Baby's 1st Airplane Ride-Help!!

Flaurencia · December 2013

I am so beyond nervous for LO's first flight tomorrow... I have flown my whole life but NEVER with a LO in tow! Help!

1. I am flying United. Since he's only 5 and a half months, he still rides in his carseat that clicks into his stroller. Will United gate check both of these?

2. Does United make you bring their birth certificate along?

3. My flight is about 3 hours long. I doubt they'll have changing tables on this aircraft.. Where do you change them?! On your lap? On the seat? On the floor?

4. Have I packed enough? What do I need to bring for a weekend trip? I feel so clueless right now but I'm scared I'm forgetting something. I have his clothes, diaper bag, shampoo, wash cloth, towel, diapers, wipes, socks, shoes, toys, stuffed animal, blanket, pacis... what am I forgetting?!

5. I plan to nurse the entire takeoff and landing to attempt to try to prevent an earache... any other suggestions?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

emikat · December 2013

Flaurencia said:

I am so beyond nervous for LO's first flight tomorrow... I have flown my whole life but NEVER with a LO in tow! Help!

1. I am flying United. Since he's only 5 and a half months, he still rides in his carseat that clicks into his stroller. Will United gate check both of these?

2. Does United make you bring their birth certificate along?

3. My flight is about 3 hours long. I doubt they'll have changing tables on this aircraft.. Where do you change them?! On your lap? On the seat? On the floor?

4. Have I packed enough? What do I need to bring for a weekend trip? I feel so clueless right now but I'm scared I'm forgetting something. I have his clothes, diaper bag, shampoo, wash cloth, towel, diapers, wipes, socks, shoes, toys, stuffed animal, blanket, pacis... what am I forgetting?!

5. I plan to nurse the entire takeoff and landing to attempt to try to prevent an earache... any other suggestions?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Breathe! It'll be OK. A 3 hour flight will go very quickly. I took my LO on an international trip that included 11 and 8 hour legs both ways. I flew United during the domestic portion. To answer your questions:

1. Yes, they will gate check the items for you, so don't worry. You'll have them right away when you get off. I chose to check them right away, but either way is fine.

2. I was never asked for his birth certificate, but I did have a passport. That wasn't asked for during the domestic flight. But it couldn't hurt to have it.

3. There were bathrooms with changing tables. They are small, but they do the job.

4. I took WAY too much stuff and then my bags didn't show up for two days. It really showed me what I really needed. Diapers, clothes, wipes, burp cloths/towels, bath stuff, toys and nursing gear. The rest was good to have but not that essential.

5. I nursed too take off and landing, it worked perfectly. I waited until the last minute for taxiing during take off and then for landing when it was obvious that we were descending (usually at the announcement or shortly after). Also, during the flight I asked for the bulkhead and it was great to have the extra room. Some planes even are equipped with a bassinet attachment at the bulkhead (mine did), but you might not need that for such a short flight.

Have a great time!

amandarins · December 2013

What pps said.

I think they'd only require a birth certificate if your infant in arms could pass for a 2 year old...at which point you would need to purchase a ticket for the child. It would be good to have a spare birth cert on hand for when the time comes.

taraleanne · December 2013

Exactly what pps said.

I just took my LO (he was 4m at the time) on his first flight. Don't worry!!

If you're not sure about 1 & 2 - you really should just call up United and ask them but I believe they are correct. I didn't fly united but I think this is standard on most commercial airlines.

I didn't BF during take off and landing but I gave him a bottle instead because he's too distracted to BF in public. Just a thought, in case your little one is the same at his age.

You'll be fine! I found the airline staff to be so helpful and great. Babies get on the plane first so you have extra time to get settled. They even had a different line through security so we got to by-pass the long line. Good luck! Have fun on your trip

=Lee=B · December 2013

Many planes do have change tables in the bathrooms, they are tiny but work. If not do it on your laptop sitting on the toilet in bathroom. Practice at home first. I do this all the time in the car, lie change pad on your lap, lie baby on change pad with head near your knees and their legs up your belly. Go fast and have new diaper under old diaper should baby decide to pee when diaper is off.

Bring a birth certificate...it would be silly to fly without it.

My daughter had zero ear issues on the 4 flights I took her on. She had her soother in sometimes, I never nursed, sometimes she had no soother...no issues at all. I don't doubt that lots of baby may have issues...but I wouldn't worry too much about it until you're on the plane - it's not always as bad as you would think!

have change of clothes and many extra diapers and food in your carry-on should they lose your luggage or for major delays. I brought a large receiving blanket to put down on floor or wherever for when I need to put baby down (I traveled alone with my 4 month old, on 4 flights with no stroller). A few toys, soother. Really didn't need much else. I brought a book...which was silly as I never had the chance to open it with a baby.

In airports they have family bathrooms (sometimes) with nursing chairs, change tables and space to put the stroller while you pee.

Just go with the flow and don't over think things. Sure you'll take more time in security but who cares. People are understanding when you have a baby. Don't panic and try to go faster, don't over apologize. Just do what you need to do.

Oh, if you plan to nurse on plane and are traveling alone practice nursing on a small chair and keeping baby sitting upright. On the plane to nurse baby in a typical position their legs will be across in the next person's face...which, if it's not your husband is AWKWARD! heehee. if you can do it with baby sitting on your knee facing you with boob in mouth then it will be sooooo much easier!

Have fun!

emikat · December 2013

PP mentioned families with babies get to board first. United changed this policy (at least as of when I flew in October) and it's no longer the case for them. You board with the rest of the group. Really irritating.

kawalker1982 · December 2013

I barely slept the night before my first flight with my son, but he was wonderful! I did not fly united, but everyone from TSA to the flight attendants were very helpful--including the passengers around us. The flight home wasn't as smooth, but it is what it is. We had a passenger next to us helping keep baby happy which was very nice.

You and your LO will be great! Just remember there is a time limit to it all!

lasaire · December 2013

These are great tips - we're flying internationally with our LO this Christmas. She'll be 4 months. I'd love to get a bulkhead seat with a bassinet, I will call our airlines.

redhead610 · December 2013

Just a couple more tips - check the manufacturer instructions for installing the carseat on the plane and in any car at your destination (in case you have only used it with the base before). Also make aure to bring some type of trash bag to put any soiled clothes in until you can wash them. Maybe bring an extra shirt for yourself in case yours gets soiled on the plane!

royal15 · December 2013

I flew with my daughter at 7 weeks. I was so concerned with take off and landing, but she slept through most of them, she did not seem to be bothered by anything. I am not sure about gate checking, but I highly recommend babywearing for your flight, it makes things so much easier. As far as changing your LO, could you change right before you board, and then when you land (barring of course any catastrophes).

My only other suggestion is to make sure you DO NOT have a bulk head. It is imperative to have a seat where you can stash a bag with an infant that is not overhead. Good luck, you'll be fine!

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