Flying with 8 Month Old

Hi T.,
My husband and I flew with our then 7.5 month old daughter to San Juan...and we did not buy a seat. We still had her in the snap n go, so we strollered up to the gate, asked if there was an extra seat, no!, so we 'gate checked' the stroller bottom and car seat right there. That is nice because you can get it when you de-plane and push him through the airport. I wore my baby bijorn on the plane (safer for them)and gave her a bottle, or nursed or pacifier during the take offs and landings. She slept part of the way (facing towards me) then played the other time with some books, etc that I brought, and I faced her forward. On the way home, I was a little tired of being straped into her, so my husband took a turn, holding her....but I have to say, after all the reading I had done about how unsafe it is to not have have a seat for your baby, I felt really uncomfortable not having her 'buckled in'. After we were done...we said to eachother, next time we will not fly without a seat for her. One thing was that she fell asleep on her own by then, and so it was hard for her to do it in my lap. But with you going to florida, not a long flight in the scheme of things, and the tickets might be $$$, then you just suck it up and hope for the best. I suggest some touchy feely books (like the soft play ones with elmo and sesame street) that he has never seen and some interactive toys. I went up to Timeless Toys, on Lincoln, the other day and they had some great small things to bring with you while you travel. (We are flying again in two weeks with our now 1 year old, and I bought the gogobaby roller thing that attaches to the britax seat....highly recommended from a friend of mine who travels a lot with her baby, it stays on the carseat and you can plop it into the airline seat!).
Good Luck and remember your babies cry is WAY louder in your ears than others! C.

I also recently took my one year old son to Mexico....one great tip that someone gave me is don't let your son drink anything an hour or two before the flight....wait until the airplane is on the run way and taking off...have that bottle ready then....so that he can be swallowing all the way up...this will alleviate the pressure in his ears naturally...since he will be drinking his bottle. And then do the same thing when the plane is landing. This will help you tremendously...that way he won't be crying due to the pressure in his ears. Also take his favorite toys to play with, my son really likes books, so I took a bunch I could read to him. Most planes now have baby changing stations in the bathrooms, so that shouldn't be a problem either. Enjoy, I'm sure it will be great.

Hi T.,

I have two boys (3 and 12) and these are some tips that I can offer you for flying with babies:

Half an hour before the flight give the baby some tylenol, to avoid earaches during the flight.

give him something to suck on: a pacifier or a bottle to keep his ears from hurting.

bring with you a favorite toy or books that will keep him happy and busy.

do not board the plane right away, so that you are not stuck longer than necessary sitting with the baby on the plane.

good luck and have fun!

Hi T.,
I recently flew with my 17 month old son for the first time on United to Pennsylvania. I purchased a seat for him and strapped the car seat in. This worked well with the exception of having to drag the car seat, the baby, and carry on luggage alone through the airport as my husband didn't come on this trip. It was good though to have the car seat with us when we rode in cars once we arrived in PA and during our stay. On the flight to PA, there was a couple behind me with 2 small children which they held on their laps. This seemed to work fine as well. The flight wasn't completely booked so they had empty seats beside them and occasionally switched holding the 2 children between each other. With your baby being only 8 months, if you purchase a seat, you might end up picking him up and snuggling with him throughout the flight anyway. But then there's the safety concern with potential turbulence where having him strapped in a car seat would protect him. I know it was a hard decision for me, too. I hope you enjoy your vacation with your little one.

If your baby uses a pacifier make sure he is sucking on it during take off and landing, that will help him with the changing pressure.

Also if he is good in the car, or normally sleeps during longer car rides, chances are he'll sleep most of the plane ride.

good luck

T.,
We have travelled on 2 different trips before our child was one. One time was Southwest and they allow you to pre-board. We got the first row which had the extra leg room. The 2nd trip we took, our son was 8 months old and he was more active and did not want to sit. We brought toys, books, and snacks. As others stated, if there is an extra seat they will let you have it - bring the car seat. If there is are no extra seats, they will take the car seat and check it at the gate, along with the stroller. As others stated, you will either need to nurse, bring a bottle or pacifier for the take-off and landing.

Hi T.! My son was on about 10 different planes by the time he turned one. He flew with us the first time at 3 months. I remember being really nervous too. It was great though. The attendants (and patrons) are very helpful, especially if you are flying alone with the baby. Because the flight was not overbooked, I asked at the gate if we could be put in a row with an extra seat. I also brought plenty of my sons favorite things. At 8 months, obviously they are very curious and its hard to get them to sit still but I found that singing a silly song quietly into my sons ear worked like a charm. We also brought plenty of books and toys as well as snacks. Some pediatricians will recommend a little benedryl a 1/2 hour before the flight for kids with sensitive ears, but moms will also tell you, it doesn't hurt to use it for a fussy baby to get them to relax on the plane. If you don't like that idea, bring bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups for take-offs and landings. it helps their ears. Hope some of that helps. Good luck. Don't forget to let your flight attendant know when you board that you may need some assistance if you are travelling alone.

I tried to read throught to not duplicate and only got through about half but to that point, the only thing I would add is to always bring your stroller and car seats to the gate even if you don't end up being able to bring the car seat onto the plane. The items checked at the gate are FOR SURE on the right plane. It's no fun to arrive somewhere and have your carseats and/or stroller accidentally somewhere else. The airline will give you "loaner" car seats until they deliver yours (usually within 24 hours) but they won't help you with a spare stroller.

Happy Travels! OH, remember too, if you are having fun, so will your baby. They can always sense if you are stressed so HAVE FUN!!!

My daughter is now 2 years old and she has been on an airplane 5 or 6 times now. Traveling is never easy with little ones. My biggest suggestion is do not drag loads of things on board. Consolidate and condense, it will make your life much easier. Make sure that your baby bag is a backpack type for ease and use of your hands when going through the airport and security. We definitely had her stroller through the airport and checked it at the ramp when boarding the plane. We brought just a few of her favorite things and hoped for the best. It gets easier!!

Hi, my name is S.. We were travelling by airplane with our daughter as well when she was about 8 months old. Our concern was that she might have a problem with air pressure during take off / landing. My suggestion is to have a drinking bottle in hand or if you like an ear cover (you can use the one for swimming) for your son. Just give the water to drink or put the ear cover during take off or landing. Those will help to avoid his ears plug up. The water worked well with our daughter. Good luck!

Hi T.,
It's great you're getting away! I first flew with my 6 mo old son and my husband to Colorado. (About the same time as to Florida.) We didn't get a 3rd seat and we did fine. Sammie sat on my lab the whole time and my husband held him a few times to help. I nursed him on the way up and down (or give a bottle) and he slept for most of the flight. If you can book your flight for near a nap time, that would probably be best. He'll stay up in the airport because of the excitement and activity and when you finally sit and relax, he will too. Have fun snacks, juice/milk, quite toys, or soft music toys nearby and his lovey if he has one. We checked the car seat and took the stroller all the way to the gate, which was great because then we didn't need to lug all our stuff all the way. When you get off the plane it's waiting for you right there-very nice. Bring at least 2 changes of clothes in your diaper bag and plenty of wipes and diaper garbage bags. Try to change his diaper just before the flight and you probably wont have to during the flight, those bath rooms are NOT friendly, as I'm sure you know. Some doctors are ok with giving your child a dose of benadryl before flying to relax them, we didn't do this, but if the flight going there turned bad, I was willing to give the meds on the return flight; whatever works. Relax yourself, you'll have a great time and things will be ok. Make sure your hubby is willing to take on half the battle when you need a break. Have fun!!! S. - mom of Sammie (2 3/4) and Benji (15 mo.)

My kids and I fly a lot. My youngest is 9 mos. old and has already flown multiple times, each time on southwest and each time without a ticketed seat. You should always remember to bring a copy of your baby's birth certificate or his up to date immunization records. It seems kind of silly that you would have to prove an eight month old is under two, but it happens. When you check your baggage, ask if the flight is full, or if you might have a chance to bring your car seat on board. If the flight is full, check the seat right there. No point lugging that thing around the airport if you're not going to use it. If the flight isn't full, bring it to the gate and ask again there. They will let you know if you can bring it on board. If not, they will gate check it for you, along with your stroller.
Remember to bring lots of his favorite snacks. It's also important to have something to drink for take off's, remember, if your son drinks apple juice or water, they have that on the plane if you need to refill. Bring lots of small toys, favorite ones and some new ones, just to keep from baby boredom, because that's when the trouble starts. I have an older child that watches a portable dvd player on the plane, but it really came in handy with the baby this last trip when all that would keep him happy was his favorite baby genius dvd, so I would highly recomend a dvd player for now and in the future (unless you're anti-tv, like some moms are).
Good luck with your trip.

hi , i flew last christmas with my twins , as long as they are under 2 they can sit on your lap , i suggest bringing a paci if you use one it helps with your babys ears not popping in take off and landing of the flight, i dont know if your son travels well in a car but my girls do , they slept the entire way from ohio to colorado , i am flying again this christmas with the girls and our new baby girl , shell be 6 months when we go , the airline told me we didnt need a seat for her but we do for the girls . also you can check your carseat with your luggage and if you need to bring a stroller because of layovers bring a little umbrella one (thats what we had to do last flight) they will just take them when you board the plane and hold them for you so youve got it to get around easier in the airport :)good luck!

Take a look at OneStepAhead.com online. They have a harness sort of device for babies to wear during flight when they are not in a car seat. I think your son is old enough tho wear it. It goes around his waist and I believe it fastens into the seat belt. It is FAA approved. Otherwise, try waiting until takeoff and landing to nurse/give him a bottle. It will help equalise the pressure in his ears as well as sooth him and he might just fall asleep. The rule of thumb I use is one toy for every 15 minutes that you need him to be occupied and relatively still. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

C.

First of all, Southwest is a great airline to fly with. It's so nice that they let families with small children board first. You get to pick where you want to sit without the pressure of a million people behind you. Secondly, bring plenty of stimuli for the flight. You're flight isn't that long (I've flown to Tampa & Ft Lauderdale with my son). I've brought along our portable DVD player with his favorite Baby Einstein videos, snacks, something to drink (for ear relief on the way up & down). Bring a new toy - that will prolong the attention span on one item!! Have a great time. Good luck.

Hello T.:)

I am a mother of a 15 month old little girl who has flown with me on Southwest atleast for 6 round trips now. Everytime I have not purchased a ticket for her and just had her in my lap.

One suggestion would be to try and have the flight schedule at the same time as he/she would take their nap.

Also, get to the airport early so you can change the diaper, feed, and play with the infant so he/she will be less resistant of being confined on the plane.

My daughter and I just got back from a trip this past weekend and it was the first time it was difficult. She has started walking so she is not to fond of staying in my lap now. I asked the pharmacist for any recommendations and he told me to give her Benedryl right before we get on the plane to make her sleepy. I did not do it going out there, but I did do it coming back and it really made a difference.

I felt guilty at first, but then I realized that it is worse for her to be stressed out and upset as apposed to sleepy (not drugged feeling). Ask your doctor for their recommendations as well.

One other nice thing about Southwest is that if the infant is still in their infant car seat, and the flight is not full, they will let you put the infant car seat in the seat at no charge. You just ask them right before they start boarding.

Hope this helps! There is no right way to travel for everyone, just a way that works best for you and your child.

Good luck!

H.

My husband and I traveled this past December to Disney on Southwest with our 3 children. At the time our children were 4, 1 and 8 months. We only purchased a seat for our 4 year old. I held my son and he held the baby. It worked out just fine. The baby slept just about the whole time. When the plane took off and landed I just made sure she had a bottle to drink. It supposedly helps with the ears if they don't take a pacifier.

We flew Southwest all the time when our daughter was first born because three out of our four parents were ill. They are very accomodating. You will board first/pre board. Remember to bring his birth certificate or current immunizatino records as proof of id for him. Also, if the flight is not full you can bring his car seat and belt him in before the other passengers board. We did this a few times and offered to take the seat off the plane if it got too full but the airline typically would try to accomodate you if this flight was not full. Also give him a bottle or soemthing to eat during take off and landing to help prevent his ears popping. Hope this helps.

Even though you didn't book a seat for your child bring your car seat to the gate. That way if there is an extra seat you will have the car seat with you. If the flight is full they will gate check your seat and stroller. You will get to board first since you are with a small child so you don't have to worry about getting there super early. Also, with southwest you can get your boarding passes at home before you leave for the airport, just check it out online.
As for your baby on the flight, be sure you have a bottle, nuk for your child to suck on at take off and landing (it helps with ears popping). Some friends have also given children's benedril (sorry about spelling). It helps with sleeping on the flight. If you try this give your child a dose before when at home to see how he reacts (some kids have the opposite reaction). You can tell the pharmists your child's weight and they will give you the correct dosage.
I flew with my daughter when she was a year to CA. She did great. Slept almost the whole way.
Enjoy your trip.

A little about me:

Mother of 2 ages 5 and 3. I fly southwest alot. (my friend is a flight attendent on Southwest)

I don't know if anyone else has mentioned it, but you could try to get there early and request bulkhead seats( these are the seats in the first row. They have extra leg room and you can be a lot more comfortable. If your son sits up, you can make a makeshift play area.
Good luck!

Make sure to bring your car seat if an available seat is open you will want to put your baby in the car seat. They do not understand why they can not get down. At least in the car seat they don't ususally fuss. Also check with your Dr. My sister gave me a tip that has always worked. Give a a dose of decongestant b/c babies ears hurt and they don't know when to swallow or un plug them. Make sure to have plenty of extra bottles incase of delay. I also suggest a few new small toys to keep the baby occupied. OOh almost forgot you can bring your stroller up to the gate. You check it in when you enter the Plane. ( Sister tip) Works Great

Hi T.,
I just came across this website and had previously sent it to a friend who will be traveling abroad soon. Maybe you will find some useful information on there too!
www.gobaby.com
They have advice on traveling as well as products for traveling with kids.
Hope this is helpful!
D.
p.s. A doctor told me to give our son Benadryl just before boarding and he napped almost the entire flight, which was 8 hours to and from England! He was also 9 months old. Ask your pediatrician what dose would be right for the weight of your son. Beware, I have heard that there is a very slight chance of it having the opposite effect and can make a few babies hyper and wide awake.

Make sure to give him a pacificer of take off and landing.
It is much easier if you buy him his own seat and bring the car seat.
I just did this on a trip to Florida with my 14 month old daughter.
She was safe in her seat and slept in it.

I love flying Southwest with my daughter because, as long as there is even one open seat on the flight, they'll let you board first (skipping the cattle call) and claim it if you have the carseat with you. Makes all the difference. I flew just to Columbus and back with my daughter, by myself for the first time, and the trip was so easy b/c of Southwest.

We flew to NYC with her when she was 7.5 months with no seat and it was also fine b/c, since there were 2 of us, she could bounce between us when she was awake and we could switch off holding her while she slept. I found it easiest to actually strap her in the Baby Bjorn while she slept b/c it left my hands free and I felt like she was more secure than if I was just holding her. At that age she loved the airport and the plane b/c it was like one big audience for peek-a-boo.

Hi T.!

I flew with my son to Colorado the first time for a funeral and we did not have to buy a 3rd seat. He did great on my lap and his father's lap. I brought some toys and books and he was great! He was about your sons age when I took him on his first flight. Now he loves to fly. He's not scared at all! I wish you the best of luck and have a great vacation. Don't worry about it! Things will be great! :)

A.

Hi, T..

Have no fear, I flew with my daughter once a month until she reached 2 years old, and we actually had to pay for the seat. A good idea is to talk with the counter agent when you are checking in to see if there is any extra seats on the plane and that you would like to be next to one just in case your child doesn't take well to flying, "for the sake of the other flyers", that's what I used to tell them, and it's nice for you to have the extra space for entertaining your youngster. Next, try to put off feeding until you are on the runway. This will make sure your child is creating that suckle that keeps your eardrums from popping. Kind of like an adult chewing gum. A pacifier will work as long as the child is actively sucking. And don't forget to keep some for the way down either. Other than that, my daughter loved turbulance, kind of like a great knee ride for her and the more the better. They don't know to be afraid of anything like that yet. Enjoy!

Dear T.,

I too just traveled with my little man. My advice is this: KISS, Keep It Simple Sweetie. I made that my mantra. I imagined a great mother I'd seen. She was so good at what she was doing. So together, Organized, Calm, Deliberate. I modeled her- pretended I was her. I had a great time. Little man slept on the plane and woke up "in the clouds" with mamma. Enjoy yourself, Let Go, Let God and Take LOTS of pictures.

M.

Although we never flew with our daughter at 8 months..we did at 2 months, and now do every 3-4 months since she was 15 months old! The best is to try and schedule during nap time, or work at the flight being a nap time for them. You will get to board first with an infant, try to get by a window so you have something to help you lean on when they hopefully fall asleep. Bring drinks and snacks for the plane, try to get him to suck a pacifier or drink on take off and landing. And remember, the more stressed you are the worse it will be. Most around you understand a baby may cry, and if they don't tell them too bad. I have had good and bad flights and you just do your best! If he likes videos try to bring a video player!

Definately bring bottles and/or pacifiers (to equalize the pressure in his ears during take off and landing) and if he watches any dvd's yet, a portable dvd player. My son is three and a half and I (without my husband) have taking him on about five or six round trip flights and a couple of very long road trips since he was about nine months. I always get anxious beforehand, and he always ends up surprising me. I will say that the portable dvd is the absolute best invention of the century!

Cheerios!!! And a big FULL sippy cup or bottle. When the flight is going up and back down again your son will need to be sucking on something in case his ears start to pop. Cheerios ( or other snack that he likes) will help keep him occupied for some of the flight and then lots of books or his favorite toys.

Also, as long as the flight attendants aren't in the aisles and the seat belt light isn't on, you can walk the aisles with him a couple times too if he's antsy.

Most kids love flying and people are very friendly (as long as the baby isn't screaming the whole time....eeek!) and will likely keep him amused by waving to him, etc if he's looking around the plane. And thankfully your flight isn't too long for the first one... imagine if you were going to Europe or even California for that matter! Florida will be quick and easy!

Have a GREAT time!
A.
http://www.funontheark.com

MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR SONS BIRTHCERT OR PROFF OF AGE IT COULD CAUSE A PROBLEM FOR HIM GETTING ON BOARD!! CALL AIRLINE AND CHECK POLICY!!! I HOPE THAT HELPS

T.:

I'm actually taking my daughter to Florida next week. This is her 6th plane ride (she's 15 mo), but the first time I'm flying one leg on my own.

Here are the things that I've learned:
1. Make sure you have a bottle or pacifier for take off and landing because they can't clear their ears and often that is what leads to the crying. (be prepared with this too because airlines won't (mostly) be able to warm bottles and if you have any delays then you may have a bottle in time for the take off - so you may need extras or a plan B).

2. My daughter has had ear infections (she's getting tubes at the end of the month) and so we've had to give her Benadryl when she flies. For some kids, it makes them hyper and for some it makes them sleepy. If the doctor suggests Benadryl for you (some recommend this for flights), then test before hand to see what the reaction will be.

3. In the future, you may want to get your son his own seat. I know it is more expensive, but when my daughter first flew - she was an angel and folks commented how great she was. Then, she started walking and being more active and didn't want to sit in our laps. With the seat, she has some space to play and she treats it the same way she does when we're on a car ride. (it's also easy for us to take the seat, since we need it anyway for the car when we get to our destination. I'm going to be trying a new stroller/seat combo specifically for this trip - which hopefully will make my travels a breeze).

4. Bring a few toys you can rotate to keep him occupied.

Have a wonderful time and let me know if you have other questions.

I highly recommend purchasing a seat and taking a airplane travel seat for infants. I flew once with my son on my lap and regretted it the whole flight. Not only is it easier to have them in a secure seat for the majority of the flight but also for safety. I don't think you would throw your son on the seat in the back of your car. Just something to think about.... plus airlines sell you the seat at 50% off. Good luck.

Are you breastfeeding? I have found that nursing during takeoff and landing really helps to alleviate any discomfort associated with pressure changes in the baby's ears, as well as calms the baby who may not respond well to the physical sensations of flight. The tray tables are a perfect height for lap babies, so bring some toys or small snacks that you can set out in front of him on the tray. Hope this helps. Best of luck on your travels!

I have not flown personally with an infant but these are the tips I have heard from other parents:

1. give a bottle during take-off and landing to minimize ear pressure.
2. if you plan to bring a car seat, and it qualifies as a carry-on, bring it on the plane because if there happens to be an empty seat on the flight, you can use it.
3. don't pack every single thing you need for baby for the whole trip because wipes, diapers, baby sunscreen, etc. can be purchased at your destination and you will avoid lugging the extra stuff.
4. dom't forget on-board distractions (finger puppets, etc) in case he doesn't fall asleep.

hope this helps.

It's been awhile, but I think if you are ready to board when they start boarding, people with handicaps and people traveling with small children can board first. You can check your stroller at the gate, or better yet, check it with baggage and carry your child in a front carrier (like Baby Bjorn). That way you are hands free and no one can take your child. Nurse, bottle or pacifier on take off and landing, and of course, their favorite blankie or teddy bear. At that age, if you feed any solids, like cheerios, that is a good distraction. Truly, having them on your lap and traveling with them young like this is the easiest!!!!

First, especially with southwest - take a copy of your child's birth certificate for you. I had a run in with them when my son was 15 months old - and ended up missing my flight. They apparently require a birth certificate for a lap child.

As far as the flight goes - at eight months - I either tried to plan flights around nap time, or earlier in the day. It seemed to go better.

Also - to prevent ear problems - breast or bottle feed on the way up and down - it helps equalize the pressure.

Finally, take plenty of snacks, juice, formula, etc (I found breastfeeding on the plane to be a little challenging, but can be done).

As far as entertainment, I always took lots of books, but normally my son was entertained by people around him playing peek a boo - or just exploring. 8 months was definately easier than 2 years, where he can not ask to get off the plane!

Good luck - with two people it is not too bad with a lap child. It just takes planning, and a bag of stuff.

M.

Hi

I flew when my daughter was 40 days old. That to Chicago - hawaii a nine hr flight!! Our doctor recommended pacifier or bottle feeding while flight takes off or lands. I use the bottle feeding. Also avoid making rounds in the aisle. Use the tray in front of you as a small bed for the baby with a hand on her of course. Your baby will be more mobile do take small flashy toys. less of music as u might catch attention of other passengers.

Regards
V.