Flying with My 7-Month Old Alone - Need Advice Please!

Hi-
I have done this kind of trip several times with my son (now 13 months) so I know what you are going through! Here are some ideas off the top of my head:
- Perhaps a nursing pillow might help? My Brest Friend has an inflatable nursing pillow so at least he could be lying down. I used that when my son was younger.
- I find that having my Ergo carrier on flights is key - he is cozy and my hands are free. Useful for getting on the plane, going to the bathroom, etc.
- Take some small toys, a favorite and a new thing to keep his attention. He will not sleep the whole way so you need some distraction for both of you!
- The video screens can often be a good source of entertainment for them. My son doesn't watch TV at home so it is sort of a novelty for a few minutes.
- I also take a small blanket (like one of the ones from the hospital) and put it on the floor so if he wants to sit/crawl I'm not quite as grossed out by the floor! :)
- snacks for both of you! and don't forget to drink water, which does mean you'll have to go to the bathroom but you can ask someone else to watch the baby if he's sleeping and you don't want to take him with you.
- ask for help every step of the way! when you are traveling along people can be more helpful. not always, but it never hurts to ask. When you check in see if they can save an empty seat next to you, for example.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help with - I'm traveling this week with my son by myself again (3rd time in a month) so I feel your pain, so to speak!
Bon voyage!

If buying a seat for him is an option, I would do this, especially for a 6 hour flight. I have flown with my daughter since she was six months and have always bought a seat and put her carseat in so she could sleep, and sit still without me having to struggle with her. Todays flights are often booked full, which means you will probably have people sitting right by you, it may be hard trying to hold your son still the entire time... Of course it all depends on the baby, and is certainly doable on a shorter flight. I just know it was worth the cost of the seat because she was comfortable and knew she should sit and stay in her car seat! Good luck!!

I bought one of those u-shaped neck pillows and found it to be very helpful to rest my son's head on when he laid on my lap. I also found that generally people always offered unsolicited help when they saw me alone with my son and trying to fold up the stroller, or whatever -- so don't be afraid to ask for help or an extra set of hands when you need it.

We flew with our son the first time at 7 months and brought his car seat and bought him a ticket (he is big for his age and very active so holding would not have worked even then). We also used a light weight stroller in the airport. I also packed lots of snacks and toys--especially a few new toys.