Advice for 8 Month Old's First Flight.

Hi K.. I took a trip with my son when he was 15 months old. My husband and I are transplants from the midwest also. Children 2 and under can be held and do not need a seperate seat. I believe when we purchased our tickets online I put my son down as a passenger but it asks you how old they are. That way, they have an accurate count for everyone. One MAJOR thing you may want to make sure is to have a copy of your sons birth certificate to prove his age. I was watching a show called Airport before we flew and there was a family on there that had a child that was 2, but looked older. They had to prove his age and they didn't have anything with them and ended up in a big mess and missing their plane. You can obtain an additional copy of your son's birth certificate at your local health dept. and the first copy is normally free. I decided not to take a car seat with us so I'm not sure about that. However, I have just seen them to where people carry them to the gate and then they check them there and you get it as soon as you get off the plane before you enter the airport. We rented a car while we were there and they offered carseats for like $4 a day. Yes, I was leary at first about using a used carseat, but it was a nice seat. The other thing you could do if you don't want to mess with taking a car seat, if you know someone where you are going that has one, maybe you could borrow theirs. That's what I was going to do until I decided to rent one. The taking off and landing is when you either want them sucking on a bottle or a pacifier. The sucking helps with their ears and the pressure. Take lots of snacks, books and quiet toys. Our flight was also 2 hours so believe me, it's not bad. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

K. ~ My son's first flight was when he was 5 mos. old and has flown a total of 3 times and just turned 2. Our experiences have been pretty good. Although he sat on a lap, we were required to let the airline know that we were doing that. The first time he flew, he was still in the carrier that snaps onto the stroller. The airline we used (Delta) let us "store" the stroller/carrier before we entered the plane, so we were able to use it all the way up to boarding the plane. We had to get a claim ticket to attach to the stroller at the gate desk. Then they had it waiting for us when we got off the plane. We've done this with each flight so that it's easier to get through the airport with him in the stroller vs. carrying him. As far as taking off/landing, we just tried to give him his bottle during those times and hope for the best.

You need to let the airline know you will be holding an infant. When our daughter was 3 months old, we had to fly from FL to CO. We tagged the carseat as a carry-on, checked the stroller and a suitcase, and carried on 2 back-packs and the diaper bag (diaper bag does not count as a carry-on). The carseat was handed to a flight attendant at the gate. We had one layover where we stayed on the plane. The other people were really helpful and nice. My girl fussed when we first sat down, but she was happy as soon as the plane started moving. In fact, the only time she complained was when the planes stopped moving! You might want to have a paci or bottle ready during take-off, although we didn't need it. Flying with our infant was not as stressful as we thought it would be. Just ignore any loud sighs or rude comments about having to travel with babies from other passengers.

Oh, when my daughter was 11 months old, I had to fly with her on my own to VA. Again, I had to let the airline know she was going to be on my lap, carried on a carry-on, diaper bag, and the car seat. The flight attendants were extremely nice and helpful. They even moved us to an empty row so we could stretch out. Good luck!!

I flew with my daughter (alone) for the first time around the same age. Check with the airlines about checking bags. Some will allow you to check two bags AND a chair seat, but some will charge you $25 (or so). We labled our carseat and base (just stuck them together) right on the car seat will perm marker. Check with your airline b/c the first time we flew, they did not ask anything about the baby, except make a note of it. When we flew a second time a few months later we were supposed to have a copy of her birth certificate to verify her age. I guess that is an airline to airline rule.'

I also brought the stroller to wheel her around the airport. When we boarded the plane we checked the stroller planeside. I recommend doing that. When we flew, my daughter was a good as gold. The pressure change did not seem to bother her, even with a double ear infection!!!

Finally we tried to set up our flights around her nap times, so she would hopefully sleept. The first time she slept there and back, the second she played the whole time! Whatever happens try not to get too stressed, people are actually very understanding and compassionate towards mommys and babies!!! Good luck.

K., I imagine the questions you have are running around in your head like a two year old on sugar. Flying alone with a child is not that bad. I did it alone with two one year olds in January. I will not do it alone again if I don't have to but I had two. One would be a breeze!!! If you are only taking a short trip the lapping would be fine. If it's 4 or more hours if you can afford another seat get it. I flew from Orlando to Hawaii with one in my lap and one in a seat. I wish I'd had the other seat. You will need to let the airline know you have a lap child. They need to plan accordingly. Per the airlines they are only equipped to put one lap child in a row. It has something to do with each row having only one extra oxygen mask. Not to worry if you book online. They now offer the option to choose children their ages and if you want a seat or if they will be in you lap. That's how I booked our flight. Car seat would be much easier if someone on the other end had one because some airlines are saying it's another piece of luggage and that can get costly. If you have to check the airline will supply a bag and tag. The stroller can be gate checked! Which I do advise to bring. That way on your lay over you can get a rest from having to hold Keaton. The feeding during take off and landing is right. Although if Keaton is like my twins she won't eat at those times. I just gave them their pacifiers and they were fine with that. My daughter actually watched me yawn and started doing it too. Your flight isn't too long but try to make it around her regular nap time or a red eye. I flew a red eye back with the twins and they slept the whole way. Most of the passengers didn't even know they were on board. We even got a standing ovation on one of the legs because they behaved so well. I wish you all the luck! It should be pretty easy for you with one and a short ride. Remember if she gives you any problems that there are mothers out there who travel alone with two. IT CAN BE DONE!

First of all, dont worry so much it will go fine... Ive taken my son on lots of flights and all were pretty much okay. Try to get an isle seat as with the kid on your lap its really hard to manuver to get to the bag underneath the seat if you need stuff, and it makes it easier if the baby gets cranky you can get up and walk the isle and also if you need to get out for a diaper change. Try to keep her hungry until lift off then give her a bottle it will help with the ears. Another thing I did at that age was take those gerber baby puffs, my son loved those and they kept him busy for awhile :) I think each airline has their own policy on letting them know about the baby, you may want to book the flight and just let them know you will have an infant - as far as the car seat, check with the airline because some airlines now are charging extra for a second bag and I think the seat would qualify as a second bag and I think Delta is charging like $75 for a second bag - you can rent a car seat from car rental places like Avis or whatever at the airport when you arrive, it might be cheaper - Good luck!! :)) If you have any questions, feel free to email me!

i am a flight attendant so i traveled with my daughter almost every other month and see lots of babies on the plane. it is a lot easier than you think with an eight month old, it two year olds that are difficult. you have to tell them when you check in you have a lap child and on our airline, southwest, they let you bring on the car seat if the flight is not full free of charge because there are extra seats anyway.
about the pressure i rarely hear kids cry because their ears hurt but if it does get bad it is usually during decent not take off. just feed her during take off or decent or give her a paci because the sucking will help her ears drain fluid. i wouldn't recommend a medication as it is usually not needed and you never know the side affects of each child. that will be between you and your pediatrician though.
have fun flying, and let me know if you are flying on southwest airlines, we will take of you.

I flew with my 2 1/2 mo old son to NY & back recently. I flew Jet Blue, and did not buy an extra ticket for him. However, you do need to let the airline know in advance that you will be flying with an infant in your lap. My ticket had a special "inf" marked on it, without which they would not let me thru security with my son (I know because they screwed it up on the way back & forgot to mark it on there) I took his stroller right up to the gate & gate checked it so that I would have it again as soon as I got off the plane. If you want to check your carseat with the bags, then yes, label, label, label and put it in a bag of some sort! You can actually take the carseat, stroller, and diaper bag on the plane & they count as your child's carry ons, not yours. The carseat & stroller have to be gate checked, of course. As for the pressure changes, yes, feed during take off/landing or use a pacifier. I was very nervous flying on my own with an infant, but my son did awesome!

The first time I took my daughter on a flight, she was 7 months old. I was nervous to go by myself, especially because it was an international flight, and I was traveling alone. It was so much easier than I expected.

I carried her in one of those Snuggli carriers so that I had free hands. I usually makes my reservations online, where you'll be asked if you're traveling with children. It gives you a place to fill in the age. You'll only be charged one ticket, but you do need to call the actual airline in advance to let them know. They need to note it in their system.

As far as checking a car seat, I have no idea. If you take a stroller, you'll just need to let them know at your gate so they can give you a ticket to check it before you get on the plane.

For the actual flight, I did nurse my daughter during take off and landing. She never had any problems with air pressure. Also, I made sure she did not nap before the flight so that she would asleep during the flight. It worked out perfectly. I never had any problems. It was the perfect age to take a baby on a flight for the first time. Good luck, don't worry, and have fun! The airport workers are pretty helpful.

I've done three trips with my son by myself. Two to El Paso and one to Detroit, all three from the Orlando area.

the first was at 9 months to El Paso, the second was 20 months to El Paso and the third was at 27 months to Detroit.

Gate check the stroller
Gate check the carseat if you can (such as having a travel system)
use a sling on the flight if she will still sit in one.
pacifier or bottle
enough diapers for your flight plus 2-3 extra
extra outfit in case of nastiness
extra shirt for you in case of above nastiness

Remember that the more calm you are, the more calm she will be.

I always take a new toy for Sam as well. Something he's not seen before and that I only use on flights or at restaurants is a magnadoodle. Gotta get something age appropriate. Heck, even just my watch fascinates him at times.

Let the airline know that you're traveling iwht an infant. you might still want to have the birth certificate. Both airlines (Spirit and Southwest) I've flown have asked for them. Not just to verify the child's age, but basically to also verify you have a right to take the child with you.

Enjoy your trip!

K.,
I traveled with my daughter when she was that age too. It sounds as if you are ready and don't even know it. The car seat will be tagged just like any other luggage. Feeding during take off and landing is key. If your baby takes a pacifier that will work also. You can hold the baby in your lap. It is worth the extra tip to have an attendant help you with luggage. Hopefully you will depart and arrive on time, but just in case, bring along somethings that my help soothe you and the baby. A bouncy will fit in the overhead compartment if you can lug it and the baby it the airport. The more relaxed you are the more relaxed your baby will be. Good luck.
K. D

Seems like you've gotten lots of good advice already. We also live far from our families and fly frequently. Check the airline requirements regarding whether you will need to show a birth certificate when you check-in, as some require it. At 8 months, I think your daughter should be fine and will probably sleep. Once they are walking, it is much harder to hold them still on your laps for 2-3 hrs and we've found that it really is worth it to book as far ahead as possible and just buy our son his own seat these days.

Hi K.
If you don't get the answers here, just call a travel agent and tell her that you'll be traveling in the next few months - just tell her you haven't bought tickets yet. But ask these questions to her. But I know when I traveled with my toddler, this is what I did. I got a seat called the bulkhead I think it's called. It's the seat with the dividing wall just infront of you, so your child isn't bothering the person in front of you and there's more feet room. Also, take the baby's pacifier. Sucking on this helps with equalizing the ears. A bottle also. Baby tylenol might help too. Remember when the baby gets old enough to walk, that the best thing to get is the body harness and leash for toddlers. IT's sooooo helpful. And I would put my purse inside of my diaper bag and snacks for you and the baby. That way you only have one thing to carry besides the baby and small stroller. You will have to ask travel agent about liquids/baby bottles. Let me know what they say
T.

No kidding about airline prices being too much. As long as the child is under 2, they can sit on your lap. What I did, tho, was carry the carseat with me and when I was boarding, ask if they had any empty seats that they could put me by. 3 of 4 flights during one roundtrip, I got a seat to put the carseat in. If they don't have any that flight, they can just put the carseat under the plane, where they store strollers and wheelchairs and it'll be waiting for you when you get off. Also, feeding or a pacifier is suppose to help when taking off and landing with their ear pressure.

You do need to tell the airline. Some of them will require you to bring her birth certificate. You just need to call them and as ahead of time. Also, you can take your car seat and/or stroller all the way up to the gate with you if you want to. They will do a gate check when you get on the plane and then you will pick it up at the end of the tunnel immediately after you get off the flight. It's a lifesaver when traveling alone!

I can't remember what an 8 month old is eating, but my sister in law gave me some advice to bring along some new and exciting snacks to tryout during the flight. When they get fussy (which is much more likely with a 2 year old than a 8 month old), you can pull out that new snack or new little toy to distract them. I went and bought some of those small boxes of fun cereals - like coco puffs and some other one that were shaped like little fruits.

Also, if the little one gets fussy, don't worry.. Most people don't even notice! The engine noise blocks out a lot more than you think!

Good luck and don't sweat it!!!

Hello! I have taken my little one on two flights. One when he was 5 months and one when he was 9months. The airline needs to know even if she is sitting on your lap but you shouldn't have to pay for her. I don't know what kind of carseat you have. I still used the infant carrier that connects to the stroller. When you board they will take the stroller and infant carrier at the gate. Also if you have a regular car seat the will take it with your bags. No need to put it in a bag. They put a tag on for you. I had bottles for my son ready for take off and landing. He did fine. The only thing that was difficult was not much room and he was getting restless. It can feel a little overwhelming when you are in the airport going threw security. But I felt it was better then driving 18 hours with a baby.
Good luck

I have taken several flights with my infants (when they were younger). yes, you can hold her on your lap, but I think it is best to let the airline know. You can still get your ticket online, and then call the number and let them know you have a lap child. You may want to ask them if they need the birth certificate as well. Some airlines ask for it and some don't. I have checked car seats by using a bag or not...either way is fine. As long as they can put the tag on it, it will be fine. I also did try and feed my infants during the take off and landing phases, or let them suck on the pacifer. My youngest sucks his thumb, so that works too...they might not even have a problem, but I usually tried to make them drink something to help in case they had a problem. I'm sure she'll be fine. Good luck!

Dear K.,
I have taken several plane rides with my children. We visit Pennsylvania (about 2- 2and half hours).
You can always give her some Benadryl for sleep and keeping her ears open during take off and landing. Ask your pediatrician for dosing. Feeding her or letting her have a bottle with water at those times is also good.
My son (6 years old) never had a problem on airplanes until he was 4. So she may be absolutely fine, but I believe in being prepared.
Good luck!
L.

Hi K.,

I have traveled all over the place with my now 2 year old son. Its not as bad as you think. Bring lots of little things to distract your little one. New little books, those little starfish gerber snacks, new toys etc. When my son was that age, I would feed him on the way up and down...a bottle if she still takes one.

As for the carseat..ask if you can bring it to the gate and check it at the door. This insures you will not lose it. The stewardess will take it and check it for you at the gate. No bag, no hassle AND NO CHANCE OF LOSING IT. Make sure you put your name on it. Also, if there are empty seats you can strap her into a seat and then your trip is super easy. I always ask if there are empty seats and if so can I be seated net to it. Makes the trip easier to strap the little ones in.

Good luck and have fun.
I.

Mom of 2 year old boy named JB and currently 9 months pregnant!

K.,

When I recently flew with my kids, I found out that we needed to tel the airline because on some flights, it determines what side of the aircraft youhave to sit on. (I think it has to do with extra oxygen masks on that side). My son, when at that age, didn't sqirm until the last few minutes, he slpat most of the time. That is their typical response to airplanes.... There is a reason why they call the frequency of the engines a lullaby. We did bring a new toy, just in case, tho. Every passenger around us was very understanding and even played with him when he tried to climb over seats into their laps. Most ppl are not going to be offended at anything a baby does, they are usually very understanding and supportive.

Best of luck to you. Oh, I took a carseat with us the first time, but that was because my daughter was using it. The only thing that we hated was having to tote that big bulky thing around when we had to make a quick connection. It is best to take a small carry on (as small as you can expect with a baby) and an easy to collapse umbrella stroller. Rmember to check out the airline's website about what you have to do with liquids and such b4 you get to the airport so you do not have to through diaper creams and such away at the security gates.

I know you already got a lot of helpful responses, so I won't tell you all the same things others already have. I just had one piece of advice that someone gave me when I flew with my 5 month old son. Take a change of clothes for the baby of course, but also for yourself (or at least an extra shirt). Especially if your baby spits up. I did this, and did not use it, but a good friend of mine had a horrible experience.

I have had to fly with my baby girl a couple of times and this is what worked for me...when purchasing your ticket, let them know that you will be flying with an infant in your arms. There is no additional cost for this. Then with your car seat, just bring it to the ticket counter when you check in. They will place it in a bag and label it just as they do your other luggage. I used a carrier (like a backpack but on front) to carry my daughter and that help give me an extra hand when needed and also didn't tire out my arms by holding her for so long. She also seemed to feel very comfortable and slept through much of the flight. I gave her a pacifier at take off and landing to help with any pressure issues. I also gave her a dose of tylenol before the flight. Be sure you check what the current security rules are on liquids brought on the plane, it's a little different when a baby is flying. I have had very good flight experiences with my daughter, the flight crew is very willing to assist when needed (ie. if you have to go potty, or in trying to get you a seat with an empty next to it). Best of luck!

Hey,

I had to let the airlines know when I flew with my twin boys and also had to provide them with a birth certificate or immunization records. I hope this helps, but you can take a stroller and check in the car seat.

J.

Yes..you will hold her on your lap..also you need to have her drink on take off and landing..the swallowing helps the ears on the pressure changes..Car seat just wrap well and label...you do not have to let them know about anyone not needing a seat, but it helps you if they know you have an infant travelling with you..they will assist you if needed....however depending where you leave from you might need id for the baby...copy of birth certificate is fine..In this day and age where kidnapping is common with parents...you never know...better safe than sorry..

Hello K.,

It's always a good idea to let the airline now you are traveling with an infant, they will assist you with your needs and all do you don't need to pay for your baby, they would help you, and if the flight is not full they would let you bring the car seat with you and place next to you.

I have travel with my kid's since they where two months all. It is a good idea to feed her during take off and landing that will her your daughter with the pressure, and if she takes a pacifier she can used during the flight.

Well K. good luck and i hope this would help you, and remember to call your airline line and let them know they also can give you a little advice.

B. R from Orlando, Fl

K.,
I took a trip with our 8 1/2 month old (at the time) and the thing that really helped was to have snacks and his bottle and also to make sure he was good and ready for a nap right before we left. I would see if there is someone at your destination that can let you borrow a car seat that is not in use or something. Also, your family may be able to pick one up at a yard sale or discount store. That way you can just do a gate check on a small stroller to help you to get to where you need to go without having to carry a heavy baby. (They get heavier the longer and further you go).
I believe it would be wise to let the airline know that you will have a lap baby. They are changing their policies all the time and just to be safe, I would let them know. Plus, you can order a baby meal if it is during lunch or dinner. They sometimes make special arrangements for items for babies. If you do take the car seat, I would double bag it or find a travel bag made for car seats. You can find them online. I would also put your name and phone # on it in several different places. Also, you can give her tylenol or motrin about 30 minutes before takeoff. It will help her relax through it.
Take Care,
T.

I took a trip across country with my infant. Sucking during those times helps alot even if you have to give an extra feeding. Yes I had to hold him in my lap, although 2 hrs isn't too bad. I would let them know, you might get a seat where no one is in front of you and you'll have a little extra room. Good luck.

I have a 3 yr old and he has flown more times in his short life span than most adults I know. The first time he flew he was only 4 months old, so we have been there done that. And I always traveled alone because hubby had to work

First you absolutely need to let them know you will have a lap child. When you book there will be a place to mark lap child. You will need to make sure to bring her birth certificate, a copy is best because sometimes they keep it or attach it to the ticket. If you are going to take your car seat you check it with your bags, they will mark it and put it in the luggage compartment, you can wrap it if you want but you do not have to. If you take a stroller you can take it to the gate and they will tag it right there. When you get off the plane they will bring it to you.

NEVER take a bulkhead seat. You have no underseat storage and no seat back pocket in front of you so you can not easily access a bag of fun stuff and food. You also will not have a tray in front for her to play on. NEVER take an exit row or you will have to move.

Going through security can be difficult because you will need to fold your stroller and run it through the belt. You also need to remove your shoes and put all bags into the belt. All of this will have to be done while holding your baby. May I suggest a carrier like a snugli or if you are familiar with a Moby Wrap, Hot Sling, or Mei Tai style. I used this on every trip until he was too heavy, they SAVED my sanity. Instead of using a stroller I would strap him to the front of me and man did it save time and energy. If you are visiting family as I always did then just purchase an umbrella stroller and keep it there so you do not have to worry with it at the airport. If this is not an option then try to get in the security line around other mommies and you can help eachother by holding babies and taking turns.

When it is time to board the plane you need to be sure to be upfront because they will allow you to board first so you have time to get in and get settled before the rest of passengers. Make sure you have a carryon that is small enough for under the seat packed with all your stuff you need to keep her fed, entertained and hydrated. This bag does not need to have diapers, wipes, etc because when you get up to change her you can get it from overhead.

Make sure to pack snacks, small things she can eat or play with. I found having special toys, books, etc that he never saw before was great because he loved having something new. We would buy trip books, soft ones with lots of interaction at first. My son loved to stack things so I would get a few cups from the stewardess when we got on for him to play and stack, or fill with snacks I gave him. Before you have to buckle in and everyone else gets one get things ready. Fill the seat pocket with stuff you want to get to easily like snacks, bottled drink, toys, napkins, etc. I always got an aisle seat because he could hang over into the aisle and see other people and have more room on one side of me. Let her explore the seats and area around where you are setting as much as possible before the seats next to you fill up. I would let him set in the seat next to me until someone actually wanted the seat. Many times people will not take the middle seat next to a baby, unless you have assigned seats. Personally I preferred flying on Southwest because the seats were first come first serve so people were not forced to sit by you. It is great to have that seat free!

When taking off I would definetely recommend giving her a bottle to suck on, it makes her ears pop and will save a lot of screaming. If you are breastfeeding exclusively then I would nurse if you can. Distracting her while taking off helps too so she does not notice the pressure changes so much. If my son had any congestion I would give him some meds to clear him up before we flew, the congestion seemed to make his discomfort much worse.

I liked to fly at nap time so he would sleep most of the way. If this is not possible just make sure to have a lot of activities for her to do. I found that flying with him at that age was much easier than when he started walking. After he started walking it got much much harder. The stewardesses are usually very good about helping out. If you need to go potty just ask and one of them are usually happy to hold her while you go.

Oh yeah, sanitizing wipes. Bring lots. I would use them to wipe down the arm rests, the tray, anything plastic or metal that he would be touching and playing with. Airplanes are like germ central and we used to get sick every single time we flew until I started doing this. And I would keep hand sanitizer with me and put it on his hands on a regular basis.

Sorry this is so long. I have pregnant mommy brain right now so I hope this all makes sense. If there is anything you want to ask feel free to shoot me a message I would be happy to help anyway I can. Really dont worry too much, I have flown alone with my son so many times, and it is not bad at all. There are some people who are a pain, but you will be amazed how many people are willing to help you out.

Good luck and take care.

T.

Hi K., You should let the airline know you will be travelling with a infant and that he will be sitting on your lap. Try to carry on as little as possible, because carrying the baby and the diaper bag is really all you need. Just make sure that you have your ID and you might have to show his birth certificate. Call the airline and ask their rules on that. Try to feed him before you get on, so then maybe he will sleep the whole flight and you won't have to worry about the pressure change. Hope this helps!
Mom in Port Orange

We just took our 3 month old on a 6 hour flight and he was a rock star! Inform the airline that you'll be carrying an "infant in arms." You can check the stroller at the gate so that you can use it in the terminal. Bring a big bag with you for the car seat. The normal cost for one if you don't bring it with you is $5.00. Breast or bottle feed on take off and landing to help with the ears. We brought ear plugs as a joke for those sitting around us. Ignore the dirty looks of those realizing that they are going to be flying with an infant. She'll do great!

Hi K.
I have taken my oldest son on a number of flights. I would call the airline and let them know you've got an infant under two. While you've got them on the phone, see if you can't get the bulkhead seat. It's much easier for diaper changes. If you're concerned about turbulence, there is an FAA approved harness that attaches to your seatbelt. Just be sure to bring the paperwork showing that it's FAA approved for take off and landing. You can use a regular carrier in flight, but they will make you take them out for landing. As for the car seat, you do not need to put it in anything, but they will sometimes make you sign a waiver saying that you won't hold them responsible if they break it. Also, do not let them count it as a checked bag. It, and your stroller, do not count as luggage. Always bring your stroller to the gate and get a gate check tag from the person at the gate. They let you take your stroller all the way to the entrance of the plane and it absolutely does not have to be an umbrella stroller (as another poster said). We have traveled all over the U.S. and Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico and no one has cared that we have big fat jogging stroller. I've also seen plenty of parents with double strollers, so don't ever check a stroller! They're your best friend when it's just you and baby!
The best advice I can give is to bring a couple of pacifiers. Sucking makes their ears pop, so they will be very happy you have them. This seems to be the main reason babies cry on planes, in my experience. Good luck, and if your baby does cry... So what! It really is toddlers that are the nightmare to travel with. You'll be fine!

It should be just fine. You do need to let the airline know you will be flying with an infant, and bring her birth certificate. For the car seat, they sell travel bags for car seats at places like Babies R Us. If you will be traveling more in the future, I really recommend one. The bags have handles that make carrying the car seat easy. The airline will allow you to bring an unbrella stroller all the way to the door of the plane, but a full size stroller has to be checked with baggage, leaving you carrying baby, diaper bag, and your own carry on through the airport. They store the umbrella stroller on board and set it up for you at the other end. Every airport security check is different, so call ahead and find out what they will allow you to bring in the diaper bag. When you call, call TSA security office, not the airline. I have almost been arrested for a juice box in one airport, yet the return airport allowed full bottles and all my baby gear. Some will allow formula and juice in certain containers, some will not. Pack things like diaper cream in your checked luggage. Change your little ones diaper before you get on the plane. Since you arent purchasing an extra seat, you may not have anywhere to change her, most airplane rest rooms aren't big enough. As for the flight itself, my daughter has always enjoyed flying. Good luck.

You definitely need to check with your airline. We flew Southwest with our son and we used a code when I booked my ticket to indicate an infant would be traveling with me and we brought his birth cert. We didn't need it but I'd rather have it and not need it. Also, on the flight out they let us keep him in his car seat since the flight wasn't full and we didn't pay for a seat for him. Use your own car seat! Don't rent one. Friends just rented seats for their daughters and said they were very low budget and she didn't feel the kids were as safe. I nursed my son during take-off/landing and it went very smoothly.

When you book your flight tell them that you are traveling with an infant. It is up to you whether you want a seat for her or put her in your lap. If you chose a seat there is a fee. For take off and landing if you have her laid back sipping on a bottle that helps the pressure change. Kinda like if an adult chews gum during take off. Checking the car seat is so that you have one when you arrive at your destination. Good Luck!!!

I took my oldest son on his first flight at 6 months. You can buy a regular ticket online but call the airline after you purchase your ticket to let them know there will be an infant in arms as well. You might be able to do this when you get to check in too but each airline is different. With the car seat you can check it with all your other luggage. Just make sure you have your name and address on there. When you check your baggage they will take care of the rest. I definitely recommend feeding or a pacifier during take off and landing to help with the pressure changes. My son never had any issues with it but I know it can affect some babies very badly. My son's first flight was to California so I had to have enough things to keep him busy for almost 5 hours. Make sure you bring some of her favorite books and quiet toys. Also bring an extra outfit and more diapers than you think you will need. Sometimes the pressure changes can cause blow out diapers! Not fun under any circumstances but especially if you are unprepared for it! :) My son didn't have an issue with it on the plane but about an hour after the flight was another story so that might be something for you to watch for too. Also don't be surprised if your daughter doesn't really want to eat much during the flight (not a big deal since it is only a 2 hour flight I guess) as some babies just don't feel like eating then. Can't think of anything else right now. Good luck on your flight! I'm sure everything will go well!

Hi K.,
I know you have gotten a ton of responses already, but "here's what I did"...

I flew from Gainesville to Chicago with my 7-month-old son two years ago. My husband couldn't come, but it was important for me to introduce my som to my family, as my parents were the only ones who had seen him since birth.

My Advice:
Call the airline and see if they will give you a discount to purchase a seat for your infant. I got a ticket for my son for $67 round trip, and it was worth every penny just to have the extra room and have somewhere to "put" him and allow me to maneuver. I also did not have to check a car seat that way. He was still able to fit comfortably in the infant car seat/carrier, so I kept him in the carrier in the stroller and then checked the stroller planeside. I carried him onto the plane in the car seat, and stapped it in with the seat belt on the plane (Without the base - I left that at home, as ours was able to be used without it.)

Because you are travelling alone with an infant you can get a special pass at the check-in counter for the person who is dropping you off at the airport to come through security (AKA help you through security) and stay with you until you get on the plane. You might be told "no" at first becasue they don't like to do it, but ask to speak to a manager at the check-in counter, and they will let you. My mom came with me when we left Chigaco, and that was a big help.

One more piece of advice: Do not be afraid to ask strangers for help. Most people are very willing to carry something for you, get something out of an overhead bin, lift something, etc. In my experience, strangers were far more helpful than the flight staff.

Good luck, and have fun!

Good Morning,

Here is an idea, that I noticed while looking online at one step ahead, they have a baby vest that attaches to your seat belt. Here is their website: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

Recently, when the little girl that I watch flew with her family, they had to bring her birth certificate to prove her daughter's age.

When I last flew with my daughter, we gave her a pacifier or bottle to help during take off and landing. This way she didn't experience the pressure in her ears as bad. You may also need to check with the airlines, I believe that you can only carry one time of formula with you, I think it is the powder with unopened bottles of water. But I would just double check everything with them.

Good Luck and hope you have a wonderful flight,

J. W

Hi K.,

My son is soon to be 4 and has been on many airplane rides - his first was when he was 12 weeks old. You don't need a seat for your daughter until she is 2 as long as you hold her on your lap.

When my son was 8 months old we took about a 2 hour flight, we made sure to have snacks to keep him busy and quiet toys. It's also good if the flight is around nap time so perhaps she'll sleep.

As far as take off and landing, if she has a pacifier or bottle, make sure she is sucking on them because the sucking helps the ears. My son had a pacifier that we put in his mouth whenever the pressure changed and he never had a problem with his ears.

Good luck!
G.

make a list of all your questions then call the airline you are going to use and ask them

Hi! My little girl (who will be 3 in July) took her first flight when she was 5 months.When we booked the flight we tried first to have it during a nap time (so she'd sleep through some of it)as the flight was 4 hours. I was nursing at the time and had never really done it in a public setting. I nursed her in a very busy airport shortly before boarding and surprisingly, though she was looking around alot!she loved eating so after she finished, we boarded shortly after and got ourselves comfortable. One of the staff on board told me how to hold her and this particular airline provided an extra safety harness that attached to my belt. I wrapped a blanket around to get her comfy and gave her a soother (yes the sucking and swallowing does help pressure change just as you would do yourself, not with a soother of course!)and with the rumbling of the plane she was pretty much asleep before we'd actually gained altitude. She woke about twenty minutes before landing (enough time to change her and I nursed her as we started to descend and was able to finish just after landing. With so much to see coming through customs she was relatively occupied and most people are fairly understanding of children and help out and airline staff well, all you have to do is ask!
We have since flown with her a dozen times since (we moved internationally twice and most of our family is in Canada)and she loves it!As she got older we invested in a portable DVD player and it is the BEST thing we've ever bought!!!
Keep a positive attitude and try to ingnore the nasty looks some people will give you (cause those who are perfect and never do anything wrong, will!). Wear comfortable clothes (for both of you)Also you should be able to use a stroller right before boarding (ask the airline you're with to be sure)and they'll hand it to you as you get off the plane. Carry only the esscentials with you on board with you (try if you can to keep it as compact as possible since you'll be carrying baby as well!)A few choice distraction toys and you'll do just fine!!! When your husband comes with you on a future flight you'll probably be a pro!!
Safe journey and all the luck! Enjoy!

My son flew by airplane at the same age. We had to take the car seat so we bought him a seat too. Have a bottle ready to put water in it with formula or whatever you do. Drinking will help with takeoff and landing if she's not asleep. Board books and stuffies are good or any of her favorite toys, if you can't seem to get the flight for around her nap time.
My son was still out like a light anyways. The next time we traveled he was 2yr old so we had toys and books and a cup of juice or water.
Good luck with our trip. Most people won't mind to much if they know that there is a baby on board and your trying to keep her occupied.