Air Travel Tips

Hi!! I have traveled with my 3 kids and the last time I traveled...my youngest was 5 months old. Now, I only flew for 8 1/2 hours, but I feel I have some experience I can pass to you. The first time I flew...my daughter was 13 months old. She slept the whole flight. But when she did wake up, I had saved her my food from the flight so she would have something to munch on. You can pack some small snacks...I don't think they'll let you bring juice boxes or anything, but the flight attendants are usually good about bringing the baby something to eat or drink. You would pack how you normally would. Diapers, wipes, ointment, change of clothes or two. Remember, the baby qualifies for a carry on bag too. As well as two pieces of luggage to be checked. So, don't worry so much. And for being scared of flying...you'll be shocked and amazed at how strong kids can make you. My son would squeeze my hand before take off and landing and it made me a stronger person for him. You just have to take a deep breath and remember to be calm for your child. They can sense when something is not right with you!!

Hello...
We just flew across country with our 4 month old and in our laps as well...huge difference from a 14 month old. I flew alone with my son when he was 13 months old and in my lap....not a relaxing trip for me at all...of course since there are the 2 of you, you will most likely have another person in the row you are sittng. Hopefully they are child friendly! Bring activities and toys that your child likes. There won't be much room to move, so don't bring a big bag with no where to put it. Hopefully your child will want to sleep...if you can don't let your son sleep much before the flight, making him want to sleep the way over. Our son was 4 years old when we flew overseas the 1st time, he slept the flight. Check online with the airline that you are flying to see what they approve as far as already made formula goes....you can bring the powder of coarse and snacks. Most airlines won't let you have any liquids though.
Free items for your son that you can brong and won't count against your baggage are: stroller, car seat, pack & play, and a diaper bag. You have to check all things beside the diaper bag, this can go on board with you. Again, check with the airline, but I am sure most are the same in allowing you to bring these things!
Good luck!

I., you've gotten some really good advice. We've flown quite a bit with our daughter since she was a baby, and, fortunately (despite our fears), never had a bad experience. Below are tips, for your child and yourself -- hope they help:

1) you can bring one carry-on bag per person, not counting your purse (and I recommend bringing a big purse).

2) One of your bags, to be stowed under the seat in front of you, should be reserved for things that are essential while on the flight, and barring emergencies. It should contain:

a) snacks in baggies--cheerios, pre-cut fruit, etc. Also pretzels or other salty snack-- great because flying dehydrates you, and the salt helps your child retain fluids. Of course you will want to pack water, juice, or whatever you child will drink, as you do not want to be at the mercy of the food service when traveling with a little one. This is permissable if you purchase it after clearing security. You can get milk on the plane, so I wouldn't bother bring it with you...can get pretty nasty by the time you're ready to use it.

b) a few small toys and books that your child has never seen before (creates good distrations). I like those little drawing boards because they aren't messy. Sticker books and colorforms are great too. A portable DVD player is a godsend if you can handle carrying that much stuff.

c) something for the child to suck on during take-off and landing. A paci works well, if your child is interested. Otherwise a bottle or sippy cup usually does the trick.

d) diapers and wipes

2) In a separate bag, to be stowed above your seat in a carry-on: extra diapers, wipes -- because you never know when you might get delayed or stuck on the tarmac. And a change of clothes for BOTH of you! (a friend's son had a horrible, thoroughly disgusting accident all over her while on a plane once, and said she will NEVER travel without a change a clothes for herself again!) Also, any medications that your child might conceivably need -- a thermometer, Children's Tylenol/Advil etc.

As to you own fear of flying -- I've been there. After a very bad experience I developed a pathological fear of take-off, but had to continue flying pretty regularly. Occasionally, like you, I was reduced to tears. Especially in bad weather. Ask your doctor for a mild sedative. Nothing that will knock you out, but just something to lessen your anxiety. (you might want to test it out ahead of time to make sure it isn't TOO strong). On the other hand, if you're husband will be with you for the flight, he can take a turn with the child, even if the meds knock you out for a while. Also psych yourself up. Statistcally, air travel is, by far, the SAFEST part of your trip. Personally I recommend Diazepam, 5mg, which made ALL the difference in the world for me. But Xanax may be enough for you. I recommend taking it at least one hour before you're flight is scheduled to depart.

Best luck, and happy travels!

Hello I.,
I have traveled to Germany several times with my now 13 month old daughter. I asked about those tether straps the previous poster was referring too and I was told that they may no longer be used. They said they are too dangerous should there be impact because your body gets pushed forward onto the child which cannot move and therefore gets squashed and possibly injured badly by your body weight. They just tell you to hold on tight to your children during takeoff and landing.
I will be traveling again with my daughter in two weeks and I do admit I'm not looking forward to being stuck on a plane for 9 hours with an energetic toddler who hates sitting still. But I plan on taking lots of books and things to occupy her with that will keep her calm on my lap. She has a hard time sleeping anywhere that is not her crib, so I know she won't get much or any sleep on the flight (nor can I afford paying for her own seat). I have been through that before though - we've had a flight where she slept 30 minutes out of a 9 hour flight. It is draining but honestly survivable. The key again is distraction (snacks, small toys, some of your items that are safe for him to play with, other passengers talking and playing with your child, etc.). Just expect the worst and try to prepare as well as you can and then maybe it will be better than you thought. Know where everything is in your bags, place it strategically so you can reach it all easily and don't have to fumble for hours. Ask the airlines or call the airport to find out exactly what you can take for food and drinks but as long as it is clearly for baby, most things are okay. You just have to declare it at the security check and they will tell you. I plan on taking some of the mini baby juice bottles and water and then fill it in her sippy after we're through security. Last time I had a sippy full of water and they had to dump it out.

Good luck!

--Bring some tic tacs--orange flavor. They are too small to be a choking hazard and you can pop one in his mouth to get him to suck while the altitude is changing so his ears don't hurt. Don't try mints... they'll hurt his little tongue!

--Bring one more change of clothes for him than you think you will need, and a change for yourself, too... spills happen. Diapers leak.

--Toys: A favorite stuffed friend; otherwise new (to the child, that is) toys are best. Puppets are great, they pack flat. A little airplane. Crayons & paper. One of the magnetic doodle pads. Little tubs of playdoh. Kids magazines (lighter than books). Puzzles. Little non-electronic games with all the pieces sealed in (the ones like tiny pin-ball games). Check out some executive desk toys--they're for grownups, but closely supervise.

--snacks... they won't let you carry on yoghurt, but milk for babies is okay. Unfortunately, bubble fluid for blowing bubbles would be great entertainment but won't be allowed... try to get some on the gate side of the security gate.

--Keep telling yourself that planes are safer than cars, planes are safer than cars... maybe the little guy will keep you too busy to worry.

I.,
I can soooooooooooo realte your your message! My son and I went to France in September, just the two of us. I did not buy a seat for him either and I was really anxious. Don't worry about what to pack when it comes to all the restrictions, when it comes to babies, they are pretty easy going. Make sure to put everything in plasitc bag though. They will ask you to remove everything from your bag and they will check that it is indeed something for your child.
In the plane, the hostesses were very helpful. They do provide a meal, but it was phase 1 food, so you may want to bring your own food. They can warm it up. Thye do not have a microwave, but they warm it up in hot water. If you travel in the evening your baby might sleep most of the flight, which is what happened for us. You might want to bring PJs so your baby will be more comfortable and a change of clothe for your self ... you never know! I had brought way to many things ...but you want to be prepared in case your luggagues don't make it there in the same time you do.
In the plane they provide a seat belt that attached to your seat belt, so your baby is safe at all time.
It is nerve wracking, but everything will be all right. the hardest might be getting used to the time change once overseas! good luck and please let me know if I can be of any more help.

I fly very frequently with my child and have the following tips for you:

- Airlines will check a carseat or stroller as a free piece of baggage (so 2 bags as normally allowed plus an infant item)
- When checking in, ask if you can be seated next to an empty seat. Furthermore, ask if they will flag it so that you have a good chance of no one sitting there and you get an extra seat for free! I prefer window seats because I can lean against it with my son in my lap, and he can enjoy the window.
- You should take your stroller to the plane because it is essential for getting your son around the airport. It is also a great place for him to sleep if you are delayed. The airlines will check it for free at the end of the jetway.
- Bring twice the amount of food and diapers you think you will need. Both are extremely hard to find in airports (and expensive) so plan ahead.
- Bring extra baggies, plastic bags, hand wipes and a change of clothes.
- You can usually not bring any substantial amount of liquids, but you can bring the small 3oz juice bottles. Buy extra water in the airport once through security or just bring an empty bottle and fill it from a fountain.
- Bring lots of snacks and food i.e. yogurt, fruit, cereal, chicken nuggets (if you take them frozen they are usu thawed and ready to go by flight time), chips, crackers, cheese and treats like M&Ms or a lollipop.
- Stickers are great fun - buy a big sticker book with lots of different ones to choose from. Crayons too. A Doodle pad (like an etch-a-sketch but with a pen) is great.
- Download kid songs on your Ipod or music player for him to listen to.
- I bring a portable DVD player for my 2 year old, but your son may still be too young. Test it on him before you lug it around.
- Definitely bring a comfort item like blanket or soft toy to help him sleep.
- Finally hide a few of his favorite (small) toys a week before flying and them surprise him with them on the plane.
- A small ball for the airport is great fun - my son would throw and chase it to entertain himself and it would also wear him out for the flight.
- The light buttons, moveable armrests and windows will provide tons of free entertainment too.
- Also, feel free to get up and walk up and down the aisles with your son. It will give you both needed exercise.

Best of luck!

Hi I.,

Travelling with kids is tough, but I have found that the key to having a great flight is to take a flight that is overnight, evening, or during their nap time. It seems like you might be doing an overnight since it's 11 hours. Just make sure to give him his milk when the plan is taking off, as soon as the wheels are off the ground, not before. This will help allivate the presaure in his ears. He will probably fall asleep immediately if it's night time. You will see that you are so preocupied with them that you don't get that scared yourself. make sure you take a change of cloths for BOTH of you! My son has pucked on me during take off and it's not fun, (dont' fill him up with milf before hand). It you have a portable DVD take it!! it will keep him entertained while he watches his favorite movie.

Bon voyage!

V.

Go to TSA.gov for travel tips on how much liquids, food etc. you can bring. You will need to remain calm for your baby, if he sees you crying it will upset him and make the flight that much harder. Make sure to bring things he can suck on to relieve the pressure on his ears (binky, lollipop, sippy cup etc.) as children don't know how to swallow to relieve the pressure on their little eardrums. If it were me, I would buy him a seat so you can use his familiar car seat to strap him in-but ask the flight attendant if there is an empty seat on the plane that you can switch with someone so you have two seats. Good luck! And remember, the pilot does NOT want to crash so you will be fine, and flying is very safe.

Hi I.,
I started flying with my son when he was three months old. For future reference, if you can afford it, I would buy a seat for the baby because you can bring your car seat on board and put him in it. That helps restrain him. ;0) Also, take your stroller to the plane. It will help getting to your terminal and baggage claim areas. If it doesn't fit overheard then they will take it and put it under the plane, but they will bring it back for you as you step off the plane upon landing. I took snacks like cherries and gold fish crackers in a small bowl along with 8 oz bottles of milk and juice. You can buy the little cooler bags that are big enough just for two or three bottles. They have little ice packs you freeze in advance, which will keep the milk for going bad. When I used formula I took the powder formula along with two bottles of water so I could mix the formula by just adding the powdered formula in the bottle and shaking it.

Make sure you give him either a bottle or pacifer during take off and landing. It will help prevent his ears from popping. If he has a toy or a book he likes that will help keep him busy. If you are calm, then he will be. If he senses you are upset or frightened he will be also. Just talk to him and play with him and before you know it he will fall asleep and you can too. ;0)

Enjoy your trip.

You will want to take a bottle or a plug or something he will suck on for take off and landing so that his ears will pop
(he won't know how to do it on his own and it can hurt alot otherwise). I would aslo suggest a snugli or something like it if he still fits comfortably it will allow you to have him on your lap but not have to hold him all the time plus I found that I liked the feeling that he was strapped down in case anything should happen. Unfortunately I don't know if he will still be small enough to fit. on any layovers make sure to make him walk as much as possible. also a good variety of toys books movies and snacks will be helpful. Also bring way more diapers than you think you will need if your flight is delayed you will be very glad you did. Good luck.

I. -
How ironic.
My sister and her husband are traveling to Bulgaria (to his home town) on April. They are taking their 5 month old baby with them in a lap as well.
Make sure the baby has something to suck during take off and landing. The babies ears could be affected if he is not sucking.
Take some snacks... and ofcourse, a blanket.
I'll think and write back later if I think of anything completely essential.
Best of Luck.
J.

With so many new regulations- I would call the airline and ask about formula guidelines.

Otherwise- I can suggest some things that have always helped us. My dad was military, I was military, my husband still is. Things that I've found helping are: Have a special carry-on bag for your child. Fill it with a couple of his favorite toys, and some new surprises! Also books, solid snacks in baggies (like baby toast, snack bars - you can pick these up in the same grocery isle that you buy formula from). I also highly recommend a laptop computer or portable DVD player and some favorite show videos (Elmo, Thomas, Bob the Builder; whatever your son will watch) with good headphones. Start letting him practice watching a video with headphones on as soon as you can so he gets used to them). You might also take some music he likes.

Also, as hard as flying feels for you, I hope you can overcome your fears before traveling with your son. He will pick up on your emotions. If you're crying and feeling stress and fear- he will too. And your husband and you will need to be able to work together (especially since you didn't get him his own seat). When I traveled from Japan to the U.S. with my (at that time) two old son on my lap it was hard (I was alone and there weren't resources like DVDs to travel with). Try to focus your attention on playing with and comforting your son instead of the *way* you are traveling.

I pray all goes well for you!

I took my 2 year old and 12 month old on a trip last year. The airport is pretty good with the food and drinks for the little ones. Definitely take drinks....it helps with popping ears or a pacifier if the baby uses one. Besides the usual diapers etc(our plane had a changing table in the bathroom)...take books, toys, laptop for movies etc. If I remember correctly, the plane does not have good drinking water so mixing formula can be difficult. Luckily my son was on whole milk by then. A good source to look at is babycenter.com...they have section for tips for travelling with little ones.

To be brief...

1. Use an overnight diaper or regular diaper with a liner. You'll be surprised how much faster their diapers seem to get wet.
2. Change of clothes is a must.
3. New toys and something that will play a DVD.
4. SNACKS (don't forget to put some away for the ride back).
5. A seat of his own if you can afford it.

Good luck and have a wonderful time!!! At least you're not traveling with 6 aka John & Kate style!!!

I've flown with my babies frequently (though never for that long a flight). It's a pain - but you can do it. Stickers are a great idea. My kids love to stick them on their arms, my arms, the cushions, whatever. Then they move them around, etc. It keeps them busy for a while. Also, a portable DVD player or even just a CD player with calming music. Snacks are important too. Just bring yummy things and let him eat non-stop if it keeps him happy. And last, but not least...drugs. My Pediatrician said that it's OK to help them sleep because it's not good for them to get all wound up and then so tired. So get some Benadryl or something (in a small container, of course - or they have those dissolving pills if you think your guy would take that).

we just traveled to the caribbean with a 9 month old. the good news is that airport security is very good about allowing as much baby food and breast milk/formula on the plane as necessary. We packed a small wheely bag with a cooler containing her food for the few days we would be there, spoons, bowl and bottles with pre-measured amounts of formula for while we were traveling. We also made sure we had pajamas or daytime clothes to change her into so that we didn't have to wake her when we left at the crack of dawn or when we got home from vacation late at night. We used a really lightweight umbrella stroller that we could check at the airplane for carting her around. The good news is - the lull of the airplane tends to put them to sleep so this helped for a portion of the trip. You should also make sure to have a drink on hand for take-offs and landings in case their ears hurt.

Hope this helps!

When you make the reservations, ask for the first seat in the coach area - just behind that wall. There is more leg room there and for the overnight flights, they should offer you a bassinet that sits on the floor. We flew to England when my daughter was 8 months and this worked very well. You should be able to arrange for the bassinet in advance as long as the airline can supply them - call and ask them, they should be helpful. Also, we had to pay a small fee ($100) for our infant - so you might want to check into that as well.

Good Luck!

Hi, I.! I hope the trip goes well! We have taken our daughter overseas annually since she was six months old so that's about six trips ago. You'll make it! I agree with the previous poster -- it's hard, but you do need to cover your own fear of flying to appear calm and confident for your son, because he will pick up on your stress and it will contribute to his own stress. I hate to fly just like you but I pretend it's all a big adventure around my daughter! If he likes books or scribbling with fat crayons, bring lots of books, crayons and paper -- bring plenty to distract him (I've seen lots of families traveling with kids but with no books, toys, games, or even just paper and pencils to occupy the kids). Bring some toys/books/etc. that he's never seen before, so he has something new to occupy his eyes and hands for a little while longer than if it's all familiar toys etc. If he's a walker he can spend some time walking up and down the aisles, which may fascinate him (though it's good to keep this to times when you're sure you won't wake sleeping passengers or get trapped behind the food cart that takes forever to move down the aisle!). If it's not too late to get him a seat on the flights, I would recommend his having his own seat on the plane and being in a car seat that's buckled into his plane seat; this will be much, much more comfortable on such long flights for both you and him, as well as much safer if there is turbulence. Holding a wiggly or cranky toddler for that many hours isn't fun for either of you (I've done it and it tires everyone out), and if the ride gets bumpy, you may find it tough to hold onto him. If getting his own seat is not possible, look in baby stores or online for -- I'm not sure of the name of them -- there are baby "seatbelts" that fasten to the adult's seatbelt and help tether small kids to their parents' laps during flight, for the child's safety during turbulence. Maybe someone else out there knows a brand name? You'll do fine and learn a lot.

we just took a trip last year with our then 15 month old baby from virginia to california and the total trip took about 9 hours.we also had him on our lap when we traveled. this is what we did,get him good and tired before you go and good and full. because then he will slepp for a lot of your trip and when he is awake take stuff for him to color and books to read and little toys to play with and pleanty of snacks and juices to keep him happy. you are allowed to take anything you need to for your baby on the plane as long as therr are in closed packages when you board. so get juice boxes,and all his favorite snacks that come pre packaged. like dont bring anything that you put ina little baggy yorself. bring everything that is closed packaging,like crackers little creal bars cany a nythin you want for him. my baby did surprisingly well.i was so nervouse about it and he did fine. expect him to get a little cranky on take off and landing because the pressure will be building up in his ears.good luck

We travel alot with our 2 children.

1. Plenty of diapers & wipes
2. Change of clothes for baby and you. (My son had a accident while sitting on my lap on a airplane :-o)
3. A "NEW" toy ... nothing big or expensive. Just something to bring out if you get to your wits end. It has "ALWAYS" worked for me.
4. Portable DVD player
5. Plenty of snacks
6. and most of all ... you need to be calm and well rested yourself.