Any Advice for Traveling with 8 Month Old?

Hi T., my daughter is now 5 months old and her first plane ride was at three months. They sell carseat totes that can be checked plane side. We also had a front carrier and umbrella stroller. Seems like a lot but we didn't know what to expect. Turns out one way the stroller was best on the way back the carrier was best. If you decided against the carrier it fits nicely in the carring bag with the car seat, which by the way comes with straps to wear as a back back & also has rollers for pulling. Baby items are free and don't count against you for carry-on or checked items. Had no problem taking my pump & expressed milk through security. Their quiet as up tight now (travel was this past July 2008). As for diaper changes our longest flight was 2 hrs so I changed her before and after we landed. If they can make it throught the night, a plane ride should be a piece of cake. A blowout is different, head for the restrooms. :-) Keep some hand sanitizer handi too.

Hope this helped. Me, I'm a fist time Mom too!

I have traveled via plane with my 2 toddler sons. My advice, take plenty of entertainment toys you think he might enjoy. Save some just for the plane. Also I found out after I got off the plane that there was a changing table in the bathroom above the toilet you have to pull down. I didn't see it, but a friend told me about it. Also bring along snacks for the child and be prepared to have to just hold him for a while or just do whatever you have to. Do what works for you. I was like you. Worried. And I did as much prep as possible and they still cried. Also don't be afraid to ask a stewartess for advice or help. Because I'm sure they've seen other people travel with children. And after it's all done make sure you had fun.

When we flew with our (then) 10 mo. old son in April, we scheduled the flights according to either his bed or nap times. I nursed him at take off, and he went right to sleep and stayed asleep. During take off and landing, give him a bottle, or nurse if you do, to help his ears. I made sure he had a clean diaper before boarding, and didn't have to change him in flight. He had an ear infection, so we gave him tylenol 30 min. before take off. You will be allowed to take juice or milk, just announce it when you check in and at security. Take any snacks he likes, and favorite toys or books. I dreaded the flight before we left, but it turned out to be just fine. I'm actually dreading our trip in a month more b/c our son is walking and hates to sit still. If you want, take a stroller and check it at the gate.

When travelling with a baby, make sure you have a change of clothes for you and your husband as well as the baby. Plus, bring enough diapers, food, etc. for an entire day in case luggage gets lost or there are unforseen delays. I'd rather have to carry too much stuff and not need it than be stuck on a plane for a couple extra hours due to weather or something and be out of food or diapers. Also, when I travelled with babies, I made sure to change the diapers right before we got on. That way, unless it was poopy, I didn't have to do it again until we landed. I also used an umbrella stroller for walking in the airport. It folds up and can fit in the overhead compartment of the airport. Plus, if the baby wanted to be held, we could put the diaper bag in it and there was less to carry. Good luck!

Two sets of hands are definitely better than one when traveling with a child. Everything takes longer, and for the most part the parents around you will understand, but the childless folks may not. You can check your son's car seat when you check your luggage, and unless they've changed the rules, it does not count against your baggage total (meaning you don't have to pay for it). If you bought your son his own seat, then you can take is car seat on the plane (the flight attendants are required to check for a DOT approval sticker - it's on the underside of almost all car seats sold in the US - before allowing you to bring the seat on the plane). If you do this, you might want to consider getting a car seat bag or bringing your own garbage bag since not all airlines will provide a bag or even a bin for the seat when you check it. Going through security is comical, but you will make it through. Take your sense of humor, and remember that your son will probably take his cues from you, so try to be calm and act like this is something you do every day. I also have heard of giving your child Benadryl to knock him out before take-off. Good luck!

if your son is entertained by music play his c.d.'s and the only thing i could do was change a diaper in my seat. have your husband or you get up from your seat and walk the plane, lay your son in the empty seat and change the diaper. we always prayed that our boys would fall asleep during the trip but alas they always fell asleep the last 30 minutes. good luck. i'm a mom of a 10 year and a 5 year old boys.

I flew last year with a 5 month old little girl and on the plane, she had one of those nasty blowouts that everyone dreads. The plane lavatory is equiped with a babychanging station. Now, as everyone knows,it's a tight squeeze in those lavatories for anyone, but changing a horrible blowout is physically possible on board a plane when necessary. I know from experience.We always tried to make sure diapers were changed before boarding, then after getting off if needed so we could avoid it on the plane, but sometimes an on board change is required. Just make sure if you need to change the diaper on the plane you only take back essential things, like the changing pad, 1 diaper and the wipes (change of clothes if necessary) because it is a VERY tight space and you won't want to be juggling a diaper bag. In fact, if you need to change the clothes, it might be easier to put a blanket over your shoulder and wrap the clean baby in that then dress him in the seat.

As far as the rest of the trip goes, I"m sure you've gotten lots of good advice already. Remember to relax because infants and small children pick up on a parents anxiety and it makes them respond the same way in a situation. Just take what you will need (and more for incase there are delays) and make it a fun adventure. He'll likely love looking out the window at the other airplanes during time at the airport, boarding and takeoff, then again at landing. Window seats are great for little ones.

Just make sure & have something for him to eat, drink or suck on during takeoff and landing. I would suggest to change him right before you board the plane. Our daughter slept most of the flight around that age.

I traveled with my 6 month old last year - prepare for the worst. Extra food, formula, diapers etc. We had delay issues on the way there and back. I had to change my daughters diaper on the plane - she had a poopy. If there is an empty seat next to you that makes it pretty easy. Just lay a protector down and change. I didn't have the luck on my travels. I ended up changing her in the bathroom on my lap! You may ask the flight attendant as I am sure they could offer some advice as well considering they have most likely been there before.

Take a blanket because the ones on the plane are nasty. Also although security says that you cannot bring liquids through, they usually make an exception for 1 baby bottle with milk or formula.

I have flown over 20,000 miles with my 11 month old (She's already been to 12 states and DC ;-) I have flown with my husband and I have flown alone. SO here's what I have learned...
Every plane I have been on has had a changing station. It is usually in the restroom in the rear of the plane….right above the toilet. They have airsick bangs in there that you can put the dirty diaper in so it will contain the smell in the bathroom trash.
If you are going on a long trip – you can contact the airline and see if they have bassinet seating. If it is available on your plane – they can attach a bassinet to the wall in-front of your seat. I have never used it but I have seen others use it.
I think sucking is a must during takeoff and landing. I try nurse my daughter during takeoff and landing to help her with the air pressure. Mine doesn’t use a pacifier – but if yours does…this will work just as well.
I do not give my daughter any medicine before flying…she doesn’t need it. She has always been fine. (She does seem to suffer from MAJOR car sick problems…so my doctor has approved a small dose of Benadryl for very long car rides) But she doesn’t seem to have any problem on the plane so I don’t give her any for that. If you are worried about that..you might talk to your pedi to see what they recommend.
I use a moby wrap to transport my daughter…so I don’t take a stroller. But if you want to you can. You can take it through security and check it at the gate. They will give you a tag for it and you leave it at the entrance to the plane…then they will bring it back to the entrance when you get off.
If you are renting a car…you can ask if they have car seats so you don’t have to take yours. I have never done this…but I know it is available, or if you have family or friends where you are going see if you can borrow one. I have done this before…and was glad not to have to take the car seat. When I have taken my car seat I bought a car seat bag for it protect it if I plan to check it. I don’t buy my daughter a seat on the plane…she is much happier in my arms. That being said --- if there is an empty seat next to you American will generally hold it for you unless they need it. SO if my husband and I are both traveling I will book us in the window and the aisle – with an open middle. Then you need to call the airline and tell them that you are traveling with an infant in lap (do it before you get to the airport to save time). When you get to the gate tell the agent you are traveling with a child and ask if that seat between you has been filled – they will tell you the status and now knowing you have the child – will generally try not fill that seat unless they need it. Obviously, if you buy a seat…you don’t have to worry about this. If you do take your car seat on you will have to put it in the window seat if it is rear facing. I am not sure if it is forward facing…because I have never used forward facing car seat. Like I said I use a moby wrap – technically it is not an approved child restraint devise for take-off and landing – but I have only had one flight attendant tell me that I have to remove my daughter from it for take-off and landing.
I always try to take a new toy or two on any flight so that she has something new to play with which distracts her for a long time. And then have snacks and drinks handy for entertainment.
Since you are flying with your husband – I would have one of you board with your section number so you have bin space and can get organized and then the one with your son walk around and look out the window as long as possible and board at the very last minute. Sometimes they don’t turn the air on until they get near the end of boarding and it can be very hot – plus no need to be on that plane longer than needed.
I usually sit in the back because I think the engine drowns out any noise my DD might make and I am more likely to have an open middle seat – but then you have to wait forever to get off…so keep that in mind when you make your seat selection.
And finally – if he cries or acts up – don’t worry about it. Most of the people on the plane have kids and they will sympathize with you. And the people who don’t have kids – well you’ll never see them again…so don’t worry about it.

There was a question yesterday on this same topic - please look it up and read those responses. As far as changing a diaper, some planes have a changing table in the restroom - that is your best bet. Also, you might try putting a bit larger diaper on your baby to make sure any BMs are all contained and of course, bring some extra clothes for yourself just in case it does leak or you get some of it on you while changing. Also, please bring a plastic bag (maybe two) in which to wrap the diaper prior to disposing of it. Also, even if there is a basinet (in the case you get a bulkhead on a plane that has one), please don't change a messy diaper there.

Beyond looking at the question/answers from yesterday, have your husband ask to sit at the rear of the plane. We did this in July and she bothered far less people and it was closer to the restroom. Hope this helps.

I just travelled w/ my 6 months old and I have to say it went smoothly. I made usre that I was at the airport very early andher dad had her in a front carrier so she could take it all in. In waiting to board, once they called our group I went and changed her diaper. I had her bottle timed for take off because the sucking motion helps with the change in pressure in her ears. Then, the sound on the plane put her to sleep. We were I realize very lucky but I felt we did a pretty good job in planning. We also, since our flight was 2.5 hours, had a bottle prepared for landing, also for the change in pressure. If your child gets restless then once the cart has finished walk him up and down the aisles. People seem to care less about this than a fussy baby. Or go stand by the back bathrooms where the flight attendants put the carts. Most flight attendents are pretty accommodating. Good luck!