Traveling with an Infant? by Plane and Long Car Ride

My best advice for both trips: Just say no! I wouldn't take a one-month old on an airplane OR a 5 hour car ride. Let them come to you. You have a new baby. They should understand. Enjoy your new bundle of joy - congratulations!

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feed on demand. people will glare if baby makes noises, but to heck with them! we were all that small once! I made the exact trip- I have to arn you, prepare for the unexpected and pack some OTC meds or bring some extra cash for them. BOTH my girls got double ear infections and nasty colds once we touched down. also- talk to your doc about what a safe dose of sleepy benedryl may be and if that is at all possible or ok for you and your family. better than being upseat and crying! best of luck!

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I would say stay home. He's so young and the flu is huge right now as are many other illnesses at this time. Or maybe you can use a mask for him.

If you decide to go, plane rides are really not that bad. Just take a cover up and feed on demand. Feed during take off and landing, and he'll probably sleep most of the time at that young age. No advice for the car ride. If he has a hard time, there's really nothing to make that ride better. I'd say stay home. They should be visiting you. Your baby is tiny and they NEED to understand that. I had a baby that always cried in the car, and I often had the melt downs. I would have to pull over and just cry and take her out of her seat. It can be hell. Planed are much easier.

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Nursing babies seem fine on planes. Plan on nursing during landing to keep his ears from hurting.

I had a daughter that cried during car rides. No advice there, sorry. We just had to get through it. I was known to sit in the back seat, leaning over her and nursing while she's in the car seat. But typically kids sleep while driving.

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Hi!
Why go?
Tell them sorry to miss it, and my baby is a month old and I cannot see having him on plane with all the closed air, and
if it is true say you are still recovering and getting settled from having a baby- and you'll see them all later.
Ok, that is my travel advice-k

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Hi M.,

When my son was 4 weeks old I had to travel from Ft. Lauderdale to Sanibel (about a 3 hour drive)and he cried about the first 5 minutes and then slept the rest of the way. I would agree to plan an extra hour or 1.5 hours for what the drive would normally take you because you will probably need to stop.

I'm not sure about that plane ride. My pediatrician told me not to travel by plane until my son got his 3 month shots. Maybe you want to sit that one out and just say that you have a new baby and are recovering. If not, then a sling is super helpful, an infant carseat will fit in the overhead compartment if you put it in upside down and then it won't get as dirty as if you gate check it.

My son's first flight was about 3 hours, just after his 3 month bday. He took a bottle on the way up, then slept. I highly recommend putting babies into a footed PJ for airplane rides, keeps them warmer and you don't deal with taking off shoes or socks (yes, even for newborns, you have to go through security without any footwear).

Good luck! C.

In my experience, the littler they are, the easier it is to travel with them. You will be tired, but you're tired at home anyway. Traveling across the country when my daughter was 4 months old was pretty easy. She slept and nursed the entire trip. Sit on the inside, and no one will even notice. I got lots of comments from people when we were getting off the flight that didn't even know she was on the plane! People would much rather you nurse a quiet happy baby than try to calm a hungry screaming one.

The other plus to starting early is that I think it helped us have more freedom with our now one-year-old. She travels well and adapts to new situations, which has provided her with a lot of fun new experiences (and she's only been sick twice in her life so far).

Good luck, and have fun!

Be patient with yourselves (him and you). In just 13 days, you are still just getting to know one another. When my oldest son was only four weeks old, I also traveled alone with him by plane from Denver to Chicago. I was a nurse-on-demand mom, too. The plane trip was actually a breeze. He had me to hold him the whole time. When he wanted to nurse, I nursed, so he was happy. Make sure you nurse when taking off and DEFINITELY when landing. This will prevent his ears from popping. When he was only 13 days old, I was very apprehensive. It all turned out fine.

PS A couple of ladies recommended fans for the back seat. Excellent ideas. I purchased last week, a clip on fan that plugs into the lighter for under $9 from WalMart. I also purchased a battery operated one from WalMart for about $12. Both work well.

Traveling in the car with him was challenging for years! Some tips I will share include:

letting him nap in his car seat from time to time while you are at home. This helps him get used to it. He's used to being in the womb. Everything else seems strange and lonely.

I always had a baby bottle with water handy while driving so I could pacify him until we got home or to our destination. Sucking really calms babies.

I assume you will travel to Orlando with your husband. Whoever is not driving will have to be responsible for comforting and entertaining your son. (That's the bad news. It does take extra energy.) Sometimes, just holding his hand or having your hand on his tummy will keep him calm. Sometimes smiling and cooing will be necessary. Plan to make frequent stops so he can be out of the carseat to stretch and nurse. Keep him swaddled tightly and he should feel more comfortable in new surroundings.

I remember these challenging times as though it were yesterday. My oldest son is a freshman in college, turning 19 next Wednesday. He was my most challenging. When all is said and done, I'm glad I had him first. He broke me in well, and his brother (17) and sister (15 1/2) have been a piece of cake. (And we now live just north of Orlando.)

I wish you all the best! Take a step back and try to enjoy your travels with him. It's just one of many new experiences you will share. When you reach your destination(s), your friends and family will be delighted to meet your son and help you celebrate this new chapter in your life!

Hi M., I am a flight attendant for jet blue. We are an extremely kid-friendly arline. If you are traveling on a light load the gate agents & flight attendant will try to see if they can block a seat at the window in your row so you can have your baby in his or her own carseat. We have TV so although your baby is young the movement & color can entertain him. Also, bring a light throw so you won't feel uncomfortable about nursing at a moments notice. You can hold your baby during take off & landing so you can be nursing in case he has any ear discomfort. We have full size changing tables in ALL lavs. You can wheel your stroller & all stuff right up to jet bridge door & then leave for ramp agents to take down to cargo & it will be there as soon as you get off. Hopefully you haven't booked yet & can book at a lower traffice time or when your baby usually naps.
Same with car travel. Drive to do your drive when he usually naps. Most babies naps from the to & fro movements.Good luck!

I flew with both my kids to Europe when they were 6 months old. Both were great as long as you breast feed during take off and landing to help them with the pressure on their ears. My daughter was a bit more active and wanted to see it all, but my son slept most of the flight. Bring their favorite toys and blanket so they feel and smell comfort from home. Also bring extra diapers and outfits, because you never know what will happen. (spills, delays ect..)

K.
www.lunababyproducts.com

Hi, M.. Well, I rode on a plane twice with my infant son, once when he was about 6 weeks old, and again when he was about 14 months. He did just fine. When he was I breastfed him on the plane, burped him, sang to him quietly, etc. As long as you are not nervous about flying, your baby should calm down and be as OK as he is in any other environment.

As for the long car ride...why does he cry in the car? Usually babies fall asleep after a few minutes. Maybe the car seat is too hot or at the wrong angle? Maybe the radio is too loud? Babies usually love motion, even in a car. Make sure he's not too hot there in the back seat -- sometimes the air conditioner doesn't reach back there very well. That could be the source of his discomfort.

Try to get a battery-operated fan to keep him cooler during the car ride. Take frequent breaks, every hour or so, so that he doesn't have to feel cramped in the same position for so long. That's good for you, too, BTW. Also, avoid anxiety and arguing on the road, as he will pick up on the emotional tone of everyone else and give it right back to you.

You can try sitting next to him in the back seat and singing to him. He's not going to be able to appreciate any of the scenery, but I'll bet he loves the sound of your voice!

I hope you have a worry-free journey, and everyone enjoys everyone else's company!

Peace,
Syl

The main advice I have is to nurse on the way up and way down in the plane. The pressure builds in their ears and this will help just like gum helps us.
As far as car rides. I usually do pump in the car and offer bottles. It saves a lot of time.
The baby will probably sleep in the car, even if he is a carseat crier. You might even have to wake him up to eat.
Good luck

The plane ride will probably be easier than the hustle and bustle of the airport. You can continue to feed on demand on the plane. If you are purchasing a seat for him, take off and landing might be difficult because of the change in pressure in the ears. We didn't fly with my son until he was about 8 months and was using a bottle at daycare, so we gave him a bottle during take off and landing. Perhaps a pacifier or sucking on your fingertip might help for this.

For the drive, I agree with some of the previous comments - nurse before you leave. Plan extra time into your trip to stop and let the baby feed and stretch. Be prepared for some crying - my son cried when he was an infant from the FL/Georgia border until just south of Atlanta. We survived and so did he (even if it didn't feel like we would at the time.) Below is a link to an artice about car travel with babies, the airlines usually have something about flying with infants.

http://kids.emedtv.com/infant-care/car-travel-with-an-inf...

Congratulations on your healthy baby boy.
M.

MY advice- ask the Orlando relatives to visit you (or have them wait until he likes the car)... I SO understand the car ride!

The plane should be OK because you nurse :) I flew with my son when he was VERY young several times. Nurse him for take off & landing (you do NOT need to wake him if he's asleep) if he wakes- put him immed. on the breast. Enjoy traveling while you nurse :) Toddlers are a whole other ball game :)

He'll eventually get used to the car seat; but until then, travel with him in the back seat so you can comfort him. As for the plane ride, keep him on your chest. Make sure you have a bottle of water for you and the baby, as he will need to suckle during take off and landing. He's gonna cry because it hurts the ears. So, have a glass of wine and relax, dear.

I flew with my nursing on demand daughter since she was 2.5 months old, road trips too. This teaches your child to easily adapt to situations. You are nursing, you are giving your child the best protection to illness. It is also very important to expose your child to this as it naturally builds up his immune system. Everyone uses those alcohol based hand sanitizers stripping all the good antibodies and we are as a society becoming sicker and sicker by weakening our natural immunities. All those vaccines don't allow natural immunities either but that's another story... :)

Nursing while on the plane is great, the child knows you're there, feels secure, gets nourishment and ears don't pop. You're doing the right thing. Very important is to drink a LOT of water while traveling. Your son may nurse a bit more so you'll need the extra water. Try to eat a heap of lightly steamed greens before going and perhaps a simple nori roll to protect you and the baby from the radiation of flying.

You will be fine. If the drive becomes a hassle, pull over, get out, go for a little walk around the car, nurse and pop him back in. My daughter used to fall asleep during long drives. She still does.

Be proud of yourself for being a caring and nursing mama and have a great time!!!

Babies will sleep most of the trip, car or plane. Sometimes the landing will bother their ears a bit, not much.
First plane trip my youngest daughter took was at 8 months old and while we were landing, instead of being seated with our seat belts on, I was kneeling with my back to the front seat, changing her diaper! Congratulations on your newborn. Enjoy both baby and trips.

feed on demand. to h*ll w/ cover-ups like a hooter-hider!!! these scream "LOOK AT ME, I"M COVERING UP SOMETHING, YEP I"M TRYING TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE I'M NOT BREASTFEEDING!"

so,, anyway: gather a collection of nursing shirts that have an 'Empire Waist' opening- this way your 'mamma belly' is covered and baby can nurse & no one will even know what you're doing! here is an example of the KIND of shirt I am talking about:
http://www.milkface.com/detail.aspx?ID=47962
this example is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE, but I'm trying to give you the idea...

Hi.

I traveled with my son at 1 1/2 months. He did VERY well on the plane. I took a cover and just let him go to town eating the moment I got on the plane. He would sleep and eat the whole way there. Not a peep from him. Everyone was amazed at how quiet my child was compared to the others on the plane. Another hint is to travel with bags you can put on your back. A backpack is fabulous. It seemed the second a plane would pull up, my son would have an accident and I would need to change him immediately before boarding, missing preboarding. Walking down the isle with an infant and bags is not too easy. Good luck to you and enjoy your trip. Soon those plane rides won't be so easy. :-)

I flew with my daughter at six weeks old and it really wasn't that bad--better than a toddler! Footie pajamas are a great idea, especially since planes are just dirty and that way you can just peel it off and he'll be clean underneath.

I adore my slings--you can walk right through security wearing your baby (every airport I've been in). We always take a stroller too and use that to push our carry on bags :-)

Breastfeed at take off and landing if you can to help equalize the pressure. Be prepared (think about it now) to change a diaper on the plane. Bring a change of clothes for you and the baby just in case. Honestly, though, I thought it was pretty easy to fly with a newborn. She mostly nursed or slept on my chest the whole way. Oh--I wore a pretty, baggy shirt so I could nurse discreetly.

Please do ignore rude people. Most people are really understanding. I've had experienced parents tell me (when my baby cried) that they don't mind a bit--they're grateful their turn at that is over and hoping the baby's parents aren't too stressed :-) And I've been amazed over the years--I've thought I was getting dirty looks from people, but, as we've left the restaurant or whatever, they'll stop us and say, "What a beautiful child. I enjoyed watching him/her."

Driving was tougher because of the car seat thing. I sat in the back with my baby. If you're not going alone, that might help. And we did stop and nurse at least once between Sarasota and Orlando (2 hour drive). I think we stopped for a diaper, too.

Good luck and I hope you have fun! I know all these things are tough the first time--you have to figure out what works for you--but it can be done!

Patience, lots and lots of patience.

I keep a CD with classical music in the car that seems to soothe my 9 month old and it helped with my oldest as well. Usually my husband or I will sit in the back with the baby on long car rides because it is a lot easier to tend to them.

Make sure you feed him well before you leave, I usually make that the last thing I do before I walk out the door.

Traveling when they sleep helps if you can.

In the next few weeks he will probably sleep a good bit.

The plane ride will probably be easier than you think... it is possible to nurse in public and be discreet. Wear clothes that allow the baby easy access and allow you to be discreet and use a nursing cover or blanket.

Check with the airline, they may be able to accomodate you and give you a little privacy.

Since you will be able to hold him he will probably sleep throught most of the flight.

Good luck!

Ride in the back seat with him. Feed him right before you put him in his car seat and he should sleep most if not all of the trip. But if he wakes up and you are right there it will help.
On the plane feed him before he gets fussy instead of waiting for him to cry to eat. Nursing is great. You can do it on the plane. Just throw a blanket over you and the baby.
It will help to keep his ears from popping.

it's so easy to travel by plane with a little breastfeeder! just pop him on the boob for up, down & any fussy time in between! granted, plane rides are no longer a time to chill an read magazines :) but just wait till your little one becomes mobile, then you'll really have to pull out the bag of tricks! enjoy your snuggle time :)

I don't know if this has been suggested but invest in a couple of inexpensive nursing tank tops and a nursing cover up (if you use one) for the plane ride. That way you can nurse baby anywhere including walking onto the plane in need be (don't ask how I know this lol) I loved using the nursing tanks under my t-shirts. They are more useful and less expensive in the long run then a nursing shirt.

Also, if he's having meltdowns so young try watching him very closely for feeding cues. Some babies are very subtle and you might be missing the early cues and he's getting too hungry before he nurses. Just a thought I had :)

And I agree-have your family come visit you! No reason to put him thru that at such a young age.

M.,
Good morning! I know your pain! Everythime we go and visit my family we have to fly accross the country. For a 1 month old and a 2 hr trip it shouldn't be so bad. Does he like his car seat or are you keeping him in your lap? He might suprise you and sleep most of the trip. Talk to his ped. and see what advise they can give you. Mine told me to give them a dose of Tylonal to help relax them so their ears will pop easier. If you are holding him in your lap also try breastfeeding him for take off and landing that will help a lot. That is what I did with my daughter.

As for your Orlando trip we just did that in July with my youngest (9mos) at the time and he has always hated his car seat. We tried to time the trip with his nap so he would sleep most of the way, but with a 1 month old that may be a little different. All I can say is melt downs will happen, and all you can do is take a deep breath. The isn't much you can do so take your time and try to have fun! Good luck!

I have to agree with the people that say not to go. Family should be more understanding that it is flu season and you JUST had the little one. I really don't understand what is so important to be at a function that the baby needs to go to. Like someone else said, they should be seeing baby at your house, not the other way around.

Also, maybe you can do car rides once a day for a trip around the neighborhood - get him use to it. I knew parents that had this issue with their kids and that is what they did. He really should start getting use to the car.

I was stuck in traffic that didn't move for hours and so badly wanted to take out the crying baby, BUT DONT DO IT! I knew that is how accidents happen. A car could easily rear end us and hurt the baby. So for the sake of your sanity try some of these tips i found out from my first.
Toys are great. I would sit in the back and entertain the baby. From carrier attachments, mirror on the head rest, and anything that made noise. Onestepahead.com has some great ideas and alot of the toys can be found at Target or walmart.
Take a break from the car about 1.5hrs to 2hrs. It will take longer but less fussing from baby. OR travel at night when the baby normally sleeps and have family members agree ahead of time to give you time to nap after arrival.
Snacks and bottle waters are a must. It gets hot in the car for the little ones. My brother found a fan that plugs into the cigarette lighter for the back seat and his son 6months isnt sweaty anymore or fussy.
Also, check the fit on the carseat. My other kid (a month old) gets made when first put in if the straps are tight and i have to squeeze her arms in. Then i pull the sun shade off the back and have it covering her more so the sun isn't in her eyes.

AS for the plane ride- have pacifiers ready. Sometimes at take off and landing the ears hurt and sucking on pacifiers or breastfeeding helps. You can take the carseat carrier up the plane and then it can be stowed away. Just talk tothe flight attendents they are alway very helpfull especially when the babies are so little. Just bring a bag to pu the carrier in so it stays clean. Trust me its not so clean under the plane and not every loader is nice handling the stuff. Target has disposable changing cloths and if you dont have someone traveling with you bring a sling so you can give your arms a break of pull your pants up after the bathroom.
ps dont forget your stroller, you can take it to the gate

I just got back from a 10 hour plane ride from europe w/ my 18 month old baby. On the international flights you can request a baby bassinet, where the baby can sleep. Ask your airline if they offer those. Actually the plane ride is a lot easier than car rides. It doesn't matter if the baby cries or has a meltdown. Anyone that doesn't want to travel with kids, should fly a private plane. As far as the car ride, leave at nap time or at night time when the baby sleeps. If the baby is awake, stop often. There's not much else you can do on car rides. Good luck!

The best advice I can give you is tune everyone out. You will get stares you will get comments, just ignore and smile. If you focus your newborn you will be much more relaxed. If he does have a melt down, don't make excuses, don't talk to anyone, just do whatever you would do at home.
Make sure he has something to suck on going up and down. Best if he can suck and swallow too. If he doesn't take a bottle, politely tell the person next to you (if it's not your husband) that you'll be nursing and make sure to cover up. If they are uncomfortable, don't worry about it, it's their problem. Nurse on the way up and on way down.
Do whatever it takes to make him comfortable, if that means nursing the whole plane ride, then, give that a shot. I think he'll do really well though. Something about the cabin pressure and the white noise, it just lulls babies to sleep.
As far as the car ride, don't pressure yourselves. If he starts getting out of sorts, just pull over and take a rest. The 4-5 hour car ride may take you 6-8, but you won't be a wreck when you arrive.
Sometimes also, if he starts fussing in the carseat, don't immediately start trying to soothe (except with a pacifier). My son would WAIL for like 5 minutes and then drop off asleep. If I tried to make him happy, instead of just leaving him alone, it just prolonged the time it took him to fall asleep.

Hi. If you use a pacifier, don't forget it whatever you do! I was on a flight with my 6 month old son (who's now in college)from Seattle to Orlando and left his bottles and pacifiers on the drain board at Mom's house. It was the longest, worst flight I've ever had. Eventually we ended up with him screaming and me with my face in the window sobbing. lol Just remember to pack everything that is soothing to him and whatever it is that calms and occupies his mind. Good luck and thanks for that hilarious (now) memory. Forget everyone else, just bring lots of things that either calm him and make him feel sleepy and comforted and/or plenty of toys and just in case: something for teething ie: crackers, blue ice, etc. Maybe even an ipod with lullabies? Other than that, singing helped too. Have a good trip! Hope this helps...

I'm so glad you are breast feeding. that will make plane rides easier. Try to time nursing for take off and landing, if baby is awake, or have baby suck on your finger if not hungry, etc. so his/her ears will adjust to elevation. I also found carrying baby in a sling through airport much easier than dealing with a stroller. Bring a LOT of diapers in case your plane is delayed and you are stuck in airport land. the car is more complicated. I would do things like kneel in the back seat with my breast stretched into my child's mouth to keep her happy, but that is beyond some people's comfort zone, and understandably. I hope others have good car ride suggestions for you.

Plane ride will be easy! He'll LOVE that you can hold him the whole way and you can feed him whenever he wants.
I moved from Indiana to Florida when my daughter was 2 weeks old. It was a VERY long drive. I had to stop every 2-3 hours to feed her. For the drive, feed him right before you leave and you'll probably have to stop once. Just give yourself plenty of time!! And don't stress! It's harder when they get older....:)

M.,

Try not to stress too much about it. Believe it or not, by the end of the month, breastfeeding will be a little easier for both of you. I have already traveled by plane with my 3-month-old 3 times and all of the trips have been smooth. I just put him into his sling once we get to the airport, and he usually sleeps through ticketing, security, boarding and take-off. Don't be afraid to nurse him on the plane whenever he wants to eat. The less nervous you are about everything, the less nervous your baby boy will be. He probably will do some crying on the car ride, but he'll probably eventually sleep for a good while, too. Just have patience and give yourself extra time for necessary stops to soothe him and give him some fresh air. Best of luck! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

You have gotten a lot of good advice about the plane. Do NOT be affraid to nurse. It is OK! Prepare yourself ot cover up and do not worry. Most people are so patient.

As far as the car.... My now 12 year old daughter hated the car. She wanted to be at home all the time. She was born in September and when it was time to start Christmas shopping I finally broke down and got her to take the pacifier. Not everyone is a big fan of the paci, but it saved my life for car rides. When I was ready to stop middle of the night feeding, about 2 months old, I would just give her the paci and her pat her a little. I think a paci for a breast fed baby is a gift from God. It really helps you in those canI just have 5 more minutes to find a quiet place to nurse.

Good Luck!