First Time Traveling with Baby Is There Best Time to Fly? Other Advice?

First of all, good luck! And have a great vacation!
SEcond of all, consider these factors:
1. Does she nurse? If she does, then just count on your breast to pacify her if necessary. If not, will she take a pacifier?
2. In terms of day or night I have found that most crews are helpful and friendly, so betweeen all of you, someone will keep her entertained. However, if you don't sleep well, will that affect you? Will missing on a relatively good night's sleep make you anxious or cranky (it could for me)? Your baby will probably be fine either way- my son at that age flew a lot and was great on planes..unless I was anxious
3. Take a baby sling,I found them to be a life saver, they free your hands, plus the baby felt comfortable and peaceful in there.
4. Toys- we used to take books and toys that didn't keep falling on the floor. A little noisy is ok.
5. Does she have a security object? Make sure to take it.
6. This last one is a little strange, but it did wonders for us- let her crawl around in the airplane. Yes,the floor is gross and people will say things, just make sure you wash her hands- it makes them feel a little less contstrained and restless.
Good luck! Have a great vacation.

We traveled a lot with my son from the very start. Red eye flights were nice for him to sleep on. I just held him the whole time. He slept great - me, well, not so much, but I was happy that he did.

I would recommend taking toys and including something new.
Snacks - goldfish, whatever.
Also, during take off and landing, be sure to either nurse or make sure that she is eating or drinking something. That will help to relieve the pressure in her ears otherwise you will have a screaming baby on your hands!
If you travel during the day, you could take a portable dvd player and play Baby Einstein or something like that.
A Baby Bjorn or sling would be helpful as well.
That's what I remember was helpful.
Have a great vacation!
M.

I flew on the plane with my 9 mo old. Will husband be there to help? The good news is, planes block out rows so if you travel with and infant they try to give you a whole row to yourslef, even if you don't buy up all the seats. I had such a hard time with this age group in the day. I think night time could be the way to go. I couldn't keep her happy in our row. she was a nightmare. If you can afford to extra seat so you can stap her into her car seat, I say do it!!!!!!! I brought quiet toys and bought new ones she'd never seen before the flight. I wore sturdy jewlary she could play with on myslef and brought small toys so I could manage them all. Best of luck

Hi L.,
I've flown a lot with my boys, but learned before having children that it is not a good idea to disrupt their schedule prior to the trip. Newly married, my husband and I were next to a poor Mom who had her toddler up at 6 a.m., ran around all day and figured the kid would sleep on the 10 p.m. flight. That didn't happen and we all listened to screaming for 5 hours. So, in contrast, when my kids were little we didn't even hype up a trip at all. We had as normal a day as possible, including naps. We just treated the flight as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do, like driving to Grandma's house. But even more fun, cause we could play with them. We packed snacks (not sugar stuff) and toys. A little older and you can let them pick out some toys too. Silly putty is WAY better than Play Doh. If she likes noise, you may want to try an iPod during the flight. You could download some fun kids music or maybe some relaxing sleeping music. I know I sleep much better with an iPod to drown out the jets during a flight. I think the more relaxed you are about it, the better it will go. But thinking ahead to be prepared is great - so you're on the right track. Have a great trip!

purchase a Kiddie Kangaroo for a daytime trip and place it on your car seat so your daughter has a place to store things she want..i.e. bottle, snacks, toys etc. and she will love the independence and you will love not having to pick everything up off of the floor again and again. Visit wwww.kiddiekangaroo.com for purchasing info and stores.

Hi L.,

We just completed our first flight to Europe with our 5 month old son. Our son did great leaving at 7:30 pm, right at bedtime. He nursed during take-off and landing. And by that I mean he pretty much slept the whole time as we predicted. Key to said sleeping was the American Airlines-provided bassinet. The bassinet attaches to the bulkhead wall of the plane. Getting the bassinet is quite an ordeal in itself. You can’t reserve it, you never really know (until the day of travel) if the plane you have will have one, and, even if it does, you can’t be guaranteed that the gate agents will move you to the required bulkhead seats. We lucked out this time on all counts. Four babies on the plane, only one bassinet. The unwritten rule is that the bassinet goes to the youngest baby, and our son won that competition. Then the nice gate agent set to work re-assigning the people who were previously assigned to these seats. Getting use of a bassinet may differ from airline to airline but in all it worked great for us.

Good Luck and happy travels!

Hi L.,

When I took my daughter on flights before she was one-years old (5 months, 7 months and 9 months) I always brought a boppy along so that I didn't need to worry that she would bang her head on the arm chairs. It also helped me to sleep knowing that she was secure.

Good luck on your flight!

I would not take a night flight with a baby or child, personally. Though my kids can fall asleep on a flight, it is not conducive to the best quality sleep. I also do not sleep well on airplanes so I would be completely exhausted after an all-night flight. Since sleep is such a fundamental need, for all of us, I try to preserve opportunities for good sleep, around travel or other plans. I've taken many flights with my kids through the baby/toddler years. Some flights have been easy, some have been not so easy. But it's always good to get to your destination, then have a cozy place for a good night's sleep.

I think you are best off if you get a good night's sleep before your flight, maybe see if you can get a flight that coincides with one of your daughter's nap times so she may sleep for part of the flight (but it's no guarantee) and just prepare yourself with her usual "meals," drinks, snacks, books, toys, whatever your daughter likes. Airplanes are pretty noisy while in the air, so if the noisy toys aren't super loud, I would think they're OK. Maybe get a new toy or two, if you can afford it, but the simplest and even familiar things can please a baby at that age, so a new toy may not make any difference. But I think the best thing you can do for her is just to be sure she is comfortable with the air pressure changes during take off and landing. When I travelled with my oldest son at 9 mos, a bottle with diluted juice was the perfect solution. He was not accustomed to having juice, so when I offered it to him, he was very eager to drink it, and that got him through the air pressure changes without any discomfort.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your trip!

Hi L.,
We just got home from adopting our (almost) 16 month old baby girl from Russia. She had never been on a plane, obviously, and had really never been anywhere. She did great! The flight from her region to Moscow was the most difficult and cramped. She slept at least half of the 10.5 hour flight from Moscow to Chicago. We flew at night, which was a godsend. Also, we were in a bulkhead seat and got the baby bassinet. She filled it out completely, but she was far more comfortable there than in our arms or in a car seat. We upgraded on the flight from Chicago to LA and sat in First Class, again at night and she was asleep on the runway, so probably slept 3.5 hours. As far as the other passengers go, we have all had rough flights with fussy babies. We suck it up. Babies are passengers, too. They should know to travel with earplugs by now. I do. Just make sure that she has something to drink or suck for takeoffs and landings. Good luck!
Blessings,
L.

I don't know about the time thing but when we took our daughter on a plane the first time it was during the day...Make sure you take lots of toys to keep her entertained and snacks for her. Also use a pacifier or bottle for when the plane is taking off and landing, this helps her ears pop and won't cause her any pain. On the plane ride we took, my daughter used a binkie and she didn't mind the pressure change at all, but the other little boy on the fight screamed on the way and on the way down...i felt so bad for him. if you are nursing, nurse during those times. Good luck and have fun on your vacation

Wow! What perfect timing. We just took our 7 month old flying for the first time and it turned out perfect! We only had a two hour flight and it went great! I brought with me a bottle filled with breastmilk and plenty of pacifiers and a warm cozy blanket. I also kept her up about two hours prior to getting to the airport so by the time we boarded and took off, she was super tired! We had her her own seat and she slept in her car seat. As far as im concerned, you should just make sure she sucks on either a pacifier or bottle during times of ear popping. Other than that you can have her on your lap and be playing with her almost the whole time. Our baby was a perfect angel:) Good luck!

I have traveled many times with my two kids from Maui to the east coast (by myself) and I always book a day flight. The reason is because of me. If we flew at night, I think they would both sleep, but I would NOT, so I would be exhausted, but they would be fresh and ready to go, so that would be bad. This is especially true if you will not buy a seat for the baby. I keep them awake as much as I can and try to time any naps with the time zone change that you will need. You didn't mention the length of the flight, or if you will be changing time zones. If flying west to east, your day will be shorter, so try to skip a nap and go to bed at the new time zone time. If flying east to west, you will have a really long day, so try to slip in an extra nap. Bring extra clothes for yourself as well as the baby. They toys will not be as noisy on the plane, because the engines make so much ambient noise. Get up and walk around whenever the opportunity presents itself, you will need changes of scene and there will probably be other kids who are bored and willing to say hi and show you their toys. Have a great time! The flight will be hard, but you will get through it and then you will have a great time!!

We Flew nonstop from LA to orlando When our first was 18 mos. Our ped. gave us ear drops for her ears to numb them so take of and landing were easier on her. I you do not want to do this then nurse or have her suck a bottle during take off/landing so her ears wont bug her. Stay calm through the process cuz she will get her cues from you. Also my husband brought my daughter on the plane last call so she wouldn't be on the whole time.

I'd take a day flight because you'll want to either nurse or give her a bottle during take off and landing because the pressure change can hurt her ears (more so than adults) and by swallowing, it'll relieve that pressure (so she won't be screaming from the pain). Passengers are more tolerant during the day, also, if she has 'noisy toys'. She should have things that make her comfortable, toys, blanket, books, etc.

Hi L.,

I just wanted to let you know that for us, traveling at night was a disaster! We were going from San Diego to Boston with our 12 month son, and figured that even if we didn't sleep at all, he would and it'd be the easiest way to do it for him. WRONG!! He was unable to sleep (although we had a layover and that definitely didn't help) so it destroyed his schedule before the trip had begun. Plus, my husband and I were completely strung out, it was really awful and just a bad idea all around. So I'd recommend going with the daytime flight. The motion and noise will probably put her to sleep, but if not, the sleep schedule isn't completely trashed.

Good Luck!

R.

Hi L.,
The time to travel is really up to you. We always took flights between 12 and 3 pm. My son was 6 months the first time and we've flown twice year from LA to NY since then. Up until he was about 4 years old he would fall asleep as soon as the plane took off. He would sleep 2 or 3 hours usually. The engines put him to sleep. You just have to make sure the baby is drinking or sucking on take off and landing to keep ear pressure down. Take lots of snacks, some books to read, some toys that don't make too much noise, her favorite little toy or blanket. When she's older it will be good to bring a DVD player. Bring lots of wipes and a change of clothes just in case. Change her before you get on the plane so she can go most of the plane ride with out you changing diapers.

Good luck! Hope this helps!

We have been flying with all of kids since they were about 3 months old. NEVER have had a problem with them screaming or disrupting any passengers, but we are also very present in their lives and there are rules.

We just got back from a trip to NY and it was 5 hours there and almost 7 back. Our kids are 6, 2 and 8 months. They all did wonderfully. Activities are important. Snacks are even more important. getting her up and holding her in the back is a good change in scenery. Evening flights are easiest, as they do sleep.

I have always nursed on take-off and landing to ensure there ears equalize.

My first flight with a 3 month old was solo....and I had WAY too much to carry. The baby, my purse, the diaper bag and I checked the stroller at the gate. Now, I bring cash, my phone, ID and 1 credit card in a little pouch inside a bad that contains 5 diapers, wipes, snacks and toys.

Good luck and have fun!

first of all dont worry what other passangers will think or say about your baby they dont matter. what i found was helpful was flying durring the day when they would be taking a nap. i flew with my daughter alone she was 8 months old. i left early in the morning (she had to be up at 430a to be on the plane by 630 and get through check in and security). my daughter slept half of our 3 hour flight. as for helpful tips heres a few that i learned and used for myself-

1. its best to buy your baby a seat so they can use their car seat or just so you can have your hands free while they sit and play. (i didnt buy a seat for my daughter our first flight and i was soo thankful that the seats next to me were empty and i let her play in them and she also layed down and slept in it too... our next flight we bought her a seat because it was a 7 1/2 hour flight)

2. only pack what you will need for the flight.(i only took on 2 bags - small diaper bag - 10 diapers small pk of wipes baggies for dirty diapers 2 cups 2 changes of clothes (appropriate for our destination) lots (and i mean LOTS) of dry snacks and lunch for her (liquids i bought after we passed through security) your id and money (so you can pack your purse) a copy of your babies birth certificate and shot records (some airports require the birth certificate).. in the other bag i had things to entertain her will small quiet toys a blanket baby books etc and something for me

3. make sure you bring all needed medications your baby will need durring this flight or trip.

4. i also have my daughter checked out by her dr before we go on a trip just so shes in good health and doesnt have an ear infection or something else.

5. you can check your stroller and car seat (if your not going to use it in flight) at the plane so you can have it available to use when you get off.

6. encourage your baby to suck on a bottle/paci/or nurse as the plane is taking off or landing this will help their ears.

7. did i mention lots of snacks lol

8. i sat my daughter by the window both flights she took and she loved to look out. now since you and your husband are both going and your little on is just 9 months then she can sit in the middle or someones lap to see out.

9. very helpful is to also change your baby before you bored just so you prevent any leaks.

10. i can not say it enough but have your family pre bored and get seated and settled before you have everyone rushing and pushing by you. (this is a lifesaver to do!!!)

other then that just enjoy your trip and i hope this is helpful :)

We've traveled a ton with our son and had some great experiences and some awful ones. At 9 months you should be fine since she's not mobile. Our son slept an entire red eye and had mega troubles napping when we flew during the day. On the other hand, we recently had a terrible red eye flight with him (he was 18 months) and he napped beautifully this past week from NYC to LA. You never know! Don't worry about too many toys. On an airplane, you'll be shocked at how exciting a plastic bottle of water can be! For food, we always brought a banana, avocado and whole wheat bagels plus my nursing milk.-www.weelicious.com

Hi L.,
I think the answer to your question depends on your child and how far you're going. If your baby will sleep anywhere and you have a really long flight, I'd go at night. If your baby is like mine and is very particular about her sleeping arrangements and the flight isn't that long, I'd do a day trip.
If your little girl isn't walking yet that makes things easier. You may want to bring a DVD player with some Baby Einstein videos, a bag filled with various items she call pull out and drop on the floor. Don't bring anything super noisy, you don't want to make angry passengers.
Best to you and happy travels,
S. G.

How long is the flight? If it is a couple hrs I'd do nap time. And bring cheerios. change the diaper at the last minute preboarding. changing a diaper on a plane is gross, and nearly impossible. Sit near the back by the engines. If your child is silent you'll still get sneers from people. You would think no one ever was a child or had a child when you are on an airplane.

My baby is almost 6 months, and we just did a flight and it was great. I basically breastfed her for take off and landing and she slept through the entire rest of the flight. Apparently, breastfeeding helps with the pressurization on their ears so they don't feel it, and babies who like car rides (because of the vibrations) also tend to like plane rides for sleeping. Also, you can call the airline the day of your flight to find out how full it is. If it's not full, they'll let you put a car seat on the seat next to you free of charge, and that may be easier on you than having the baby on your lap all night. Best of luck!