Flying with a 3 Month Old

Hi P.!

I see that you've got a lot of excellent responses regarding how to help your baby's ears "pop" during take-off and landing. I would like to offer an additional suggestion that will help not only with keeping him comfortable and happy onboard, but also safe. I am a certified car seat tech and it is imperative that your son be in a car seat during the flight. It isn't required (YET), but it should be. There are many organizations that are now fighting to make sure ALL passengers are required to have their own seat on the plane, including some headed by flight attendants who have seen firsthand the danger of turbulence midair or bumpy take-offs and landing. Here are a few links for you to take a look at:

http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/airplanetravel.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_flight_232
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rC4Q3ofz7SI

2 moms found this helpful

I took my son to Europe when he was three months and he did just fine! I would recommend:
-buy baby ear planes and put them in his ears during take-off and landing
-have a bottle or be ready to nurse during take-off and landing
-don't check a stroller that you don't want to get banged up (they're not very careful with the strollers). In fact, if you don't absolutely need a stroller, don't take it. It's a pain all the way around (security, etc...)
-A sling is really handy
-Take a plastic bag in case there are any blowouts.
-Don't be nervous! :)

1 mom found this helpful

With my first born, we were fortunate to travel 5 times with him before he was 18 months old (my brother lives out of state). We traveled with him when he was 3, 6, 9, 15 and 18 months. Some things that have worked very well for me are: I take the car seat, base, and stroller (travel system) to the gate with me (my son was in the car seat, the base was in the basket below, and I pushed the stroller) and I carried a back pack with my purse and all of the baby necessities, which left my hands free.
Then when we got to the gate, I got tags for the base and stroller and when we boarded, I would push the stroller to the end of the gate, put the car seat on the base, collapse the stroller (and tie it shut with gift wrap ribbon because ours opened when they put it on the plane), then take the baby out of the seat, and board the plane (I had the baby in my lap each time).
I also found if you are able to hold off eating until just prior to boarding or once boarded, the baby fell asleep within about 10 minutes of the flight taking off (once while taking off - awake when started to go down the runway and sleeping by the time we were in the air - 1 minute later). if you are breastfeeding (or even giving the baby a bottle), I did it on the plane using a blanket to cover myself and left the baby attached until we were about 5-10 minutes in the air (for him to suckle in case of ear problems) and then again when we were decending (for the same reason). If the baby was not going to eat, I had him suck on his pacifier in the plane to avoid ear issues as well. When he was young, he slept on the plane each time (about 1-2 hour flights). I would also recommend a favorite blanket, books, and toys (quiet ones), just in case.
When we landed then, I would get off the plane, wait for our stroller and car seat. Then put hte baby in the car seat, open the stroller, and put the base under, then attach the car seat to the stroller and go through the airport as needed (if I had to use the bathroom, I would use the handicap stall and fit the stroller in with me) - there were a few times when I was alone.
I know this has gotten long, and I apologize, but in my experiences, things ahve gone very smoothly each of the 5 times (on my end, so make sure to have LOTS of diapers, wipes, and milk, and extra clothes, in case things don't go well for the airline - I learned that while experiencing it as well). Keep in mind, baby may cry, just do what you can to comfort him (a friend of mine just returned and said her 6-week old screamed for the whole return flight). GOOD LUCK!!

1 mom found this helpful

We first flew with our twins at 7 weeks. One thing that I think helped us immensely was to have a bottle (I breastfed, but used bottles occasionally, including on the plane) ready for takeoff and landing. That way they were working their jaws and their ears didn't get painfully plugged (think about how you have to chew gum or yawn or something to equalize the pressure in your own ears during ascent or descent). Other than that, probably just go with the flow (we used baby carriers (Baby Bjorn or similar), since the girls loved cuddling close to us at that age anyway). Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi there. I just took my 3 yr old son and 8 month old daughter on a plane trip last week. For my daughter we just packed up packets of powder that comes in the litte 4 oz packets and you have to by bottled water in the airport. We just pored the water into the bottles before we borded the plane. Have 2 bottes on hand and change him before you get on the plane. Most airlnes let you check your strollers in right before you get onto the plane if you are worried about that. Have a good trip. I'm sure that everything will go smooth.

I flew with my daughter when she was 9 weeks old and some tips I received were to bring a new toy along becuase that will help entertain them on the trip. Also if you are nursingtry to nurse during the take-off and landing.
Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip.

Dittos for the sucking on take off and landing.

Also don't forget decongestant at least 20 minutes before flight (helps ears to clear also).

IF those two still have your baby crying in pain here's a trick I learned in scuba to clear ears (YOU can use this too). Hold your fingers over your nostrils as you breathe out through your nose, it increases the pressure to clear the ears (if you wait too long the eustachian tubes practically collapse and it is very difficult to clear). Of course with a crying baby this one gets tricky, but maybe you can get yourself feeling better if you need it :-)

We flew a lot with our son in his first few months and it was not nearly as difficult as I thought. First, get there early, security and everything else is a lot less stressful with a baby when you are not rushed. Also, if you are there early with your adorable baby in a car seat they may take pity on you and put you in a row with an extra seat so you don't have to hold the baby for two hours. Second, bring a pacifier, a bottle, or think about nursing during take off and landing. This helps babies' ears make the altitude adjustment. Finally, smile and be sweet, airline staff love babies and if you're nice they will most likely be. I fly a lot for work and I miss having my baby with me because the staff just isn't as nice when I'm alone.

The most important thing is have a bottle ready to give him. I hear so many kids crying because if you drink or chew something it clears your ears from the pain. There has been so many times when I would like to tell them to give him something to drink. Have a good flight.

Hi-I flew when my second was just 6 weeks old and I was told to nurse during take-off and landing to minimize any pressure in the ears...plus it was a comfort thing for baby in an unfamiliar situation. My little one did great...no fussing at all. You could also use a nukie for that same sucking action. Good luck.

Hi there, I took my 4 month old daughter on a flight to Florida and had to stop in Texas, so we had 4 flights total! I tried to work her feedings to happen either on the take off or landing, for the sucking motion to help with her ears. If she did not have a feeding we used her pacifier to help with her ears. We also had a wet wash cloth for her to suck on if she did not want either the pacifier or the bottle. Other than that the minute the plane started moving she was sleeping. the motion knocked her out. Ee did not have a car seat either, I held her each time. Good luck I hope it goes well! A.

The reason babies and small children cry on a plane is because they don't/can't pop their ears and the pressure hurts them. Make sure you have a full bottle or something for them to suck on. I have all so seen it help if they are asleep. Good Luck

when our oldest was about the same age we had 2 fly to FL for a wedding I nursed her when we took off and when we landed , I also had a nuk just in case, but she did great really the going up and coming back down is what you should try to make comfortable b/c that's when the ears pop....and forget about any routine you have b/c flying totally will mess that up,but I think you be wiil surprised that he will probaly do great!!!!

nurse him or give him a bottle during takeoff and landing. Best of luck, I'm sure it will be fine!

He will probably sleep most of your trip, anyways! My son has been traveling by plane since he was 7 weeks old, and the younger they are, the more they sleep. Just make sure he is sucking (nursing or bottle) on takeoff and landing to reduce the pressure in his ears. And pack lighter than you think...you really won't need it all! Have a nice trip!

We took our 3 month old daughter on a 9 hour flight from (and back to a month later) Sweden to the USA and I´m not kidding when I´m saying that it was the smoothest and quickest flight I´ve ever experienced.
If you breatsfeed your son, try and nurse him while the plane takes off and lands. The sucking helps him relieve pressure in his ears. He´ll be strapped onto you with a belt, but that wasn´t a problem to pull off anyway for us.
A bottle might be the same thing if he´s bottlefed?
A blanket/scarf to wrap around him and you when he wants to sleep might help to shield him from the commotion around him.
I have avery outgoing babygirl so she was happy with so much going on, but of course that differs between children. But we really had not problem at all, this year when she´s one and very mobile it´ll be more of a challenge for us to do the same trip...
Good luck!

Hi! I took my daughter on a trip when she was about 6 months old, and it went very well! I just made sure that she would be hungry when we were taking off and landing, that way she could be having a bottle. I was told that sucking on a bottle while taking off and landing will minimize the discomfort from the pressure in her ears, and that seemed to do it. We actually had connecting flights both ways and everytime it was great, she was even taking a nap during one entire flight! Good luck!

Giving the baby a bottle or pacififier during take off and landing helps. If you didn't purchase a seat for the baby that they can ride in their infant carrier I would ask if there are any available open seats that you could be placed by so you don't have to hold them the whole time. There is less jostling and such in the infant carrier.

Hello P.-

I have traveled with all 3 kids at in their early months, always worried and then surprised and relieved at how smoothly it goes. Here's what I found worked well. If your son is awake on take off and landing, nurse or feed him a bottle, as the air pressure change may hurt his ears. The sucking helps relieve that and distracts. Also, if you have a baby carrier (like a Bjorn) or a sling, put him in that so your arms get extra help. You can't have it all the way fastened on take off or landing, but just recently when my 2 month old was sleeping in it, I just showed the attendant that I had unfastened the tops, and she let me leave my baby asleep. Although it can get stinky :), when you are able and if baby is crying, go stand by the back bathrooms. There is a LOUD white noise and together with the bouncing up and down from you, it helps them fall asleep. You will also get a lot of been there-done that, empathetic moms on their way to the bathroom who will be sweet and reassuring of this time in your life. Good luck. It will be o.k.! S. K.

Just remember the air flow congests ears.. Chewing gum or sucking on something on take off and landing really helps those little ears whether it be the bottle or a nuck, it will help!! Keep him interested in play things. when he crabs change the subject to something fun..

Nursing or drinking a bottle when the plane starts to ascend and descend will help his ears to 'pop', taking away the pain a lot of babies experience. It will also keep him (and you) calm.

They are so hard to predict at that age. The main thing I can suggest is to make sure he is drinking a bottle, nursing or sucking on a pacifier when the plane takes off and lands. If they are sleeping, their ears won't pop and you'll have a screaming baby when you land.

I flew with my babe at six weeks. Just make sure he is sucking at take off and landing (either nurse him, feed him a bottle, or give him a pacifier if he takes one). Have your diaper bag handy and try to get an aisle seat, if you have to get up and walk around with him it's really handy. We moved to Wisconsin from Oregon and we figured flying would be MUCH easier than driving with a six week old across the country (Daddy followed with the moving truck). Even though we had four flights totaling about ten hours in the air - it definitely was much easier. Remember - it's only a two hour flight, much better than a long car ride!

P.,

When I flew with my daughter at 3 months it was the best flight ever. We took her stroller and carseat which aloud us to board first. (Stollers and wheelchairs get to board frist) Once we were on, the flight attendents took the stroller and car seat and stored it in the captains closet up front.

ALong with the other great posts, I got a bottle ready and fed it right when the plane started taking off. The vibrations from the plane (kinda like a car) soothed my daughter and she never cried once, unlike I expected her too and she was awake the whole time.

I would recommend bringing someone along with you just for an extra hand because once you are on the plane you cant really set you son down, which makes it difficult to get your carry-on and stuff out of the diaper bag.

Good luck and your son will be just fine.

M.

Hi, If you are bottle feeding, try to plan a feeding around take off and landing. At least try to have him suck on it during those times. It seemed to work for my son when he was 2 months old. It helps so his ears don't plug up. Good luck and have a safe trip.

If you are a nursing mom, you are in luck!

If your baby takes a binky, let him suck it during take off and landing, and if he gets fussy the rest of the way, you have the best pacifier there is...

Also, my experience flying with babies is that they mostly just sleep the whole way.... something about the noise and slight shaking... so have no worries, you and your little one will be fine!

Hi There. You may have heard this already... but the act of swallowing can ease some discomfort in the baby's ears with the pressure changes of ascending and descending. I've heard of great results with nursing at those times, but you could offer a bottle, too. Now when I flew with my twin boys they were a little older - 17 months and very mobile - but I still brought their sippy cups on board all ready to go and offered it to them at those times. Naturally, they were so inquisitive that they distracted themselves and were'nt bothered by the pressure. In my experience I feel it paid off to be prepared for the worst anyway, because then I was able to take a few deep breathes and could say to myself that what will be...will be. Now that I think of it, I might have said that more than a few times along the journey :). If I could share for a minute - I've really noticed a direct link between my energies and theirs. To this day - they just turned 5 - I notice that when I am feeling particularly stressed, they seem to be more on edge as well. On our easy days, I can look back and realize that I had kept it all together - at least for that day - ha ha. I know your little one is still quite small, but I believe that they are able to have an easier time if they feel us having an easier time. Best of luck on your trip - and good for you for getting out and making it an adventure regardless of the reason for your travels.

Hi,
I firmly believe children can sense how we are feeling and will react accordingly. If your nervous, they will act out on that. I flew with my son when he was 3 mos. old and he loved the motion and noise and slept right through it all. He only woke up to eat. One piece of advice I did get was to try to feed him during take off and landing to help with the ears popping. Also ship everything you can ahead of time if possible, to avoid having to carry so many things. I had way to much stuff and wished I had taken this advice.

If you are breastfeeding.....then bring your favorite nursing blanket!!!! That is what saved me when traveling with my little one! As long as your baby is sucking on a bottle, pacifier, or you.....while the plan is taking off and landing! It will take the pressure off of those precious ears! Believe it or not....Traveling with the baby is going to be a lot easier then you think! It gets more difficult as they get bigger! Take advantage now! Most likely your little one will sleep the majority of the flight!!! Good Luck!

Sucking (nursing, bottle, pacifier) at take off and landing help to reduce the pressure in the ears. My best advice, though - just do what you need to for your baby in the moment. Forget schedules and routines. If he/she needs to eat the whole time or sleeps when it isn't "naptime," just let it go. You can get back on track later!

Make sure you bring a bottle for him to suck on during the decending. Just like you ears, his little ears will have the pressure built up and he doesn't understand how to make it stop - just that it really hurts. Also, it is SOOOOO worth having them in their car seat in their own seat. I know it costs more to buy 2 seats instead of just one for you, but he is comfortable in his seat and it is familiar (as well as MUCH safer for both of you). Good Luck!

Hi--I flew with my daughter from San Diego to Milwaukee, WI when she was 5 months old, and then home again to San Diego. On the way to Milwaukee my husband was with me but on the way back I was alone with Amelia. We did great and I was fortunate that people around us seemed very understanding. We actually had to change plans part way too. Well anyway, I was nursing so i nursed Amelia on take off and descent or if that wasn't working I let her suck on my finger or a pacifier. That was to help her ears from popping and it worked for us. During the flight I held her and had to get up with her and walk a couple of times. I also brought along some little books with bright colors to look at. I just nursed her whenever she seemed cranky. It isn't something I would want to do all the time but I had been quite nervous about it before going and it turned out well. I even sat next to a teenage boy on the way home and felt nervous about nursing but we managed pretty discreetly and it so happened the other person next to me was a mother of six grown children. Wow! was that great. Mainly something for sucking on, a little walking and cuddling and we did fine. Good luck!

A dose of infant Tylenol before boarding works wonders. Be sure you have bottles and pacifiers handy, or are prepared to nurse in flight - especially at take off and landing. The inner ear pressure change is what most upsets kids. For anyone else considering flying with little ones, my pilot husband (19yrs with NWA) suggests not flying with children under at least 6 mos of age if at all possible. People underestimate the physical stress of flying, especially on little ones. And if anything bad happens (God forbid) the youngest passengers are most suseptible to injury.

SAHM of seven, we've done a lot of flying

It would be a very good idea if you nurse, bottle feed, or put a pacifier in your baby's mouth while you take off and land, it will help the pressure on your baby's ears. And if feeding your baby while you are in the air is comforting, then feed him even if he just ate. 3 months is still really young and they are still not able to do much of anything so all you can do is comfort..

I started travelling with my daughter when she was 8 weeks old and it has been great. When we started to take off and land I would breastfeed her so the sucking would help clear her ears. You could also offer a bottle if that is what your son is used to. She never skipped a beat since she was doing something soothing that she loved. Remember that if you are tense he will sense that. If you seem the same as usual he'll be more at ease then too.

We took my son at 3 1/2 months old to Florida (with a layover) and he did just fine. I nursed on the flight and that put him to sleep and helped with is ears.

Hi! it's been a long time, but I have one suggestion. Give your baby a bottle as you're taking off and another as you land, because swallowing will help him equalize the pressure in his ears.

Bon voyage!

I recently returned from a trip that required flying with my, then, 3 month old daughter. I was nervous about it all, but ended up being smooth. I breastfed her during take off, and she ended up sleeping for most two flights. I had the pacifier ready for the landing but she ended up not having much problem with ear pain. My daughter loved seeing new things and having people talk to her. Have a good trip and good luck!

I'm sure you heard to bring a pacifier or bottle or be nursing when the plane takes off and when it lands. This is so his ears can pop as painlessly as possible. Also i find that new toys or books keep the attention better than old ones. Maybe he will sleep the whole time! Good luck,
J.

My husband and I flew with our daughter when she was 3 mon. old also. I was so uptight and spent weeks before planning and fretting. But everything went very smoothly ~ no crying at all. I was breastfeeding, so we tried (not always with success) to get a window seat for me so I could nurse her on take-off and landing. If I was in a position that I couldn't nurse discreetly, I offered her a bottle (my daughter has never taken a pacifier, but I did keep one handy just in case we wanted to try it, even if she would just chew on it). We planned our flights for early in the morning, so by the time we got through security she was ready to eat (and being so early I could still find a quiet spot in the terminal to nurse), and then she slept most of the time on the plane. The only bad part was holding a sleeping infant for 2-3 hours straight without crowding the stranger next to me ~ talk about back cramps! We had layovers also, so we planned for a couple of hours during that time for nursing, changing and so we could eat. The airline was good about helping us get loaded and taking care of our stroller and car seat (we have a travel system and checked both at the gate). I was mostly nervous because I used to be the type that would just cringe when I saw a baby boarding a plane and now the roles were reversed; but I was pleasantly surprised by how well she did. She also loved riding in her stroller through the airport and looking at everything. So, I suggest plan ahead, bring more than you think you'll need (especially diapers and clothes), but try to relax and enjoy the time with him! We have another trip planned when my daughter will be 18 mon., so we'll see how well she does this time ~ it'll be a little different than when she was a mostly helpless 3 mon. old! Good luck!

I've flown with my 12 month old on two separate trips. She was almost 8 months for the first trip and I was nervous too. Keep your diaper bag under the seat in front of you so you can grab what you need quickly. You didn't say if you're nursing or not, but either way, once you get on the actual runway and start taking off, the baby should be sucking to help alleviate air pressure changes. I was lucky that we had a couple of short flights - 1 hr each - and she fell asleep nursing and slept for most of the flight. I hope you are as lucky! The second trip was a month ago and completely different. She's very active and the plane was another place to play.
Just remember to stay calm and relaxed as much as possible. That should hopefully help him relax too. Good luck!

Try keeping him awake and feed him right before you bored
I did that with my son when he was just a little older than that.. He slept the entire flight.
I hope this helps

Try to feed your son just as you are taking off, or if he takes a pacifier give it to him if he is fussy to help with the ear pressure. Chances are at this age he will sleep right through it. Be sure to pack a couple of extra outfits, and check with the airline security before you leave to make sure you can bring a premade bottle (if bottle feeding) otherwise security may make you dump it. I have flown with my girls several times and the younger they are the easier it is. It gets trickier when they start to walk and are more mobile and talkative:). Good luck! A.

You may have heard this before, so apologies in advance. Some tips that worked for me when I was travelling alone with my 4 month old on an international flight.....Nursing(or a bottle) during take off and while descending helps prevent ear pain ...i.e.if the baby is awake. Carrying some new toys or books(something he's not played with before, also helps) to keep him occupied/entertained during the flight. Important thing is for you to stay calm during the trip so baby doesn't sense the nervousness. At his age he'll most likely just sleep thru the journey. This is the best age to fly. Flight attendants are generally very helpful too and most passengers love babies, so don't be nervous.
Good Luck and safe flight
C.

Hi, I would plan on either breastfeeding or bottle feeding during both take off and landing (this apparently helps with ears popping). If he takes a pacifier this is another way to handle the air pressure issues. Good luck!

P.,

At that age, what they really need is something to suck on to comfort them and pop their ears. For my baby, the breast was the magic treatment. I just brought a thin blanket and nursed all through take off and landing. If your baby likes a pacifier or bottle, they should probably work just as well.

A Bjorn or baby sling or carrier of some kind would probably be the best for a baby this young. They will make you take it off when you go through security, but security is a hastle no matter what you do. For the rest of the time, you can keep your hands free. I always checked my carseats with my bags so they were waiting for me when I arrived.

Make sure that your seat is not on or next to an emergency exit isle because they will make you move. You need a seat on the right hand side of the plane. That is where they keep the extra oxygen masks.

Good luck,
S.

Are you taking his car seat? You might be able to get a unoccupied seat (next to you, of course) and keep him in the car seat during take off and landing (its safer) and him a bottle or pacifier. Or if he's in your lap you can keep him at you breast (if you are nursing)or give him a bottle. Key is to have him feel secure and to give him something to suck to protect his ears. You'll be surprised....he'll probably sleep the whole time!

The take offs and landings can really hurt their ears. Ask his doctor if you can give him something for the flight. There's something safe you can give them to help. You can also feed them a bottle (or nurse them) during the take offs and landings to help. Hopefully he'll sleep the whole time for you. Good luck.

Hi P.,
If you baby takes a nuk, that will help the ears popping. Most likely baby will sleep most of the trip. I would also bring a bottle. Check with the airline, but I believe you are allowed to bring formula on the airplane.

Good luck,
K.

When we used to fly places when my little girl was little, I always took a couple bottle and her pacifier. I usually gave her her bottle (with milk) during take-off so that she wouldn't have problems with her ears -- that often made her sleepy during the trip, then I'd give her another bottle (with water, if nothing else) on the way down -- If she was still sleeping, I gave her her pacifier while she was sleeping (and again, that helped with the ear popping thing)....

We never had any problems with her in the air and always had people come up to us afterwards to say how amazed they were -- as you will find out, the looks you'll get before you take off will be "very leary" to say the least...

Good Luck!

You'll be fine! The younger they are, the easier it is. I flew with my daughter when she was 2 1/2 mos. and again at 8 mos. and it was definately easier the first time. Just make sure your son is either having a bottle or sucking a paci during take-off and landing to minimize any pressure on his ears.

Make sure you nurse or give your baby a bottle during take-off and landing. It really helps to avoid ear pain/pressure.

Hi Lynn,

I have taken my 3 boys on many flights all w/out crying. You need to keep your little one hungry until take off and then feed him a bottle during that time. It will help his ears and make him happy for the rest of the flight. (only 2 hours you got it made)

Oops, double post :o)

Ditto on the feeding or using a pacifier during take off and landing. We flew with our son when he was 5 weeks old - I was so worried about doing it, but it was a breeze. One note though, we thought we could use the front pouch carrier during the flight, but the flight attendant said no. We just had to hold him. So, on the flight home we just used the car seat/stroller through the airport and security and then gate checked both. Then we just held him on the flight. Have a fun trip.

I just had this exact experience with my 2 month old. I am actually writing this from our trip. I had him hold out on his bottle until we got on the plane and he ate and fell asleep on the way and didn't wake up till we landed. Also try to get a window because the light seems to distract them a little bit. As long as he was sucking on something during take off and landing he didn't seem to have any problems. Luckily we had really nice people around us who all volentered to entertain him. Good luck I'm sure everything will be fine. We also had great flight attendants who all swooned over the baby, they are way more understanding then you would think.

Keep a pacifier or bottle in his mouth - especially at take off and landing. The sucking helps to keep their ears from getting stopped up.

If you breastfeed your baby, this is quite possibly the easiest time to travel with an infant. Your baby isn't moving around yet, and if you nurse him while you are taking off and landing, you should be able to handle the discomfort they can sometimes have in their ears. I have traveled with all three of my children as infants, and that age was much easier than when they are a little older and wanting to get down and move around. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

SAHM of three--4, 7, and 14.

First find out what time your flight is. Its best to plan around nap time. Baby may be to excited to crash right away. I always nursed/bottled when we got settled on the plane more likely to fall asleep once you are airborne.

Bag of toys or books to keep occupied. I always offer the kiddos a treat or snack when about to take off or land.

Good Luck

It will probably be better than you think. The noise and vibrations of the plane tend to soothe them and my baby slept longer on the plane than she does at home. Make sure to try to give him a bottle on the way up and on the way down to help with the cabin pressure so his ears don't get plugged. Bring any favorite toys (not really noisy ones that will bother other passengers) and an extra blanket in case the plane is very cold. If he gets cranky, pacing the aisle is always a good bet. Good luck!

My children were a bit older (8-10 months) when they first flew on airplanes, so I don't know if this would be appropriate for a 3-month old (ask your doctor) but it worked really well for us. Before boarding the plane, I would give my children a dose of Pediacare. It's a decongestant that helps keep their sinuses, airways and ear canals clear (which reduces the chance that they'll cry because of the air pressure changes on take off and landing). A side benefit is that (in MOST children) it makes them drowsy. (There are some children who will have the opposite effect. Hope your son isn't one of them!)

Be sure to offer him the breast, a bottle or a pacifier during the actual take off and landing times. The sucking motion will also help keep his ears clear and help with the air pressure changes.

Hope this helps. God bless.

N.

Hi there,
I did some traveling when my oldest was a baby. The doctor suggested (and it worked) to allow the baby to feed during take-off and when landing. The suction motion is suppose to prevent the ears from plugging up too much from the pressure changes. While we were in the air, she did great. But I made sure to do as the dr suggested, and it worked great for us. Good luck to you. And if I repeated someone, I apologize ahead of time.

B.