Flying

Updated on March 02, 2007
K.S. asks from Gilbert, AZ
9 answers

This week my 3 mo. old and I are flying to CA for the weekend.. any tips for the plane ride? I'm going to feed her really good before we go, but I'm worried that that wont work. Should I give her anything before the flight?

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So What Happened?

i just wanted to thank everyone for their advise! my daughter, kalyn, was great. she didn't really suck on anything when we took off or landed though...instead she slept the entire flight, both ways. i was prepared for the worst. i had the bottles and her bink (binky)ready, but she didnt want either of them. i was so proud!! thanks again everyone :)

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S.H.

answers from Phoenix on

My Son was 4 months when we took a 6 hr flight to Maryland. The Dr. told me to feed him on take off and landing. Other than that he slept most of the way. Good luck and have fun.

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M.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Ive learned that some type of sucking on the flight will help it go much easier.Feeding, water and even a binky.The altitude changes are h*** o* their ears and sucking on something can help reduce the pressure.Have a great time!
M.

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J.C.

answers from Phoenix on

I flew with my daughter when she was 4 weeks old. What worked for us was to prolong feeding her until we actually got on the plane and she was a bit agitated because she was so hungry. As soon as we got situated, I started feeding her knowing it would be 15-20 minutes before she was done. Five minutes after taking off, she was sound asleep for her regular nap. Having a pacifier also worked great when we flew with my 11 month old son. Just make sure you have a pacifier holder, so you are not scrounging on the dirty floor for the pacifier, while your daughter is screaming. Hope this helps! Good luck and happy traveling.

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C.B.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi K.. I used to always fly with my daughter from CA to AZ and visa versa. My recommendation is to feed her when you are taking off and landing so she is doing the sucking motion so her ears don't pop or get effected from the departure/arrival of the plane. (or the pacifier) This worked like a charm for me every time when she was little! Plus depending on your flight if your lucky she will fall asleep when you take off because you are filling up her belly! Good Luck!!

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M.L.

answers from Phoenix on

Ask your pediatrician. they usually tell you to have the child sucking on something, such as nurse or give a bottle at take off and touch down. see if you can administer a small amount of benadryl. but ask your doctor.

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J.L.

answers from Phoenix on

K.,
I have actually been told to fee them on the plane because that helps with their ears and the whole popping/pressure thing!
I would also try contacting your babys' doctor and ask for tips there.

Good luck and have fun!!!

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A.B.

answers from Phoenix on

I just flew with my twins who are 5 months old (2 months corrected) and they both did wonderful on the flight. What I did was fed them during taxi and take-off so that they had something to suck on during the pressure change. I had another bottle made up for the descent, that way they had another something to suck on again during the pressure change. During the flight I made sure to keep their pacifiers in when they were awake... but that wasn't really an issue, because they slept the whole time. Babies cry because the pressure change hurts their ears, and they don't have the little tricks that adults have (like yawning, or blowing their nose or chewing gum), so they cry to tell you that something is hurting them. But if you keep something for her to suck on, her ears won't bother her as much, and she won't cry. If she does, then rub just behind her ears to get the fluid to drain on their own.

Also, getting through security will take you much longer than if you were traveling by yourself, so remember to give yourself extra time for that. The TSA (Transportation Safety Administration) has put a limit on the liquids that you can take with you, and you can only have containers that are three ounces or less, so remember to pack bigger stuff in your suitcase, not your carry on. This includes diaper rash cream, and any other liquid that you would normally carry in the diaper bag. Baby formula and breast milk are different, though. You can have as much of each as you want, since you will have your child with you. If you have a bottle of formula already made up, just remember that it is only good for an hour or so after you make it. Also, if you use the Nursery water to make your bottles, you might have a hard time with that. You will probably just have to bring powdered formula and buy a bottle of water past security. I got away with bringing a bottle of water because I told them that it was "fortified water for preamature infants"... so you might try that, but I make no guarantees. Be prepared to take your baby out of the carseat and carry her through the scanner thingy with you. To make it easy on yourself, have her already unstrapped and ready to pick up when you get to the front. Have your shoes and both of your coats off already (if it's cold where you are) and all of her blankets out of the seat and in a bin. Have your liquids in your plastic bag all ready to put in the bin, so that you're not trying to do everything all at once when you get to the front. WOW, I didn't think I had that much to say. Sorry if it was too much, but it helps to be prepared. Good luck, and I hope that everything goes well for you. Have a fun trip and be safe.

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C.L.

answers from Phoenix on

Not sure if you can give her anything that small. I do know that babies ears are very sensitive...Make sure you have her sucking on a binky or bottle during take off and landing. It is suppose to help with the pressure that builds up in your ears. Hope this helps :D C.

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B.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Try to wait to feed her until you take off. I took my daughter on a plane when she was 6weeks old. I nursed her on take off but couldn't get her to nurse on landing. I usually give my older 2 (4and 2 years) Benadryl, but ask your dr. before you give it to your daughter- she may be too young.

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