Flying Solo with a 8 1/2 Mo Old to AZ

Sounds like you are flying Southwest. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you check in online 24 hours before you leave. You NEED to get in the "A" group. Trust me. Southwest changed their boarding policy back in November and people with kids under 4 can still pre-board, but only after all the other pre-boarders and the A-group. If you get a boarding card that says A-group you get to board with the A-group; you will be closer to the front (less stuff, seats and people to walk through) and there are fewer people saving seats for their friends/family in the C-group.

I did not bring my pump because I was going to be around my son the whole trip to breast feed. I did bring my sling for breastfeeding in public/on the plane. Worked great!

I didn't have any trouble with baby food/milk. I packed a small cooler with his food. (Much of it was frozen ice cubes) because I make my own) and I bought water on the other side of security for his oatmeal.

Traveling alone, I limited the number of carry ons I had. I have a backpack that he can sit in, so I brought that and one other bag + his stroller. I gate checked his stroller. When we went down the ramp to the plane, I put him in his backpack, so I could easily fold the stroller up with 2 hands. (On the way home he was in the sling, which worked great too.) I put the backpack in the overhead compartment when we got on the plane, and he slept in the sling most of the way to Florida.

Southwest has covers for their drinks! Ask for a cover for your drink (and his if he gets juice). You don't have to worry as much about a squirming baby and bumping the tray.

As for the bathroom, I took him with me in the sling. A little (ok, a lot) tight, but do-able. On the way home, I went before I got on the plane and held it until I got off.

Good Luck,
Danielle

Hi,

I have a nearly 11-month baby. I've been flying solo with him several times, including 2 trips to Europe. It always went smoothly.

1- I always tried to take night/evening flights. That way the baby would be sleeping most of the way.
2- I carry him on a sling. This is very convenient. It avoids the need of a stroller. It secures the baby on your laps in case you're dozing or during turbulences. It allows you to go to the bathroom when you need to (even though, on some flights, the attendants would propose to watch the baby while you go). If you take this option, take a sling (or carrier) you're use to put on and off because TSA usually requires that you remove it when passing the security.
3- Take comfortable easy to remove and put on shoes (you have to remove them for security screening) and avoid all items that may slow you at the security. You're already stressed and tires because you have the bags + the baby, so you don't want to add more stress in removing jewels/belts/metal hair clips...
4- I never had any problem with the milk and baby food. Just make sure to pack them in small and hermetic units. Together with the baby food, I also carry some basic medicine (tylenol, teething pain relif) in case needing during the flight. Feel free to call TSA prior the flight to check with them on waht you can carry.
5- Nurse you baby for take off and landing (for the pressure on her ears) or give her a bottle.
6- I usually buy a few new toys for the events to ditract my son during the flight.
7- Take a changing pad with you. Not all plane have changing table. For this also the sling was handy. I could prepare all the stuff (diaper/pad/wipes) in the bathroom and lie my baby down at the very last minute.
8- Don't let other passengers stress you out. If you feel nervous and stresses (especially if your baby is crying), you baby will feel ot ans cry even more. Stay calm and reassuring.
9- I know most people advised you to check the pump. In fact, I always took the pump with me, just in case the luggage would be lost. My pump is a small manual one, so it was very manageable.

I hope this helped. have a nice trip,

Geranska

I flew with my daughter when she was around the same age...its not easy! Bring plenty of things to keep her distracted ie. toys, books, lovey etc. When you do go to the bathroom either hold her in your lap or place her on the changing station (its close enough quarters so you can keep one hand on her and do your business withthe other)
Bring a stroller as they will check it at the gate for you. I was nursing but didnt bring any additional breast milk as I had enough to feed an orphanage.
Maybe you can pack a cooler and bring it on with you. Call ahead to verify though. Usually they are leniant with things like that.

My advice is to put her in a Snuggly carrier for the plan ride. We travel often with our 3 boys, under 4. Whenever I have a baby on a flight, I put him in the snuggly and it frees up my hands for things I need to carry and get out at the airport. Also, he seems to sleep better in that and when you are sitting on the plane, your arms don't get exhausted from holding them for such a long time. Have a good trip...you'll be fine!

H.,
The worst part is before you even go on the trip. You get so worried about the flight, bathroom breaks, etc....but it all works out ok in the end.
I just took a flight with my 18 month old son from NH to CA (he has flown 3 times since birth), and he was wonderful.
Helpful hints: Pacifiers are good for take-offs and landings as they help to "pop" the ears, or a bottle. I would not bring home-made food on the flight, I would stick with jarred baby food as it is easier to identify for the TSA (you dont want to get help up over that). And since the flight is not too long, the baby will not need tons of food anway. Carry on: I would bring toys/books that your baby loves to play with, as well as a blankie, diapers, wipes, etc. The TSA is usually pretty good about food/drink items for the baby. If you are worried about it, call the TSA/airport and ask them specific questions so you will know ahead of time. Not sure if you have lay-overs, but it would be a good idea to bring a stroller if you do. You will be holding your little one all flight, you do not want to continue that thru the airport. Some of the older planes do not have changing stations so what when my son was younger was just lay him on my lap facing me and changed him that way. Practice at home before you go so you can both try it. I would go ahead and bring the pump with you on your checked in luggage (one less thing to carry on your carry on). I would not worry about pumping and bringing milk on your checked luggage. Again, when my son was younger, i did bring one bag or two with my carry on and they let be do that.
Anyway, hope your flight goes well! Last week on my flight, people made a comment to me that my son was sooo good on the flight. I made a face and told them I did not think so. The woman said to me that the people around do not care if he talks, moves around, or even cries. Thats what babies do. The mother is more concerned about keeping her baby quite than anyone else.
So, relax, and enjoy your trip. Keep in mind that the flight home will be easier thanks to loving grandparents. :)
Melissa

About carry-ons and extra breast milk: if you're flying out of Bradley, know that when we traveled with my son, they told us that even though the TSA regulations say that breastmilk and ready-made formula can be brought on board, they made mothers dump milk in excess of one bottle, rather than carry on. Stupid, huh? Also, I don't know how you prepare her food, but I know my home-prepared food is frozen. Are you just going to let it sit unrefrigerated and hope it thaws in time for her to eat? When we travel is pretty much the only time I buy jar baby food -- it's much easier and less to worry about, and it sounds like you have enough to worry about already!

I don't have any advice about the food as I tend to stuff whatever is available in my kids. That being said I have nursed on lots of planes sitting next to all kinds of people and never had a bad experience. And although you think you can't, in fact you can use those little bathrooms with a kid on your lap/in your arms, etc. just takes all your muscles and coordination. But it is not impossible. You will be happy when the trip is over, but you will be fine during, I am sure. Good luck.

I've flown alone with both my children, starting when my daughter (now almost 6 years) was only 7 weeks, and I've never bought a seat for them. Here's my tips:
1. Get a soft infant carrier to wear. This frees up your hands and helps keep your baby safe if you doze off. The airlines never used to let you wear one during take-off and landing, but they've changed that policy. And when you need to go to the bathroom you can squeeze in and do your business with your baby along for the ride. If you have your infant carrier, you can make do in the airport for connections without a stroller.
2. I would consider buying a few jars of a good organic food for the flight. Unfortunately sometimes we have to give in to conveniences and I'm not sure how TSA will handle food that's not in sealed containers.
3. Freeze anything you need to put in your checked baggage (breast milk, food, etc.) and pack them in a soft cooler to keep them cool. Baggage stays pretty cold on the plane, so it won't spoil.
4. Don't bring a stroller unless you absolutely need it, and if you do, bring an umbrella-style. They are easier to deal with since they're smaller, and if it's damaged, it's only about $20 to replace. Both my sister and I have had strollers completely destroyed by the airlines and they won't cover the damage.
5. Airlines will allow you to check one car seat per child in addition to your allowed 2 bags. Ask them to wrap it in plastic to keep it clean and make sure your name is on it.
6. Make sure you have a pacifier, bottle, or breast ready for your baby during take-off and landing. The sucking and swallowing will help with the pressure on her ears.
7. Try to sit on an aisle and I avoid the bulkhead because of the way the trays open from the side.
8. Don't let other passengers make you feel discouraged or embarrassed by your child. You are a proud mama with every right to travel and you are experiencing a wonderful memory-in-the-making.
9. Bring along baby's birth certificate. Some airlines want it to verify baby's age.
Good luck and enjoy this experience!

Hi H.,
I just made a trip to FL with my 3 y/old and 5 y/old. While I have never traveled with a child as young as your daughter- I do have some advice. The airline will let you take the stroller right to the gate and down to the door to the plane. They will take it and stow it below for you and bring it up to the door when you arrive as well. This is great so you don't have to carry so much except right onto the plane. Flight attendants are very helpful too. They will help you stow your carry-ons and get settled.
Make sure you use the bathroom right before you board- maybe you can make the whole trip without having to go. If you have to go on the plane- use a sling or carrier for your daughter. This way you can just wear her and have a hand free for using the bathroom yourself.
I wouldn't try to make my own baby food for the short time you are traveling. I made my own food too- but it's easier just to grab some store bought food for traveling. Then you can toss the containers. If you use disposable spoons you don't have to worry about any dirty dishes. Sometimes it's okay to go for convenience. You know she eats great most of the time.
My pediatrician recommended Benedryl for a long car trip we took not too long ago. He said there was nothing wrong with giving my girls a dose to make them drowsy and to make the trip go more smoothly. He told us to give them a double dose- and it worked like a charm! I would definitely check with your own pediatrician first though. If it worked- your daughter could just sleep the trip away!
Good luck!

Hi H.,
Good luck with the flight! I took my son to England by myself when he was 9 months old. It went much better than I thought since most airline staff very helpful when they see you are trying to do this by yourself. I took frozen breastmilk in my hand luggage in cool packs (at the time taking liquids on board was an issue - but frozen wasn't a problem!) and packed my pump in my suitcase. I took jarred baby food on board and packed the baby food grinder in suitcase (not allowed on board because of the blade). Going to the bathroom is tricky - but since I wasn't willing to ask a stranger to watch him i just balanced him on my knee!
Have a great trip!
S.

Hi H.,

I travel often from Boston to Houston with my daughter (she is 8 months today!). I don't know how you feel about this, but my pedi suggested that I give her 1/4 teaspoon of childrens benadryl before the flight to help with her ears. It works well. Make sure she either nurses or has a bottle on the way up and on the way down to help with pressure in her tiny ears.

Take the stroller and gate check it. It comes in VERY handy for hanging around the airport (and/or running from gate to gate) with the baby and all the stuff that comes with her. You can stroll her all the way to the door of the plane, then pick up the stroller at the door of the plane in Sedona. Such a help!

For the bathroom -- go before you get on the plane. It's a fiasco otherwise. Also, note that some planes do not have baby changing stations, so you'll have to do a balancing act on the closed toilet to change her diaper if you need to. Just make sure you have a changing pad, wipes and diaper in hand so you don't have to fumble around with a diaper bag while holding onto your baby to make sure she doesn't slide onto the floor, half naked, in that closet of a bathroom.

Pack for an entire day -- 3 meals/bottles, appropriate diapers and extra extra wipes (they come in handy for everything). You will essentially be in transit for the entire day, even without delays, so pack your carry on accordingly. Make sure you have a couple of baby blankets too in case it's cold on the plane (or you need to nurse, etc).

Surprisingly, I find most people are very helpful when they see a mom/baby duo traveling together. Even folks at the airport were very accommodating.

Good luck and have a fun trip!!

Packing breast milk might lead to security opening your bag to find out what the liquid (frozen or not) is - I'd call the airport for advice on that.

As for the bathroom, invest in a good baby carrier if you don't have one already. I LOVE the ergo carrier (which has a pocket that can hold a wallet), you can wear it as a front or backpack. The Moby wrap is nice too, and not as hard to work out as it looks. I own and use both on a regular basis - they each have their own benefits.

My only other advice is to give your baby something to eat/drink at takeoff and landing to prevent ear pain.

Good luck!

I am a mom of a 6 month old. We just took a flight to Florida 2 weeks ago. I poured all the breatmilk into baggies only 3 oz per bag, then I placed them in the freezer. You can bring as many bags of milk on as needed as long as they do not contain more than 3.4 oz per bag. As we were getting ready to leave I packed them in the softsided mini cooler along with his food which I also stored in plastic zip lock baggies.I then put the cooler in our carry on backpack. It worked out great!!! And if you need to heat the food on the plane you can ask for a cup of warm water to float the baggies in.

I did not carry on my pump I packed it away in the luggage since you have the ability to nurse her as you fly and at the airport.

As far as the bathroom goes I recommend trying to limit your liquids since the bathrooms are very small it's tough. If you need to change a diaper, we put the seat down on the toilet to change him there. It's not an easy task, but effective!!

Not sure if you baby still fits into a front loading baby carrier(bijorn) but if she does that's what I used to carry my baby on the airplane and through the airport.

Southwest flight attendants are great they are more than willing to help out in anyway that they can.
Good luck with you trip.

I'm sure when you go to the bathroom you can have one of the attendants to watch the baby. They can't go anywhere with it because your in an airplane and they have people watching them everywhere anyway. I don't know what to say about how to carry breast milk but, if I were you, I would ask the airline that you are flying with.

Hi H.... I just flew twice with my 7 month old son in Dec. by myself and I was freaked out too. Car seats and strollers and all that can be checked early at the gate right before you get on the plane. What I did was when you get to the gate(early) they tag them for you. So as soon as you get off the plane it is waiting for you before you enter the airport. I found that having my stroller was great because I could put everything right in there and not struggle with the baby etc. Because you do not have the stoller you should use a baby bjorn. This worked like a charm to walk thru the airport and still be able to carry your carry on. Also definitly pump and carry a couple of botles with you because they say when the cabin air changes sucking n a bottle helps their ears adjust. As far as the bathroom goes..just don't drink much before you get on because I think that will be impossible! Another note I brought with me baby tylenol just incase. I was lucky and he slept the entire flight both times.

Good luck but next time I would bring the stoller to be able to quickly get through the airport with her.

I feel for you. I am flying with my 9 month old overseas in two weeks. I have a bit more experience than you (I also have a 4 y/o and a 3 y/o.) The key is to bring as little as possible!!! The space is very limited when you have a child in your lap (you can't even put down your tray to eat). I also fly with a little harness for them that attaches to your seatbelt (I find this safer). I would bring an umbrella stroller that you can roll right into the plane. If you are nursing on-board then I would check your pump (too much stuff). And those bathrooms are bigger than you realize, I have gone in there with a child on my lap, and one standing. SO you make the best of it. Just remember it is only a short time...and be sure you are prepared for security...I almost find that to be more of a hassle than anything.

Be patient and remember that regardless of what happens, there's a very good chance that you'll never see any of your co-passengers again! Sounds terrible but it's very true and remembering it helps to keep you calm if baby is less than perfect during your travels!

I haven't flown in the latest era of restrictions on carry on stuff - I'd call the airline and speak to a customer service rep directly with your questions - every airline is a little different and you want to know exactly what to expect.

You will need your stroller inside the airport - you can wheel it all the way to your gate and gate check it there. The staff will stow it for you and it will be there right outside the airplane door when you disembark so you'll be able to wheel your little one right back up the ramp - helpful when your hands are full with diaper bags!

As for flying itself, do your best to hold off feeding her until your taking off - the sucking tends to help baby's ears with the changes in cabin pressure. I've also requested seats in the rear of planes or closes to the engines - the noise lulled my girls to sleep and quite frankly helped to drown out our fussy noises! It's also closer to the bathrooms - so there's lots of people watching for the baby to do! I carried a bag of new little age appropriate toys for my girls and took them out one at a time to make their interest last as long as possible. I don't have suggestions on bathroom breaks - I held it! My flights were shorter though. Goodness - I might be flying with all three of my munchkins later this winter - what on earth am I going to do if one of them has to go??? Diaper days were definately easier! Good luck and enjoy your trip!