4 Mo. Old on a 12 Hour Plane Trip

You should be fine...and I would definitely bring extra of everything...with a layover, it is easy to get stuck for any reason...and of all the things that airport stores have, baby needs is not one of them....extra diapers, wipes, formula, clothes..toys, pacifiers, etc...I would suggest having a bottle ready to go prior to getting on the plane (as I just learned that not everyone is so careful not to bump you when another passenger bumped me and I ended up wearing half the bottle I was making)...and 2 bags...one to go in the overheard and one to go under the seat with some of the items....I always end up needing something I thought I could do without for take off or landing. I have a baby sling which is great...it is useful for my arms...good luck....

I travel frequently with my now 3 year old. I have brought as many as 8 chocolate milks/juice boxes with no problems at all, as recently as 2 weeks ago. I have found that as long as it's for your child, they don't give you a hard time about it at all. I have never had anyone make me give up anything liquid that was for my son. Just put them in a separate bin, so they can see them. Otherwise, bring a couple changes of clothes for different temps on board/messes. Some new/favorite toys. If yours is like mine was at 4 months, ear plugs for everyone around you :) Otherwise, Good Luck and Gods speed.

Hi.
While I have never made a 12 hour trip, my little girl, now almost 18 months, has been flying me with since 3 1/2 months. She was formula fed for all of the flights, you will have no issues traveling with liquid formula. Make sure that you put it in a plastic bag so that you can show them what you are carrying.
As far as additional things to bring, I would suggest carrying tylenol with you, a favorite blanket or stuffed animal (or both), and maybe a book or two. Really important items to bring would be extra change of clothing for your baby, and at least a change of top for yourself, and more baby wipes than you think you would need.
For the most part flight attendants are really helpful, and will try to do anything they can to help make it easier for you.
I hope this helps. Enjoy your visit to your family.

C., If U are worried about what you can bring on the airplane lookup TSA.com or the airport you are traveling out of on line. They will have all the restrictions listed. Any liquid must be in 3 oz. containers and put into a quart size ziploc bag. Thay usually will let you have more than one bag per traveler since you are traveling with a baby. Most flight attendants are great, just let them know that you are worried about flying with your baby and they will try to help you out as much as they can. I always put my childs favorite toys away for at least 5 days befor traveling, so they will play with them longer. A portable DVD player always helps, my daughter loves the baby ch. on Dish, with the bright colors and music. If you are worried about the amout of formula you have to take on the plane, then have your doctor write a pescription, then ask to speek to the supervisor when you get to the security check point and explain it to them. Just mak sure it is still in 3 oz. that way they won't have a beef. If you are really worried go out there ahead of time and talk to the supervisior at the check point, also the airline you are traveling with to see if your 45 min. inbetween filghts with two children is enough time. Also how earily you should be at the airport and what their suitcase restrictions are. A lot of airlines have changed things and it could end up costing you quite a bit so be prepared. One last thing.. If you have a strooler and are going to use it to get down to the gete area, make sure you check in with the gate agent before you board the plane to get a tag, it just makes things easier on the gate agent. I hope this helps you out and let us know how your trip goes!!! Your friendly customer service agent....C. B.

Both my son and daughter were very active babies and wanted to be held most of the day. I breast fed for all of 1 week but stopped when I got an infection of some sort and was in agony when I tried to feed. I brought my son back to the US from Belgium alone when he was only 6 months old. The first leg from Belgium to US was the only time I recall having such a nightmare flight (I fly often) and we had to land in some super tiny town in Canada. We had to wait for another plane to come from US to collect us. Luckily it wasn't so bad for my son as the flight attendants cooed over him and he loved it. Airline wouldn't give passengers hotel rooms because we were only there for 7 hours waiting but a flight attendant gave up the room they gave her. She even walked with him during part of the flight which he loved to see all the different people and she said a baby really helps calm some passengers too. He seemed to breeze right thru it all. You could call the airline but I would think that there wouldn't be an issue if you brought sealed store bought milk. You're pediatrician may also be able to give you something for you're baby to help him sleep during most of the flight. I hope you have a pleasant flight and great visit with you're relatives. :)

my daughter was 3 months when we went on are our firt plane ride. i would call your airport and talk to them about the formula they made me mix hes at the check. i was very lucky my daughter didnt mind so much. but she did get cranky so i walked with her and played with toys. one thing that has worked with my daughter when i cant get her to stop fusing istake her diaper off, put one underneather her and let her play. bring teathing rings, she can chew on them if her ears start to hurt.
i wish i could be of more help
M.

I didn't fly with formula, but I would suggest taking a dr note. It's not like you can buy formula on your layover. Take along some powder just in case then all you need to do is buy water.
When my daughter was that young she slept most of the flights. Keep her active on the layover.

Hi C.!

I haven't traveled with a 4 month old before, and I assume that others have. I will say that I would just call the airline to find out about restrictions on formula. They will certainly know, and then you can rest easy once you know the answer. Concerning flying, I'm hoping that there are other gals who have some answers for you! Hope you have a wonderful visit with your family!

I just flew & the "rule for liquids exempted baby formula, so no worries there, just take it in sealed containers, & open as needed. Take along lots of distractions (toys/rattles/books to read) in a bag. Does she have her own seat? Being able to set her into her car seat to sleep will help you relax some. Or is she a "Babe in arms." As for feedings, burpings, changings, that all gets interesting, but consider it an adventure, rather than an ordeal, it will help all of you.
One key thing to be aware of is the ups & downs, and ear pressure. If you can get her to eat or use the pacifier at these times, it helps her keep her ears clear. Hopefully she will sleep some of it.

Enjoy the journey.
Ang

My husband and I took our daughter on a 4 1/2 hour plane ride when she was 5 1/2 mo. I was terrified before hand that I was going to have THAT kid that screamed the entire trip. Not even close. You can definately take formula on the plane. Take extra - and make sure to feed her during take off and landing. The sucking motion helps relieve pressure in her ears so they don't pop (and maybe it will put her to sleep for a bit). Books and a few toys are good and get up and walk the isles with her for a bit a couple times during the flight. Another thing that came in handy that were extra ziplock plastic bags. I have been on flights where there was no where to change my daughter so I had to do it in my seat. The ziplocks help to keep the diapers in so you (and your neighbors) don't have to smell them the rest of the flight. Good luck. I know you will be fine. Do what you can to stay calm. The kids can feel tension and tend to feed on it. I have faith in you!

C.,

I sometimes fly the red-eye flight so my kids sleep through most of it. Luckily my family came to see me most of the time when my kids were babies since they didn't have wiggly children to contend with. Is that an option? Can they understand that this babe may have a really rough go of it considering all you described: sensitive to noise, needing to be walked around alot, the feeding issues with needing lots of burps ans special formula?

You should call the airline and ask about how much formula you can bing.

You might also want to consider those homeopathic teething tablets. They would always calm my kids and help them sleep.

Hi C.,

Well I just got back from a 3 hour plane ride with my 8 month old, little different I guess but I thought I would tell you my positive experience. My daughter is also only formula fed and our carrier (Alaska) said formula is the one liquid that is exceptable. We brought both her carrier and stroller and checked it at the gate. There were three babies on both flights and all of them were fine with a little walking and movement. Try and time feeding just before take off, with children you get to board first, so right when we got on we fed her and she was asleep in no time. I would suggest sitting in the back of the plane, you are closer to the flight attendents that might let you get up and hang out in their area, even when the seatbelt light is on.. Plus the natural worry of others decreases quite a bit.

Anyway, goodluck! I feel your pain I had major anxiety the week before our trip!

A.

Hey C.! I flew alot when my first was a baby...and she was bottle fed. I really think as long as you have a couple bottles ready to go, and a pacifier (for them to suck on while taking off and landing...it helps with the pressure on their little ears) you will be fine. She will probably sleep. And when you go through security, you can bring bottles and sippy cups with milk/formula....it is an exception, so don't worry about that. You can always get up during the middle of the flight and walk her up and down the aisle too. Anyway, I am sure it will be okay! Try and relax a little...it may help your baby be relaxed that day! Hope you enjoy your trip!

The TSA liquid limitations do not apply for infant formula. You may want to carry them in unopened original cans to get through security but you will be allowed to bring them. Plan to feed her during takeoff and landing. And a pacifier may be a good idea as the pressure can hurt little ears.

I have travelled with both of my girls when they were infants. When travelling I require to bring soy milk for both of them (they are 4 & 2). Both were also on formula. We had our pediatrician write a note explaining that our girls need formula/soy milk and therefore we must bring liquids on board of the plane. With the note from the pediatrician we never had a problem.

Good luck!

You should call the airport and speak to someone in security check and ask them about the formula thing. I don't know where they stand on formula. They MIGHT let you bring an unopened can (if that's what you use) and then open it after you go through security. But call and ask and GET THE PERSON'S NAME that you spoke with and take it with you, so you can tell them who you spoke to.
As for on the flight (I am so sorry the flight is soo long) what does she do and play with now? Bring those things. Does she have a comfort item? Blanket, pacifier, favorite toy? Bring those. She will sleep too.

Sorry if this isnt' much help, but, you do need to call airport security in regards to the formula.

Hi C.,

My son and I just flew to Okinawa Japan, a little over twenty-four hour travel time. Our long flight from Seattle to Tokyo was 10 hours.

I took my boppy pillow for him to sleep in my lap on. Everyone made fun of me for lugging such a bulky item. It was my life saver....We did not take it out on the long flight to Japan, and I am so sorry we didn't. He fought sleep all the way there! The final short flight to the Island, I used it...we both sleep like babies the whole flight.
On the way home, I used it on the long flight, he slept almost the whole way home on it. It was so comfy!!!

As far as the formula, Take it in the canister it comes in, and put it in a zip lock baggy. They will provide water on the plane.

I took baby food. I just placed both jars, and plastic ones in a ziplock baggy, and thew it in my carry on. The looked at it at security in Seattle, and passed it thru no problems.

I also took baby Tyenol, and ibprufon. I just put it in a zip lock baggy.

I used so many ziplock baggys. At Wal-mart in the travel shampoo section, they have a package of airplane approved ones. You don't have to use them, but it's the size for liqids. I used gallon sized ones for the baby foods.

I hope this helps...we just returned two weeks ago, so I feel I am pretty up to date. :O)

Good Luck, and Have fun Traveling!!!

Hi C. ~
First off let me say I hope your traveling goes well! You are a brave Mommy! I'm getting ready to do a 7 hour car ride w/ my two kids & I'm hoping that will go well.
As for your question with the formula, I don't know what brand you use, Similac makes individual (8oz) ready to feed bottles. You just screw the nipple right onto the bottle & feed. They don't have to be refrigerated before opening. I think there is 6 of them in a box. I keep them on hand for outings. WalMart sells the boxes for about $10. If you go online & register w/ Similac Welcome Addition club they send out $5 coupons monthly that you can use.
Suggestions for things to bring on the plane ... quiet activities (crayons, color books & blank paper), comfort items (ie favorite bear) & lots of snacks / juice boxes. Remember for each seat you've purchased you can have a carry on bag. So you may feel like you've over packed but better to have some stuff that you didn't ever pull out the bag then bored kids! Maybe make a trip to the dollar store for some new toys before you leave. Nothing keeps them quiet like a new toy! If you don't end up giving it to them keep it for another time.
Good luck!

From what I have read online you can bring formula with you on the plane you just have to let security know that you have it. I would print off the rule and bring it with you to ensure that you won't have any problems. You could also use some ear plugs to help with the noise. They sell some great ones at Walmart for kids that are basically like playdough and you just spread it out in the ear but it does not go inside the ear canal. They stay in great. I have used them on my 3 month old when we go to hockey games and they don't bother him at all and they stay in great. Hope this helps.

Dear C.~
All the responses are RIGHT ON!! I'll just add that when my oldest was 5 months old, we had to fly to Japan (thank you USMC) and that was an 18 hour flight. As the others said, make sure you feed your baby during take off and landing to pop ears. You can bring as much formula as you want for the allowed amount of time for the flight and allowing for lag time. Make sure YOU wear comfortable clothes
(I had a wool uniform on for about 10 minutes, and changed in a heartbeat--and almost got in trouble for it by a higher ranking person--until I challenged him to take care of my baby...and he finally gave up :) i.e. no heels, no cute blouses, white blouses that will show barf stains, no dresses-so you don't get tangled up in them, and layer up, so it will be easy for YOU to be able to peel off clothes if you get hot. Same goes for your baby. Just make it easier on yourself. Some may have issue with my next "hint", but my Dr. said (at the time) that there wasn't anything wrong with giving my baby little bits of liquid baby tylenol. This stuff allowed her to snooze so well. It was a great relief. BUT, at this point (25 years later) your Dr. should have something for you to administer to your baby--i.e. chlorohydrate---it is in the form of flavored syrup and is used for baby CT & MRI scans to help them hold still, so they don't get lots of radiation (in the case of CT or x rays) because of multiple tries. Ask your Dr. to see if this is an option.
Good luck with your flight!!

Yes! I travelled with our 6 mo old with similar sensitivities to France. the flight is easy; most of the time the kids will sleep. I would recommend requesting a bulkhead seat (let them know you are travelling with an infant) so you can get the bassenette that they have on the flight. This will give you a place to put baby when your arm falls asleep from holding her, and give you a bit of extra legroom. Even if you're travelling first or business, bulkhead is the way to go in both of those cabins as well. The good news is the engines give off plenty of white noise and the cabin pressure encourages babies to sleep, which is really nice. You may need to hold her while she sleeps, but she should sleep. This is the BEST time to travel with baby; before she is really mobile. It gets bad when she wants to crawl/walk all over the plane...
You can also gate-check your stroller if you need it, but I just put our little one in a sling or the bjorn thing. it was easier to get through security. I would also bring a baby blanket, about 8-10 diapers, wipes, 2 bottles (in case you don't have time or location to wash the first one), 1-2 toys she likes that you can pack, 2-3 extra changes of clothes and a baby blanket she knows from home.
By law, they have to allow formula now. I travelled with the premade stuff in 6 and 8 oz cans - and I brought 4 of them on the flight with me. I would double check with the airline just to reassure yourself, but I know I travelled post-911 with this stuff in my bag no problem. I would recommend not putting it in bottles, and just keeping it in the pre-packaged cans while going through security.
Best of luck! You're going to have fun; keep a positive attitude and all will go well!

Hi-I have traveled alot with my daughter and always long trips-since we were stationed in Hawaii. I tried to keep her awake until we were on the plane. Then once we were ready to take off I would feed her-it is extremely important to have them drinking during take off and landing. This will help the pressure in their ears. Make sure to pack some ziploc bags for dirty diapers-the flight attendants will not take them and it is hard at times to make it to the restroom. I got very good at changing her on my lap. When my daughter got fussy I would make my way to the very back of the plane and do deep knee bends. I wish you the best of luck. B.

Check with the TSA website. But it is my understanding that you can bring enough formula through security for the baby.

I also traveled with my daughter when she was 2 months old and the one thing I found that was really helpful was feed her during take offs and landings so that she didn't suffer from air pressure changes.

Good luck. It sounds like you have your hands full.

You can absolutely bring enough formula on the plane for your trip! Make sure you have it seperate when you go through security and let them know that it's infant formula. They may give you a little grief about it, but they cannot say that you or your child has to eat it to get through security. We've flown 3 times in 9.5 months and it's not too bad. We took a couple hanging toys from her floor gym and it worked pretty well. The noise from the airplane is actually fairly soothing and babies tend to sleep. It's the toddlers that tend to be more upset because of the shape of their ear canal. Don't hesitate to ask a flight attendant if you need something such as hot water to warm your formula. I've found that they're very happy to help do whatever it takes to keep happy babies! :)

First, call your airline and see what their requirements are for formulas. You might also check with TSA to see what they will allow and in what containers. It may be that you can't have pre-filled bottles, but can bring unopened cans that the flight attendants could open and fill your bottles for you. A 6 hr flight is a long time for an adult, let alone an infant. Again, speak with your airline and get bulkhead seating. This will give you the extra room for your diaper bag, space to lay the baby down to change diapers, etc. Pacifiers are a must. Babies are extremely sensitive to changes in cabin pressure and this happens frequently in a flight. Their ears hurt, and sucking on a pacifier or bottle takes care of that problem. It's a great thing that your 9 yr old is going along as you will need an extra set of hands to carry all your things. Request a sky cap to get you to next gate in a timely fashion, you never know how far away you have to travel to get to the next gate on time to get situated before the other passengers are seated. Again, make sure that you have bulk head seating on all flight segments. Hopefully your baby will nap most of the time. If she's eating rice cereal or fruit at the time you go on your trip, it wouldn't hurt to pack a jar or two of unopened food. Again, check with your airline and TSA for restrictions. Your car seat for her seat on the plane is a great idea. I don't know if you have to pay for this additional seat, check that out. But you should take your car seat with you and have it checked if you can't use it in the seat next to you. A fold up/umbrella stroller to help you get around. This can be checked at the gate and made available as you de-plane. Your 9 yr old is apt to get fussy as well. If you have a travel dvd player, take it along. Many airlines now rent video players, see Alaska Airlines digiplayers. They come pre-loaded with movies and are a godsend for long trips. Enjoy your trip with your family!

This is directly from the TSA website (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.s....

"When traveling with your infant or toddler, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of baby formula, breast milk, or juice are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary, if you perform the following:

Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.
You are encouraged to travel with only as much formula, breast milk, or juice in your carry-on needed to reach your destination."

I flew with my daughter when she was 6 months old and we had 3 different planes flying from Louisville, KY to Anchorage, AK. Very long day. My daughter was also bottle fed and I used the playtex with the disposable liners. I think I took 2 or 3 prepared bottles and had a can of liquid concentrated formula in the diaper bag (don't forget a can opener) and a Nalgene type bottle. I also had a baggie full of extra liners and nipples and an empty baggie for dirty nipples. When I needed to make more formula all I had to do was pour the formula to the nalgene bottle and add bottled water. If you are worried about any leftover formula going bad you could take an icepack with you to keep it cool ( should be good for 24 hours). They also have ready to feed bottles like you get from the hospital available at some grocers now, all you need to do is attach a nipple. The disposable liners worked great for traveling, no bottle to wash and new liners and nipples didn't take up much space.

I read a bunch of stuff on flying with babies and the best advice was to feed them while taking off and landing, the sucking action will help their ears pop. Also make sure to bring plenty of diapers. I had enough diapers in my diaper bag until I was delayed on my last flight. Cincinatti airport staff did have diapers but not in my daughters size, they had to get diapers out of my suitcase for me. If your daughter has a favorite toy try and attach it to a pacifier clip, when she does throw it at least it won't end up on the ground.

Hope you are seated around other parents and travelers willing to entertain your daughter, mine was more content to look around and smile back at other passengers than to play with toys, and once we got going she fell asleep.

Good luck

Hi C.,
I took my son on his first flight when he was three months old and I felt the same way - totally stressed! The security officers, though, tend to be extremely helpful when it comes to babies. They will let you take through as much formula as needed - but just be sure to bring it to their attention and have it in a plastic bag so they can examine it and x-ray it or whatever. My son was/is not a sleeper, and so I was stressed about having to entertain him the whole time without my husband and not being able to leave my seat, etc. However, the white noise of the airplane sent him straight to sleep -- hopefully your daughter will respond the same!
Make sure you have a lot of extra wipes and diapers - disposables are easier to travel with if you're using cloth normally as they absorb a lot more and you can go longer between diaper changes. I also packed an extra set of clothing for my son and an extra shirt for me (in case he spit up or anything). I brought along a carrier as it was easier getting on and off the plane with him on me than trying to carry him in my arms while carrying all the luggage, too. Also, if you have a stopover, you might not be able to grab your stroller between flights (ask at the desk, though), so a carrier may come in very handy! Instead of an over-the-shoulder diaper bag, I used a backpack, which also left my hands free... You might want to bring a small blanket and a couple of small toys, too.
Not sure if you're going overseas (your flight length sounds like it), but some planes apparently offer bassinets for longer flights. You might want to call the airlines and check...
Enjoy your trip home!

I don't believe they are allowed to stop you from brining pre-made formula on the plane...it wouldn't hurt to bring just unopened containers of it on though just in case. When we fly with the kids we always bring their blanket and their pillows. Our kids sleep with the small travel size pillows. And then non noisy toys. If she takes a paci bring a few because one or two are bound to fall on the floor. Other then that best of luck! If you are lucky she will fall asleep on the flight!

I went to Spain (from Portland) when my daughter was 6 mos. and we had 4 legs of our flight...don't recommend that! If you can have only one direct flight...that is the best. We had 9 hours of jet lag...so that was tough. I was told to be sure that your child is breastfeeding, or sucking when you go up and when you come down to relieve the pressure in her ears. Also, a little older ones, could be chewing on something, hard candy etc. when that happens. I was also recommended by my doctor to bring saline solution to put in her nose, to prevent the mucus membranes from getting dried out, making germs more suseptible. I guess the mm prevent that from happening. Formula...I have no idea about...but I also did some research about using baby benedryl to calm kids. Many say though that it works opposite than wanted, instead of calming them, it just gets them more hyper. Many suggest Hyland's teething tablets, even if they are not teething to calm them. Just some ideas. Good luck! Also, I found a hat that goes over her eyes to be extremely helpful in getting her to go to sleep when the lights were on.

I would call airline. When my son was 5 months old we had a 26 hour total travel time flight. I just had to take a drink of the formula to show it was safe.

You can go to www.tsa.gov for questions about what you can bring on.

Bring enough formula and diapers for what you need plus some extra, as well as a change of clothes for both of you. If baby has her own seat (which is safest, although $), she can have her own 2 carry ons, so take advantage! It may be more bags, but they will less full, so easier to look through. For distraction, new toys/books, and music/headphones for her to listen to (lullabies and fun stuff). On take off and landing, make sure she is either drinking formula or has a pacifier to help relieve ear pressure. You may want to give her an appropriate dose of Tylenol just in case. I would not recommend Benadryl (to help baby sleep) at this young of an age unless your pediatrition says it's okay and gives you the correct dose for her weight. Check with FAA or your local airport for rules about how much formula you can bring, but you should be able to bring all you need for the trip. If the security gives you problems, argue with them! You and your baby have rights, too! You will have to buy water past the check point, however... and do, because it's $5 for a half-liter bottle on the plane! Good luck, and if passengers give you a hard time, they've obviousely never had to deal with thier own, so ignore them! ;-)

Hi C.~
I recently took my 6 month old daughter on a 6 hour plane ride... not compared to your 12 hours; but we had a lay over for 3 hours so it felt like forever! I was also worried about how much formula and baby food ect. to take. But they really did not give us a hard time about it at all. We had a bottle made from the trip to the airport that they left alone as well as the cans.
Just the water on the other had has to be purchased beyond the security check.
Just make sure that you have more then enough. You should know how many bottles your daughter has during that time period. I would pack enought for that plus 4... just in case it is the only thing to keep her happy.
Baby food wasnt a problem either, just in case you are wondering.
I hope my advice helps and good luck!!
Cori