First time on a plane w/ baby - tips?

AlejandraN2 · March 2014

So if we're cleared by doctors tomorrow, we're (fingers crossed) going to be taking our first trip to Florida this weekend. Honestly, this has been the harshest winter and I'm going out of my mind. I haven't flown or really gone anywhere since July. This is the longest I've ever gone without traveling since I was 18 (14 yrs) and we need this so bad (my husband agrees since I've been crankier than usual). Anyways, if we go, I'd love any tips you ladies have for traveling with a 6 month old. We're bringing the car seat and snap n' go, and we're bringing the Ergo to walk around with her (we're going to the Phillies spring training and hopefully the beach). What will I definitely need on the plane and during the trip that i should not forget for her? Flight will be about 3 hrs. TIA!

Salemkitty13 · March 2014

I haven't taken DS on a plane yet, so I've got nothing.sorry.

I wanted to wish you good luck today. I hope Zoe is cleared! You deserve a trip!

Salemkitty13 · March 2014

Can you ask Dr. today? I would ask if there was something to keep her ears from bothering her.

Lesley726 · March 2014

I flew last weekend for the first time and then we are going again this weekend. I have lots of tips...

- they will check your car seat at the gate so you won't have to pay
- bring LO's birth certificate...I didn't think I would need it and I got asked both times. Luckily they still let us on but I would bring it in case
- have a few toys to bring, I brought her fav teething toys
- have a pacifier, bottle or something for LO to suck on for take off and landing. I still nurse so I just covered myself
- I had sanitizer wipes to wipe the whole seat area down...planes are gross!
- you can bring whatever you need to feed LO through security, just have it separate. They will just swab it
- they have a family line at the airport I fly out of so we didn't have to wait through the line at security...so check on that

Probably more than you needed to know but hope it helps. Have fun on your trip!

KaramelSutra · March 2014

FYI. if you check your car seat, it then has an unknown history. The luggage handlers are NOT careful with car seats. They can cause fractures and weaknesses in the plastic. Would you trust your child's life with an unknown seat???

AlejandraN2 · March 2014

@salemkitty13 - thanks!

I think we all deserve a trip! Pediatrician cleared her now we just have to get ENT to do the same. I'll try to give her a small bottle at take off to help with the ears.

@Lesley726 - thanks so much! So helpful. I forgot about the wipes and the teething toys. duh! She plays with those so much i should definitely bring some.

@Karamelsutra - I'm not thrilled with it either but since we're driving to Florida, i trust ours more than a rentals. We have a cover for it and we'll check it at the gate so that it doesn't get through the baggage claim process.

LelaDenney · March 2014

Cotton balls in ears to help with the pressure. Nursed taking off. Also you can put the car seat in a seat if there's plenty available on the plane it just has to buckle in for Southwest.

AlejandraN2 · March 2014

@drey1028 - i didn't know you were in the area! I keep checking the weather. I need me some sunshine! Phillies spring training is our yearly tradition - this is our fourth year in a row, but first with a baby. It'll definitely be interesting!

@AbbyMMM, thank you! I also thought I should board first but what you said makes sense about waiting.

Doctors cleared Zoe so can't wait for tomorrow!

blond1230 · March 2014

We just flew for the first time a few weeks ago.

I gate checked my stroller- we purchased one of those bright colored gate check bags and I'm glad we did because the wear and tear on the bag after one use was really gross- it had holes in it and was completely filthy. That could have been my stroller! They sell the bags for the stroller and for the car seat I would highly recommend it. I thought gate check would minimize the damage but it didn't!

I also recommend keeping diapers and wipes and essentials in more than one bag- it was confusing at times who had which bag (we travelled in a group) so I liked having my essentials in more than one place to minimize the searching.

I also was unprepared to know the baby car seat and stroller both go thru the metal detecter X-ray machine thing on the belt. I thought I could just wheel him thru but no they make you take it all apart. The techs on the line were haphazardly tossing his blanket and pacifier directly onto the belt which was really gross to me- I was so glad I had pacifier wipes and an extra blanket.

Salemkitty13 · March 2014

Yay! You guys have a great time! I have to wait another week before our vacation.

michelle7482 · March 2014

I have no advice but just wanted to say have fun. I'm a huge Phillies fan and have always wanted to go to spring training! Enjoy !!

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