The time is upon us
I have a little bit of fear in my heart. I feel like karma is going to get me back for all of the times I complained about shrieking babies on airplanes within the next couple of months. We’re not going to Italy- postponing until Liv is older- but I’ll most likely be taking her on an airplane by myself in the near-ish future. Tom has to travel for work, and we’re thinking of making a long weekend out of his trip since he’ll have an easy schedule and time to hang out (+we have friends where he’ll be going). This means Liv and I would meet him at his destination, and I’d be taking her on her first plane ride solo.
Yikes.
If the 3 of us were traveling together, I wouldn’t think twice about it. However, by myself I’m a traveling disaster -you’ve seen my haphazard last-minute packing and airport dilemmas- and to throw three times as many things to manage on my own scares me a little bit. The good news is that this is forcing me to plan and get more organized when it comes to traveling.
it’s a short flight and she’s used to sitting on my lap and playing while we’re in restaurants. I feel like I’ll be able to keep her happy and entertained for the flight if she doesn’t nap in my arms. I just want to help her with the ear popping, and am wondering how I’m going to juggle all of our stuff.
Here’s what I’m thinking:
-Send the pack n’ play with Tom (or use our friends’ if they don’t need it?)
-Fly business class so we have more room
-Pack the carseat base in my big suitcase, along with Livi’s things and ALL of my stuff – aka no more small rolling suitcase carryon bag. Diaper bag and that’s it.
-Check the carseat/stroller combo at the gate
-Wear Livi in the BabyHawk as we walk around the airport
-Carryon: 2 bottles (one for takeoff and a backup if she finishes the first one, to drink while descending to help her ears), toys (maybe a couple of new ones she hasn’t seen yet?), teether, diaper stuff, my computer (don’t want to check it), Kindle, change of clothes for Liv, large Ziploc baggie for potentially stinky diaper
The trip isn’t for a while, but it’s going to be here before we know it! Just trying to figure out the logistics before we book my ticket…
So what do you think? Any ideas to help with ear popping? Secret tips for packing lots of baby gear?
As always, I’m excited to hear your suggestions- I’m lucky to be able to ask you all for help <3
xoxo
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We took Claire to hawaii when she was six or seven months and it went soooo well! She cried some on the plane but then I just let her nurse as much as she wanted and gave her a paci and she was wonderful! She was so wiped out from being overstimulated in the airports that she zonked out. She really cried little and bothered no one!. We were pleasantly surprised!
My uncle is an anesthesiologist and my aunt is an OB. When I was a baby, they told my parents to give me Children’s Tylenol or Benadryl before plane flights to put me to sleep. My parents tell me it worked like a charm. Maybe discuss this option with Liv’s doctor?
If you do do this try it before the flight. You do not want to realise Benadryl hops your kid up instead of calming them down.
Haha that’s funny because that’s exactly what happened to my mom she she tried to fly with me as a 2 year old! It made me hyper and apparently I wouldn’t sit down the whole time. I bet that was fun.
I have no advice for you since I don’t have children, but I just want you to be prepared to get a LOT of dirty looks and side eye from business travelers if you sit in business/first class with a child. The lady in front of me in first class today had a screaming baby for almost 2 straight hours & the older gentleman sitting next to her was visibly glaring at her the whole time which I’m sure made her feel awful (he also left his seat completely when she started breastfeeding and I saw him complain to a flight attendant – super awkward situation). I heard several people remark loudly “I thought the perk of sitting in first class was to get away from babies” or something similar.
I felt sympathetic for the mom traveling alone and had no problem with it, but just be prepared to get some seriously negative reaction from your fellow travelers. Also, whatever you do, please don’t change her diaper on the seat of the plane. I know moms become super immune to that kind of stuff & that airplane bathrooms are awful, but it really is gross to fellow travelers around you and the recycled air just circulates that smell around & around! 🙂
wow, that’s good to know! i guess i deserve it for thinking in my mind “oh god, another baby on the plane” every time i flew
i would never change her diaper in front of everyone like that, but thank you for the head’s up!
I know. I try not to think that because karma always gets me and sits me right next to the baby. Although it almost NEVER ends up being very bad. Most babies are chill on the plane, I’ve found. 🙂
You would be surprised at how many people I’ve seen change their baby on the seat. They honestly don’t see anything wrong with it!
that’s very true, usually the babies are awesome! however, the shrieking ones are more memorable 😉
i seriously can’t believe that! the way i see it, livi is a person too, and i wouldn’t just flash my goodies and business around, haha
THANK YOU! I totally agree!!! Her goodies should stay private from strangers – there are total creeps out there!
So on domestic flights and smaller planes, actually there usually isn’t a bathroom with a changing table. So your choice is to lay your child on the folded-down toilet seat in a filthy bathroom and hope she doesn’t grab at too many dirty things, or change her on the seat. I don’t have kids, but I know what I’d choose. Just make sure you put a changing pad down so the seat doesn’t get germy.
I have yet to take a flight where the airplane didn’t have a changing table (I guess Ive just gotten really lucky)! They usually fold down from the wall above the toilet.
@JennP – it must depend on the airline and model of plane. Lack of changing tables has been a major complaint among friends who travel with kids!
Personally, I wouldn’t worry about dirty looks. I’ve flown alone with an 18 month old (my son) and almost 2 year old (daughter) on my lap in first class and everyone was very nice and the extra room definitely helped. I flew coach with my daughter in my lap when she was 9 months and it was a tight fit. In general, I’ve found people to be very helpful and kind when flying with small children. Granted, my kids have been great flyers (knock on wood) and you do get the “please don’t sit by me” looks as you board the plane! Ha! Also, every time I’ve flown with my children alone, security has allowed my husband to walk us to the gate, so maybe if your madre is dropping you off she can stick around and help you out?
I’ve never changed a diaper on a seat and never would, but have certainly been tempted… just wait until you see the changing “area” in the bathroom! It’s basically made to fit a newborn!
I was going to comment the exact same thing. Most people will take business class just to get away from all of that. And the people that really are there doing business would probably be upset they can’t actually work with a baby around (that is if there are any problems). To be honest, I’ve gotten on a plane, seen/heard a baby and immediately groaned, but honestly, once the plane took off I never heard another peep from them. I think especially since you are alone you will get more sympathy. And if you do get dirty looks – give em right back!! 🙂
I took my daughter on a plane alone when she was about 8-9 months old. I would not waste the money on the business/first class, because everytime there was an open first class seat and they noticed me with a baby they moved me up. Granted this may not happen with every airline, but I was very blessed when it came to that. The one time I didn’t get moved we were on a fairly small plane. I was lucky the guy I ended up next to was a grandpa so he was VERY understanding and even kept picking up the toys she would throw down. I didn’t worry about the base, since you can just use a infant carrier alone. Is it the safest? That is debatable, but I felt it wasn’t worth the hastle when they work just fine without.
My daughter used a nuk on take off and landing (didn’t normally use one) and seemed to suck the crap out of it. I did have a bottle of water just in case for her, but didn’t need it.
We got stuck on our layover for 3 hours!!!! That was the worst, because nap time was REALLY hard! She wouldn’t fall asleep and was super cranky, but at least we were in the airport.
I think ppl will help you or at least understand in situations like that. I had several sympathetic looks when my daughter was having her no nap melt down in my arms, and no one seemed annoyed. They just had the knowing look. I wouldn’t worry to much, you will do great Gina! You are a fabulous mom!
You should totally take a nanny, preferably an Australian nanny they are the best!….
i love you. that is all 🙂 text me tomorrow if you want to come hang out!
and we will chat 😉 vegas??
It’s been quite a while since my kids have been babies, but the trick to helping babies with popping ears is to have them sucking or chewing which keeps them from building up pressure in their ears. So make sure she is sucking a pacifier or taking a bottle and she will be comfortable. I flew with my son when he was about Livi’s age and he didn’t even whimper once. Both of my kids pretty much just want to take a nap once we’re in the air. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do great…Livi is such a beautiful baby!
Forgot to mention…that would be sucking or chewing during take-off and landing — not for the entire flight! Haha!
I’m so glad you posted about this! I am taking my seven-month old on a flight this Saturday morning. I’m pumped about our destination, but have been dreading the flight since it will just be me and him. Not having an extra arms to hold him is a frightening thought! Also, I hope the people who sit next to me are cool with nursing, because it will probably be happening at some point.
Looking forward to reading all the helpful suggestions you get!
Last time I was on a plane we were headed to Jamaica for a romantic getaway and we had 2 babies surrounding us! All I could think was, why are people bringing their babies to Jamaica? lol… good luck mama, you will be fine 🙂
I have a feeling you will be just fine. I know every time I fly they really try and help moms out like with security and stuff.
you are a sweetheart, though 🙂
Just make sure you have everything that makes you and Livi comfortable in your daily life. And I know you dont want to intentially offend anyone but if you need to nurse, nurse. If Livi needs a clean diaper and the restroom is too awkward ask the flight attendant what they suggest or use the seat. Your only job is to make you and your baby happy. If people are offended by you being a great mother, to heck with em 🙂
I know that you will be TOTALLY FINE. You are a pro already, and this will just help you rack up more pro mom points. I think the most important thing that you can do is stay calm. If you are calm, Livi will sense that and feel it too. If you freak, she will probs freak! Just be patient with yourself, and remember, is it just a flight! Many people do it every day. Treat it like no big deal and it will be no big deal. You are a champ, you can do anything.
thank you friend, that’s a great point. i’ll try to make it not such a big deal and stay calm. who knows? she might end up loving it
Just take as little as possible and know that it will be a hard day but it will be over and every trip there on out will get easier. Don’t bother with biz class; you won’t likely be sitting in your seat tons if she gets fussy. You’ll be walking the aisles bouncing her or doing whatever you can moving around, as much as they let you get up. People understand babies cry, it’s hard, it’s life, and sometimes as a mom there is just nothing you can do about it!
By 8 months, my daughter had been on 4 airplane vacations (12 flights total I think, including connections). I even tackled an international trip with her by myself!! For the most part, they went really well.
My personal advice would be to just use the stroller in the airport instead of trying to babywear. Strollers & wheelchairs zip right to the front of the security line, and they won’t make you gate-check your gear until RIGHT before you board. Baby-wearing is fine when you’re running a couple of light errands, but it’s really difficult when you’re struggling with luggage, boarding passes, tiny restroom stalls etc. The stroller is just much more practical, and my daughter was happier in it.
Also, business class is obviously a more spacious seat, but be warned that it CAN be a slightly less “baby friendly” crowd. Just my thoughts personally, but if my baby had a mid-air meltdown or diaper explosion, I’d just feel less self conscious sitting next to a family in coach than a suit-and-tie attorney type who was going over case notes!! Lol 🙂
I would recommend an extra outfit for yourself in the carry on…in case of an accident!
So true. Been there, done that.
So true! The first time my son ever threw up was at 11 months old and all over me on a 3 hour flight. So glad i had a change of clothes inmy carry on. Also always pack medicine and thermometer in the carry on. My son has great timing and has been sick the day of a flight numerous times.
omggggggg good to know
I have loads of experience flying with children. With child #1, hubby and I flew with him on two international flights. I also flew from New Zealand to America and then back by myself when he was one. After having #2 we flew as a family a couple times. Last year I flew another big international flight with both of them by myself. That one was easy though since they were 7 and 4 at the time. I just had baby #3 one week ago and the five of us will be flying international again in July.
First off, carseats can be checked in with your luggage without it counting as a piece. That way you’ll have it at your destination, but won’t have to lug it around yourself. I know lots of parents do the stroller thing, but that’s never been for me. It can be hard navigating a stroller around a busy airport, and I need my hands. Your hawk is definitely the way to go. I wouldn’t worry about the pack n’ play either. You can make stuff work at your destination. As for the flight, I’m sure everything will go well there. You know your child and can keep her happy and entertained. For the ear popping business, I either breastfed during take-off/landing, or used a pacifier. With as much flying as we’ve done, we’ve never had a problem with the little ones ears. Finally, the best piece of advice I can give you is to be organized ahead of time and then be happy and relaxed during the experience. Babies and children can definitely sense when you’re feeling stressed and then they also start acting out.
Good luck – I’m sure it will go great!
I second nursing on take off and landing. We had a 4 hour flight when my oldest was 10 months old and I nursed her on take off and she fell asleep and slept through a good chunk of the flight.
Check out these posts from Mighty Girl:
http://mightygirl.com/2008/01/23/12-travel-tips-for-flying-with-a-baby/
http://mightygirl.com/2008/01/24/9-tips-for-quick-airport-security-screening-with-a-baby/
Unfortunately I don’t really have advice. My sister’s family went on a few trips with my niece when she was a babe. I think they really over prepared and the babe was just happy to be held by her parents! I think that so long as you are relaxed she might feed off that energy?
It’ll be a memorable trip!
And a change of clothes for you! I may have just missed reading that though!! Sounds like fun! I’ve traveled with a 1 & 3 year old when I was nannying, it was a fun experience!! 😉
I’ve flown with my baby (Scarlett) many times – she’s been to South Carolina (from California) 6 times in 10 months of life. Some for good reasons (visiting family, Christmas, sister’s bridal shower, wedding, etc.), and some sad (both my grandmas passed away this year) – all meaning lots of trips & most of them alone with the baby. I wouldn’t hold myself out as an expert, but rather someone whose had lots of experiences (some good and some horrible), and tried to learn from them.
First, I’m definitely a fan of bringing the carseat/stroller combo into the airport (provided your baby is still small enough for the infant carseat), through the security, & gate-checking (if necessary – more on whether it’s necessary to gate-check the infant carrier, below) them so that you don’t have to hold the baby at all times. You have to hold the baby on the plane (unless you buy an extra seat or are lucky w/the carseat – again explained below), so it’s good to have somewhere to “put” her in between, at baggage claim,etc.
So, one more thing which I think is relevant since you talked about packing the carseat in your luggage: The airline will check baby stuff (stroller, carseat, etc.) for FREE. So you don’t have to put it in your luggage.
BUT, I like to bring it through security with me because if the flight is not 100% full (and this is something you have to ask at the gate itself), the airline will put you next to an “empty” seat so you can bring your infant carrier with you, and put it (& your baby) in a seat without paying for it! YAY! Even if there is only 1 empty seat, and the plane is otherwise 99.9% full, if you ask, they WILL give you the empty seat. AWESOME.
So, this “comment” has gotten long enough 🙂 But, if you have any other questions (about the above- OR any other topics related to flying with baby!) feel free to email me. Good luck!
I totally second asking about empty seats – we lucked out and were able to have a *free* empty seat for the carseat when we traveled w/our 18-month old son from Buffalo, NY to OKC. It was AWESOME, even if he didn’t sit in it the whole time.
I also second NOT relying on the benadryl/tylenol thing. Our son was not drowsy whatsoever by the benadryl, and then I felt terrible afterwards for giving him unnecessary drugs 🙁
Also, just know that it will probably go much, much smoother than you’re expecting. Good luck!
I’d recommend bringing the two bottles for take off and landing and nursing/using a paci in between if you need to. You can either put the dry formula in the bottles and then ask the flight attendant before take-off for water to add to it, or prepare the formula ahead of time in the airport (if you add the water before you go through security, they will just have to check it, but it’s not a big deal).
I don’t know if you need to do business class. I would sometimes upgrade to the Economy Plus seats on United that had a little more leg room, but I’ve found the best seats are the bulkhead seats because you have more leg room and can stand up and sit down easily. No matter what, I would get an aisle seat, because you’ll probably want to walk Livi around.
If you’re going to bring the carseat/stroller combo to the gate, then you could probably just let Livi ride in that instead of wearing her in the airport. I didn’t usually bring the stroller with me, so I would wear my daughter in the Ergo, have a backpack on, and maybe one other carry-on that I pulled with my free hand.
Hope this helps!! I traveled alone with my daughter a lot in the first year…I think we made five trips to Hawaii in the first 12 months, two of which were from the east coast…the easiest flights were actually the ones when she was youngest, so hopefully it will be smooth sailing for you!!
I think you won’t have any problems. I wrote allready about my experiences on your Italy post(i think). My advice is to keep it as simple as possible. If your friends there have pack n play or even a stroller(or whatever else) i would go with borrowing and just babywear to airplain with as little stuff possible. Even the clothes and stuff-u can always buy more wherever u’re going. When I went with my son I carried a lot of little toys,but he wasn’t interested. Everything around was more interesting,and when they’re small like that they sleep easily on the plain(I had him in ergo and he slept every time)…So, keeping it simple is the best i guess.
I’ve flown with my girls quite a few times (they are 14 months) and I definitely recommend nursing/feeding for take off and landing. Helps the ears, its a distraction, if you’re lucky they will fall asleep during and you avoid the highest risk -for-screaming-baby time, in my opinion.
Like someone else said, get an aisle seat! I have found that in business/first class, the flight attendants are very helpful and understanding and the extra room (in the seat and in the aisle) is truly really helpful. You need to have enough room to jostle baby around, get her comfortable for nursing, sleeping, playing – even on a short flight. Its a hassle to have to constantly worry about whether you are bugging the person next to you or elbowing them or whatever. I’ve done this every time I have flown with my kids and honestly I have never had nasty looks from people (obviously they do happen) even when the girls have been fussy. If you go with coach though, my guess is you will be bumped to business or first if they see you are traveling alone with a baby and there is an empty seat.
Definitely bring an extra change of clothes for you (at least a shirt), a few new toys (can be cheapie stuff that you might not even ever use again/wont mind losing in travels – anything new is exciting!), and try to relax. My kids can feel my stress and totally feed off it. You’ll be great! The prep for flying with baby is always way more stressful than the actual experience. And if she fusses the whole time – you’ve survived your first flight with a fussy baby! A mommy milestone 😉
I think you’ve got most everything covered. The only other thing I’d recommend is an extra change of clothes for yourself. You don’t want to face an unexpected spit up session or a diaper blow out on your clothes the whole flight. For ear popping, you’ve got the right idea with the bottle. Or you could nurse too if you are still doing that. Also, since you’re checking the car seat at the gate, you can ask if there are any extra seats on the flight. If there are, they’ll prob let you take the car seat on board for free and Liv can have the option of having her own seat to give you a break.
You’ll be fine. I’ve never flown with Avery by myself but everyone that has done it solo has said everyone is always really helpful. Plus you (should) get to cut the security line and also board first.
I have this same fear! My husband said to just say to anyone on the plane who gives me dirty looks “babies will be babies and I hope adults can be adults”… But I don’t think I have the guts to Say that! I will let him do the talking when we fly together – ha!
You can use the carseat without the base. I did it several times and it’s secure. The instructions are in the manual.
The only other thingi would suggest is bringing extra bottles in case the flight is delayed.
k, thank you friend!
If your airline is as nice as mine (I’m in Canada), do not worry about business class at all. When I flew with Max, they purposely put me in an a row that had an empty middle seat, so we had tons of room. Livi seems to be very similar to Max’s temperament, so I think you will be fine. No one will complain about a baby in a short haul flight. Last time, people around me were amazed because Max didn’t make a peep….they were totally expecting him to cry a little and had no problems.
Also, I travelled alone last time – Usually people are very friendly in helping out with your things. There were off-duty pilots on my flight and one pilot took half of my stuff off the plane for me and was even willing to take it all the way out to my parents.
Oh! Your carrier….you cannot have Livi in the carrier on take-off/landing, so be prepared for that since you have a Mai Tei (or however you spell it). I used my Moby last time and that is next to impossible to put back on until you are back on the airplane.
At the airlines I worked for I believe that some carriers are approved for airlines. Everytime I’ve flown I’ve kept my bub in it. But may be different for different airlines – best to check on your baby hawk tag and with the airline. 🙂
Hmm, most of what I would suggest has been covered above, but here are a couple more thoughts to ponder:
1. The best seats for traveling with a baby/toddler are either the bulkhead seats (toddlers) or the waaaay back by the engines (babies). The noise and vibration in the back are great for lulling a little one to sleep AND drowning out most of their fusses. Plus, once you’re in the air, you’ll probably be up with her, and the area in the back near the flight attendants’ station and the restrooms is the best place to be up. Once she’s older, the bulkhead seats are a lifesaver because I always found the hardest thing to control was not the side to side jostling but the banging/climbing/kicking of the seat in front of you.
2. Bring a large (lawn & leaf!) plastic trash bag for use under your changing mat in the airplane bathroom, and just toss it when you’re done with it. You’re likely going to have to change her on the toilet with the lid down, and usually it’s sprinkled with something that you just hope is drops of water from the sink. It’s nasty, but having that huge plastic buffer will help.
3. Bring an extra shirt or dress for yourself. You are certain to have a blowout while you hold her on the plane (not really, but this happened to me twice!)
4. If Livi will sleep in your arms, check the whole carseat ensemble at the counter. Don’t put the base in your suitcase – check it separately because it will be free. If it’s in your suitcase it will count as lbs.
5. Your stress = baby’s stress. Honestly, it will be fine. 95% of my flights were great and yours will be great so long as you don’t turn into a stress ball.
Your stress = baby’s stress. Seriously, have a (small) glass of wine if you can’t cope. Don’t do it on the plane unless you are trying to do a social experiment where you count people’s judgmental stares.
amazing.
#2 made me laugh but it’s sooooo true 🙂
xoxo
Hi Gina!
In his 7 months of life, my little guy has been on a plane 5 times already. I was so frightened at first, because I too WAS a travel disaster on my own. Somehow, knowing that I needed to get it together for both of us changed me. Here are my top tips:
1 – Definitely do Business Class if you can. The extra room is amazing. To heck with those biz peeps 🙂
2 – Are you still nursing? If so, bring two bottles, but plan to pop her on a boob for take up and landing – she may just fall right asleep for the entire flight!
3 – Pack a new toy
4- Wear her in your babyhawk for sure. It makes everything easier and you will not have to remove her for security.
5 – Babysaway.com I’m not sure where you are going, but you can rent ANYTHING and everything for a reasonable daily rate and they will have it waiting for you at your destination. I’ve used them twice and have been very happy. I like it for baby bouncy seats, exersaucers, and a tub. Those big things.
I could probably write a book on tips for travel at this point, but those are the ones that are top of mind!
Also, remember to keep your sense of humor – AND that most people have had children, regardless of their attitude, so they actually can be helpful/understanding.
fantastic tips! thank you <3
You didn’t have to remove the carrier for security?? I did the babywearing a couple of times traveling and they always made me take it off and put it through the scanner. That was my biggest reason for not using it when traveling alone. I didn’t want to have to hand my daughter to a random stranger while I got it on and off. Plus, I just never mastered the whole “peeing with a baby strapped to me” thing!
I’ve been through Toronto and Ottawa airports and have never had to remove baby from my wrap, except for in the plane for landings/take-offs. They have also let me go through the fast-lane as well. Only thing I would be worried about is if I get ‘randomly selected’ for the body scanner line and setting off the beep machine…that would be chaos
We have traveled a lot with out son his first 2 years including 2 coast to coast trips and it is never as bad as I imagine it being. He is a very active kid and was walking at 10 months still he was fine being confined on the olane. He has even fallen asleep before take off many times. I have never intentionally nursed him or given him a bottles at take off or landing and the pressure has never botherd him. I actually thing the whole ears thing is a myth. Friends have had similar experiences. so I wouldn’t stress about that. I never walk the aisles with him. I don’t give him the option of getting up because that is a slippery slope I don’t want to go down.
As for stuff. Keep it simple. Definitely borrow a pack and play or get one from the hotel. They are heavy and a pain to travel with. We actually travel with the kidco peapod because it is super light and fits in a suitcase. Check the stroller, carseat and base. It’s free and not worth lugging through the airport. Just get a padded bag to keep things safe and clean.
I wouldn’t waste money on business class. You don’t need that much extra space and if the baby is fussy people will be twice as annoyed because they paid more to listen to a baby cry.
Don’t stress about it. Like I said it is a lot easier than you think.
If its a short flight and she is usually goo don your lap, I don’t think you need to spend the additional $ to fly business class (but if its a free upgrade or something, why not). When my son was 13 months (i.e. pretty mobile) we took him on a 3 hour flight and he was entertained on our laps between bottle/eating and toys. New toys are def a good idea ut I’d say also bring on ethat you already know she loves. Good luck! I was also one of those who complained about shreiking babies on planes but hey, times change 🙂
Ditto to babysaway.com. I’m flying next week for the first time and renting things. I’ve also heard to wear baby and gate check stroller. Use it in airport like a shopping cart or place to lay baby down. We will check the car seat in the base.
i had never heard of this- thank you!
I’ve flown four times with my 5 month old so far (starting when he was 6 weeks old). Here’s what I would recommend: do not pay for a business class ticket. The airline staff moved my seats around for EVERY flight, so that I had an open seat next to me. If for some reason every seat is booked, ask for the window seat; it makes nursing on an airplane so much easier.
If you can swing it, don’t pack the carseat base. Carseats are made to be safe and secure without them, plus it will take up a ton of your precious luggage space. I would check the carseat at check-in, not the gate (it’s free), and then just carry Livi in the babyhawk throughout the airport and flights. Nowadays, you don’t have to take her out for security, they just have you place your hands on her and then they swipe your hands – easy peasy.
My son has had no issues with the ear popping, but I also nursed him once on each flight, so that probably helped. Just as a warning, your daughter may not sleep on the flights, now that she’s a bit older – too many things to look at!
Also, we’ve traveled quite a few times without a pack n play. Babies are good about sleeping almost anywhere. Just set up some thick blankets in a corner of the bedroom, with pillows on the sides, and you’ll be good to go! The less stuff to travel with, the better.
I would recommend also packing snacks for you. It’s so much harder to order food and drinks in the airports with a little one strapped to you, and then carry it around…just an idea!
Best of luck in your future travels!
awesome tips- thank you!
My baby is 6 months old and we have flown with her for 4 vacations in the past 3 months, 2 times I had to fly alone – you have a great plan, and you’ll find out that it really is not as bad as you think! Last weekend we flew with our daughter having allergic pink eye in BOTH eyes, a cold, and teething, and she was fine!
Something to look into though: I packed my car seat base the first time, and then I realized that our carrier seatbelts into the car without a base! The base is just for everyday convenience. Saved so much room and weight. Also, when you can, it’s always nice to be in business class, because there is so much more room for her to sleep, eat, play, whatever.
Regarding ears popping – this has never bothered our girl. I bring a paci just in case, because the sucking is supposed to help. Mine is usually sleeping or eating, so no worries! Good luck!
I’ve flown with my daughter 4 times now, and she just turned 4 months! I usually try to do the feeding right as we get on the plane, and the turbulence seriously puts her right to sleep. I don’t know if I’m just lucky, because I’ve heard some terrorizing stories… and everyone always compliments me on how good she is. But definitely try to do the feeding at take-off, and make sure to keep everything under the seat in front of you because it is a pain in the butt to have to go in the overhead bin while holding her. Also, not sure if she likes any shows or anything, but load those suckers onto your phone/kindle/computer because I did that the one time she got fussy and it was a life saver.
Looks like you’ve got it all sorted, but I would say if you go coach (I’ve flown both biz and coach with Manus over 10 times and he’s 15 months, plus I’m an ex flight attendant) then make sure you book a bassinet seat which give you leg room (no more expensive) and also a baby cot. Whether you use the cot/crib at all is another matter, but you get preference for this seating by travelling with an infant – if it’s only a short flight save your $$ and go coach. It’s not that much different than a bassinet seat in terms of space. Change your diaper bag to a backpack so you are all balanced out with wearing her, and possibly get a travel stroller instead of taking your very big one (if she is sitting up ok by then – we like our Maclaren) – sometimes they will let you carry it on. Mum’s travelling on their own are always looked after by airport staff and airline staff, so don’t stress, it’s nice for the extra help – also you will get preferential treatment on the security lines etc (well in my experience). Use the sick bags on the planes for dirty diapers.
Try and pack as little as possible and try to pick up most of your stuff at your destination (like diapers etc). If you are staying at a hotel, they will have cribs and yes, your baby hawk will be your best friend. Most taxis don’t require you to have a baby in a car seat if you are travelling from the airport to the hotel in a taxi. Pack some extra formula in case you get delayed, a change of clothes for her and a change of top for you – I wore Manus’ vomit on a recent trip home from Australia. Also wear a scarf to help with bf if you need to do it on the plane. Manus has never had any ear problems with take off and landing and we always feed him for both. He also falls asleep shortly after take off due to the noise of the engines – very calming.
Think that’s it 🙂
awesome, awesome tips- thank you, friend!
Just flew with our Olivia and she was 7 months exactly. I second a few of the comments above. We checked our carseat for free at the ticket counter. Next time I will attach the base and check the whole thing. Then I put her in the stroller and checked that at the gate right before we got on the plane. My friend (Traveling with her 5 mo) gate checked both carseat and stroller. Another thing to keep in mind is the stroller has to be broken down and put on the conveyor belt through the xray. They didn’t make me go through the new full body scanner with the baby. If you bring formula or bm larger than 3 oz just keep them separate so you can show them as you go through. I got the pat down in one airport, but not really a look coming back with the extra liquids. Be prepared for the sucking on take off and landing, but it didn’t seem to bother Liv on any of the flights. Good idea with the new toys. I was prepared and of course Liv played with the empty candy wrapper happily for most of the flight :).
Oh and some airlines may require a birth certificate to prove the age of infant flying free. Obviously Olivia looks under age 2 and our airline (allegiant) didn’t require it, but I read somewhere some airlines did so I brought a copy just in case!
great to know about the birth certificate! thank you
One more thing. Like I said we didn’t pack our base (but would check for free next time with the car seat) but that meant we had to use it without the base when we got our rental car. Should have learned how to strap it in baseless before vacation as it would have saved about 10-15 minutes…not a huge deal, but still nice not to have to think about if you skip taking the base.
yeah i have no idea how to install it without the base! good thing tom will be there when we get in to help me install it
Less is more with a baby Livi’s age. Our first flight with Ella was when she was 5 months old. My husband actually took her by himself to meet me! He bought an umbrella stroller because it was smaller and lighter, checked that at the gate. We checked the carseat (we left the base at home because it’s fine without it) with the luggage (it’s free). We didn’t bring a pack-n-play because we had a crib reserved at the hotel and the other trip we stayed with family who had one. If you can use something else while you’re there, make it easier on yourself and leave it at home.
he brought the diaper bag with three bottles, pacifier and two toys and a book for the flight. The key for ear popping is to feed them at take off and landing or at least have them suck on a pacifier. She slept almost the entire way for him and on the three subsequent flights we’ve taken it’s been the same. No problem whatsoever.
Be prepared if you fly business class, people may not be nice to you. They generally buy those tickets to get away from kids. Also, it’s too bad you decided not to go to Italy. The older babies get, the more difficult it becomes to travel with them.
Apologies Gina, and I mean this in the least rude way possible, but as a frequent business traveler (in business class) I’m always frustrated when I see a baby in business class. I get that if you pay for the seat you have the right to do what you want with it, but people that take business class are typically actually traveling for business and want to get work done on the plane. We fly business class (or our companies pay for it) to ensure that we can either a) be productive without the distractions of coach or b) rest/relax to enable us to work immediately upon landing. A baby that cries (which of course is not the mother’s fault or anything you could control!) would be really frustrating.
no, i’m very glad people have pointed that out! it’s an excellent point, and i think that it wouldn’t be worth the money to pay for business class for a one-hour flight with liv. if we were going on a longer trip (like to italy), we’d probably have to fly first class since it’s such a long flight.
Fair warning, and you’ve probably already done your research, but business class tickets on international flights are OUTRAGEOUS. My husband is flying to London next week for business, his round trip ticket was $6000. Coach, is $950. Make sure if you’re going that route you do it before you have to buy a ticket for Livi.
If they’re balls expensive like that, we’ll go coach for sure! It depends on the airfare and who knows, by the time we’re able to go, livi may be able to stay with grandparents or will get her own seat in coach w us. We won’t have to worry about that for a while, though
I also fly business class when I fly for work, however I would never feel like I have the right to get upset with somebody having a baby there (not saying that you do). I think it’s up to the airline to make those calls about what ages can sit where (ie; business class could be 19+ or something) and I find it so strange that they don’t.
It’s 100 thousand times to easier to fly with a baby than a toddler/young kid – so travel as MUCH AS YOU CAN now! I just did a cross country trip with my 3 and 5 year olds and while they ended up being REALLY well behaved, it was intense and exhausting. I definitely got more looks traveling with kids their age than I ever did when they were babies. People are very forgiving when it comes to babies! 3-year olds? Not so much.
I probably wouldn’t spend money on business or first class. If you want bigger seats to try to fly Southwest or Jet Blue (which are also really family friendly airlines). Their seats are bigger. As for tips – try to schedule the trip around her nap time. Feed her during take off and landing. Don’t stress about what people think about you – even if she’s crying. There will always be a friendly face on the airplane willing to help you out.
that’s very true- i didn’t even think of it that way
and good to know about southwest, i may be able to book our flight through them
Flights with children are like labor….you never know if it will be easy or hard, you never really know how long it will take…you can be certain that at some point it will be OVER!
hahaha!!! AMEN
I don’t have any advice for you because I don’t have kids, but I just wanted to tell you that who cares what the other people on the plane think… Don’t let them get to you if she happens to start crying… I know you’ll do great! And you two spend so much quality time together that she’ll help you out and be great the whole time 🙂
Just wanted to say please, please, PLEASE do not take a baby in business class. Babies are not business travelers. Please keep her in coach where people are less likely to be working and needing to concentrate. Please.
Other than that, she’s a baby. If she screams, the people who give you the stinkeye are jerks. She doesn’t know any better.
The other foreign service folks recommend this highly for traveling: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JHN3AS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&m=AVHF4RK8O3JTH
I don’t know what your bottle plan is or if someone already mentioned this, but you can bring bottles of water through security for baby (rather than buying them or using a water fountain!), they just need to be sealed, then they make you open them for them and they hold a little paper over the top of the water bottle. Once you get through security, mix your bottle so it’s ready for the plane–mixing is hard to do with the limited space on the plane!! Like others have said, talk to your friends ahead of time and see what they have that you could borrow. Do they have a carseat you could use? an extra stroller? If they have kids then they know about wanting to keep travel simple and would be more than willing to help!! I’ve flown several times with my daughter both alone and with Hubby and for the most part didn’t have problems. Just have a well stocked diaper bag, an extra outfit for you you, be well rested, and the everything else will take care of itself 🙂
My little one was born in December, and I had to fly with her alone back in April while my hubs business tripped. I learned a few things:
-You can always do laundry there (you don’t have to pack 82 of everything).
-You can save space and just leave the car seat base at home. It was easy and quick just to strap the seat into the car by itself. Plus now she’s old enough, you can just strap the car seat in and leave it in the car, unless she’s snoozing.
-You CANNOT gate check the car seat AND the stroller (it’s one or the other). We checked the infant seat (in a car seat bag-order now!) with the luggage. I strolled the stroller to the gate and checked it there. I wore her in the Bjorn, which freed my hands for getting settled and carrying bags on the plane.
-By checking the car seat in a car seat bag, I was able to shove other packed items in with it (the bumbo and boppy!).
-I nursed her during take off on the way there (she was out for the descent), and nursed her for take off and landing on the way home and she was absolutely fine with her ears. Just don’t start feeding too early!
-I had the pacifier because her happy squeals and squeaks were not appreciated by all around me ; )
-I learned that people are extremely helpful and kind.
-Be prepared to fold the stroller up and stick it on the conveyor belt through security!
-Look for the security lines especially for children.
-Don’t try to pack a whole pack of diapers/wipes. Pack what you need for a day or so, and then just buy diapers/wipes at your destination.
I’m flying alone w/ my very cranky 6 month old next week. He won’t nurse in public and hates sitting on my lap. I’m actually just as scared for this event than I was about childbirth!
Good luck to you and Livi <3
oh no!! who knows, maybe he’ll surprise you and be super chill! i’ll send good vibes to you <3
If you’d rather try something natural instead of Benadryl, Melatonin also works, but I’d ask your pediatrician about dosages for it 😀
One thing worth considering is paying the extra $50 or so for the bulkhead?
I would suggest NOT taking business class.
They have more room, but just from what I’ve seen the attitude is that they’ve paid more to enjoy their flight more. People in business class (going from stories from all the mom’s I know) generally are a lot nastier if the baby starts crying. People in coach aren’t necessarily expecting a restful flight and didn’t pay more for one, so they generally deal with fussy babies better.
Also, my momma friend always gives her baby boy a bottle when they’re going up and another one when they’re going down. She says this helps his ears pop and generally prevents any issues there.