Tips for Flying with 6 Month Old

My children have always done fine on airplanes. My active little boy flew with me when he was about 6 months old and we had no problems. I would give your baby tylenol in case the flight hurts his ears. Even as an adult, I take tylenol before flying because I have always had ear problems. I think the most important thing is not getting stressed out. Stay relaxed and calm - your baby can sense if you are stressed or frustrated and will prbably follow suit. I'm sure he will be fine :) Good Luck :)

Hi, even though my son just turned 9, I remember vividly travelling with him several times when he was 6 months old. I went all the way from So. California to Bermuda. I had absolutely NO problems with him!!! I brought formula along and waited until after we boarded the plane, took off and right when we were taking off (although he'd been crying at the airport because he was hungry) I fed him. THIS WAY, he was pacified AND his jaw was moving so as not to hurt his ears upon taking off. I did the exact same thing upon landing. During the flight I brought musical toys and chewable toys for him to play with.
B.

ask your pediatrician about giving him benadryl for at least one flight...you'll need the break and it'll help dry him out and keep him from getting stopped up on the plane. nurse or give bottles during takeoff and landing (more important when landing). I would take a moby wrap or front pack carrier for him to sleep in so your arms don't get so tired...you can actually take your infant seat and use it if there is an empty seat on the plane, otherwise you can gate check it when you board the plane so you have it handy when you get to your destination. bring baby food in unopened jars if he eats, one diaper for every hour of your trip, two changes of clothes for him, a change of shirts for you and your hubby. a blanket for him to lay and play on in the terminal so he's not cooped up the whole time if possible.

When I took Southwest from Jackson,Ms to Houston,Tx for a visit with his vacationing grandparents, I nursed him during takeoff so he would sleep. I don't know if you breastfeed him or bottle feed but you can always try to feed him while the plane is taking off. It helps them with the ear popping thing (I think) and if he ends up going to sleep then all the better for you. Also, if you have any of those baby type headsets you can play his favorite music if he has any, my last child couldn't travel without his Baby Einstein music.
Good luck

All of the advice given so far sounds great. I frequently fly with my 4 1/2 year old and 1 year old (and have since they were 3 weeks old). Personally, I never take advantage of the early boarding they allow for small children. It keeps them cooped up longer. So I wait until the very last minute to get on, and usually ask the attendants at the gate to tell me when is the last possible second to board. Do bring extra changes of clothes for him and you...they love to poop out of their diapers when flying. Don't sweat it. You'll do fine! Good luck!

in addition to all the other suggestions, we got ours a few new toys, doesn't have to be expensive stuff, so that he had something to look at that he had never seen before, occupied his attention longer. we also let him use a pacifier during take off and landing, if he wasn't hungry to take a bottle/cup at the time. i bought some of the waxy stuff that you can put in your ears during flights and used that too, but on the flight back, it eventually came out and he did fine with just the passy. we also brought several snacks and passed him back and forth b/w me and my husband a few times. if you're relaxed, the baby will do better. they can always tell. good luck!! it won't be as bad as you think.

Make sure you know the airlines procedure on formula if you have to take any. Utilize an infant carrier if you have one, it is great for the walk through the airport. Bottle/Pacifier going up and down to prevent ears from popping.

I took my son to Germany when he was 8 months old. I used a Snugli baby carrier and nursed him on the plane to help equalize the pressure in his ears. Still the trip was rough, but this flight was 14 hours! I think you will do fine with a three hour flight...just remember that the air pressure in the ears makes them cry so nurse on take off and landing especially. (you did not say if you were nursing, so hopefully you are. I would also keep some alot of extra diapers and supplies in the plane, in case they lose your luggage like they did ours! Also we asked for the first seat in the economy class section, as it is bigger and we had more space for activity. There was a diaper change place on the plane too which really helped alot, but if there isn't one, the lap works ok. Hope you have a quiet and peaceful flight!
B. S. RN CCM

G.,

My fist suggestion is to wear your son. If you have a front, side, or back carrier it will help you to have your hands free. The airline will not allow you to have your son in it during the flight, but it is a life saver when boarding and departing the plane as well as running to your next flight.
As for keeping him occupied, bring one or two favorite toys or books for him to play with during the flights. I hope you are able to sit next to a window because I know he will love to be able to look out. Also using the folding trays helps as a play space as well. Please let us know how the flight goes.

Have a happy and safe travel,
M. C.

I would call the airport they had a bunch of tips. Also I take Jeff car seat on broad with me when he was about that age. I had to get help because I was by myself , so it good your hubby with be with you. I also had bottle make up before hand. Relax so much as you can things with be fine.