Traveling

I traveled with my daughter when she was eleven months old. From TN To CA. So this is what I did. Make sure you have a window seat, front row is best, most leg room. I put a blanket in the floor for her and she played in the floor with some little toys I bought her that she had never seen. Make sure that you offer a bottle during on take off and landing to comfort ear popping. She nursed, slept, played and ate. The only time she cried was when my husband took her to have her diaper changed, she hates leaving me. People on the plane sad they didn't even know she was there. If things go bad you can always give benadryl.

Make sure to give the child a bottle on take off and landing. This will help the ears to pop. For you...chew gum...it will help your ears to ajust to the high altitude. If a head cold exist...take 2 styrofoam cups with hot paper towels stuffed in them and place them over you or your childs ears. This will work. The sturtess will provide you with these items.

Don't forget...you you are flying DELTA...as of May 1st, a second bag checked in will cost an additional $25.00. 1 free checked bag - less than 50 lbs, and shound exceed 62 linear inches (length, width, and height). 1 carry on - less than 40 lbs, and should not exceed 45 linear inches and of corse, 1 person item.
Note: OVERSIZED LUGGAGE
If the luggage weighs 51-70 pounds, it will cost you an additional $80.00. Over 70 lbs will cost an additional $150.00. If you have oversized luggage, it will cost you an additional $100.00. If you have a second carryon that is not suitable to be deemed a personal item, it will cost you an additional $80.00.
REMEMBER THAT THESE FEES ARE FOR ONE WAY TRAVEL.

If you do have to take 2 bags, DUCK TAPE THEM TOGETHER. This will be a real hoot for other travelers.

TOYS...Bandaids are great. Cheap bandaids will last for a while. Put bandaids on everything...seats, arms, books, dolls, anything and the cleanup in very little.

I always found with my daughter that if she was drinking from her bottle during take off and landing it helped with the pressure in her ears.

B.

I first flew with my daughter when she was 8 months old. I nursed her during take off and landing so her ears wouldnt pop. Or you could use a pacifier. We also pre-booked our seats with one of us on the outside and one of us by the window. This way it was less likely someone would book the middle seat between us. (Nobody did). Also, of course, flying during off peak times is nice so the plane isnt packed. I was nervous about it, but my daughter did fine. Good luck.

something our Dr suggested was having one person board early when they say "people with children board first" and get the seats ready and one person stay out till the final borading with the baby so the baby isen't waiting on the plane for everyone to borad and getting restless.

Will he be in your lap?

Hi K.,
I was a flight attendant for over 25 years, and just retired recently. Please know that what I am saying is in no way advocating wreckless use of medications, especially on babies. However, a well know pediatrician on the talk shows has said what I believe, which is, to use medication such as benedryll after boarding, or any other harmless medications that may help them to rest. The doctors theory was it makes for a more enjoyable experience for you and your child if they are not in distress. Whether it's a cold or even teething, when the cabin becomes pressurized the pain your child could experience is so intense in the ear drums, that it's almost frightening to see a baby scream with this kind of pain. With that said, I also reccomend bringing his favorite toy,book and lots of snacks. Along with bottles of his/her favorite drink. During take off and before landing is the perfect time for your child to drink from the bottle, thus allowing to clear the ears of pressure due to the cabin and pressurization. Please don't worry about other passengers if your child becomes fussy....it's your time too, and when I flew it was the parents of the fussy baby I tried to comfort. The mere act of crying also eleviates pressure in the ears, so,don't worry about others onboard being irritated during the flight, they're probably the same people that get upset if a neighbor's ball lands in their yard! Make sure the car seat is FAA approved, and remember to place the baby next to the window, leaving room for yourself or another passenger to exit your row. Enjoy your flight and I hope this was of some help. I worked the "M" position many times (nanny position) on international flights, so it was always a concern for me to make sure the parents and children enjoyed themselves during the flight. Whether it's domestic or international flying pressure in the cabin effects us all in many ways.
P.S.
You can still stroll up to the plane with your stroller and gate check this. It will be waiting for you when you deplane at final destination.

Hi K.! I traveled in an airplane with my then 6 month old. I was terrified but it turned out just fine. I know at 10 months they're a lot more active but you should be good. A few things I did that seemed to work well. Limit your carry-on bags! You will feel less frazzeled. Of course if you're traveling with another adult they can help. We sat as far back on the plane as possible. (We flew Southwest, so we got to pick our seat.) Make sure you have "new" toys that will interest your baby. I found that my son was most content tearing pages out of the free magazine in the back of the seat. Have a bottle or pacifier available for take-offs and landing (mostly the decent). If you still breastfeed, do that. That worked miracles. Bring a blanket to cover your baby up while he sleeps. My son seemed to sleep really well under my "Hooter Hider". When I moved it, the cool air woke him up. I'm sure every baby is going to respond differently. We've all been on flights where there have been screaming babies. Moms will understand...it's the people that don't have kids that will give you looks if things aren't going well. Just ask for help. The flight attendants were surprisingly sweet and helpful. Oh...and try to make friends with the people sitting around you. They will be more understanding if things start to get crazy. Good luck to you and happy flying! I hope this turns out to be a great trip!

new toys, gradually introduce new ones, and snacks. may not hurt to try and plan trip to coincide with nap time. also i heard it is a good idea to have them drink during the ascend because of the ear popping- they can't make themselves yawn, or swallow. but this will relieve the pressure. good luck
J.- mom of a 10m/o boy

Hi there - I've traveled a lot with my son (now 22 months old) and definitely bringing lots to eat and drink on the plane is a good idea. If you're still breastfeeding, this is a great way to soothe your child during take-off and landing (and at other times too). Depending on the kind of plane you're on it may very well not have change-tables in the bathroom, so make sure you change your child right before you board, and if you have an emergency diaper change on board ask the flight attendants for help. Also, bring a change of clothes and a couple small receiving blankets or burn cloths with you, because it's so easy to spill stuff or make a mess on the plane. Lastly, I usually buy a couple new cheap plastic toys and books from Target or wherever and hide them from my son until we travel, then I pull out something new every hour or half-hour on the plane to amaze him with.
I hope this helps! I've traveled a lot alone with my son and he's never had a seat of his own (always on my lap) and almost always it's worked out just fine. Good luck!

The first thing that comes to mind is, if it's possible, buy the car seat that turns into a stroller from One Step Ahead. We have used it many times and it works great! It's very easy to push. Then you don't have to carry around extra equipment in the airport. We just pop out the wheels and roll it right down to the airplane door, then (without taking our son out) my husband just picks up the seat pulls a lever and the wheels fold up under the seat. Then carry our son and seat onto the plane. The seat is approved for airline travel. Anyway go check it out at www.onestepahead.com

Hey, K.! I travel a ton with my kiddo - his first airplane trip was at six weeks old. :) Around the 10-month mark, it's a good idea to just have a bag of interesting items that will keep his attention (especially during takeoff and landing when he's gotta stay in his seat). We have a plastic book that has furry spots and slick spots for animals. Touching different surfaces kept Andy busy for a while. Oh, and I tried to travel during naptime as well. It wasn't fun when we were getting on the plane (he was fussy), but 10 minutes into the air and the drone of the engines knocked him right out. :)

R.

When my daughter was under a year old we went on a plane trip. Since she was young she did not fuss to much. Just make sure that your 10 month old is drinking something while the plane is lifting off so the ears will pop. If you child has a favorite toy or likes to scribble on paper, that works. My daughter liked looking at the clouds so a window seat might be a good idea. Hope this helped.

K. - I traveled with my son when he was 10 months old. It was right before he got rid of his bottle. When the plane was taking off we stuck a bottle in his mouth/when the plane was landing, we gave him another bottle. The sucking motion helps to keep the ears from popping. A sippy cup will work too if they're not on a bottle. A friend of mine told me this and it worked like a dream. My son loved the flight. Also - take lots of diapers. I think the traveling upset his stomach and we ran out of diapers in Denver!! Not good:-)

K.,
Bring something your baby can suck on - pacifier, bottle, anything they can and will suck on. The screaming babies you hear tell of on the plane is because they can't chew gum and don't know how to "pop" their ears like we do. Sucking helps relieve that pressure in their ears. Both of my kids started flying young and I have never had a screamer because of this little tip from their pediatrician.
J.

Take something for your little one to drink when the plane goes up and comes down. Pack a light bag with the essentials--diapers, wipes, little toys, snacks, pacifyer, favorite blanket, etc. Get a light weight stroller to pack in the overhead compartment or check your stroller at the gate. The airline broke my stroller, so I would recommend a lightweight one that folds up and can be packed away.

Airplane travel is a breeze at this age. The security line can be crazy but once at the gate let the little one get some energy out. I travel every month or so with two children in tow. I have a 4 1/2 yr boy and 19 month little girl that both started traveling by air at 3 months. Keeping her on my lap (no pay) can be challenging now but we always take books, necklaces, stickers and blank paper and lots of food. When she was younger she would sleep most of the flight. I wore nursing tops and as soon as the wheels were up she would nurse to sleep. Security also allows a bottle and or water for the baby. As soon as my son got interested in movies (around 2) we got a DVD player. He now hardly watches his DVD but does snapping building blocks or work books. Matchbox cars were a favorite of his when he was little. He would play with them on a tray linking neighboring trays with a book or magazine and let them roll. I hope this helps. Food is one of the most important things not to forget. Also don't waste space on noisy books or things that he can hear because the engines are to loud to hear them. Let me know if you have additional questions. T.

My son and I have traveled extensively since he was three months old. Bring favorite food and drink for the ride and lots of books, and toys. Keeping them occupied is the biggest thing. At ten months you should plan travel times around nap times if possible. Good luck!!

Traveling can be tricky at that age because they no longer like to sit still. My best advice is to try to fly on a Wednesday or Saturday when the planes are not as full. Not only do you get a cheaper ticket price, but often times there are plenty of empty seats. This allows you to bring your bucket seat onto the plane. I flew quite a bit with my daughter when she was under 1 year, and the best flights we had where when she was in her own seat. If that is not an option, definitely bring a baby bjorn, you can flip the front part down so it is more comforable, and your baby can have a little more freedom. Also, bring lots of toys/snacks and a sense of humor! Also be sure to have a pacie or bottle for the take off and landing, it can be tough on those little ears. Also, do not board the plane early when they allow older passengers and passengers traveling with children to board. Seriously... the less amount of time on the plane the better! So, wait until the last group boards, you'll be able to see if there are any empty seats at this point too.

One last tip. If you are flying out of Charlotte, you can go to the A gate and they allow you skip right through the security line if you are traveling with a very young child (10 months qualifies). You go through the same line as the pilots/flight attendants. Saves a lot of time! Oh... and I also recomend wearing slip on shoes, it makes the whole security check easier with a baby.

The first time I flew with my son he was 11 mos old. I had lots of juice (purchased after the security checkpoint, of course) and a few pacifiers, just in case. I took his carseat on the plane with us because I knew he would do much better in a seat he was used to and would be less squirmy than sitting on my lap. Also, while we were in-flight, it was MUCH less stress on me. I sat him near the window so that the flight attendants didn't have to reach over him. He slept most of the time and the paci kept his ears from aggravating him during takeoff and landing. I recommend only taking ONE carry-on bag (i.e. the diaper bag) and using an umbrella stroller for gate-check. It makes transporting your baby and his stuff A LOT easier. Be sure to take you child's favorite toy, as that is usually another source of comfort. Remember, if you're calm, your kid will be, too. Good luck!

Hi K.,
I just flew with my 1 yr old. This is the 3rd time I have flown with her & have flown several times with my son, now 6 yrs. When we flew at Christmas I took her stroller thinking it would make it easier. It didn't. To begin with you have to take the baby (even if she is sleeping) & everything else out of the stroller then put the stroller onto the belt, while juggling your baby...lol
This last time I took the baby in a "baby wrap." My back was a little more sore from carrying baby & bags, but it was so much easier. I didn't have to take her out of the wrap which was so nice.
I can give you more advice as far as what you can fly with & stuff if you would like.
H.

I used to work at the airport and the biggest mistake that moms made was carrying EVERYTHING! I know it is hard but take as little as possible. Request a bulkhead seat (the row of seats behind first class - more roomy) and/or an empty seat beside it. You will want a empty seat more than the room if possible. Give you baby bottle/pacifier/sippy cup whatever he/she uses upon take-off and landing to ease ear popping. Just know, your baby will cry, and it is ok.
During the summer there are a lot of delays and cancellations due to thunderstorms and mechanicals, be aware and prepared for an unexpected overnite somewhere. My experience-if you prepare for it, it probably won't happen, if you don't, it will. Have Fun!

K.

Def. bring a change of clothes and extra clothes. The way the airlines are, you never know if you might get delayed in the aiport. Try to pack just enough that will fit in one bag that can go under your seat. Also keep your stoller and you can check it in at the gate just before you are about to board and it will be there waiting on you when you arrive at your destination. If possible, either rent a carseat or have a family member have one for you. It is a hassle travleing with one and if the airlines damage it they are not liable. My daughter is 5 now and I'm sure I'm forgetting some good tips but I hope these help!

Although it's more expensive, my best suggestion is to buy a seat for the baby. We did that for my daughter, and we didn't have to worry about her having to sit on someone's lap the whole time.

It was a huge help to us!

Good luck!

BENADRYL!!!! And the generics are not the same. It is a life saver, and not mean. Also have him sucking on a bottle/sippy cup/ or pacifier during take off and landing. An umbrella stroller is also a necessity especially if you have to make any connections. I have three kids and have flown with them all from the time they were 6 months old. Also see if you can move to the front of the plane, the pressure is better there

My first rule now is to disregard the TSA guidelines about "taking only enough stuff for the planned duration of travel". That is a great guideline if all flights go as scheduled and there are no delays in airports. Granted it has only happened to me once while flying with an infant - but we were caught up in a major weather system and we were delayed for 24 hours - I have yet to find a shop in an airport that carries diapers, wipes, baby food or formula. So my rule of thumb now is to fly with a 2 day supply of what ever I have to have for the kids. I found the biggest "legal size" carry on I could and pack it out with diapers, wipes, (then formula, food etc) and a change of underclothes and shirts for everyone traveling. Hopefully your travel will go as smoothly as mine has gone since that one time - but I will never be caught again needing diapers in an airport:)

He/she can travel on your lap. Be sure to have plenty of simple, small toys that will keep him/her entertain. And bring lots of little snacks to keep his/her belly full and you and him/her happy! Take advantage of getting on the plane early. You are allowed to go on first if you need to set up a car sear or just to get situated with the baby. They may have to change your seat, so you'll be where the extra oxygen mask is that is needed, if you carry the baby on your lap. You are taking the car seat with you, but putting it under the plan you can use one of these neat car seat carriers designed on wheels to carry the car seat and after you get off the plane you can put your child in the seat and pull him/her through the airport. Check out www.onestepahead.com. There is always the baby sling if you're comfortable with that. If your nursing, nurse going up and nurse going down to help with the ear popping, or at least have a pacifier or something for him/her to suck on. My suck liked to suck on his thumb and pull his hair. It worked! Good luck!
A.

If you can sit by the bulkhead there is more leg room there and they can play on the floor. I once flew with 3 children 4 and under & that's what we did.

Also, talk to your doctor about chances of ear infections and flying. Our doctor advised us to give the children Dimetapp before we boarded and it worked great...no ear problems and they slept. Take toys that are fun but not too loud, other passengers may not be as thrilled that you're traveling as you are, LOL.

Bring plenty of snack foods (check the airlines for what's allowed and not allowed). Especially things to drink as that might help keep their ears from 'clogging' up.

Take what brings your baby comfort, a blanket, a toy. But mostly relax.

Sounds like a great adventure.

Keep a bottle (water, milk, whatever) ready for take-off and landing. It worked great for us to avoid the discomfort of pressure changes. Our 11 month old hardly noticed because he was swallowing and his ears didn't "pop" at all. Also, we found the smallest stroller - we used an umbrella stroller - is necessary for getting around the crowded airport. Good luck!

I just traveled by plane with my 2 month old. Try to scedule feeding times while you are taking off. It will help their ears to pop. If your child will take a pacfier that will work too. Have patience. Bring toys but travel as light as possible with your carry-on. If you're bringing the stroller to the gate they will check it for you there. However it takes a little more time to go through x-ray. The stroller has to go through as well. I used a backpack type baby carrier to help free up my hands. I hope all goes well and enjoy your trip.

We travelled a lot with our children when they were young. We always brought a lot of new, small toys with us that we didn't let them play with until we were actually on the plane. We brought lots of stickers, coloring books and snacks. I've seen people bring small DVD players for their kids to watch. We also found it helpful to book our flights early in the morning. Now that you have to get to the airport two hours before your flight, try to tire your child out in the airport and hopefully he/she will sleep on the plane. Good Luck!

check out www.momsminivan.com for lots of ideas. It is a website owned by a good friend of mine and I have used it a lot in my experiences traveling with three kids.

Nurse, or give bottle or pacificer, on take-off and landing to relieve ear pressure. Stuff a couple spare plastic bags in your carry-on for poo poo explosions (may not happen but good to have for diaper changes anyway). Bring large plastic garbage bags for car seats or strollers that you may be checking (this can prevent your things from getting messed up and dirty, and airlines don't always have bags). Bring disposable changing pads for diaper changes on the run. (I changed my son on an airport floor once when he suddenly made a big dirty diaper right before we were to board!)
Have a great time. I think you will be surprised at how easy it can be to travel with infants!
Kathy

We traveled by airplane with our youngest when he was 17 months. The things that worked best for us were:

-crayons and paper (I took tape and taped it down to the drop down tray in front of me)
-we bought some special small 'travel toys' that he had never seen, so immediately there was at least 15-20 min for each toy of just pure discovery!
-and the life saver... portable DVD player. He really doesn't watch much TV, but in a small cramped space after other options were exhausted, this really helped him stay on our laps.
-once you're in the air and level, you can walk up and down the isle. our son had fun playing picaboo w/ the other passengers!

good luck!

Hey K.... if your baby is still using a pacifier and a bottle this summer it will be easier for the baby's ears. If so it will be easy to keep the baby's ears from hurting, from the pressure. I always made sure my baby drank or used her pacifier more on the landing part of the trip, it seemed to be the worst time. I have traveled by plane a total of 7 times before my child turned 10 months so I can say it really helps. I traveled alone all but once so it can really put some stress on you but if you have help you should be just fine with everything else. Good luck! M. B.

I am a proud military wife and mother of 3 and have flown MANY times with a baby- Three times from Hawaii which is a 10 hour flight! First of all, call the airline and let them know you are bringing a baby! When you get to your terminal ASK for the Bulkhead. This way you have more room and the baby can crawl around a little bit. The bigger planes have a bassinett that attaches there also. Always bring snacks and when the plane takes off and lands have the baby drink from a sippy cup to release pressure on the ears. For snacks I suggest teddy grahams and crackers and of course your baby's normal foods that they are use too (remember on the plane they have peanutes usually!) Take your stroller with you, don't load it under the plane. They have storage space for the stroller and give yourself an extra hour at least for the security! They never help you it sucks.
Don't do the benadryl thing it only works half the time and the other half you have a hyper baby-this happened to me!
Think about a couple of new toys to use on the plane. this will keep the baby's interest a little longer. I also brought a portable DVD player with baby friendly movies (baby einstein)! Good Luck and Happy Travels!

I am a flight attendant with 2 boys (4 & 2 years old) and due with a girl next month.
I highly recommend a car seat. I especially recommend the Sit n Stroll. It costs about $200 new but well worth it if you'll be doing anymore traveling. I've seen them used at consignment shops, so you can probably get one cheaper. Its a great stroller because once you're through security your child can fall asleep and doesn't have to be awakened until you arrive at your destination.
I also highly recommend flying on the earliest flight you can manage. It may sound awful but a 6am flight could be your best friend. You can load your car while they're asleep and get them out of bed at the last second. I leave mine in their PJs and they go right back to sleep. At the age of yours both my boys would essentially sleep the whole trip. Also, you are far more likely to have an uneventful flight first thing in the morning. As the day progresses, cancellations, delays and crowds just keep getting worse.
Nap when you get where you're going - you'll be relieved and it's well worth it.
Hope this helps,
K. B.

I travel with my 11 mo old about once a week. We have it down to an art!! Rule #1 GET OVER IT! Don't let other people's impatience or irritation bother you at all. Take your time and don't let yourself get stressed out. Sometimes we'll go on a trip and everyone is super nice and the next flight I get glares from everybody in the security line! Rule #2 Bring enough stuff. My son never gets messy. He doesn't spill, spit up or barf at all. The last flight I took he barfed the biggest barf of all time and I had forgotten to put extra clothes in his bag. I ended up strolling all the way thru the Las Vegas airport with a naked baby...nice one mom! You should be prepared for delays so be sure to have enough diapers and food just in case.
Rule # 3 Be ready for security. I bring my stroller so it is the first thing to go thru the belt so when I get on the other side I can get baby in the stroller and load my other junk up with 2 hands. I put everything that has to come out (liquids) in baggies. Medicine gets one, babyfood and bottles get another. Rule # 4 Feed the baby on the way up and down. As soon as you feel your ears pop jam a bottle in.
Good luck and have fun!!

Take along a change of shirt for yourself in addition to a change of clothes for him. Give yourself more time than you normally would for getting there. If possible, check the baby stroller at the gate not before. You might want to consider taking a baby bjorn so you can keep him on you while you use the bathroom. On the plane, it is probably fine to hand him to the stewardess but you may not find stalls big enough to fit a stroller. Also, the baby bjorn is good for the transitions when you don't have the stroller. If you bottle feed him, take along a sponge soaked with dish washing detergent in a ziploc bag so that you can wash the bottle out anywhere.
Have Fun on Your Trip,
A.

K.-
When I traveled with my 10 - month old which was a while ago because he is almost three now, I tried to pack as lightly as possible. Its hard because they need everything. Make sure you have a carry-on bag of course with necessities and have something for your baby to suck on as the plane elevates i.e. bottle, pacifier, etc. This will help stop his/her ears from popping. Also, you can wheel the baby in a stroller and they will have it at the door for you once the plane lands so this was very convenient. I used a lightweight one. You can also check in a car seat but its just if you want to deal with the hassle. Most rental car booths have seat available but just check with whomever you are traveling with and they can give you the details. Remember to check the policies they now have as it relates to carrying on meds, lotions, etc to prevent all the hassle. I think you will be ok if you carry these items on as opposed to checking them in.

Hope this helps

I took my son on a plane when he was about 5 months old. People told me to "give him a bottle" at take off and landing. Great idea.....just make sure it's NOT formula OR milk (if you give your child that). I gave my son a formula bottle, and he puked all over me and even after we landing he still puked! The pressure from the altitude makes the babies stomach expand and the pressure makes the formula come back up. I suggest water in the bottle. It serves the same purpose (sucking so their ears won't pop) and prevents the puked and dirty mommy. Also, do not be afraid to give baby a little dose of Tylenol if he/she becomes unruly on the plane. I had to do that with my son b/c it's hard to occupy a tiny one on a small plane. It's not like you can let them run up and down the plane. Just some advice from a mom who knows what it's like to bring a childon a plane. One more thing.....Good Luck!!!

S. C.

I would give the baby a bottle at take off and landing this will help her ears. My daughter was on an airplane at that age and did very well. You should have no problems there will be lots of other people with small children.

Take pacifier and bottles. When the plane is taking off make him suck and you won't have the ear problems. I have heard a lot of screaming babies in my flying life. I always want to tell the mother to stick a pacifier in their mouth to get their ears to pop. My son never had that problem. I always took lots of attention getting items, books, just things to keep him busy. I was lucky for it to never be a big deal. My son has flown multiple times without much trouble. Good luck!

I've travled by plane when my son was 5 months and one year. I brought lil toys, snacks, and of course something to drink. When we would get on the plane and settled in our seat I would give him a drink during take off to help pop his ears. The same with landing, but 99% of the time my son was sleeping by then! Oh, and make sure you take any soothies that the baby has i.e. pacifier, blankie, etc. Just know that it might be exhausting as well because if you have your baby on your lap then he or she is definately not going to want to sit still! Good luck! I'm sure you will be fine! :)

Sometimes when the plane ascends and descends the pressure bothers little ones and can make them cry a lot. I suggest having something for your child to suck on or eat during those times. It seems to help them deal with the discomfort.
Also bring lots to keep them preocupied and lots of little snacks that won't be too messy. Usually passengers are cool about little kids so all you can do is pray!!
Have fun!

We always take 2 new books (he's never seen) and the portable DVD player is the greatest invention EVER for flights with little ones. Take some snacks, too, as you never know how long you can be delayed.