A yay and a boo all in one.

vlewis515

So we're still in NC visiting ILs. My FIL has given my DH an older GMC Jimmy SUV. It's in great shape and has low miles, so we could get rid of my car (and it's payment)! So free car (yay) but now I have to fly home with Jax alone (boo) because DH is driving it home (alone) from NC. Any tips from mamas who have done this? Oh did I mention I hate flying? Scares the sh!t outta me.

leneae10

I've done 3 round trips with my little man. 

• Pack light
• Check anything you can (I suppose if DH is driving he could take the luggage)
• bring lots of things to keep him occupied on board
• Paci/bottle/boob on takeoff and landing to help with ears (if his ears are popping, blow in his face so he'll swallow)
• if you have a wrap/sling/carrier, it would allow you to be hands free if he falls asleep
• Put a baggie with a couple of wipes, a diaper, and a disposable changing pad in the seat back in front of you right when you sit down.  If you end up having to change him, it all goes in the trash and your hands are free on the way back. 
• Bring a thin blanket in the diaper bag in case he needs to be private in order to fall asleep.  Isaac will try to stay awake the whole flight, then gets overtired and crabby.  If I throw the A+A blanket over his head he gets less distracted and sleeps easier.
• If you FF, you can prefill the bottles with water; they just check it at security.

 

Let me know if you have any more logistical questions. 

vflipo

I have no advice. But, good luck

mamaholic

Send DH on the plan with Jax and you drive.

BobbiJanay07

mamaholic:

Send DH on the plan with Jax and you drive.

This and good luck.

ShellShockedMama

I did this with X at 7 months, I got the ready made formula, 8oz bottles, and put them in my bag. I had him take a bottle at take off and landing so his ears wouldn't do that annoying popping thing.

If you use a carrier, they'll yell at you (at least they did to me twice) that you cannot wear the baby during take off and landing (which didn't really occur to me, but whatever) I did not find babywearing convenient IN the airplane but did in the airport itself. However he did not sleep on the plane, I could see where that would be handy for that.

The hardest part was changing X during the flight, omg. Those airplane bathrooms are entirely too small. I have NO good suggestions other than may ask the airline attendants if there's somewhere you could go in lieu of the bathroom. If not, bring a thin towel that you don't mind tossing, that's what I did. I brought two disposable changing pads over a thin towel, over the toilet. Ew, but I had no options. 

Dont bring a lot of toys, instead, bring one or two favorites, a book and food. If your kid is like mine, arrowroot cookies will go a long way towards good behavior

Good luck, I didn't have a bad time with it and I did it on my own.

Shemico

<--- hates flying too. You might actually find this flight a bit better cause you will be more distracted. For the fear - try to focus as much as possible on Jax during takeoff and landing.

Will you have a seat for Jax? If so, or if you end up with an empty next to you (you can also ask for one - if the flight isn't full), it will help alot cause he can play can the seat. You could also change him accross both seats over a pad (people might give you looks but who cares).

For Jax - lots of snacks, sippy/botte and a few favorite toys. The in seat TVs are also a great distraction.

hopingwaiting

Depending on the price of the flight, having a seat for LO for the extra space and so he can sleep in his carseat is nice. Ask the flight attendant which bathroom(s) have the changing table when you board. All my other tips are in PP. GL!

Texas77again

leneae10:

I've done 3 round trips with my little man. 

• Pack light
• Check anything you can (I suppose if DH is driving he could take the luggage)
• bring lots of things to keep him occupied on board
• Paci/bottle/boob on takeoff and landing to help with ears (if his ears are popping, blow in his face so he'll swallow)
• if you have a wrap/sling/carrier, it would allow you to be hands free if he falls asleep
• Put a baggie with a couple of wipes, a diaper, and a disposable changing pad in the seat back in front of you right when you sit down.  If you end up having to change him, it all goes in the trash and your hands are free on the way back. 
• Bring a thin blanket in the diaper bag in case he needs to be private in order to fall asleep.  Isaac will try to stay awake the whole flight, then gets overtired and crabby.  If I throw the A+A blanket over his head he gets less distracted and sleeps easier.
• If you FF, you can prefill the bottles with water; they just check it at security.

 

Let me know if you have any more logistical questions. 

that is excellent advice!! 

ashleyrsotomayor

No advice. I hate flying too. Good luck and congrats on the free car! I am jealous.

sinisterkat01

Good luck!