Tips to traveling with baby

mcdoug211

I'll be going home to visit family when she's about 2.5 months..this will be first time out of the house for more then a couple hours alone so I'm freaking lol. Any tips or tricks with for going through airport security, sitting around and keeping her happy on the plane is much appreciate!:)))

maiatene

I have flown with my kids several times and the best advice I can give is:
- book a direct flight during non-peak times so lines and contact with other travelers is minimal
- if you can afford it get upgrades for bigger/reserved seats so you have the extra room
- book an aisle seat. If you have to use the bathroom you don't have to climb over sleeping people
- Check everything and only carry-on a small shoulder bag with everything in your baby bag and change of clothes for you
- If you don't have a baby wearing carrier (ergo, solly, baby bjorn) get one because you will need your hands free... plus it's easier to maneuver thru lines and such
- Use the restroom and change the baby before you get on the plane

I recently flew to Florida from NYC (3 hours) with a toddler and a 6 week old on a Wednesday afternoon and the airport was a ghost town. I did curbside check-in and breezed thru the security line because the airport was so empty, however if it is crowded most airports take mums with kids as priority so you won't wait in the line very long if at all. Most airlines board children first so I boarded early so we could get settled in our seats with minimal disruption. Because I have my toddler I booked center and window seats so he can look out during take off and landing, but if I were alone I would've booked an aisle seat. I nursed the baby during take off and she slept the entire flight. My toddler had his nabi tablet, my iPad and activity books to keep him occupied but because of the flight time he fell asleep mid flight. My flight was empty so we had the row to ourselves which was great because I was able to make a little bed for the baby while my son put his head on my lap, and I got to take off my ergo and get as comfortable as one can on an airplane. Hopefully the travel gods are merciful on our return flight

mcdoug211

All good advice thank you!! What did you do with their car seats check them or bring them and have them put it under at the gate?? @maiatene

lindsayp916

I'm heading to the airport right now and plan on checking the car seat and stroller and carrying her in my boba wrap. I think the advice to check as much as you can is really good. On the way out here, it went really well but I was carrying on very minimally.

Also the advice to go to the bathroom and diaper change before is really good. Diaper changes in flight are doable but challenging.

dramaphile

Definitely following this, we're flying in the beginning of February to go visit family across the country. Cecily will be 9 weeks

mcdoug211

Any problems with damaged car seats?! I'm so worried it'll be damaged and no longer safe

GoogleMD

I wouldn't check the carseat, you have no idea how it will be handled and thrown around, especially with the way they throw luggage. You may not necessarily be able to identify damage, but your child's safety may be compromised.

RaisingJulian

My biggest tip is flying in the middle of night. Not many lines & crowds. You'll be kind of tired but it's better then waiting in line for hours with a screaming baby while everyone stares at you without shame.

maiatene

@mcdoug211 I didn't bring a car seat and just bought a cheap one that will stay at my parents. Like @GoogleMD said you never know what was done to it during the stowing process so if anything I would rent one once I reached my destination. There are sites like this https://www.babysgetaway.com/ but I believe BRU and Buy Buy Baby have similar programs

mcdoug211

@maiatene that is very good to know I'm gonna look it up! My sister is due next year I asked her if she'd wanna buy hers now and I'll use it if the expiration works out I'm really not comfortable with them handling it to be checked

mcdoug211

Also I have a moby and an infantino like soft structured carrier any recommendations on what would be better for me and her to get through the airport?

rachswi

I would assume the Moby wrap since it's Less bulky. You could put it on and wear it under your coat before you even get to the airport and put LO in it when you need to. Also (though I haven't tried myself) I hear you can nurse pretty well with a Moby wrap as the cover. There's apparently even a way to nurse them while wearing them

lindsayp916

I have a case that came with my carseat that I just put on and gate checked. I'm not sure what airline you ladies fly where you are able to carry on your carseat, but American would not let me carry it on, and one of the flights I was on was pretty much empty. Just FYI, I would not plan on carrying on your carseat.

Ceridwen77

lindsayp916 said:

I have a case that came with my carseat that I just put on and gate checked. I'm not sure what airline you ladies fly where you are able to carry on your carseat, but American would not let me carry it on, and one of the flights I was on was pretty much empty. Just FYI, I would not plan on carrying on your carseat.

I think people are recommending to gate check the car seat vs carry it on. It will go through less abuse that way. That or don't "pack" a car seat at all and rent one at your destination. I can't see anyone being able to carry on a car seat unless you purchased LO a seat and your car seat fits the airlines seat.

M&MKorff13

Anyone flown delta with a newborn/baby? Any tips? Also, any tips taking a 2 mo to the beach? I live in MI and it's obviously winter but we are going to FL next week. Any tips for being in the warmer weather/sun with baby aside from the obvious to keep out of the sun, can't use sunscreen or bug spray, etc? I'm a FTM and so far we're just at home or bundled up in the car seat for quick trips!