Flight and 7 Months Old

Granted that's a lot longer of a flight than I've taken with my son, but It actually was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

Bring snacks, toys, books etc. My son either slept most of the flight or just had a blast either interacting with the people sitting next to me, or playing with the magazines that were on the plane.

Oh ya he also thought the barf bag was the COOLEST haha

I flew when my son was 7 months old also. I thought it would be terrible. I breastfed my son, and on the airplane when he got crabby I would just pop a boob in his mouth. Im sure a bottle would work the same also. It helps to pop their ears too. If your lucky, the airplane won't be completely full and after the boarding is done your baby can have an empty seat since they usually aren't granted to kids under 2. That happened to us 4 out of 5 flights. It was very nice having the extra room and as soon as someone on the plane sits next to you with a baby you will get "the look". No one wants to sit next to the crying baby. Been there, done that. I wouldn't give your baby Benadryl. I asked my doctor about it before we flew and she said it can actually have adverse affects and make the baby crabby and not- sleepy.

I flew with my 2 kids when they were 7 months and barley 3 years old. I wouldnt give your baby benadryl, just bring toys for your baby to play with. I had a very long flight from birmingham, al to los angeles, ca and had to stop in houston, tx. So I'm sure you'll be fine. You can also bring little snacks for your baby to munch on. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine. I did it with 2 all by myself so I'm sure you can do it with 1.

For your baby bottles, you can take sealed 3oz ready-made formula through security. Do NOT prepare the bottles before hand. Otherwise, buy bottled water once you are through security.

Buy a seat for baby. If you haven't bought your seats yet, buy them in the bulk head. There is more leg room. Since you will be travelling alone, take the one diaper bag for baby, and then one backpack for you. Check all other baggage. You can take a stroller (strap the carseat base to the stroller) up to the gate and down to the plane. The airline personnel will meet you at the door and take the stroller/carseat base from you. They will bring it back to the plane door when you land.

For going through security, where easy slip on shoes. I don't know the rules for taking a stroller through security, but it can be done.

Don't use any drugs to sedate your child. You and baby will be just fine without it. Like others suggested, bring what you need for the flight to entertain baby and extra diapers, wipes, clothes, and formula (if not breastfed). You will want baby sucking on something on the take off and departure (eating or a pacifier).

Let others help you with your things. I just got back from a trip on Tuesday and used the baby's Graco carseat and stroller to the gate and checked them there. Both had to go through the xray machine at security so I had to let someone help me put them in....normally TSA agents will do this but let the person behind you help to speed things up IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE with this.

Don't over pack your carry-on items and become a pack mule and have to carry the baby. You can do it. Give yourself plenty of time so you don't have one more thing to stress yourself out.

I would NOT do benadryl. Especially not if you do not know how your child recats to it. My daughter was precribed benadryl at 8 months for a rash. She would fall asleep quickly on it, sleep very deeply for four hours and as soon as it wore off, she woke up drugged and drowsy and in a terrible mood. It was hard enough to deal with this at home, I would NOT want to deal with it on a plane!

I have been taking my daughter to Europe by myself several times since she was 3.5 months old. Let's face it flying isn't fun for anybody, but we survived!
Since a 12 hours flight sounds like it will be international, call your airline and ask for a bassinet seat. They are lifesavers when travelling with little ones!
Take plenty of snacks and toys, prepare for nusing a lot (or bring bottles if not breastfeeding) and don't forget extra snacks and drinks for yourself.
At 7/8 months flying was still pretty easy for us. Yes, there was an hour of screaming here and there (but being honest even I want to scream after sitting on a plane for a few hours). Bring a carrier or wrap so you can easily carry your baby up and down the aisle. Also learn how to operate it alone (put baby in an out) and practice using the bathroom with baby strapped to you.
Since international flights have early check-ins, bring a blanket and some toys, so baby can move freely and play in the airport. This is also great if you have a layover or delays.
I like to get gallon sized ziploc bags and put everything in bags and then in my carry on (bottles in one bag, finger food in another, jarred food in another, pacifiers, toys... you get the idea) that way to don't have to dig through all of the stuff in your bag and stuff it back in when you found what you need.
Last but not least:
If you have an option, pay the extra $$$ for a better airline. It's worth it!
And ask for help when you need it. I found that flight attendants were very helpful with holding/watching my daughter for a few minutes while I was using the bathroom, bring me things and helping me with my carry ons.
Good luck!

Buying a seat for your baby will help so you can put him/her in the car seat and have your hands free. Here are some ideas to keep the baby occupied too.

http://www.bigbluetrunk.com/ourcorner/550