be overtired if she doesn't go to sleep.

Junebug060609

If you do a stroller, you can gate check it (they are useful with older babies and toddlers in airports, or if you have lots to carry at this age). I also never travel without Tylenol. Have had either the drug or the dropper come in handy at 30,000ft more than once.

I'd recommend a "go bag". Basically a little ziplock or something like it with wipes, diapers and a change of clothes for baby. They inevitably have blow outs at the worst possible time and having the ability to grab that and run for the lavatory helps. Don't forget a ziplock to put the spent clothes in. And a spare shirt for you.

spinsoffresonance

Fly JetBlue!! They are so nice, more than once the flight attendants have asked me if I needed them to hold the baby so I could go to the bathroom. They also let you stand in the back if you need to rock the baby. United sucks, they kicked us out of the back, and they don't have priority boarding for infants anymore. And they don't always have changing tables.

Check all your luggage and only carry on the diaper bag. Bring 2-3 changes of clothes and blankets. Twice as many diapers as you think you need. I much prefer to babywear and not bring a stroller at all if that works for you. Otherwise, You can gate check infant carseat and stroller/snap n go.

Breastfeed/give a bottle/ suck on pacifier during takeoff and landing to minimize ear pain with the pressure change. At this age DD1 was really easy to travel with, she always slept, airplanes are giant white noise machines. However, she also always got really sick after flying, too many germs on airplane. So good to bring Tylenol and your pedi's phone number!

gutsysneakers

Like PPs have said, use a baby carrier. I felt much more confident having DD in the Ergo. My sister flew with us so she was a big help too. I boarded last instead of first since it was less time with DD potentially getting fussy on the plane. I nursed her during take off and had the paci handy during the flight. I took the window seat so I had more privacy when I nursed. Also, practice changing the diaper on your lap. I changed DD's diaper on my lap twice. Both were pee otherwise I probably would have used the restroom on the plane. It's super easy once you practice.

I brought DD's birth certificate but didn't need it at all. I know each air line is different so you may want to check into it, if it's a domestic flight. Good luck!