Suggestions Needed for Flying with a 9 Month Old.

Hi J.,

Have you booked a seat for your son or will he be a lap child? If he is a lap child, then when you check-in, ask if the flight is full and if not, see if they can arrange that your seat be next to an empty one. Then once you get to the gate, ask that they keep that seat open for your son. It may seem like a hassle, but carry his car seat with you through the airport. If they have an empty seat, you can sit him in the car seat (life saver!). And if not, then you can always check the car seat at the gate. Buy one of those car seat bags and then hang it on the stroller with the strap.

Take toys, books, snacks, diapers, a change of clothes, food, a movie player if he watches anything like Baby Einstein. Book your flight during what would typically be his nap time if you can. Take snacks for yourself too since the airlines don't provide food anymore except for purchase during the flights. Pack a blanket for him to use during the flight. A pacifier if he still uses one.

We just arrived back yesterday from a trip to Finland with my 3 year old and 1 year old. I'm trying to think of any other tricks we used for them. We have flown with our daughter to Finland several times since she was 5 months old.

Good luck and have a great trip!

-Char

2 moms found this helpful

HI,
I have a 3Y old boy and I traveled with him twice a year since he was 6 months old. You did not mention if you already bought the tickets or if somebody else will help you. Most of the time I fly only with my son and buy two tickets.
-Try to travel on easy days like Tue-Wed-Thu. Weekends are obviously busy and Mondays and Fridays you will find business people that will give you ugly looks.
-Buy the aisle seat if your son likes little walks, it will be easier for you to move. (one Ticket only)
-IF you are getting 2 tickets live the middle seat open, you may be lucky and will stay free.
- ALWAYS bring the infant carrier/car seat with you, and be NICE to the person who is checking you in. He/She may be able to block the middle seat and you can use it for your baby(you in the middle- him by the window). There is a better chance for him to sleep if he is comfortable in his car seat.If you are flying just with your son, and you are able to buy a ticket for your baby will be the best scenario .........
- A carrier like a Sling or something easy and fast to put him in and out.It will be great when you need to pass security and need to put everything on the rail, or if you have only one seat you can rest your arms. Try to borrow it. He will grow out of a sling in a couple of months.
- Super organized diaper bag- Extra outfit- 4 baby bottles- Diapers and toys, toys, toys. Blankets for the always cold airplane ( I also used them to make a "tent" when my baby slept during the flight and cover the sound when the pilot starts talking... you will hate that :). Ready formula may be worth it.
-Ear pressure pain= Feed him taking off and landing, but do not start when the airplane starts moving or he will finish the bottle before you actually take off. Check with you pediatrician, about giving him tylenol or Homeopathic Teething pills to relax him before the fly. I give it to my kid.
-Do not count on a changing table in the airplane, I had a 2 poop bad experiences, bring a changing pad. Change him before the fly and use overnite diapers, if you are lucky and he doesn't poop, this diaper will work for about 6 hours.
- Practice at home with all the things that you will carry at the moment of crossing the security point. Everything minus the baby has to go on the rail- folded stroller, diaper bag.Always check what is permitted now and follow the rules or you will waste time there. And yes... you have to take you baby out of the stroller or car seat even if he is sleeping.
-Arrive at the Airport at least 2 hours before the flight. Moving around the airport with the baby takes twice the time.
- Be always ready for him to get sick after the flight, so pack medicines, thermometer, etc. Insurance card, medical info.

You know your baby better than anybody, bring whatever makes him happy and RELAX. If nothing works and he starts crying during the flight do not worry about the rest of the world, take care of your baby... they will get over it. :)

2 moms found this helpful

Hi - I recently took my son (when he was 9 months) on a 3 hour flight and it went a lot better than I thought it would. The airlines were really great at check in and made sure that I had an open seat next to me and that was the life saver. I didn't realize how great that was until on the way back the flight was overbooked and so I was in the middle of two people and he was constantly grabbing someone's laptop or trying to touch them haha! I either fed him or gave him a paci during takeoff and landing and he had no problems. Most of the time he slept and the rest of the time he was so excited with all the people and stuff he was fine. The couple of times he did cry I just distracted him with something to play with. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

I agree with the nursing or bottle feeding/pasi on takeoff and landing. Also, I found that if I booked the flights when he would normally sleep (early am) that he would do just that. I did find on our last trip if you can avoid letting them down to walk around it is best...cause then that is all they want to do..or at least that was all my son wanted to do. Books and favorite toys are a must and I also dont give my son his favorite snacks for a few days before so that when I have them on the plane he is excited to have them again and that eats up some time (no pun intended). Good luck, traveling with a tot is an adventure so just keep a sense of humor and try not to let the other people not in your shoes bother you. You can always tell the moms, they seem to give you a look of sympathy so focus on them if you must. lol

1 mom found this helpful

I travelled with my two boys when they were 4 and 6 months old -- alone, across the world! Yup, 21 hours from the East Coast to Asia! I had to practice handling both of the kids, with the stroller and baby bjorn and the luggage but it wasn't too stressful as I thought. I informed the airline that I was travelling with an infant so they gave me that seat in front where they have a crib and changing table. They even had a bag for me with diapers and stuff for the baby and toys for my older boy.

So what's my advice? First, I tried to get it so that the baby would be asleep during the right time in the flight (this was done weeks in advance, adjusting nap schedules and such). Then since I was nursing, I found that this calmed the baby. Also, you know how you chew gum during take off, well, get the baby to suck on something whether it's a bottle or binky or breast.

Bring something soothing to listen to -- like a Baby Einstein CD or lullaby CD. Walk on the aisle if you must. The flight attendants were very helpful and understanding.

Ask your doctor about the Benadryl solution or if there is anything you can give him -- if you really think your baby will cry. Oh and since your son is 9 months old, bring him his favorite toys to play with.

Good luck and have fun on your trip!

PS. I just re-read your note and saw that it was a 3.5 hr trip -- you'll be fine! Just think that's like watching one (long) movie.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi J.,

I just took our 8 month old on her first plane for about the same amount of time...although we did have a layover in between. We had her small stroller with us until we stepped into the plane and then we got it back when we landed in the jetway. We held her during the flight and had a diaper bag filled with everything we normally take including a few small stuffed animals. She slept for part of the flight and she was no problem at all. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

We have flown with our little girl once at 2 months and once at 7 months. We are heading out for another long flight when she is 9.5 months over thanksgiving. First off, we offered ear plugs to everyone around us. Most people didn't even take them, but it definitely broke the ice and got people laughing about the whole thing. She was actually pretty good on both trips. We always get her her own seat so we don't have to share a row with anyone and can spread out. We feed her during take off and landing to help prevent her ears popping. we also bring lots of toys that she can play with. Now that she is a little older I am contemplating trying out a baby Einstein video or something for our trip over thanksgiving. It will be a 6 hour flight so it will be challenging. She has never watched these videos, but I am thinking it may help pass the time. Also- never underestimate the power of a cheerio!

Hope this helps!

Take a bottle with you so he can suck on take off and landing. The effect of pressure change made my son cry but if they swallow they can eaqualize the pressure and relieve it.

If you are nursing, nurse on take offs and landings...help with their ears. If not nursing, give them a bottle at that time. Also, it's so loud, our 9-10 month old slept most of the way from cali to Hawaii and back because the noise put her out. One trip, where we had a seat for her, we kept her in her car seat and she slept most of the way in it! Have lots of toys, nurse/bottle, car seat if possible.
Good luck, it was never fun thinking about it...

And... a little dose of tylenol infant drops.....

Take a familiar toy, book or blanket as well as a new toy or two plus snacks you can give your baby as the flight progresses. You can also walk your baby up and down the aisles if necessary when the seatbelt lights are off (and they aren't serving beverages. :) I have found that if you are making an effort to comfort your baby and quiet him, people are more forgiving than if you just let him scream and do nothing about it.
Also: relax. Do your best to be calm and relaxed. I think kids pick up on our emotions... Try to make it exciting! Turn it in to an adventure for your child.
In addition, during take off and landing, either nurse your son or give him something to drink, as this will help his ears as the air pressure changes.
Good luck! You will do just fine!

Hi J.,
I have been flying with both my girls since they were three months old. Bring everything from food, toys, books, DVD/CD whatever. I'm sure he will be fine. I like the ear plug idea! I dissagree with drugging your kid though from previous. That is totally wrong. Your child should not be induced to sleep. That is just crazy and lazy upon the parents part. Just be prepared to be very busy during the flight. But chances are, he will be lulled by the noice and vibration...at least for part of it. My girls never had ear problems. However, my 6 year old finally did this past summer with flying. We did a decongestant on the return flight so that her ears were fine. But we did the gummy candy stuff since we don't chew gum. Anyway, I've flown, mostly by myself. Hopefully, you will be sitting near grandmothers. They are always a big help in talking with the babies! I noticed that the babies/toddlers that cry are the ones that the parents are paying any attention to. So, don't worry and your trip will be just fine!

-Fly at nap or bed time

-feed at take off, and if awake, at landing

-bring cheerios

-You don't need to tote on an arsenal-a straw can amuse him for a while

-relax, I never drink when I fly, but, it might not be a bad idea ;)

We were on a flight for 18 hours when my daughter was 8 months, that time somebody told me to give her some medicine to make her sleepy but I didn't and that was the worst flight I had ever had. Returning was okay because I asked her pediatrician and gave her some medicine (I don't remember the name) she was sleeping at least half of the flight.

31/2 hr. Say"NO Problume!" The more calm and relaxed you are the better. Then don't think too hard about it just go through the motions...Start by booking the flight during a nap time,your guaranteed sleep. When the plane takes off make sure your 9mon. is sucking on something so his ears stay nice and clear, the main reason babies cry on planes. Plenty of his fav. snacks,juice, book, and you cannot forget the portable DVD with plenty of baby einstein,another guarantee for mr.'s entertainment!

This is a set up to win situation,I tested it with my (at the time) 9mon.old twins...

Depends on when you're flying, but for the most part to avoid crying at take off (due to the cabin pressure change) give him a bottle so he's drinking and swallowing. Also for some reason the vibration from the plane will put him to sleep. I've traveled with my son at 2 months, 9 months, 2 years, 3 years and he's always been a good boy!! Good luck!!

Bring a sippy cup or nurse him at take off and landing so the pressure in his little ears will be minimal and he won't be a screaming baby. Pack some new books that have lots of pictures or coloring books to give him something to do. Make sure you have his favorite 'lovey' (toy, stuffed animal, blanket,etc.) so he can soothe himself if need be. Good luck!

Pacifier, bottle or breast upon take off and departure!

J., Are you nursing? That is definitely a wonderful thing for a plane ride. If you are, do it as often as possible. If not, definitely bring enough bottles for sucking on the way up and down to relieve ear pressure. Don't bring too much stuff, especially if you are flying alone. I've been flying with my daughter since she was 3 months to the East coast and too much stuff is just cumbersome for you to carry and worry about. Buy at least one new toy that you think will keep him entertained. New books always worked for me. Another thing I do is bring a decent size purse and fill it with little goodies, like small toys that they can search through the purse and find. One with lots of compartments is good for this. Bring a few good snacks that you know will satisfy him. Baby food can get really messy on the plane depending on how nicely he eats. I always buy two seats as well. It helps to have as much room as you can get. Good luck. I'm sure it will go fine.

Hi, J.,

If you have not already made your reservations, try arranging your flight so that it falls during his nap time. That is unless his is one of those kids who will only sleep in there bed. Also, let the airlines know that you are traveling with a small child and see if you can get one of those seat that have a little extra more. If you are nursing, nurse him during takeoff and landings. Buy some new toys that he has not seen so that you have things to keep him busy. Bring snacks and or food that he usually likes to eat so that his life is not interrupted more than necessary. I guess at 9 months he isn't walking around he getting there early enough for him to run around for awhile before the fight really won't help. 3 of my 4 were walking by this point.
Also, I know that this is a talk order, but there better you are feeling, the easier for all. Try to get as much rest as you can. Stay packing as far in advance as you can. Don't leave anything to the last minute that can be done ahead of time. Make lists of things that need to be done and let some of the things that are not absolutly necessary go until you get home. Hopefully this is a pleasure trip, so don't forget to have fun.

I just took a flight with my 13 month old son this past weekend. The most important thing is to make sure that when you take off AND land that he has a bottle or is breastfeeding. If he uses a pacifier this may work as well. The sucking action helps reduce the pressure in their ears. I pack my sons favorite toys and snacks. If he does walk or crawl let him get as much in as possible before the flight to tire him out. Make sure to get all your packing done the day/night before your flight so you can dedicate the time before you leave for the airport to really tire him out. If your son is really fussy (as my son was on a flight that we took when he was 8 months old) I gave him some tylenol about 30 minutes before the flight. It seemed to calm him down. If he is on formula make sure that you buy 1 or 2 bottles of water in the airport as you never know how helpful the flight attendants will be on your plane. This way you are prepared and not desperate for their help. It isn't as hard as it seems. You'll do great!!! :)

Dear J.,

You've got lots of wonderful organizational advice from so many. My advice is don't worry about it. Everything is going to be fine. My 2 little boys have done extensive international traveling from Europe to LA to Hawaii and back a few times now. Some trips were better than others but all in all everything turns out fine.

I found a sling for the baby is essential to keep baby close to you and easy access for breastfeeding. I normally kept the kids awake a long while before boarding so that they would fall asleep right after feeding them at take off. Most of the time they would sleep through most if not all of the flight. I usually gave them another feed before having to get ready for landing.

More people were delighted by seeing my babies than were annoyed when they did have a cry. My children now 5 and 7 absolutely love to fly!

Good Luck,
CL

I just flew a 3 hr leg and 2 hr leg from Vegas to Florida. This was our 5th trip and gets harder the older and more independent they get... Like everyone says make sure he is sucking on the way up and down. I switched seats both legs - once in order to move next to a nice old lady and the other time next to an empty seat. If your husband isn't coming along make sure you're next to someone you are comfortable handing your baby to in case you need to. I also recommend the aisle seat so you have more room and can get up easily if you need to. The thing he played with the most was the plastic cup that came with my Coke...not all the toys I brought along.:) Don't over-plan and definitely don't stress if he's crabby!!! You won't see most of the people ever again anyway. :) Oh, and don't forget an extra outfit and a plastic bag for dirty clothes in case of a diaper explosion (I say that because it happened to us) and layered clothing since the airplane temp changes a lot.

You'll be fine. I've already flown round trip to SD from Rio de Janeiro twice with my two year old. Bring all the favorite snacks, a couple of new toys that will entertain him, a pacie. I recommend bringing baby tylonal. My son didn't have a problem but some babies experience pain with take off and landing. You could even just give him some before getting on the plane. Bring one more bottle then you'll need just in case and be prepared to be very patient and super mommy entertainer. Worst case senerio, you'll be pulling out all mommy entertainment stops. Don't be afraid to walk around the plane a bit if the seatbelt sign is off. Sometimes they just need a little change of scenery.

My ped suggested Bendadryl to help her sleep and tylenol to help with possible ear ache from the altitude, worked like a charm. We still use this recommendation today for our 4 year old. Good luck

Be sure he sucks & swallows on the way up & down so his ears don't hurt. Bring lots of snacks, books, toys...

I flew with my daughter when she was 6 weeks old and a couple of times after that looking for housing here in Cali. The best thing I found is to make sure they are hungry and nurse or give a bottle while you are descending as this is when it really hurts. I had a cold the second time and couldn't take anything for it as I was nursing... I wanted to scream too it really hurts. I gave her Tylenol about an hour before we landed (you know like some people recommend and hour before they are scheduled to get shots) Good luck