Mom Seeking Advice on Traveling with 2Mo Old on Airplane

I totally agree with the stroller thing! Bring it! I also have a trick. When I went we picked an asile and a window. The floght was not full and the seat in between us stayed open! So we ended up with the extra seat to have some more room. This depends on how full the flight is, but we chanced it because if someone ended up with the middle seat, I figured they would not mind moving to the asile or window, because who wants to be stuck in between and father, mother and baby! Have fun! He will probably end up sleeping the whole time!

For your own privacy get seats in the back of the plane. The flight attendants are great with moms with little ones. Yes definately nursing on take off & landing. This helps with ear pressure in infants & small children. If he has a pacifier that helps to. Everythign should be fine. Have a great trip!

You can breastfeed, but if your babyis hungry upon takeoff, or you are concerned about cabin pressure, you'll need a bottle. I have travelled many times with babies and young children, and nowadays your child has to be in a carseat upon takeoff and landing. Also, ask for the seats at the front of coach...they have more leg room. It's a pain to carry a baby and a carseat. I've seen carseat strollers, but even if you have one, it has to be airline approved. Carry a backpack instead of a diaper bag.

my son was 2 & 1/2 mo when we had a 5 hour flight. at the last minute I changed the date on my ticket and all they had was business class left (which was a life saver). Bigger seats, taller seats, more room to move, easy to breast feed if you have a window seat. Bring a nuk along or a bottle of water for the take off and landing. Don't bring a huge diaper bag only bring 2 diaper a change of clothes and some wipes and try to fit that into your purse or fit your wallet into the diaper bag. My son was so good on the flight home the pilot kept coming out to see him. When we arrived at our destination she (the pilot) asked if she could carry him to the gate. Also be prepared to have your car seat and stroller damaged a little if your bringing that along they are in such a hurry and they care very little about your stuff!

I would not recommend seats in the back, they are bumpier and smellier back there. Depending on the length of your trip go for a bulk head seat. You'll be able to get a bassinet for it and it will make your lives much easier. You'll need to call in to request it and when you check in verify that you have it. Trust me on this, I have travelled many times starting at 2.5 months to 4 years and bulk head offers more room and is much more comfy then getting squished in the back.

Breastfeeding is the best way to go, if your doing it. That way you don't have to worry about heating up bottles. Alot of airports offer family changing areas where you can breastfeed if you are not comfortable doing it in the lounge. And in the planes most people are uncomfortable watching you and will normally turn away. Taking off and landing may be alittle hard for the ears, but just latch him on and he'll do fine. I find that most of the time the lull of the engines during boarding and taxiing will put them to sleep, so I rarely have had any trouble during take off. A nuk or a bottle will also help.

This is actually the easiest time to travel with a child. All they do is eat and sleep, so their schedules will not really be affected by jetlag. Just make sure you bring plenty of nappies and a change or two of clothes for him and he'll do great. It will probably be harder for you then for him, so don't worry and relax.

Enjoy your trip.

BTW: Check your stroller in at the airplane. That way you can move around the airport easily.

You sound like your having a great time! Yeah!

I have two boys, ages 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 and we have traveled twice to England and Scotland (Dad is Scottish) and often to NY where I am from. I highly recommend breastfeeding on the plane as long as you are okay with that. Unless someone is sitting right on top of you, it's hard for anyone to see anyway. It is especially important on the ascent and descent so the your son's ears don't hurt him. I always did that and even now (descent only) I give them a lifesaver or something to drink to keep the sucking action happening.

As far as seats are concerned we always try to sit more towards the front but that's because we like to get off as quickly as possible.

My kids have always been easy travelers -- my 2 1/2 year old still will fall asleep almost as soon as we take off. one more tip...try to plan the flight, if possible, around a feed/nap. It was something we always tried to do and it made the flights so much more enjoyable for all!

Oh, and one very important thing. DON'T WORRY ABOUT ANYONE ELSE IF THE BABY FUSSES!!!!!! They will get over it and 9 times out of 10 they have been there at one point too. Don't let it spoil your time!

Good luck and have fun!

L.

Breastfeeding is the way to go on the plane. It is always there and ready at takeoff,landing,turbulance, cranky times, tired times, etc...Your baby is small enough now that BF isn't going to physically interfere with the guy/gal next to you (they won't have a foot or two in their lap) and they will appreciate a happy baby!! ~~W.

I flew with mt son when he was 4 months. Nurse while you are taking off & landing. It relieves pressure on the baby's ears . Our seats were in the back of the plane but I don't know if that makes a difference or not. Hope this helps!

S. C

I took the baby carseat along with me. Before boarding I would ask if the plane was full or if there would be an empty seat for the carseat to go in. Most of the time there would be room. If not, then I would let them "stroller/wheelchair" check it. Having the baby in the carseat next to you is definetly the easiest if possible.
I agree, the bulk head has the most room. Get seats at the very front of the plane (first row)if you can, otherwise, go for the back.
For walking in the airport etc, the baby carrier is a MUST!!! I had a BACK CARRIER which was a life saver. I traveled alone and I needed my arms to carry luggage occasionally.
Nursing on the plane is the easiest. if the plane is full, get a window seat. Find out if its going to be full before u go so u can adjust accordingly.

Hi H.,
We took our son when he was 8 months old on an airplane, I was breastfeeding and I was able to do that on the plane. I used one of the blankets on the plane for privacy, no one seemed to notice. I also brought bottled milk so when I ran out of those, I breastfed. The bottled milk was helpful for waiting in the airport, our plane was delayed so I used up most of the bottled milk then. I think our seats were in the middle of the plane but if you are in the front, it would be faster to get off of the plane. It ended up being fine, the flight was about 2 hours. I think trying to plan around nap times helps too and I tried to make sure he was sucking during take off and landing so that his ears would not hurt.

J.-mom of a 20 month old son, works full time outside the home, married 4.5 years.

H.,

I have a wonderful information paper on my website on this issue. My website is www.lhdoula-service.com and the page that the information is on is titled helpful information. If you have any other questions on this please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help if I can.

Blessings To you
S. Blevons - CD (DONA), CLD (CAPPA)
Fond Du Lac Co. WI.
www.lhdoula-service.com.



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The beauty of my body is not measured by the size of the clothes it can fit into, but by the stories that it tells. I have a belly and hips that say, "We grew a child in here," and breasts that say, "We nourished life." My hands, with bitten nails and a writer's callus, say, "We create amazing things."
-Sarah, from I am Beautiful: A Celebration of Women in Their Own Words
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We flew alot when our children were young. With my youngest I finally just put her in her baby bjorn and fed her right before we got on the plane and she slept the whole flight to florida about 3 1/2 hours. She was short enough to stay in the carrier and just snuggle into me I put a blanket over her. I brought a nuk so she could suck on it for her ears. good luck

I flew with my 2 mos. old to FL, and she slept most of the way in the Baby Bjorn. That was also handy because then your hands are free for luggage, etc. I flew before all the tight security, so I brought a bottle and that was no problem. I would recommend a pacifier or feeding during takeoff or landing. Also, I liked the aisle seat with the baby (although I was bottle feeding - the window might be easier with nursing), only because I knew if she got fussy or I needed a diaper change I could get out easily and walk around. I would also recommend the back of the plane - close to the bathrooms, attendants, and the engine is louder which might help the baby sleep better (or drone out crying if need be!). I am sure things will be fine. Check your stroller at the gate, it will make things easier.

We have done some flying with our 11 month old; once by myself when he was 6 weeks and once with my husband at 7 months. I disagree with the comment on not bringing a stroller. When you get to the airport, you can bring the stroller all the way to the gate with you and they check it at the gate and you can get it back as soon as you get off. I didn't bring a stroller the first time and my gate was at the other end of O'hare. I had to carry the baby in the sling, the diaper bag, my purse and a winter coat (only 6 weeks after a C-section!) and I was exhausted by the time I reached the gate. I bought a stroller to take back with me!!! I used a sling to hold him next to me on the plane. Also, it is recommended that a baby should suck on something (whether eating or pacifier) during take off and landing to reduce the risk of his ears popping and being painful. Most likely, he'll sleep for the majority of the flight if he sleeps in the car. We found that having seats in the back of the plane are better. You are less in people's way when boarding and getting off since you will take more time. And there is always a chance the back won't be as full so you would be more comfortable breastfeeding. Have a good trip!
Oh and one more thing... I was told by a nurse that babies are more likely to have bowel movements during pressure changes. I don't know how true this is but I know my little guy had one on the way back.

I have flown with my daughter as a infant many times I found it nearly impossible to hold her and feed her with a bottle because her head would be in the aisle and her feet in the person next to me's seat. I was always flying alone though. And changing a diaper WOW that's a tricky one. When my daughter was 2 I had her stand on the toliet and I changed her standing up. As far as being a infant I would change her right before we boarded and thankfully she lasted the flight without needing to be changed. The easiest I had it was once having a empty seat next to me and putting her infant seat there and letting her sit in her seat but that only happened ONCE. Most planes are packed these days. The time I flew with my two year old on my lap cause it was free was horrible.Babies dont' sit on laps for 3 hours and be good. I thought I was gonna die and I was like I'm never doing that again I'll buy her a seat. You should be fine though with a 2 month old he may have to sit more upright in your lap than laying in your arms or use a Snuggli or those carriers you wear.

I flew with my son at 3 months. I also found the window seat to be best for nursing. My little guy did great, he cried a little at take off, but once we were up he nursed and fell asleep and slept the whole trip.

I suggest a baby sling if you have one, I used it to move on and off the plane and also to snuggle my baby once he fell asleep. I didn't have to worry so much about holding him during turbulence and he was still small so it was a comfy way to hold and nurse him on the plane. It also helped getting on and off to keep him close and cozy, not so scary for him.

I had to change one poopy diaper in the bathroom and that was horrible. The changing "table" had no rails and it was bumpy! If possible avoid it!

Good luck to you!

J.

I traveled with my daughter when she was ll weeks old. I was amazed how easy it was. I sat in the window seat and my husband had the middle seat. I breast fed her on the plan. I brought our boppy and just covered her with a blanket while feeding. It felt private, especially being in the window seat. She slept most of the flight laying on the bobby. You can put the arm rest up between you and your husband, assuming he's in the seat next to you, to have more room for the bobby.

We just flew again and now she's 8 months. She was more active on the plane and didn't sleep as much but it still worked well.

You can gate check your stroller and carseat (we did purchase a seat on the plane for her.).

It's really quite simple!!

Good Luck, P.

I took my 3 month old on a 12 hour airplane trip. I breastfed on the plane, in the airport. He slept almost the entire time. I wore him in a sling. If you don't have close connections I dont think it matters where your seats are. But definitally have an aisle sit so you can walk him if he does get fussy and so you can get to the bathroom for diaper changes.

I have taken my young son on an airplane multip[le times, and once when he was 3 mos. old. I can tell you 3 months is easier than 2 years old. Anyway, I would advise bringing a stroller which you will be allowed to check at the gate. I put my son in a snugglie pack, and pushed my carryon's in the stroller. You will be required to fold the stroller up for x raying, but people in line at security are always very helpful. On the plane, I asked the gentlemen next to me, if he minded that I nursed my son, (most people do not mind, or are to embarrased to say they do.) I nursed my son on the way up, to avoid the ear popping, he fell asleep after nursing, and when we landed I woke him up to nurse. If you can fly during nap time, that is really helpful. I do not think that the location matters much with a child this young, but bulk head gives lots of leg room, and I suggest it for older children. Make sure to also bring your own blanket, as planes are cold, and often they run out of them. Good Luck, I think you'll be okay.

It is possible to breastfeed on the airplane - I would say especially during take off and landing if he is awake. That will help with any ear pressure and being close to you will help with any uncertainty he has with the noise, etc. If you don't have your tickets yet, I would recommend scheduling your flight during nap time or at night, although at 2 months you'll have a MUCH easier time than if he were older.

The flight attendants will be very helpful as well.

Have fun!

I had problems bringing pumped milk onto a airplane. They made me dump it at security, so plan on nursing on the plane. I would suggest a window seat that gives the most privacy, and a spot over the wings of the airplane is noisier and can help lull him to sleep. I have traveled a lot with my girls and when they are infants it is pretty easy compared to when they are older. I would nurse during take off and landing to help him with his little ears. Good luck, I am sure things will go great!!

Hi H.,

My husband and I did a lot of traveling with our daughter the first year of her life; trains across the county 2x, planes across the country etc...
What I found was the less you burden yourself with the happier you all will be. What I mean by that is, just bring the essentials; diaper bag, snuggley/sling. Strollers are too much trouble at such a young age. He'd much rather be snuggling with you than sitting in a stroller anyway. The new babes don't need much more than mom to be happy, and a happy stress free mom makes for a quiet/sleeping baby. As far as breast feeding goes by all means feed away. I was told by my midwives to feed on take off and landing because the sucking helps eliviate the pressure on their little ears. And again being close to mom is a great comfort. If your modest about feeding in public bring a light blanket to cover the two of you with. It's all about you guys right now anyway, right! I guess the biggest piece of advise is that you try to keep yourself stress free. Your son will thank you for it.
Happy traveling!

A.