Travel with Baby

katy0990 · June 2016

My 3 month old son and I have been invited by some family members to join them on a trip to Puerto Rico in a few weeks. I would love to go, but I am concerned about the possibility of Zika virus, as well as the actual travel portion of the trip. Can anyone recommend an insect repellant that is effective and not full of chemicals? Also, does anyone have any tips on flying with an infant? Thanks!

swimflipper · June 2016

One tip I heard but haven't tried is to feed the baby when the plane takes off and lands. It supposed to help with the whole ear popping thing.

CecilB93 · July 2016

We just went to Vegas recently and DS slept during takeoff both times and landing the first time. He was awake for our return home landing and I either nursed or kept his pacifier in while we were descending. Seemed to help, he was real confused about it all but he didn't fuss!

jaclynnn89 · July 2016

We flew 17 hours from Dallas to Sydney with our daughter when she was only 4 weeks. We got a bulkhead seat with a bassinet to put her in which was a huge relief. Our pediatrician told us to get some nasal saline for babies to make sure her nose was clear and didn't dry out from the air, which we got at CVS. We also fed her on take off and landing because the swallowing helped pop her ears. Then we fed her every 3 hours and changed her just as often. She ended up sleeping the majority of the time and didn't cry once. If you can get a bassinet seat it's 100% worth it because you get a break and they can sleep flat as well. Just make sure you have enough formula (if you aren't BF any longer), diapers, and multiple blankets so they don't get cold. We also brought a few outfits and ziplock bags in case of any accidents! It's easy while they're little and sleep so much.. Not looking forward to flying at Christmas when she's 9 months, I'm sure it will be a completely different experience. Good luck!

Synnovus · July 2016

Hi there! I don't have any advice on the insect repellent and Zika virus front. However, travelling with baby I've done a few times. To avoid ear pain due to pressure during takeoff and landing I would BF (or you can give a bottle) unless baby was a sleep then I would give him his pacifier. Second what pp said about swallowing helps to regulate the pressure and avoid pain. If possible fly during nap time. Have plenty of diapers, wet wipes, small waste bags, burp cloths and a couple change of clothes at hand. A blanket or two is also nice. Good luck

FlipFlop1025 · July 2016

Our Ped recommended the Sawyer brand bug spray to use on babies. I haven't looked into it yet to know how the ingredients compare or anything.

katy0990 · July 2016

Thank you for all the suggestions! I was a little concerned because when I called my pediatrician the nurse on the phone acted like I was crazy for wanting to take him on a plane before he has had all of his vaccines. She went on to say that I shouldn't be taking him to the grocery store or church which I have been doing for months now.

ecwk · July 2016

katy0990 said:

Thank you for all the suggestions! I was a little concerned because when I called my pediatrician the nurse on the phone acted like I was crazy for wanting to take him on a plane before he has had all of his vaccines. She went on to say that I shouldn't be taking him to the grocery store or church which I have been doing for months now.

Ummm and on what planet is she living?? Bonkers.

edwardra · July 2016

I flew with my baby from Ontario to Alberta when he was 12 weeks old. Same as people have said, feed on the way up and down. Blankets were helpful but remember that you don't have a ton of space on an airplane. Find out which bathroom has the change table and try to get a seat near it. The flight attendants were super helpful and came around as soon as we boarded during preboard to give us a safety chat and introduce themselves. Find out what infant equipment you can check for free. I was able to take my stroller and car seat to gate check for free (I flew Westjet). I also had my Ergobaby with me and I put him in it at the gate, then wire him onto the plane. Made things so much easier to gate check my items since I was travelling without my husband. Take your time at security and use the family lane if they have one. You should never be separated from your baby. I carried my little man through while they swabbed the heck out of my stroller. I had a travel bag for my car seat because I wasn't sure how yucky it would get. Not sure I would use it again at gate check, since they place it directly onto the plane, however I would use it if I were to check in my car seat. If the flight isn't super busy, you may be able to politely ask the gate agent if it's possible to take your car seat on with you (assuming it's airplane approved). I didn't do this but I know a few people who have gotten away with it. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help! People generally love babies. Good luck!

TayTayRN · July 2016

I flew American with my baby for a 2.5 hour flight when he was two months old and they automatically reserved the seat next to me when I called and said I had an infant in arms. They offered to let me bring my car seat on board. The first time I didn't and it was okay but the second time I did and he slept the whole way. I think he could feel the vibrations of the plane better.

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