Travelling on Plane with 2.5 Month Old

1. I bought the rolling carseat bag at BabiesRUs for my carseat. It was heaven.
2. I bought premixed little bottles for my son to use for take off and landing - which were awesome.
3. I use a backpack diaper bag - which again is great as it leaves the handsfree for carrying baby.
4. A front baby backpack is awesome for travelling.
5. I didn't ask for it, but my doctor actually gave us "numbing" drops for his ears. If he has any ear problems, you might want to look into those.

-L.

Just so you know, you don't HAVE to pack the carseat base. The carseat is perfectly safe in the car strapped in with the seatbelt. That is what the two "hook" things are on top of the carseat on the left & right sides - to feed the seatbelt through without the base. It may be one less thing you have to bring along.
Good luck!

1. Don’t bring what you don’t have too.
You do not need to bring a car base, car seats can be used without them. You can check the carseat/stroller at the gate and they will stow it away for you (no extra charge.) So as soon as the flight lands you can pop her in the stroller. A diaper bag does not count as a personal item or carryon so you have extra packing space. If you aren’t breastfeeding you can bring on a bottled water for the baby (even through security.) Airplane water is not potable. Put her formula if she eats it in a plastic bag those bulky containers take up alot of space. Let her suck or stroke her throat so her ears can pop during pressure change to reduce ear infections during take off and landing and often. Do not bring too many toys as they take up space and can fall in between the seats which can be a pain to get. If she gets fussy just get up and walk with her down the aisle. Definitely get a baby bjourn or a baby sling (I use a baby sling) it is a life saver! I flew for the first time with my daughter when she was 4 months and it was a great experience! Don’t worry about what other people think they are more forgiving of a crying baby than a screaming toddler. Good Luck!

PS someone said you can pack extra stuff in the checked in carseat. This is not true. I checked in the carseat and she double checked to make sure it was only the carseat.

Hi N.,
You are choosing the perfect time to travel with your baby...early!! I traveled with my baby boy when he was 4 months old and he was a dream, then I traveled with him again at 17 months old and it was a nightmare (when your child starts to hit his/her toddler years, gets that strong will, and decides s/he no longer likes to be held or sit in your lap...that is NOT the time to fly with him/her!!)

That said, when he was four months old, we traveled with our car seat because, at that age, it is also an infant carrier, so it is doubley (sp?) valuable. We used it to carry him all the way up to the door of the plane, where they checked it (with the base attached).

While we were both taking off and landing, I made sure he was feeding, so that the suck and swallow would help his ears to clear. If you are bottlefeeding, make sure you use a nipple that has as small of a hole as she will be patient with. You don't want something too fast-flowing (larger nipple hole), so that she barely has to suck to get the milk and you definitely don't want her going through the bottle too quickly...especially since you want her to still have appetite enough to resume sucking on the descent...

We brought some of his favorite books, toys. But, honestly we never really turned to them. He was either eating or sleeping...what a great age for traveling...it was a piece of cake!!

By the way, we brought our Baby Bjorn infant carrier but we never used it. If you have your car seat/infant carrier and a stroller, you are good to go.

I hope this helps. Good luck!!
D.

There's a carseat bag you can buy at Babies R Us that has straps on it so you can carry the carseat like a backpack. It will also protect it in the checked baggage. Be sure to remove the straps when you check it so they don't tear off.

Be sure to plan on nursing or bottle feeding baby during take-off and landing so her little ears don't hurt from the changes in altitude. Good luck!

M.
"Our pediatrician misses us. So does the pharmacist."
Check out my Mamasource profile to find out why!

I travelled with my son on a plane when he was 4 1/2 months old. The best advice I can give is to only pack what you have to have as a carry on. I used my travel system (carseat/stroller) combo to get all the way to the gate. The airline checked it for me there and it was ready when we landed. I only carried ONE BACKPACK on the plane. I had all my necessary stuff in one pocket, money, ID, tickets, wallet, chapstick, etc. I packed one extra shirt for me, just in case my son made a mess on me. Then for him I packed an extra outfit, diapers, wipes, etc. My son didn't take a pacifier, but did take a bottle so I had a small bottle for take off and a full bottle for landing. Landing is where the most discomfort happens, and lasts the longest.

Get to the gate early, change her diaper before you board - there isn't a place on the plane to change diapers comfortably. Make sure you get a bathroom break before you board too. Relax and don't worry about the other people too much.

Have a great trip!

I am in the same situation. my 6mo old and I are flying alone to CA next week. I've heard it's important for the baby to be sucking during take off and landing. I am putting the carseat in a super heavy platic bag. I've seen others do this. Not sure how else to do it. Curious to read how other moms do it.

Good luck with your flight. Hope the baby enjoys the plane ride.

When taking off and landing,keep the pacifier in so there ears dont hurt.She is so young there really isn't much she will do. Try to get either the bulkhead area(more room) or an aisle seat so you can get up freely.
You can ask for these seats when you get to the airport. Good Luck!

you can leave your carseat/carrier at the gate when you board the plane. we did that instead of checking it at the luggage counter. you won't get charged that way and you can grab it as you get off the plane. make sure to take a pacifier so the take off and landing is easier on your child's ears. when i traveled i used one of those cuddle things that holds the baby in front of you so i could carry everything and not worry about my son falling, etc. you have to remove the cuddle buddy when on flight but it makes it easier when walking. good luck. oh, don't make a bottle before you get on the plane. they will throw it out....i was very angry. make sure you have a small can or travel size packets of formula with you. they were very rude about it and i'm a military wife. what did they think i was going to bomb the plane?! anyway, good luck.

I flew alone with my baby when she was about 5.5 months old, and it went just fine. I flew Southwest, so I was able to board the plane early (after the first class and platinum rewards people) and I got a seat in the exit row in the front room so we had a lot more leg room. (she just sat in my lap) I carried my little one around the airport in my baby bjorn (not sure if yours is old enough or sturdy enough to use one of those yet), I nursed her in the bathroom before we got on the plane, and then I made sure to have a bottle for her to suck on during take-off and landing. The flight attendant told me that most babies cry on take-off and fall asleep when the plan is landing. My baby did fine, but I came to terms with the fact that if she didn't, who cares? You'll never see any of those people again and most of them will completely understand your situation. If they don't understand and get irritated at you or your sweet little baby, then they're the ones with the problem. :)

Happy and safe travels!
Hilary

take a baby bjorn or similar infant sling
HANDS FREE!

Most definitely if you are bottle feeding, have a bottle ready for take off and landing - just to help with the ear popping or at very least have a pacifier. For the car seat and base - I would go to Babies r Us or somewhere like that and buy a carrier that you can check (and depending on the total weight - you might be able to sneak some extra items in there that won't fit in your suitcase). Just remember that even if she gets fussy - don't let it bother you. Other passengers will just HAVE to understand. Good luck and have a safe trip.

You may want to take the stroller car seat and base with you to the gate as you may be able to use the seat and base on the plane if the seat next to you is empty (must be a window seat for the car seat). The airline will block that seat for you to use if possible. If there isn't room you can check your seat and base at the gate. Make sure you feed your baby on the way up and again on the way down to adjust her ears and avoid pain and crying when the plane changes altitude. Many travelers are helpful, but there may be a few who are annoyed...just ignore them. If you're nursing, a "hooter hider" is helpful in keeping you covered while you are nursing. If you're using formula, the singles packs are nice as you won't have to worry about digging it out and putting it in a bin to get through security. Just buy a bottle or 2 of water once you're through. The flight attendants will heat up the bottle for you on the plane if you need it, but they will do it with hot water so it may take a bit longer. Bring an extra outfit for the baby and an extra shirt for you in case of spit ups, etc. Put them in a ziplock bag so you have a place to store soiled clothes too. good luck

Just make sure you take a pacifier so she can suck and keep her ears comfortable. If she doesn't use a pacifier, take a bottle. most infant carseats don't have to use the base, so I'd check to see if you really need it. It's great for convenience, but if you are traveling alone, it's just going to be a pain. You can then use your carseat to carry the baby around the airport, and gate check it as you get on the plane. This will make sure it's not lost, and also you will get it as soon as you get off of the plane. Good luck!

Definitely take the car seat on the plane with you because quite often there is an empty seat and you can put the baby in car seat. Also take the stroller down to the gate, they will check it for you there and have it ready when you get off of the plane. If there is not any empty seat, they will just check your car seat at the gate as well. I'm not sure if you'll need your base, I think you can just strap car seat onto plane seat without and then you don't have to carry base, you may want to check on that though, depending on your car seat. Then you could put in your luggage and check because you'll need if you will be driving anywhere.

I usually rest my car seat on top of the stroller while walking through the airport and put my carry-on in the storage of my stoller. Security is a little tricky but ask them to help you fold up the stoller and someone usually offers to help. When I'm safely on the plane I usually ask someone (they usually offer actually) to hold the baby while I get the seat situated if there is an extra seat, they can't go anywhere right!

Make sure that when you take off and land that the baby is sucking on a bottle, (or nurse if you nurse) or a pacifier because the pressure can really bother their ears if not.

The baby is so young that you don't need to worry about bringing toys or snacks, just remember to bring formula if you bottle feed. They will warm the water for you if you need to just ask. The flight attendants are usually very nice and helpful. Also, dress baby in layers because planes can be either too warm or too cold. Make sure the baby's air vent is not blowing on her because it is recycled air and you don't need a sick baby!

Good luck, I have flown with my 4 kids for over 13 years and it is not bad, especially when they are so little and can sleep! You may want to ask your doctor about a dose of infant tylenol before going on the plane, I usually do this to help calm them and help them with any ear pain but not sure if she's too young. Have fun!!!

I disagree with what some of the other mother's have said. I've flown a great deal with my daughters from age 6 weeks to 3 without the assistance of another adult. For one thing, do not expect the TSA or airline people to help you. Sometimes they do, but it's not very dependable. I definitely recommend that you check through your stroller and use a sling or snugli type baby carrier to get through security and on the plane. If it doesn't have any metal parts, then TSA will generally allow you to walk through the metal detector with the baby in it. Then you are able to grab your carry on and shoes on the other side with your two free hands. A sling is also great on the plane for nursing her discreetly and comfortably. You should try to nurse her when the plane is ascending and descending to keep her ears from popping. A pacifier would work, too, if she takes one.

You can find out if there is a seat available for your carseat when you first check your bags. They will secure you a seat at that time, if there is one. If there isn't, then you can go ahead and check your carseat right away, thus avoiding trying to get it through security. I have used garbage bags to cover my carseat, but last month, when I travelled I purchased a carseat bag at Babies R Us for $20 and it did a great job of protecting the car seat.

I have found that really young babies are the easiest to fly with, because they sleep most of the way. HOwever, taking some little mirrors and quiet music toys can be helpful too. Good Luck!

You didn't say if you are a breast feeder or not...but I can tell you, we have travelled with all our kids and as early as 3 mos and I always breastfeed when we take off and when ever they want. Keeps them happy, quiet and manageable. I usually take a sling, small pillow or blanket so the baby is in a good position and then all I have to worry about is changing the baby's diaper on the plane (not a easy or fun task--if you have too, just take 2 diapers and the wipes/cream, there isn't much room for the diaper bag and you won't be able to strap the baby down so don't bother to hunt through one). If you have never worn your baby, I would definitely give that a try. All baby slings will give you the freedom to be hands free and you don't have to mess with the stroller unless you want to. I make and sell them. I would be more than happy to come out and demonstrate how the Maya, Moby and Mei Tai slings work. Since they are handmande, I sell them all for under $40 (unless it's a custom one) some for as low as $20. Email me if you want to give that a try for your trip.

Been there, done that... plan to feed you baby during take off and landing. The sucking will help not have any ear problems. Take your baby to her doctor a week or so before to make ear are clear- no ear infections. Would be great if baby naps too- I planned for it when we went but my little boy pooped during take off, and again on the flight (it was only 3 hours!!!) There is a changing table in the restroom above the toilet. Make sure your needs are met- flight attendents are not always helpful and I don't know how you feel about someone else holding your baby if you need to use the restroom.
I bring a umbrella stroller when kids are older- when infants I used a sling. I also checked the carseat since it was just another thing to carry... holding the baby inyour lap is fine.

Yes, get a Miracle Blanket! It will soothe her and keep her calm during the flight. It worked miracles for me and my daughter both at home and while flying back and forth to visit family.

S.

You should be able to check the seat and and base together as luggage instead of actually packing it. Also, not sure what time your flight will be but I used to always try to fly around the time my child generally naps, he fell asleep everytime. Lastly, if you're child is into any electronic books or games or if he likes watching programs like NOGIN, take a dvd player with his favorite shows.

Good Luck!

Hi N.,

My husband and I took our little one with us when she was about 3 months old. I used a infant backpack and that worked great. I would suggest feeding her when you start to take off and right before landing so her ears won't hurt. My little girl never cried the entire time, but don't worry about all the bad looks you'll get before getting on the plane. I think people don't like sitting next to others that have small children. Oh well, they need to get over it! HA. I would also bring a small umbrella stroller and who can check it right at the gate. Hope this helps.

First of all, do your best to stay calm about it all yourself. It will be fine - really! Your baby will take her cue from you and she can sense if you're relaxed or anxious.

My daughter flew for the first time at 10 weeks old and proceeded to fly another 11 times in the first year of her life. Every time went great. She was breastfed and I did that right there in our seat too! Good luck!

My daughter was exactly your baby's age when I flew with her from France to this country. I had checked all my luggages and kept with me our stroller with my baby in it. I passed the security check with her in my arm and pushing the stroller with the other.
I kept the stroller until we boarded (when you have an infant you are supposed to board before everybody else). The stroller was waiting for me right outside the plane's door when we landed.
The flight was very easy, a lot more than with a toddler for instance. She had her own bassinet that a flight attendant installed for me to the seat right in front of me. She slept most of the 8 hour flight.
I just made sure that I gave her a bottle to drink during take off and landing so that her ears wouldn't hurt with the pressurization and depressurization. I changed her diaper several times in the plane's bathroom or at the airport's bathroom without any problem.
As for your car seat and car seat base, I would check them so that you can travel as light as possible. I would also advise you to take a baby carrier with you if you don't want to take along a stroller with you. You are then hands free and able to carry things or move around easily.
Don't worry too much, get very organized and everything will be alright since an infant this age will probably be sleeping all the way and won't notice much.
Just make sure that when you arrive at destination you recreate some kind of comfy nest for her to settle down and recover from the trip.
Have a good time!

F.

Don't worry, you'll be fine! My DD and I are expert fliers, and the previous poster is right that 3 mos old is super easy--it's the 18 mos old you need to worry about (I'm praying praying for serenity at Thanksgiving!). First off, check the instruction manual for your baby seat: some can safely be used without the base. If this is the case for you, it's one less thing to carry! I, personally, left the stroller at home at that age and went with the baby bjorn--hands free, baby's close, if she falls asleep you don't have to wake her taking her in and out--it's great! And it also works just fine for all transport once you're there, too. Travelling alone, you will need to use the restroom on the plane, while asking a flight attendent to hold DD, unless you can pee while holding your baby! Also, if you're bfing, just let her nurse all she wants. I had a strict "mom is not a pacifier rule" at home, but on planes, anything goes! If baby's happy, everybody's happy! My biggest advice is TRAVEL AS LIGHT AS YOU CAN!!!! Alone with a baby, you don't want to juggle stuff too. At that age, you really don't need much--you don't need food, or toys, or whatever. Diapers, change of clothes, maybe a paci, end of story. You're all she wants, so run with it! Have great fun in Mexico!

you can check the carseat and base with your luggage or when you board the plane. i would try to wait to get her to eat when you get on the plane, that way she can suck on the bottle in the air to reduce ear popping. you will be surprised how much easier it is going to be than what you are anticipating. good luck!

When i flew by myself with my 2 month old i was so stressed out about it I didn't sleep the night before. But it was soo easy!! She slept most of the time. I carried her in a front pack which left my hands free. (i did have to take it off to go through security and just hold my baby) I have traveled with a one year old with help from my husband and traveling with a baby is much easier!! my plane was completly full so i don't know how often you can really count on an extra seat. Good luck and don't worry! you'll be fine.

Hi N., did you know you can usually rent a carseat? I don't know if finances are an issue, but that might be a helpful option.

Don't assume you will get help from the flight attendants, airline employees, or that other passengers will be cooperative. If you don't get cooperation you will have to ask, and may need to be firm and insistent. Sorry to say that, but it's true.

Be proactive. Don't assume you will get priority boarding because you have a child. (Not all airlines are doing priority boarding for travelers with children anymore....which I think is totally wrong!!!! People end up separated from their mobile children and other passengers end up needing to move anyway!) Ask your airline in advance so you know what to expect.

The KEY is to get your boarding pass early, and arrive early. This will put you at a higher boarding priority and give you more time and choices. Print out your boarding pass online as soon as it is available to you if your airline offers that. This also saves time and eases the process at the airport.

Try to get a bulkhead seat. This is the seat at the front of the plane that has no seats in front of it. It will give you more room to handle the baby. There is a potential drawback however; you are not allowed to put the baby's bag, or your stuff on the floor or on the seat. You will not have storage in front of you (because there is no chair)and will need to fit your and your child's belongings UNDER the seat you are sitting in. The only problem will be if the person behind you wants to use it. Generally it's first come, first serve but it the flight is crowded they CAN make you move it. Most people would be reasonable enough to let you keep your baby's bag under the seat, but you never know. If you can't use the seat under you it will be stored in the nearest space above, and the flight attendant will have to help you get the items after take off.

Try to relax and have fun. Your baby will pick up on your tension. If she cries, just remember, babies cry, and if you worry about other people getting upset about it, you will just get more upset. Comfort and soothe her, meet her needs, and that's all you can do.

Have fun!!!! This trip is one that precious memories will be built on. Time goes by so quickly.

Babyslings are great for hands-free and the cloth kind help with discreet breastfeeding and can even be a light blanket.

Nurse her on takeoff and landing and whenever she's fussy! Most people don't even notice the baby as long as she's quiet. I've always had people be very nice about sitting next to me when traveling with a baby.

The airline can put your carseat in a big plastic bag for you so you don't need to pack it, just put a tag on it.

Good luck!

hi, i traveled every summer and christmas with my infant son and then with an older son and an infant son. most of these flights were by myself. don't pack your stroller. use the stoller in the airport, take it on the plane and have the stewardess tag it so when you get off the plane the stroller will be waiting for you at the door of the plane. carry a good backpack that you can carry your personal items and your baby necessities and her toys. if she likes music take a little c.d. and play it for her. but the most important thing i can tell you is go to baby's r us and purchase a BABYBAIR. this is a vest that you put on the baby and you can wrap the vest on your seat belt, so if there is turbulance the baby will not fall out of your lap. good luck

Check out this Blog:

http://babyjetsetter.blogspot.com/

It was extremely helpful when I flew with my 6 month old by myself. Check out "Packing lists" and "carseats" in the categories column to get some quick advice!!