Travelling Alone in Airplane with 7 Months Baby and 6 Yr Old...

Can't give any great tips on the infant, I'd as your Pediatricain for tips, but for the 6 yr old take a child-sized bk pack. Pack it w/ sugarless gum (for chewing if ear problems occur) colors/ coloring book or sticker books, small etch-a sketch, or small travel size magna-doodle toy. If possible, also get some small prize type toys at the dollar store or Target $1 bins, get about 8-10 of them. Put in some travel size wipes, little hand sanitizer, a few nutritious snacks and juice boxes (freeze over night). Pack the food & drink in lrg ziploc bags. I've made my child a "travel only backpack" since she was a toddler and we travel several times/yr. When they get to age 8-11, do new paperbk books, inexpensive handheld elec. travel games like UNO and snacks/drinks (frozen b4) Keep 1/2 the $1 toys for the going trip then switch to the coming home trip. When you get bk home put the back pack away and keep it only for travel. It is almost Christmas each time you bring it out. You can change out a few toys as the child get older inexpensivley. THis works for long car trips too. Don't open the bk pack until you are in the air or on the road a few miles out. My daughter is now a teenager and I quit the travel bk ok at about 12. She still talks about what fun she had with them traveling. Best of luck Mom.

I took my twins to France (with my husband) at six months old. It went really well. They loved the bassinets and slept well.

We changed them in the bathroom on the changing table.

We brought our own food, but discovered the airline could have provided it. I gave them a bottle of milk going up... big mistake, my daughter threw it up all over me. Learned later to use warm water in the bottle, that went much better.

We walked them to sleep up and down the aisle, attendants were helpful... loved helping when time permitted, so maybe you can ask for hep that way. Strangers asked to hold them, but that was out of my comfort zone.

We brought toys, but two were their very favorite. The Baby Einstein Baby Take-Along Tunes Infant Toy you can find at Target. When it's dark they loved the music and lights. The music seems loud at home, but on the plane we could barely hear it unless it was up close. And also we had a teething toy with a red, green and yellow light on it. They liked pushing the light buttons.

The attendants were great at heating bottles, but when busy delivery is slow.

The flight went well and the passengers loved them. WHEW! But adjusting to the time change in France was brutal on anyone trying to sleep in the same house. We didn't get much sleep at all, even after two weeks. It was BRUTAL! But I think twins feed off each other... one calms the other starts crying. Had it been one child it might have been an easier transition.

Good luck. Bon Voyage!

I've travelled internationally multiple times with my kids, including when they were babies. The most challenging trips were those when we had toddlers that wanted to walk up and down the aisles for hours! At the ages you're bringing along I think it won't be too bad at all. Challenging yes, but doable. Especially if your 6 year old can hold the baby while you are going to the bathroom!

I wouldn't worry at all about the water. Unless your baby is immune compromised, at 7 months, bottled water should be just fine. Did you know that there is a lot of bacteria in powered formula anyway?
http://postpartum-health.suite101.com/article.cfm/what-is...

The ready to feed is the only one that comes sterile.

As for tips, I always brought a soft carrier to put the baby to sleep in for naps (like the Ergo) as they didn't sleep well in the bassinet on the plane. I also feed them (liquid) on take off and landing to help the ears. For the bigger kids, I bring a couple new toys/books, wrapped, for them to open and use on the plane. That coupled with lots of snacks and the videos usually keep them entertained. My babies never got really fussy on the plane as the engine noise is like loud calming white noise and there is so much to look at and so many people cooing at them that it kept them happy.

Good luck!

You can buy portioned plastic containers to put formula in. I usually take some empty bottles, add bottled water, and pour in the pre-portioned powdered formula. Shake, and you're donw. Bottled water is just fine for baby. You can't bring bottled water through security, but you can buy it afterwards. You could try to put boiled water in the bottles at home. They might let it through.

I also give my 7-month-old son tylenol or motrin about 30 minutes before the flight to help with ears. Bring toys and burp cloths or rags for the baby. If my son is fussy on a flight, I walk him up and down the aisle. Yours probably won't be the only baby on the flight--seems like there is always several.

Since it's an international flight, there will be movies to entertain your 6 year old.

I was in your situation about 3 years ago and yes it was a stress with a baby and a 6yr old but I did it! I had a stroller for my son that they put n the front of the plane so when we changed planes I could wheel him from one terminal to the next but my daughter 6yrs old had to walk and she would ride the train that took us to the other end of the airport so... Here we are running through the airport... Lol! The first flight taking us out my daughter put all 4s on the dooe of the plane and said "I'm not going" but the nice stewardess helped me calm her down! Lol!
They let me take water on the plane and a diaper bad with extra drinks my son needed! To my surprise my son slept the first flight and when we changed planes he was awake and ready 2 play! Everyone was nice and willing to make him laugh and keep him occupied! Thank goodness! And I even had a gentlemen help me get on the next flight by folding down the stroller and helping me carry my carrying on bags... He said "I have 3 at home, I know what you are going through"! We made the trip well and the stewardess helped me fix his bottles when I needed! They helped take very good care of me!
Good luck on your trip and let us know how you did! I am sure you will do fine and have help!
From, momof3lovnlife

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Hello DS, I can share my experiances and those of my son& daughter in law.
We would advise you to start useing bottled water now becasue unless you are nursing you may have a difficult trip. Please check with the Airlines about what you are allowed to and not to do. My daughter in law found that she was not able to bring much with her in the plane and that the stewardresses were so busy that they were of little help. They flew while one was in the middle of potty training and that was a mess! This is a child that has logged about 1,000 miles in her first year!
I would suggest getting one of those dvd players and be sure to check out the movie before hand as the Tinker Bell didn't work on the plane but CareBears and Veggie Tails all did. You will have to ask if you have the choice of a better place to sit than another with achild. I have seen where becasue of a child being out of control and bored parents have been kicked off planes. I flew on a 16 hour flight to Guam and only wish that I had brought more snacks and a sandwhich for myself! But they would not let me bring any of my own soda etc on the flight. Good Luck, I am sure you will do fine.

Do the things you do at home to calm the baby/keep the kiddies comfortable. I appreciate your concern for the other passengers. No, you will not be able to bring water, or any fluid, unless it is in an unopened container. You can bring juice box unopened etc. They can heat your water on the plane. Or just bring you warm water. the main difference from home will be the confinement. Bring something new and different for the older child - gum he/she has never tried to loosen the ears, a book or coloring pages that are totally different - Plan on holding the baby a lot. Some formula brands sell premixed liquid formula in cans or plastic bottles. Remember not to open them before getting on the plane. They can warm it on the plane, although my sons liked it room temp as well.

Most importantly, relax. This will be a fun new experience to be remembered by you and both your kids, and they will feel how you feel. Relax and point out all the new and different things, and they will feed off of you, as always.

find a place after you go through security that serves coffee... they might be able to fill a thermos with water for you (usually the coffeemakers have a water valve, boiling temp. water...) if you are willing to do that... i don't think you will be able to take the water through...

only real advice i know is to try and feed the baby during takeoff and landing.. the sucking will help her ears pop...

Formula and airplanes aren't easy. This is how I have gotten by in the past. You can buy a container that holds the right about of formula so you won't have to measure it. Target. Water you have to get at the other side of security. Then when to get to the other side all the water is cold. Great!!!!! Carry an empty thermos and get hot water from a coffee shop fill it half way and buy a bottle of cold water. Then you mix them to the right temp. before getting on. If your baby formula comes in premixed single bottles you could look to see if it is smaller 3 oz. and take as many as you need.

Don't worry about being a pain to other people while on the flight. Because if you're calm, your baby will clam down quicker. Babies cry. Especially right before they fall sleep.

Double diaper. It is very hard to change a baby on a plane. Smells are bad, but you don't want leaks.

Have both kids sucking on something during take off and landing for their ears to pop. Most important on the way down.

Entertainment. All my kids what to do any more on flights is watch dvd. We load down movies to our ipod touch, even our nano. 7 month old may even watch it. Barney $1.29!!! So don't pack too much you have to carry it.

You will do fine. When people see you alone with two kids they will be kind and help you. Your 6 yo will be a big help too. Have a great trip.

I don't know that I'd worry so much about the water. Just ask for hot water...such as if you wanted tea. It probably comes from a dispenser (like at some water coolers) and as such is filtered.

And babies crying is just a part of flying...yeah, some people will get annoyed but what can you do about it if the baby won't settle down or is in pain from the pressurized cabin. You'll also get sympathy from those who have been through it. Walking him/her up and down the aisle, I've seen many a mom and dad doing that. I've also seen people completely ignore their kids when they scream (toddler twins from hell on a trip to Toronto)...so long as you don't do that don't worry. It's hard traveling w/ kids sometimes...most rational adults know that. Good luck and have a good trip! :)

you need to go to www.tsa.gov and see what the International travel 'rules' are.
Carry on items for example, have to be in certain kinds of containers/bags and ONLY a certain size. And some cannot be in its original containers, so you will have to transfer it to another generic clear plastic bottle, travel sized per TSA rules, for example.

Bottled water is fine.

As far as your other questions, you need to check the TSA website and/or the airlines you are traveling with.
ALSO, you need to get a travel power adapter for international use, since the USA and other countries do not have the same outlets or currents.

Really, plan in advance... and get all you need.
AND passports for your kids. This takes at least 6-8 weeks. And costs money. And passport for yourself.
And... some airlines will not book a flight, if you do not have "Travel Consent Forms" for minors traveling alone with 1 parent/adult. When my Hubby and daughter went to Europe, the travel agent said, that per their ticketing requirements/airline requirements... we HAD to have one... and these Travel Consent forms, have to be notarized.
So look into that... online.

At least your oldest child is 6.... and thus more able to be self-sufficient and/or help you...

PLAN plan ahead...

I also strongly suggest www.seatguru.com for booking your seats on the airplane. We have used it, our travel agent uses it, and the airlines. THEN that way, you can choose ideal seats for you/the kids, in the part of the plane you want.
AND, since you have kids, you can board the plane first... so be sure you do that.

all the best,
Susan

You'll be able to get hot, clean water on the plane for the formula--they serve ho tea. Just ask for it. That will be the least of your worries.

If you haven't already, contact the airline and find out the location of your seats. Make sure you tell them that you have an infant and they'll try to seat you in the bulkhead...they may have a bassinet available for you to use during the flight..

A portable DVD player is invaluable with my three year old on flights. A familiar toy and somthing new. A squishy pillow. Comfy pajamas. Lots of low-sugar snacks (and a few special ones for bribes).

Extra clothes for everyone.

Pack several "diaper kits" in separate ziploc bags-diaper, wipes, garbage bag (use on the table then to dispose of diaper), clean onesie. Use freezer type bags for best durability. It is easy to pull one out of your carry-on and make the change rather than trying to maneuver in a too small bathroom digging through your bag. If there is a blow-out, you can seal the clothes in the baggie.

I took my daughters 5 and 18 months to Japan by myself. It was difficult but you survive. A DVD player would be invaluable for the 6YO. Extra clothes and new toys are great and required. Gate-check the stroller and try to bring minimal luggage so it's not too difficult to navigate through the airport. I brought 1 suitcase, stroller, car seat, and carry on and it was too much. Leave the car seat at home. My 18 MO slept for maybe 2 hours in the 13 hour flight. Prepare yourself that she will cry. Walk her to make it look as if you are addressing the problem but there's not much you can do. Bring candy for long lines, such as customs. Be prepared that no one will help you. There may not be a friendly flight attendant on your flight. Be prepared and have extra food and CANDY. Good-luck!

Hi Tia,

As far as water goes, there is an excellent way to treat it. You can get a "Steri-pen" from REI, Amazon, or other merchants online. It's a small device with an ultraviolet light wand that you stick into a bottle of water for 90 seconds. It sterilizes everything including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. My husband and I used it all through India for six months, and we were never sick.

If your baby is fussy, especially on take-off or landing, nursing or bottle feeding is a good idea--even a pacifier. Swallowing helps release the painful pressure in the ears. Check the airline regulations online about formula. Flight attendants will probably (hopefully) be helpful with either mixing formula, or giving you galley space to do it. And most passengers are understanding when it comes to babies.

The best thing you can do to help your kids be calm during the flight is to be calm yourself. If they know you're okay, they will feel more secure.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Wow! I've never done this so am not sure of my answers, but will give it a shot anyway.

First off, I would contact the airline ASAP regarding taking the water along. They have such strict rules now about taking liquids aboard planes that I don't know if you can take it or not. But they do have bottled water on the planes, and you may want them to know how much you are going to need and that you need it warm, not icy cold as they normally serve it. Hopefully you can work it out so that you don't have to pay the high price they want to charge for most things on a plane!
What I've found works well for me when going out with a child is to measure the formula powder into the bottles and then when it's time to feed them, just have some bottled water along and pour it in, put the nipple on and shake the bottle to mix it. I'm not sure that would work on the plane though, because again they are concerned about any kind of powdered substances. So, I'm thinking maybe if you take along as many of the baby's bottles (empty) as you can, and take a new unopened can of powdered formula, you can then get seated and while waiting for the take-off prepare the bottles with the correct amount of powdered formula in each so you'll be ready to quickly prepare it with the liquid as needed. The main thing too, I believe, is to be sure you talk with the flight attendant and express your needs and concerns. They are usually great to help people with special needs situations such as yours. You should be one of the first people allowed to board, since you have the two little ones, so that should give you ample time to have your concerns expressed prior to take-off.
As far as calming the baby goes... I don't have any magical answers. The only thing I can say is Yes, it does bother other people to hear a baby crying on a plane, but darn it, this is a baby and to some extent they just have to be understanding too. We did take a train trip with our granddaughter and her parents when she was just five months old. She did some fussing during the night that bothered her daddy more than it did anyone else, because he was so concerned about what other people thought and that she was disturbing their sleep. But you can only do what you can do and not worry about what others think of you if your baby is fussy.

Hi there,
I've travelled quite a bit with my little guy so you can totally do this! :) I would recommend that you go and get some fun new things to bring out at different times for your 6 year old. This will help make the trip special and to keep him/her from getting too wiggly. You can also do this for your younger child.
I've not taken any international flights, but domestically I always take a number of different snacks and I make sure that I have "treat" snacks that my child usually does not get with me. It can give your older child the motivation to behave a bit more. As for the water for formula...they will not let you take a thermos or a bottle of water through security. You will have to get rid of it. I always took the little travel packets of formula and bottles and then purchased a bottle (or several in your case) of water once I was through security. If you want the water to be hot then I'm sure you can find a Starbucks in the airport and they will put hot water in a cup for you to use and on the international flights I've taken in the past they always have hot water for tea so they should work with you to put hot water in your bottle for you to use. Also, if you don't want to use the little travel packets of formula, you can get one of those multi-serving containers for formula. You just may need several to have enough formula to last the duration of your travels depending on how far you are flying and how long you will be on the plane.

A couple of other things I've been thankful for are a change of clothes (maybe 2 for your kids) as well as one for you (or at least a shirt so that if you get spit up on you, you don't have to smell it the entire trip), disposable changing table liners (great for the airport and plane changing tables) and a baby carrier. If you like to wear your baby then bring a carrier that way and you can move through the airport more easily with just trying to deal with your older child. My friends who do fly more often on international flights swear by getting the bulkhead seats and they request the bassinet for the flight so that they would have a place to lay the baby down to sleep and/or to just take a break from holding the baby. I don't know if there is a cost for this though so you would have to check with your airline. Have a wonderful trip!!