Airplane Travel with a Baby

Nurse/bottle feed on take-off and landing. When I flew with my infant, she slept a lot of the flight, once sort of nursing for 3 1/2 hours - but she was happy and quiet, so I didn't mess with it. Lots of planes have changing tables that pull out over the toilet - I didn't know about this until a ticked-off flight attendant informed me after changing my baby on my lap. Hey, how was I supposed to know. But, I've been on several flights with out a changing table - so just do what you have to do. Ya know we we're all babies once. Just relax. Flying with an infant is really quite easy. Now toddlers...that's a different story ;-)

I recently traveled with my then 6 month old daughter, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. She's formula fed, so I filled her bottles ahead of time with powder formula only. Then I got a couple bottles of water after I passed through security to add to the bottles when necessary. Take the stroller because it allows for carrying some of your bags and carrying baby easily. Also, security at the airports were visited opened a special line for us as soon as they saw the stroller. Make sure that you can easily slip you feet in and out of your shoes, and don't wear anything that can set off the security sensor. You will need to put the stroller and car seat (if taken) through the security screen, so ask for help if needed. You do need to take baby out of the stroller/car seat for the screaning. Make sure that all liquids are stored in the zip lock bag and is easy to access (get travel size versions of stuff if needed). I bought a separate seat for my daughter which came in very handy since she's an active baby. Her car seat served as a familiar object for her, so she remained pretty calm and content riding in it. If you by the seat, put the seat in the windo seat. Per flight attendant - It would be easier to get off the plane in an emergency if car seat is in the window seat. Don't forget the rest of the advice regarding the sucking during take off and landing, ziploc bags, extra clothes (for you and baby), and extra diapers and food.

Most importantly - If your baby cries or yells during the flight, don't get anxious, nervous, or even embarrased. Babies aren't adults that you can ask politely if they can quiet down.

All of my kids traveled as infants (17, 4 & 8 months).

1. He's 3.5 months you don't need to bring a bunch of extra stuff. Being on your lap for that long will be a treat for him if he's not sleeping. A normal diaper bag, with 1 rattle, a few diapers, and an extra change of clothes is fine. Lugging a bunch of extras on a flight is stressful. If the airline loses your luggage, and you're not traveling to Nepal you'll probably be able to buy a pkg of diapers at a store on the way to your parents' home and you can pick up some temp clothes at a Goodwill for <10 bucks. There is a limit to how much you can carry on anyway. (lost luggage is usually found and delivered to you within 24 hours).

2. Cabin pressure change only occurs during take off and landing, BF during these times. If he's hungry right before take off, let him cry until take off, sometimes its hard to get them to suck their thumb or a pacifier when they're busy crying. It's easier to get them to nurse because BF is nurturing, comforting and they are hungry where as pacifiers and thumbs are self soothers and he's too young to be good at that. If he's asleep gently wake him to nurse for landing.

3. I liked the bulkhead seat (the first row in coach) there was more room between the seat and the little wall and I could lay my oldest on his lammie at my feet while he slept. With my youngest I have a Moby Wrap... it was wonderful because I slept and didn't have to worry about her falling off my lap. If you haven't already requested a specific seat you may not have a choice now - flights are usually packed.

4. As far as picking a window seat --- its hard enough to climb over people to get out by yourself... even more impossible with your hands full of baby even in a wrap or snugli because the space between the seats is so cramped. If you're shy about BFing in public, there's not a whole lot of people who can see you, the two people on either side of you maybe if they lean forward and rubberneck and the people walking by are walking by... not going to get a good long look.

J.-
You've gotten great advice already. We've traveled with both of our children since they were babies and the best advice I can give, is relax. The baby feels what you are feeling and if you are anxious, so he will be also!

Feed on take offs and landings - get him sucking on something- then his ears won't hurt and he won't cry.

Don't worry about anyone else. Concentrate on him - sing to him or whatever comforts him.

I was on a plane with my infant daughter and she was getting a bit fussy, so I stood (when the fasten seatbelt signs were off) and sang softly to her. Or so I though! I'm not the best singer, but it helped her and when we landed, the gentlemen behind us commented on how he enjoyed the songs he hadn't heard in years!! LOL It was a bit embarassing, but he also commented on what a good baby I had! :)

If you need to change him, and don't have an extra seat to do it in - go to the galley, or by the bathroom and lay down a blanket on the floor and change him. It doesn't take long, you won't bug anyone, and the flt attendants will be fine with it!

Take care and enjoy your trip!! :)
C.

Hi J.!

I have a 7 month old boy who I have taken to California 6 times since he was born. The first trip was at 3 months and I too was a little concerned at first. I have found that flying with him is almost as easy as going by myself. I fly Southwest so I can pick my own seat. They let you bring on the carrier if there are available seats on the plane so you don't have to buy baby his own ticket. I make sure that My son is partially fed before boarding but still a little hungry. I give him a little Motrin or Tylenol about 30 minutes prior to taking off to help with any ear pain. When I get on the plane I take an empty row and put my son next to the window so that I can sit in the center and hope that no one tries to sit next to me.....No one has yet tried in 6 flights! As soon as we start to take off I make sure that he has either the binky to suck on or the bottle and I keep him occupied wdith funny faces. I do the same thing on the last part of the flight when the plane descends. I think as long as you make sure he is sucking on something his little ears will stay popped and he will be fine. Do not fly if baby seems congested. As for changing...if you take the whole row up it is easy and if you don't then just put him on your lap....there is no room in the bathroom!!! I hope you have a nice trip with your son...I enjoy my little trips alone with my baby. Also..check as much of your stuff as possible to make it easy on yourself getting around the airport.

ditto on the nursing/bottle/paci on take off/landing... though crying also helps their ears regulate to the change in altitude... so if he does cry it is usually brief.

though stressful for you, it is actually much easier to travel the smaller they are... plus the vibrations usually make them sleepy.

most airplanes have a flip down lid/changing table in the bathroom (behind toilet). it is awkward & small, and hard... but better than trying to do it on your lap. if you do need to change a diaper in your seat, just make sure you have lots of wipes... and pack a few extra gallon sized ziplocs to store the dirty ones. (and clothes if you have a blow out). you and your fellow passengers will be thankful for the nearly odor free storage.

also, bring a change of clothes (or at least a shirt for you) for you and your baby. my daughter is not a barfer, but she has puked on me or my husband every time we've flown somewhere. a few extra burp cloths and some of those receiving blankets are good for wiping up messes too or puttinh down when surfaces aren't so clean.

bring a sack full of toys, rattles, etc... pick up a few new ones that your son hasn't played with before. trust me anyone who is sitting near you would rather hear a toy (as long as it isn't battery powered and noisy) than a fussy kid.

i will also admit to not being above bringing along some liquid tylenol... i am not sure if the altitude gave my daughter a headache or what... but if your baby gets super fuusy... you might want to have some on hand.

as for seating, since most airlines seem to have done away with assigned seating, i try to sit next to an older woman who looks like she is a grandma or any woman who has that "mom" vibe... wrong to stereo-type, but i sat next to a lady who played peek-a-boo with my (at the time) 6 mo for nearly 2 hrs straight. i don't know who had a better time... my daughter or that kind lady.

remember to pre-board... and you can gate-check your stroller/car-seat, it doesn't count as a carry-on item and you can use it again as soon as you land.

flight attendants are usually unbelievably helpful, esp if you are traveling alone... just ask for help if you need it. (one held my daughter when i had to go to the bathroom... i could have kissed her).

traveling with small children is a lot of work... but you won't believe the kindness of strangers... kind of restores your faith in humanity. perfect strangers will hold open doors, lift your carseat on to the security conveyor belt, etc...

whew! sorry to write a novel about this.

good luck!

p.s. make sure to wear slip on shoes for security... and no belt or other items you need to remove, etc. anything to make it easy to get through security. Also make sure to bag up (again in ziplocs) any formula you have. though expensive i liked those single serving travel packs of formula. they are easier to get through security than baggies of formula.

Hi J.,
Rochelle and the other moms covered the air pressure issue and diaper changes. Make sure if you are using formula to bring powder formula, you can get bottled water on the airplane to mix it with but the laws on bringing your own liquid on the flight are still pretty strict.
Have fun, great that you are already traveling with your son, sets him up for a lifetime of loving travel.
Have fun,
SarahMM

I traveled with my then 3 month old daughter to visit family in England. We had very short layovers so I can't advise there but as for being on the plane, I would say that using the tray table helped us a lot. It was a good spot for changing the baby (try to have a window seat or aisle seat so that you can keep some room between stinky diapers and other passengers, and is a good seat for a little privacy if you are breastfeeding), and also for her to lie on and kick around, just make sure you watch baby closely. Don't forget to take dirty diapers to the bathroom with you so that you can throw them in the trash. We had some nice extra room as they gave us a free up grade to Economy Plus on one leg of the trip, you have enough to juggle as it is so any extra space is a luxury. You may want to ask if the airline has bassinet seats. The one we were given was a glorified box that we could put on the tray table and lay Baby in, but it did mean that we could all take a nap and not worry about her rolling off. These do make eating a little tricky, you may have to wait to eat and then swap with your other half or vice versa. Request these early as the only seats they can be used in are behind the bulkheads. If you are not breastfeeding or won't be doing it on the journey, I would suggest buying some formula that is already measured out and divided into small packages so that you don't have to mess with measuring on the plane. If the baby is awake don't forget there are lots of new people for him to look at so go for a walk down the aisle. The one thing that my Baby didn't like was the final descent. You really want your little one to be sucking ( on a pacifier, bottle, breast) on take off and landing to ease the crying and the changes for him. Don't forget, most airlines don't count your stroller/travel system as luggage and you can take the car seat and stroller up to the gate before you need to check it. It can help you carry the bags full of diapers and other baby necessities and it makes it easier to move if you're running to make a tight connection. Please don't take my word for it though, check with your airline. I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any other questions!

There is a changing table on most planes above the toilet. bring a mat/pad to change him on though.

one thing I did when i brought morgan on theplane was to sanitize EVERYTHING! We would touch. I brought sani-wipes organic ones from vitamin cottage and wiped seat-belts,tray tables,arm rest windows etc... It kept us from getting sick.

Feed during take-off,and landing.

Hi J.
We traveled with our baby at about the same age for the first time. Do you have tickets yet? Southwest was really kid friendly. They don't have assigned seating and a lot of times they have extra seats so you can bring on their carseat and put it in a seat for them to sit in (if he likes his carseat it works great) For diapers, we changed it right before the flight and right after. But the flight crew did offer that if we needed to change a diaper they could lay a blanket down in the back and we could change it on there. We also made sure that during take off and landing I either breast fed or gave her a pacifier to help her ears from hurting. 3.5 months is actually a good age for flying because they aren't crawling or walking yet. I also recommend gate checking your stroller and carseat (do they fit together?) because then there is no chance that they will lose it which can happen when you check it. For layovers, bring a blanket to lay on the floor in the airport so they can stretch out for a little while. When you go through security, remember that you have to take them out of their carseat/stroller and carry them through. You also have to fold up the stroller and put it through the security screener. If you ask,they will usually help you too if you need it. We have traveled quite a few times with our baby and it always goes pretty smooth. Have fun on your trip! Remember to just take your time and don't forget to ask the airline if you need help with anything :-)

That young, airline travel isn't too hard. You can't sit in emergency exti rows (naturally). If you can manage it, try to get a bulkhead row seat... theres a little extra room in those ones. The drawback, however, is that you can't stow the diaper back under the seat in front of you. Pick your poison on that one. I also suggest an aisle seat... you get up more frequently when traveling with a baby. Make sure you have a binky, bottle or are nursing for take-off and landing... the pressure changes are hard on babies ears and sucking will alleviate and avoid the problem. Airplane lavatories do have changing tables, but they are tiny. It is generally easier to just change baby's diaper on your lap (provided its not poopy... change poopies in the lavatory). Traveling with itty-bittys isn't too, too hard... we've traveled with our daughter (now 15 months) quite a bit. Hope you have a good trip!

I've traveled a few times with our now 8 month old and so far all has gone well. I always made sure to have a few of the essentials packed with me, two changes of clothes just in case, a few toys, a blanket to cover up with if I nursed and I pumped a bottle just in case. When my son was only a few months old he slept most of the flight and when he was awake would look around a bit. Now he is a bit more active, but I just bring a toy or two and that kept him busy. If you can plan it to where your child will take a nap on the plane it works well. Good luck with your travels!

You've got awesome advice. I just wanted to say to be prepared for the most interrogating time of your life trying to get through the gate, so make time for that! Make sure ALL liquids in your diaper bag are in a ziploc bag -- diaper cream, ibuprofen, lips, etc. I put several bottles with formula in them already so I could just add water. Babies that young are actually easy - they just want to eat or sleep. Take a chew toy and your set!

Hi J.,

Even though they ask for people with small children to board first. Ignore this!! Do the children really need to sit on the plane 30 minutes more than is necessary? Ask the gate agent if they can take your carseat down to the flight attendant early so they can put it in your seat for you. (If you are using one) Then wait until the last boarding call to get on. Don't be afraid to push the Flight Attnedant call button if you need anything. They are there to help you, it's part of thier job. They should be more than happy to get you what you need or hold your baby while you use the restroom. Happy travels!

If you are nursing, take something to cover yourself and sit by the window. You will need the peron next to you to move to use the restroom and may want to walk around with your little one, depending on length of flight, but they will live. THe window will give you mor privacy. If not, take the aisle seat. Keep the baby in the car seat, in the stroller just before you get on the plane. You can check the stroller and seat right there. If you have a bag for them, use it, and do not take a super expensive stroller. They will not insure it. Make sure you take a changing pad and some baggies for messy diapers. Some planes have a changing table in the restroom, some do not. If you have the changing pad you can change him on your lap or close the toilet lid and use the changing pad. Also, have him either use a binki, bottle or nurse, during take off and landing, it will help pop his ears and keep him out of pain. I have flown a lot with little ones and this helps a lot! Take a favorite toy and blanket. At 3.5 months he will probably sleep most of the time. Good luck!

I travelled to Pennsilvania when my oldest was three months. I just made sure he had a dry diaper on when we left and then if we had any stops I changed him at the airport. I had a changing pad with me and when he did get wet on the plane, I used one of his blankets and put it on the sink, then I layed him on the pad. That way he was away from any germs. I used good diapers, none of the cheap ones and he did fine. I live in Montana so it was quite a long ride.

I made sure he was eating a bottle or had his pacifier while we took off and landed each time. He only cried really bad once and that was in Atlanta and he was too hot. I just stripped him down to his diaper and then when we were back in the air, I dressed him. I may have been really lucky but he was great both ways. He did sleep a lot. Good luck and have fun!!!

HI, I have a 17mo old baby and we've travelled quite a bit. He was really good at 3-12 months! He slept most of the flight. Families generally sit toward the back of the plane. Some airplane lavs have a changing table. Otherwise, I just changed him in my lap or in the bathroom on top of the closed toilet seat (with a changing pad, of course). Good luck!

Hi J.,

Here is my advice. I traveled with my daughter for the first time when she was about the same age.

1. The most important thing to do is to give them a bottle (or a binki if BF) during take off and landing. This will help their ears pop and prevent a lot of screaming during the flight.
2. Airplane bathrooms are TINY. We had a fairly short trip, so I just changed my daughter right before we boarded, then again when we landed in the airport bathrooms. In case of a #2 there's not really any choice but to change baby, but I would bring some disposable changing pads and a blanket for the changing table (I use receiving blankets) to put baby's head on.
3. Ask the flight attendant if there is a row with an empty seat. If there is, they will often let you put your baby in a carrier next to you for no charge (if you didn't purchase baby a seat - which most people dont' spend the money on when they are under two). Ask before you board (the ticket agent can usually locate an empty seat and move you so your sitting there), then let the flight attendant know when you board. I was lucky on the first leg, but the way back, the flight was packed so baby had to lap it. When they're that little, its not too bad.
4. Pack a good diaper bag. This means anything your baby will need during the flight, a change of clothes or two and enough diapers for 24 hours. You never know when the airline could loose your luggage and you don't want to get stuck without the stuff your baby needs.
5. IF you can, try to schedule the flight around baby's nap time. The hum of the airplane sometimes helps them sleep and a sleeping baby is MUCH easier to deal with than a baby that's awake.
6. Take care of yourself before you go. Go to the bathroom BEFORE you get on the plane. It would really suck if you had to take baby to the airplane potty just because you have to pee.
7. Bring some interesting toys to entertain your little one.

I don't know that it matters much where you sit, although there is more foot room by the emergency doors. Although I don't think you can sit there with a small child.

Good luck. Its so much easier to travel with them when they're small like that. It's just the luggage you have to cart around with you (aka diaper bag) that can be tough. If you can, use a small enough purse that you can just tuck it inside the diaper bag - one less thing to carry is always nice. Use a backpack if you can for baby's diaper bag. Its so nice to have your hands free for luggage and carriers and strollers, and everything else you'll be dealing with.

have a fun trip!
J.

MY biggest piece of advice, have him sucking on a bottle or nursing during take off and again during landing. It can cause a lot of ear pain and the pressure is relieved by any sucking he can do! Bottles are actually better since it requires more sucking.
Diapers on a plane, just try not to, as it is close to impossible unless you have an empty seat next to you.
When I flew with my daughter thankfully there was a row of seats in the back that were empty and the stewardess let me use those with a towel underneath her, but typically they discourage you doing it at all if the flight is full.
Sit where you can easily get up and get back in your seat too. Good luck and have fun! My experience, my daughter each time she flew was asleep right after take off and didn't wake up until landing, especially at your son's age he may just sleep.

The only real advice I can give is DON'T wear a baby backpack in the airport or on the plane. They will make you take you take the baby out, and take it off to get through security. Then if you end up nursing on the plane (which when I flew with my oldest when he was a baby I nursed the WHOLE time just to keep him quiet) the baby backpack just gets in the way.

I found it easy to fly with infants. Just always time breast feedings or bottles to coincide with take off or landing....if that isn't possible a pacifier will be necessary to help adjust the baby's ears to the air pressure. Bring the carseat, for after take off and your baby will probably sleep most of the way. Most airports have family / nursing rooms now...But if not or if they are not nice...Worse case I would change a newborn on the airplane seat if he isn't too much of a mess. Just do it quick and bring ziplocks for diapers and extra receiving blankets and outfits (for any mishap).

It will be fine unless ofcourse you are nervous, because the baby will since your nervousness. Oh,call the airport, but we used to bring the stroller to the gate to be put under that way we could stroller him all around the airport, they love the sights. If you put it in at the gate they have it waiting for you when you get off the plane (at the gate!). Very very awesome!
R.

Hi J.! I heard that the pressure on babies ears during take off and landing can be painful so have your baby drinking a bottle during both of these times. I guess the sucking motion helps with the pain and pressure and it is also a distraction. I am a mother of 3 and have been on my share of planes and I can vouch that it does help. Good luck

In addition to what you've already been told, I have 2 suggestions. If you are purchasing a ticket for your son, this first one is a moot point. But if you are not, take his car seat with you to the gate. (Babies-R-Us sells car seat carriers with a handle - it makes it really easy to pack it through security & the airport.) When you get to the gate, ask the gate agent if there are any open seats on the plane. If there are, see if you can switch seats so that you are next to the open seat. If they have the room & ability to switch you, you can take the car seat on the plane & put the baby in it. It is safer & so much more pleasant than having him on your lap. My kids seem to behave better, too. Something we've done in the past is when my husband, baby & I are travelling - just the 3 of us - and we were picking seat assignments, we would find an empty row of 3 and choose the window & aisle seats in that row for the adults. We figured that the middle seat would be less likely to be chosen by other passengers - and when they have a middle seat, they are also more likely to be willing to trade for another empty seat on the plane - especially if it means moving away from a baby:). And if that seat did get filled, then the middle person would have no problems trading for the window or the aisle so we could actually sit together. My second suggestion is for ease of changing diapers - I've found the bulk head seats are best for that. There's a little extra room on the floor in front of your feet. Airlines never assign those seats ahead of time. You can request those seats at the gate. Obviously, the earlier you get there, the more likely you can get those seats. Good luck & have fun!

HI
I have traveled with my son on a plane and am getting ready to do it again he will be 1 in a week... If you nurse him, nurse him the whole time you are in the air or give a bottle and or pacifier. Sucking will keep him from getting an ear ache or head ache due to cabin pressure as well as keep him calm. As far as diapers go I was lucky and did it right there beside my seat... Pray and have a good trip!!

I know one of the big things I did when I had a young one, was to breastfeed or bottle feed at take off and at landing because of the pressure changes. This will help your baby's ears to be sucking and swallowing at this time. Sometimes that is why babies will cry on the plane ride because their ears are hurting. It seemed to work for me. Hope you have a great flight!

I agree with the need to have something for him to suck on. Depending on your comfort level that can be you, a bottle or a pacifier. Seat location can really fluctuate depending on the plane. Ideally having an extra seat next to you is great. Since I often travel just me and my child I actually like sitting near the front to be able to get off quickly. I have changed his diaper essentially in my lap. I use my knees as the table, this only works when he's small and does take a bit of coordination. Depending on how far you're traveling layovers can be great. They allow for you to stretch your legs and provide him a change of scenery. Even if your stuck on the plane they generally will let you get up and walk the aisle. Most flight attendants are understanding about traveling with children. I have flown with my son about 8 times and he just turned two. When he was younger he generally slept through the flights. Now we entertain him with books, stickers and quiet toys. The other trick I learned is introducing a new toy for travel. It can actually be an old toy, just as long as he hasn't played with it for quite awhile. Bring it out on the plane and usually he'll be fascinated with exploring a new object. Other big tip - if you're relaxed, he'll be relaxed.

I took my (at the time) 4-week old on a plane ride. I was lucky enough to NOT have to change his diaper in air. I changed it before we boarded and he peed on my mom when we landed! I had to throw that in because it was funny! I used a snugli for him and it was a God send! My hands were free the entire time. We were told to sit in the back of the plane, which was kind of nice since we did have to get off last. I would recommend making him a bottle beforehand, they'll let it through security (4 oz) they may "test" it though, either formula or breast milk is fine as well. Other than those things, I don't know what else to say except the Snugli was the part of the trip that saved me from would be hassle. We're gonna do it again over Thanksgiving too! Good luck!

Oh, and DIA did NOT make me take him out of the Snugli to go through security. Although some other airport might

I travel light. Baby in the Baby Bjorn and the car seat on a rolling bag. A "purse" with necessities easily available. At 3.5 months, he'll most likely sleep the majority of the time. If you ask as soon as you get to the gate, you can most likely get a seat for the car seat and baby. If not, there is no charge to gate check the seat. If your little one has a history of ear problems, get some numbing drops to take with you in case you need them, otherwise a paci or bottle or nursing will be fine. Newer planes have changing tables in the restrooms and most bathrooms in the airport have nice ones. I take a large blanket with me for tummy time on layovers. Be sure to fold it in so all the dirt doesn't transfer to other things. Last time I flew I still only got the carry on plus a personal bag and that did count the diaper bag. They're really watching that. The car seat did not count. You can hide things in the car seat if you need more. If you're nursing, you'll have all the entertainment you'll need at that age. Our little one just flew at about your son's age and did a great job. Don't worry. It's really an easy age to travel with. Have fun! (Do take lots of extra outfits and diapers with you on the plane. Seems we always need a complete change every flight.)

Hi J.,

What a lot of great advice, and what a great age to first travel with your baby! I will add that you will want to make sure your seats are on the D-F side of the plane as only that side has enough O2 masks to accomodate a lap baby. If you don't have a D-F ticket, they will move you at the airport, and you may get the dreaded middle seat seat (Mom's usually like either the aisle seat (for really active kids) or the window seat(for nursing privacy)-you may also be separated from your husband (if he is travelling with you).
Have a great trip, and best wishes!

one tip someone gave me that was really helpful when I flew with my five month old--bring a ziploc freezer bag (for disposing of dirty diapers or soiled clothing) and bring a trash bag to change them on or put soiled stuff in. this came in handy on the plane.

Way to start him out young. By the time my son was 1 year old he had been on 9 flights. Here are my suggestions... try very hard to wait to feed until take-off. The take off and landing of the plane are a little hard on the ears and the sucking really helps them out. A pacifier works well too if he takes one. If he cries, just let him cry. It's his way of relieving the pressure on his ears. As far as diaper changes go... yeah, it's not very convenient on the plane. In fact, I think they made the design of their "changing tables" in the facility as small as possible so no one would use them. Either way, if you use the airplane toilet, there is most likely a fold down changing table right above the toilet. Make sure to bring something to put on it because it is cold, HARD and very small. Hopefully you will be lucky and have a few extra seats on the plane so you can just change him in the seat.
He is so little right now that keeping him entertained isn't a huge problem and hopefully he will take a nap. Do not get worried about people who give you "the look." It's amazing how rude some people can be on flights; or how helpful. If someone wants to lend some assistance by helping you get your stroller or something, by all means take it. Maybe someone else will see their kindness and change their own behavior. Just relax! Everything will be fine. Safe travels!

Dear J.,
I recenty took my 3 1/2 month old baby girl on her first plane ride, to visit her grandparents who are unable to travel, and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it turned out to be. We consulted our pediatrician for suggestions on how to help her, as she is of course unable to pop her own ears. They instructed us to feed her as the plane is ascending up and feed her as the plane is descending, to help her ears with the pressure. So, we made sure she was hungry before boarding and played with her as much as possible as well, hoping she would sleep on the plane. We were cautioned by a freind to be careful not to feed her when the plane started moving in case we had to sit on teh tarmac for a long time, and that's exactly what happened, so be mindful of that. We requested the bulkehead row....for several reasons. There is more room to move you and teh baby around, you are in the front of your section, adn althoguh your carry-on bag (diaper bag) has to be in the last row of first class, you can still reach it under the partition of the sections for easy access. We had to change her on the trip out and were easily able to use the floor with a changing pad, just in front of our seats. I hope you are traveling with someone so you have lots of help carrying, trading off carrying the airport, etc. becuase that was the hardest part for me. The trip will be great! Don't worry....instead prepare, take deep breaths and know that you are taking your baby on a trip and whatever happens will be temporary and just fine!!!! Have a great trip,
P.

There are many tricks for traveling with young ones but are a few I have used. Bring many changes of clothes as spills and leaks seem to happen more often in tight quarters. Bring new things/toys for the kids to play with like a packet of stickers from the $1 store and let them stick away in a notebook. Let the kids be as active as they can in the airport - walk them, skip with them, find the kid area for them to play on ..... My favorite trick is to bring chocolates along. These are not necessarily for your children, your husband or yourself, rather the chocolates are for the other travelers on the plane. When things get rough, a gift of chocolate always makes an unhappy(crying) child easier to handle. Best of luck.