Traveling with 9 Month Old by Myself

I traveled from California to Chicago by myself when my daughter was 9 months - no red eye flight, and one stop (and it was her first flight).

1) Make sure you have enough toys, liquids, snacks, diapers and wipes (those Gerber puffs are awesome).

2) Take the very minimum you need to have with you. It's amazing how little you can get away with when faced with carrying it all yourself.

3) I didn't use a car seat on the plane, so that was not an issue for us. I used this for safety: http://www.babyuniverse.com/pro/baby/26873/FlightVestTrav... It's a Baby B Air - found a great deal on Ebay. You might always want to check the Craigslist in your area.

4) I bought a cheapo umbrella stroller to get around the airports and such. You can take it right up to the airport entrance and they will check it there for you. I bought a cheap one because if anything happened to it, I wouldn't care (it was $10).

5) Last but not least, fear not. I was floored, amazed, and thankful for all the people who didn't hesitate to help me when they saw me struggle at all. One of my seat mates even told a soap start he couldn't use my overhead bin because I needed it for the baby (I was still settling in). Ok, he probably didn't know the guy was a soap star, but I did! LOL

Sounds like your little one is already a good traveler - hopefully he will be again! My daughter did great and entertained quite a few people on our travels (she didn't sleep a wink).

I think the biggest thing is to make sure your son is as comfortable and happy as you can so he doesn't bother other passengers. They are a lot more helpful that way. LOL

Good luck and have a great trip!

1 mom found this helpful

Hello,
My question for you is did you buy a separate seat on the plane for your son? If not, check in the car seat if you have to take it. We had to do that with my daughter when she was 9 months old on a 10 hour trip to Switzerland. One bag with essentail foods for him. When I went someone recommended to me to bring an old favorite toy and a toy that is new and exciting. Baby bjorn a yes, that was a lifesaver for us. Good luck to you. Hope he sleeps the whole way for you.
T. and Kelsie

Hi Marci!
My DS is 14 months and we've done 7 coast to coast trips solo thus far. It's not easy but it's doable. I think your plan is a good one; I've always bought my son a seat of his own -- it's so much easier across the board and gives you the added space you need for all the baby gear. This is what I do: I bought a carseat carrier for my travel carseat (we use a Graco Comfortsport for planes only; it's really light and I can easily keep it on my back throughout the airport) and I push my son in his stroller (travel stroller Maclaren Volo) thru the airport. I use one big bag for dipes, feeding, etcetera and keep a separate bag for his blankies, toys, etc. Once I get to the gate I check his stroller right at the plane door. I ask a flight attendant to hold my DS while I strap the seat in, get our bags arranged, etc.

The hardest part I've found is security. Having to get all the stuff thru the detectors and fold the stroller while holding DS is a big hassle. Necessary, but a hassle. I usually ask the person next to me for a little help. Yep, a pain but with the shoes being off, baby out of the Bjorn or stroller, bags awash on the conveyer belt, oy, it's a scramble. But you'll get thru it.

Not sure if I helped - just know you are not alone. Ask for help A LOT -- that's what makes it easiest. Best advice I can give.

Good luck and safe trip to you!

Keep it simple! I know that's easier said than done.... Only take on the plane what you need. I'd combine the baby and your things together it will be easier to have only one bag. I do this with my kids. Not to mention getting thru security is difficult with out kids and even more so with them. Just remember that everything including the car seat and stroller have to go through the security x-ray machine. If it's too big then they will pull it aside to do a special inspection on the item. And be aware the security people will not help you with any of your items or child because of the liability. If you have the car seat/stroller traveler combo that will help you out with less items and then just take a bag. If you check out www.babycenter.com click on shopping and select - travel made easy in the featured boutiques you'll be able to browse in sections for some ideas. Hope this helps.

Have a great trip and good luck!

T.

When I traveled to Japan with my 18 months old (previously I said 9 month old - how quickly we forget) and 5 year old (by myself) I had a stroller (gate checked), the Britax roundabout car seat (smaller than the marathon) and 1 or 2 carry ons. The car seat was pretty awful to cart around and it took up alot of space on the seat - i.e. my daughter could not pull down her tray. I tried to attach a metal "dolly" so I could wheel the car seat but it kept tipping over. And my daughter slept in it for maybe 1 hour during the 10 hour flight. One the flight back I checked the car seat.

Other things I did wrong on that flight: brought too many drinks, water bottles, etc. The plane had plenty of milk, water, and juice, however, since this was an international flight the food might have been more comprehensive than a domestic flight. Also bring plastic bags to seal and dispose of diapers.

Don't stress. It will all go smooth! I suggest taking minimal items with you on the plane. Buy your son a couple of NEW toys that he will be enthralled with and maybe his favorite book. He will likely sleep on the plane. Also, those little puff's will be a great snack for him. But no matter what, it's only a 5 1/2 hour flight so remain calm. If he gets upset, too bad for the passengers around. What is your choice? You can't get off the plane! The flight attendants can always help you with your "gear" if you feel the carseat, baby and pack are too much to carry. Dont be afraid to ask for help. :) Have a great trip.

Hi M.,

I just got back from flying to New York with my 6 month old daughter. It was just the two of us because my husband had to stay home and work. As a carry on, I brought a diaper bag and then a North Face backpack. We managed to have more then enough food for baby and me, diapers and toys. I also stuffed an extra shirt for me and a change of clothes for the baby in case of an accident.

I think what saved me was the umbrella stroller I brought in the airport. I purchased the Chicco Capri stroller for the trip and it came in extremely handy. It cost about $60 from Babies R Us and was well worth the $$. The airline allowed me to gate check the stroller so I could have my daughter sit in it while and carried the rest of our supplies in the airport. When we got off the plane the stroller was there ready to be used to walk to the baggage claim or to our connecting flight.

I also purchased a car seat travel bag by Sunshine Kids from Target or Babies R Us for about $15. It is pretty big.. and I think that your Britax carseat would fit in it. The bag is nice because it has a strap on it so you can just throw it over your shoulder. It is a tad awkward since the carseat is so big.. but it is much easier the carrying the carseat by itself.

I would also suggest sitting in the back of the plane... it is noisier back there if you little one does act up.. plus it is near the restrooms so you can stand back there if you need to.

Good luck with your travels.. I hope this helped a little bit :)

G.

i would suggest holding him in your lap, no carseat...too much to tote around.....

Babies r Us has a backpack that is a backpack and a baby carrier. SO you can carry your stuff and the baby and it even has a small zip off diaper bag for essentials. It's Kelty Kids Transit Carrier 2.1 they also have some other versions of this carrier. I have a two year old and I am looking at getting one. We just traveled across country and took a stroller and a car seat and his bag and our carry on--it was way too much.
Also my son at 1 years old, loved the Wiggles... i would probably rent or buy a dvd player and a dvd like Baby Einstein or the Wiggles and a large pair of headphones (that completely cover your child's ears). It may only work for 5-10 minutes but you can use it as a distraction over and over if you need it.

I traveled alone with my daughter when she was only 2 1/2 months old. I brought her carseat and stroller through security and gate checked it (that way its the last thing on and the 1st off, so it can't be left behind or get lost) Also, then I had her stroller to push her around in at the airport. I traveled really light, as far as carryon materials go. I brought all her essentials (a TON of diapers), change of clothes for both of us (just in case), tylenol for both of us, bought a water bottle after security, toys for her, and a book for me. It all fit in a larger, regular backpack. Mine was an Eastport I saved from College many years ago.

I went on a trip with my 3 month old once and I carried him on my lap. The only thing that was hard for me was that I took one of those small rolling suitcases that look like rolling backpacks instead of a diaper bag, cause I didn't know what I might need. (Seeing as how they seem to need more the smaller they are.) But anyway, I had a connecting flight to the small airport in my mom's town and I had to check my carry on because the plane was too small. That was unexpected and REALLY annoying. I am just SO glad he didnt need to be changed or anything cause I had nothing with me. So definetly check before hand at the carry on size allowed. Also, I would suggest that you ask the people sitting around you if they mind having a small child near by. This question alone should set anyone who may be inclined to be a pain to be okay with it. It shows them that you have no intention of being difficult, but you are respecting that they may not want to sit next to a small child. That usually makes things ok. Also just make sure that you take meds and treats. Like teething gel, tylenol, gas medicine and what not. Make sure you take a variety food you know your baby will eat, because he may be extra cranky with the whole ordeal and if you don't have options to offer him to help calm him down, things may back fire. Other than that I can't really suggest anything. If you have already been on a plane with him, he should do great even tho he is older now. He isn't quite at walking age yet, so he should be able to sleep most of the way. Seeing as how it is a Red-eye, as difficult as it may be for you pre flight, it might be worth it to short his nap that day and short his snacks before the flight so that he is nice and ready for the bottle. Make sure that you take his favorite blankie or stuffed animal so he is comfortable sleeping in a strange place. Other than that I think you will be just fine. :)

I do not have any advice but I am a new mom to a 7 week old little girl and we are flying back to the east coast in 4 weeks and I know you flew with your son in December. Can you tell me what I should bring with me? Thanks,
J.

WOW! I will never forget my first flight with my son!! IT WAS TERRIBLE!! He was great but everything else was terrible. The stewardess actually made me stiff drink and took the baby for a walk around the plane! She was checking in at the same time and saw everything I went through. I had to fly alone alot with my son the first year. I will pass on my lessons learned.
1. BE ORGANIZED!! If your flight is in the middle of the night or during his normal sleep time, chances are he is going to sleep most of the time. Xnay the diaper bag. It's just excess hassel. Minimize your carry on to a back pack. In all actuality, all you will need to take with you is a couple of bottles (the fight attendants will almost ALWAYS clean them out for you)A few diapers, a pack of travel wipes and one or two small toys (you could bring a ton but I promise you will only pull out one or two, if they don't do it, the other 10 won't either ;)If there is a lovie, that will usually do it. If you use powder formula, I STRONGLY suggest buying a box of the individual powder packs. Have one bottle already prepared to take to the airport and buy some bottled water when you get through security. (The first time I flew was the same day they decided no liquids..it was no fun!) Get some baby tylenol and gas drops. Be sure that if you have anything like tylenol, gas drops, orajel..whatever, it is all in ONE ziploc bag. If you get a gallon bag, you can even put the prepared bottle in it. That way when you get there you can just throw it on the belt and be done with it. You really won't need anything that you wouldn't need for your baby in the middle of the night at home. Eventhough it interrupts your schedual, the baby may be awake through the airport process but will probably sleep just like every night. Most kids could sleep in the middle of the grocery store floor if it was in the middle of the night! ;) You don't need to bring food..just a few bottles.
Bring a few magizines for yourself..maybe a book or whatever but you shouldn't need too much for yourself either...hopefully you will get some sleep too but count on holding the little one most of the time and only having one free hand to hold a book or something. I was lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me so he slept across the two seats. As far as car seat and stroller through the airport..I would STRONGLY suggest just putting him in the baby bajorn and checking the rest. (They don't count as luggage) and you won't have to try to hold the baby and fold all of that up. Yea, it's HARD especially when you have to get the handle of the seat down and fold the stroller..just to get him to the gate and then hold him..(you have to fold it all up again before you get ON the plane) It took me 3 or 4 trips to figure that one out. When you get to your gate, go up and talk to the stewardess about putting you in an empty isle. Usually they can move people around enough so that you get 3 seats to yourself..make things much easier. Don't be shy..its worth it..and they will do whatever it takes to keep from hearing a screaming baby! ;)
Sit in the front..You are still close to a bathroom, and when it's over, you can get off quick rather than sitting around waiting for everyone..
Wear flip flops and no belt. As cute as it may be no shoes on the baby either, they will make you take those off too! Bring an extra pair of socks for you in your back pack in case your feet get cold on the plane. Keep the babys blanket in your book bag, you don't want to put it in that nasty tub. ;)
Umm..thats all I can really think of but I promise just those little things will make your trip MUCH LESS STRESSFUL! I wish someone would have told me all of the easier ways! Any other questions, I know the answers in this area! ;)
I'm a master of travel with a child by now!
Jenn
____@____.com

I did the east coast thing by myself also. I took a backpack that had all of our carryon stuff, including toys and everything I thought I might need for the flight, and put a small collapsible diaper bag in my checked luggage for my time at my destination. The thing that worked out the best for me with the baby and car seat etc. was being able to take the stroller right up to the gate. It made life much simpler. Other than that I don't really have too many suggestions.

It sounds like you have everything ready. Just make sure you bring his favorite toys when he is awake. But I would try to keep him up until you get on the plane if possible, that way he will sleep for almost all of it. For all the checkpoints at the airport, if you don't have any of those i.d. holders that are like necklaces you should get one, that way you don't have to dig into your bag and try to juggle everything while people are waiting behind you. Make sure you confirm your seat with the big aisles when you get to the airport. The big aisles make a huge difference. We went on a trip to the Philippines when my baby was 11 mos. - 17 hr flight!!! Yikes!!! So really 5 1/2 hour flight isn't that long so bring only what you really need.

Hope this helps,
M.

I travel all the time with my 2 boys (2 and 3 Years Old). I went Germany, Brazil , Canada, Hawaii..... what I find fantastic is the "car seat -stroller" in one . I think you can find it at Target. The name is Sit'n'Stroll 5-in-1. The prices went really up from 3 years ago...but It really makes easier around the airport. My boys were big babies too and I could not really use the Bjorn... take a look on it if you travel often. Good luck.

Hi M., at skymall.com they have a car seat that transforms into a stroller. It would solve all of your problems. You dont even have to také him out to transform it.large diaper bag over the shoulder that will fit your purse and youre in business.

Go-Go Babyz gogo Kidz Travelmate is all I can say. You attach it to the seat and it wheels like luggage. I have traveled many time by myself (military wife) and with 2 boys it saved my life. Because before I had to have the stroller and Britax Marathon (not easy) This company now sells them to fit most carseats. But in the beginning it just fit Britax!

M.,
My daughter (2 1/2) and I have traveled every 3-4 months since she was about 4 months old. It's never what I would call easy, but at that age I used a Bjorn to carry her on my front (she barely still fit in it). I also bought the car seat rolling bag cover (babies r us) that you can also use as a back pack if you need to (we also had the marathon). FYI-practice getting the cover on/off several times by yourself so you can do it on the plane (board early and ask for help getting down the aisle). Then I found that I packed my cute diaper bag in my luggage and carried a wal-mart special on the plane (the small duffle/gym bag look that has wheels on one end and a handle on the other). This seemed to be a working trio for me, you just carry him and roll two things. If you haven't already, practice getting him in/out of the bjorn quickly by yourself - this makes security much easier. I usually try to book flights during nap time so that she sleeps all or most of the way. Good luck and have fun with your family!!

M.,

I totally get it...my husband and I are flying back east tonight on the red-eye with our 1 year old and I'm usually pretty laid back, but I've been a little uneasy about this flight. I did buy the GoGo Kidsz Travelmate and am SO GLAD THAT I DID... I have the Britax Boulevard and it was as easy as pie to hook up. In addition, I read that the Travelmate now has easy release wheels, but the one that I just bought didn't have that. I called the company and the owner called me right back. It turns out that a mom and her father started the business so they are a family owned company. She was SO sweet and overnighted me a new axel with the wheels at no charge. Had I known it was a small company I would have bought the Travelmate directly from them instead of Right Start.

Also, my husband bought a bag from Patagonia called MLC, which stands for Maximum Legal Carryon. He is able to pack for a whole week in that bag. I don't know if it turns into a backpack, but this might be a good solution for all of the things you need in a "diaper bag" plus your stuff.

I think your decision to take the Bjorn is excellent. I didn't bring our carrier the first time we flew and I was sorry. I will definitely bring something this time as I have a feeling that my little wiggle worm will want to do some exploring. It will definitely make walking the aisles endlessly a lot easier.

Other than that... we will definitely check-in online before we get to the airport... just one less thing to manage!

So good luck, Happy Travels, and I would love to know if you have any suggestions to pass on!

K.

I sorry I don't have any suggestions but can I just say how awesome is that. Whoo Hoo for Dad. And good for you too that you guys sound like you have a great relationship. God bless you and your family and I hope you get lots of great suggestions.