Do you have tips for flying with baby?

aribs2010

What did you take on board that helped?  I am considering taking the boppy since she will be on my lap.  Are there any meds that are ok to give to help them with the cabin pressure?  I would appreciate you advice.

TIA!

2mom74

I traveled with Noah when he was 3 months old, so things might be a little different with a 6 month old. I did bring the boppy. It made it more comfortable for me to have him on my lap the whole time. I nursed during take off and landing to help with popping his ears. He loves his Scout, so we brought that (which he never needed). Besides the obvious (diapers, wipes, etc), I brought scented plastic bags by arm and hammer. They worked great for soiled clothes, since Noah had a blow out on each flight even though I changed him right before we got on the plane. Also, disposable changing pads are nice to have.

The best advice is to relax and not stress out.  

HRMJPC

DD has been on 6 flights- errr, 3 trips. 2 trips were alone with me. I do not bother with a stroller or car seat. on all 3 occasions, we had a car seat and stroller for her to use at the destination (grandma's, family, etc). I wore DD. When she was little, I used a wrap. Now that she's bigger, I use an ergo. You have to remove it for security, unfortunately. For the flights, I did not bring a pillow or boppy, she slept comfortably in my lap. I have heard of other moms doing this, but I don't want to deal with the bulk. I put a cloth diaper cover over her disposable diaper, b/c she loves to blow through sposies, and I did NOT want to deal with that on the flight. I brought a few extra outfits. As for toys, I brought board books, fun keys, sophie. As for cabin pressure, we have never had issues (thankfully). Coordinating take-off and landing with nursing is surprisingly difficult! She's either too hungry to wait, or has fallen asleep on the breast prior to landing, take-off. Bring extra blankets, sometimes its cold on the plane. Bring snacks, I packed PB&J for myself. Don't sit in the front row- no place to put your diaper bag. If you have any more questions, let me know. Its actually quite easy!

write2nicole

Agree with PPs that it's actually easier than you think. I wouldn't bring the boppy, because I wouldn't want the extra bulk, and you just have to lug it around the airport.

We brought car seat + snap & go and used that through security. After security, I put him in the moby and gate-checked the car seat and stroller.

For cabin pressure, nursing, a bottle or a pacifier will do. No medications that I've heard of.  We timed the feedings as well as we could. For one flight, he got crazy-hungry before boarding, so I gave him half the bottle then, and saved the other half for takeoff. On a couple of flights, he was sleeping during the descent and didn't need a paci or bottle at all.

Take your time going through security, etc. They usually have a separate security lane for families. Use it. Whether they have one or not, people who are in a hurry will instinctively avoid any lane with a baby. Whoever gets in line behind you can wait patiently. And the TSA agents are actually very helpful to people traveling with babies.

Have a good trip!

delg23

I have been on three flights with my son, 2 on my own. He was 5 months, 6 months, and then 8 months. What worked for me:

 1. Don't take any naps too close to the flight so that he/she will fall asleep on the plane. The white noise is so helpful & if your LO is anything like mine he loves sleeping on mom.

2. Bring a few small toys for entertainment

3.  Sit on the aisle so you can get to the bathroom easily, have extra room, and the most important for us was that lots of people paid attention to him, keeping him occupied and happy.

4. schedule a feeding on the plane for increased happiness time and/or to help w/ take off and landing.

5. Bring a pacifier even if you don't usually do the pacifier. 

The easiest for getting through the airport was checking everything. But now I use the carseat/stroller combo & check at the gate. If you are traveling alone this is difficult at the security part.  

Bring diapers, an extra outfit, a few toys, wipes, and food. Less is more when traveling with a baby. I would also avoid bringing anything but your diaper bag on the plane if possible. Trust me its worth the 20$ check fee. ESPECIALLY if you are alone. 

And finally let strangers & flight attendants help you!  

ETA: Bring a plastic bag for a diaper blowout. The flight attendants informed me on one flight that if you just throw it in the trash the smell tends to fill the plane.  

mcp

I was able to go through security with ds in the ergo at one airport, but on the way back I had to take him out.  Either way, the ergo was great to have so my hands were free.  Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on when going through security.  Feeding or a pacifier at takeoff and landing.  Extra changes of clothes and plastic bags.  I preferred sitting at the window so I could nurse ds with a bit of privacy, plus I didn't have to worry about getting up to let anyone else out.  Have a great trip!