Working Moms
snicksnack
member
Flying with a oneyear old
snicksnack
member
in Working Moms
We are going on vacation in June. I accidentally scheduled ds well visit on our departure day thinking it was the return day. I called to reschedule and was told no availability until aug. dh suggested that ds and I fly so that everyone arrives by 7 pm, he and dd would drive all day if they wait for me we won't arrive until midnight. I looked into southwest flights and they are inexpensive. I am on the fence about my options. While i know ds is young enough to fly as a lap baby, I also know he is safer in his car seat. If I fly with him in the car seat will I be able to install it while wearing him assuming I can't install the seat with him in the seat. Also my key fit thirty manual says it is FAA approved but it does not have a sticker so will they give me a hard time about it? As for using my convertible the thought of doing that alone is overwhelming the infant seat just seems easier. If I fly with him as a lap baby will he sit still since i can't wear him according to the air carriers web site he will have had shots that day, although he has never reacted before. Any advice an experienced traveler can give will be appreciated. Also please no flaming others who indorse lap baby travel we know a car seat is safer but I am just trying to figure out what will work best logistically. I fly a lot and have seen many babies on planes and not one has ever been in a car seat. Tia
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Re: Flying with a oneyear old
Here is my personal experience flying several times with 1 kid and 2 kids.
Again, just a suggestion as to what I would do exactly.
I would not buy the baby a seat, I would fly with him as a lap baby. You cannot wear him in a carrier at take off and arrival but you can wear him in a carrier the rest of the flight- it's not a big deal. DO NOT take the car seat with you on the plane. Gate check it or check it in as luggage (for free) so you can install it in your car rental right away.
That's it! It's not that difficult IMO really. The baby may or may not sit still for the flight. He will probably sleep part of the flight, or you can walk around with him.
We just traveled with a 15 month old and 2 1/2 year old. Not very fun, but do-able. We brought a portable DVD player and a tablet. A 12 month old probably won't play with electronics very much, but take lots of new toys on the plane.
If you still BF make sure you BF at take off and landing to help with the altitude changes or give him a bottle/sippy cup. Take snacks, take toys, etc.
You can do it! We travel all the time and while it is stressful it's definitely possible with just one child on a plane.
http://balletandbabies.blogspot.com
This.
DD is 23 months old and has been on numerous flights. We never took the car seat. I doubt she'd do anything but throw a screaming fit if she was in it. Not to mention, they're difficult to install.
When she was six weeks (first flight), I did wear her after I was seated. I also BF during take-off and landing.
Also, for my last flight, I had a few free drink cupons. I gave these to the people who sat close to us. They had to hear me read Curious George and "Brown Bear" numerous times. I figured it was the least I could do to dull the pain :-)
I just flew two weekends ago with LO as a lap child. It went really smooth. Just bring enough things to keep him busy. I brought around 7 books (good because I had to read them all multiple times) he watched around 20 minutes of a movie, and enjoyed looking out the window and getting a drink and snacks...he likes taking out and putting straws back in and SW had lids for the cup and straw for his water. (2.5 hour flight each way).
I also suggest, if your LO is walking a lot to take a harness. My little guy was fine in the airport on the way there, but was antsy when we were coming back, and if I had brought one he could have walked around, but since I didn't he couldn't. Also, you can take a stroller with you and gate check it, you just need to get to the counter and get a tag for it. Also, plan to change diaper before boarding...and take a paci or straw cup or bottle for him to suck on during take off and landing. Hmm...I wouldn't take a large diaper bag as a carry on, because if you need it during the flight it's a hassle, and the bathrooms are so small...it's just not helpful. Take a small bag with a few diapers and wipes.
My LO didn't have a reaction until two weeks after, then he had a slight fever and rash from the chicken pox vaccine.
It will be much easier than you think!
If you are flying Southwest, when you check in you can ask if there are extra seats. Then even if he is a lap child, you can use the carseat for an extra seat.
On Southwest, families with children get to board after group A and the business people, but before group B.
You can wear him if you want, but I found it really easy to use the car seat and carseat stroller. When I board the plane, I had the baby in the carseat stroller, strolled him all the way down to the plane, then took off the carseat and plane-side check the stroller. Then I carried him in the carseat down the aisle, chose my seat and stuck the carseat in his seat (which has to be a window seat because of the rules of the airline.) Then you just strap on the seatbelt over the carseat and done! I know some people bring the base too, but I think that's a pain in the butt.
I recommend you sit on the right side of the plane if you are right handed, then the baby will be on your right and it will be easier to hand him toys and food throughout the flight.
ETA: I have flown with DS 4 times as a lap child and 1 time with a carseat. The carseat was so much easier. He fell asleep and it was so nice to have my own space. Plus, the fact that it is much safer for a baby to be in a carseat.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. -Philo
Baby N conceived after 1 miscarriage and more than 2 years of TTC. Diagnosis was low sperm count. We found success after 3 months of anastrozole to increase DH's testosterone and one IUI.
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I've flown many times on Southwest and never bought another seat or brought my car seat on board. I check it at check in and they put in a plastic bag for me. When they were babies, I would use my stroller with the car seat and check it at the gate.
The lull and vibration of the plane usually puts them right to sleep. Bring a blankey to cover LO's head/face to block out some of the usual noise or use your hooter hider.
Also, bring santization wipes to clean the tray. That tray is VERY popular with 1 year olds to put up and down, up and down.