Need Advice on Infant Traveling

I just flew on four different planes, including one complete airline change with my duaghter who will be 3 months old tommorrow. She did fantastic! Several great suggestions have already been made, but here are two that haven not...

1. I used a Hot Sling getting from plane to plane...didn't even bother with strollers or carseats, which will depend on your plans after you reach your destination. The Hot Sling gives you freedom of both hands. I also had a small backpack/rolling suitcase that was a great combination for all the essentials. http://www.hotslings.com/

2. If you are bottle feeding...good luck & be sure to check www.tsa.gov for the exact rules. They want you to carry on premade, sealed, bottles. (They don't allow mixing powders in the terminal) I spent 8 1/2 hours in the airport though & this was just not an option. I found a pre-mixed formula, but unfortunatley it was the brand that had her projectile vomiting for the first 4-5 weeks. I went ahead & packed it, pulled it out at security...went through all their hoops. Once I made it through security, I went to the restroom & pulled out the "stashes" of her normal formula I had hidden throughout the bag. Mixed them in the restroom prior to boarding the plane & didn't have any problems.

This is my first (and lasts!) child...but I expect it to be easier now than later. And other Mom's were sooo helpful. You'll do great...enjoy it!

I have a 2 year old and 3 1/2 year old and they have both travelled by air when they were babies, more than once. They did very well, just make sure the diaper bag with anything of comfort you may need is within easy reach. A pacifier or bottle (or nursing) when taking off and landing is helpful to keep their ears from popping. You can usually use the infant car seat without the base (we could with ours). Talk to your pediatrician for advice. Also, be sure to bring proof of age and a copy of the medical record won't hurt. You usually don't need this; however, one time we did and it was obvious that our children were both under 2.

Do you have a seat reserved for her on the plane, if not traveling with a carseat will be uncomfortable. Check where you are going most cities have companies that will rent car seats port-a-cribs etc so you don't have to travel with them.

Good luck!

I bought a Sit N Stroll for travelling. http://www.sitnstroll.com/ I got mine through costco.com and got a decent deal on it. I was a little pricey, but well worth it for the convenience. We still use it as our spare car seat in our second car. As for where your baby will sleep at your destination... if you plan on getting a hotel crib, be sure to call ahead to make sure 1) they have one available during your stay, and 2) that it meets the current safety standards. Some lesser hotels have some really old unsafe cribs out there that they let people use. If you are staying with a friend, perhaps they can get a pack and play for your use there. They can probably find one cheap on craigslist. My in-laws did that for us. Oh, and if your baby is on solids, buy some disposable bibs (Papers makes them called Bibsters). That way you won't be carrying around soiled bibs. Finally - be sure to take a spare outfit for baby and a spare shirt for you - just in case :) Good luck. It isn't so bad.

The best advice I can give you is to do you best to travel light. Only bring what you absolutely need on the plane.

Diapers wipes formula 2-3 bottles
1-2 bottles of water(in case you can't get to "good water")
disposable changing table pads(because you never know)
1-2 extra onesies and a few toys

Walmart has a 3-section container that you pre-fill with formula powder. I recommend it.

It would be wise of you to check your bags. All but a carry on. In all the hustle and security check craziness, you don't want to add any unnecessary stress. Check it! Besides, there isn't that much room inside the plane and you never know if your baby will be happy or screaming at the time you are trying to find a spot for your bags.

When I flew, the airline let me keep the car seat with me all the way up to the plane door...then they put a special tag on it and put it under the plane for me. When we landed and I walked out of the door of the plane, they gave it to me again.

I traveled with my little guy a LOT between the ages of 5 months and 9 months - it is easier with a little one cause they're usually easier to entertain/keep occupied. If you can afford the seat for the baby, that's more comfortable, but if not, a sling or baby carrier will be a lifesaver. We had a seat as much as possible, but it's still doable with the lap baby. If you're lucky, the middle seat will be available and you can spread out a little. I have the gogo kidz travelmate which attaches to the car seat and turns it into wheeled luggage - I found that VERY helpful getting stuff to/from the plane wheeling the diaper bag, etc. on the carseat. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html . I hope this was helpful! Don't freak out. You can even hit the library or internet for travel tips re. traveling w/infants. that will help also. Worst case, if you stay at the hotel and they don't have a crib, see if you can get a rollout bed mattress - they're thin and you can lay it/the baby on the floor and not worry.

Actually, I would advice you to check in everything so that you are not struggling with luggage and baby. check in Carseat and bring stroller all the way to the gate. Have just a small carry on bag so that you have no struggles. Bring extra diapers, wipes(comes in very handy) and extra clothes just in case the baby throws up. Extra food an a toy or 2 to distract.

you will do just fine. they are very mannageable. I travelled with 2 and did just fine.

I traveled with my now 2 1/2 year old son when he was two months old - just he and I. First of all, unless the people on the other end of your flight have a base, you will have to take yours with you. And a stroller is really nice to have to use for your trip, especially if there is a lot of walking at the airports. You can tie the base to the stroller and check it just before you board the plane and then they will have it right there for you when you get off. Also, just make sure you have some fomula with you - they should let you through security with it. My son slept through the whole flight, it didn't seem to bother him at all. He has also flown several times since and does really well. Good Luck!!! I am a working mother of two 7 and 2 years old.

When I flew with my then 5-month old here's what I learned. Feed her or give her a pacifier when the plane is going up and coming down to help adjust her ear pressure. You didn't mention if you nurse her, but if you do, nurse her if she gets fussy on the flight (pack a cover-up blanket). I "wore" her in a carrier throughout the airport which made things easier, and took a backpack as a carry-on. If I were you I would buy a cheap umbrella stroller when you arrive (if you will need a stroller on your trip). Then on the way home you can check it, and it's not a huge deal if something happens to it. Car seat, that is a pain. Luckily I didn't have to deal with that so I can't help you there. Hope you have a great trip!

My husband and I took my son on a 10 and a half hour trip (internationally) when he was 3 and a half months old and I took him on a trip by myself when he was six months old - so I've been there with the fears.

At 3 1/2 mos, the most important thing to bring was changes of clothes - in case he got wet or whatever (I'd bring two changes) - plenty of diapers, formula, milk, food - and whatever ointments, teething gels, that you might need. (The key is to plan for all contingencies!) At six months, when he was a bit more interactive, I went out the week before we left and bought six or seven small toys for him to play with. I introduced a new one every hour or so. (I brought these in addition to some of his favorite toys/books.) We were lucky enough to be in business class and he was able to lie down in front of me and play on his mat - which was great! I would just be sure that you bring some of your daughter's favorite things and some new things to peak her interest. The bag I had all of his stuff in was slightly larger than the baggage allowance, but they allowed it on-board because it was for a baby. I also was allowed three carry-ons: my handbag, his changing bag, and bag of toys. Of course you'll want to check with the airline regarding baggage allowance before you leave.

Regarding the car seat, ours did not require a base - so I obviously didn't bring one - but you need to do whatever is required by law to make your child's seat safe. They allow you to gate-check the stroller and it doesn't count against baggage allowance, so you should be ok there.

I also read that it's good for them to take a bottle during take-off and landing to help their little ears adjust. We did it with a bottle and without and he was fine.

Good luck with the trip! I'm sure you'll be fine. And it's easier to travel now that it will be when she's one year old like mine!

Each time I have flown with my now 20-month old I felt like I had run a marathon by the time we settled into our seats on the plane! However, it does get easier when you know what to expect. You're going to do great. Here's my best advice:
1. Take carseat to the gate. If there is an extra seat on the plane, they'll actually let you use the carseat on the plane, and your lap will even get a rest. Tell the attendant at the gate that you have a lap child and ask if it is a full flight. If not, she'll switch your seating so you can strap the seat in right next to you. If it is a full flight, they'll simply tag the seat and take it from you on the concourse (down the ramp, just before you get on the plane). You will have to have the carseat wherever you're going, so this works out well. Since it is an infant seat, you can probably use it without the base. Check the instructions, and practice:)

2. Stoller: As with the carseat, they'll let you wheel it right up to the door of the airplane. Be sure you get a Vallet Tag when you arrive at the gate. You'll break it down and they'll put it in the compartment just under the plane (with your carseat, wheelchairs, etc). When you arrive at your destination, they'll bring it right up to you where you step off of the plane. It's really nice! I advise that you just be prepared to break it down quickly, so as not to hold up too many people. Sounds like someone is traveling with you, so just plan out who will do what and it will be easy.

3. Carry on: Pack light. I would either take a big purse that serves also as the diaper bag, or vise versa. At your baby's age, he will not need a lot of gear. Take plenty of diapers, wet-wipes (to sterilize the plane, hands, and anything that touches that nasty floor!) and be prepared to nurse him or give him a bottle, hopefully at take off or landing (to help his ears). He will probably be mesmerised by the new environment, sounds, people, etc. Take a book and small toy. The flight will be a great bonding time for you all--very close quarters and constant interaction! If you're lucky, he'll sleep a good bit.

4. Disapproving people: Babies cry, they take up room, and their moms take longer getting on the plane. That's life. Most people understnad it, and some are actually eager to help. The few who don't are just self-absorbed, don't have kids, or are generally bad people. No one on the plane is going to get to the destination any faster than anyone else, so a small delay getting to their seat is not going to kill them. Take a deep breath, do the best you can, and just smile sympathetically at others who may be inconvenienced by you. Let people go around you at security when you're piling all of your stuff (car seat and broken down stroller too) onto the belt. I wish I could take that advice totally, but it is still nerve racking, I'll admit! Be sure you have all of your liquids, INCLUDING DIAPER CREAM AND BABY FOOD/FORMULA in plastic bags for security. You can't take anything in in a sippy cup.

Good luck! You'll do great. I'll bet the return flight is 100 times easier.

Haven't read any of the responses so I apologize if I'm repeating anyone! The first thing, Check your bags!!! THe hardest thing about traveling with a baby is carting around all the stuff you need to have with you especially while going through security even if there are two of you!. You can check the stroller at the gate (they rarely let you take it on anyway. Even if it is small) If you want to bring your carseat (if you are holding your baby on your lap on the plane) and base I suggest buying an inexpensivecarseat protector bag and checking it in. (They are not charging to check carseats or strollers from what I understand) THe bag will fit the seat and the base and avoid damage.

Unless there is A LOT of baby stuff to borrow at your final destination I can't see how you will be able to avoid checking bags. Although, the last time we traveled I shipped a box ahead to my inlaws which, with the current bag checking charges was actually cheaper, and avoided the need to lug a bunch of stuff around.

On the plane - Don't forget to either nurse or give your baby a bottle as you take off and land as it will GREATLY help with ear pain. A five month old really isn't that difficult to fly with because they aren't wanting to get down and crawl or run around. Just plan on bringing extra bottles, formula (if not bf-ing) food etc. in case of delay. (We ended up on a plane for 4 hours BEFORE takeoff with my then 6 month old!)

Most of all, relax and know that TONS Of people do it! It isn't fun, I'm not gonna lie, but you will make it through.

Enjoy your trip!

We flew when my son was just about 5 months old. He did really well. First, make sure to nurse or give him a bottle on take off and landing. Landing will bother his ears more than taking off. Second, get to the airport in plenty of time. You will have to put everything including your stroller through the xray machine at security. It was an adventure putting everything through the machine, including my shoes and then having to walk through the security area, then load everything back up. We held up the line a bit but people were surprisingly understanding. We took my regular full size stroller and kind of strapped the car seat across the handle bar. We loaded the stroller basket with our carry on. Don't take any water unless you've already mixed it with formula, we had to throw ours out and buy more once we were through security.

Instead of using the regular diaper bag, I used a backpack. This was easier to carry. I packed it with my "purse" items I needed like wallet, ID, etc. Then I packed only as many diapers as I might possibly need from the time I left my house until I got to my destination (hotel/house). Before the flight I changed his diaper, there really isn't much room to do so on the plane.

My BEST advice is...don't worry about the people around you. Just focus on your baby. Get there with plenty of time so you don't feel rushed. Good luck and have a great trip.

Traveling with an infant is much easier than with a toddler beleive it or not. I assume you booked only one ticket for yourself (which is fine btw). My son would inevitably nap during the flight. I would wear him in a sling so he was somewhat attached to me but could also easily nurse (which is good for ear pressure). You want them to nurse on take off and landing if possible to avoid any ear issues. See if you can get a window seat if possible. It gives you a bit more space and privacy.

Check with the airline you're traveling with for details regarding how much carry on baggage you can bring. I think you still get to take on an extra bag if you're traveling with an infant. You can bring the stroller and car seat with you as far as the gate and check them there unless you're baby will be traveling in the car seat. The stroller is good to have since you can load it up with all your stuff if necessary and wear the baby to get through security, etc.

Don't worry about other people eithr. I found everyone was usually pretty understanding when my son cried. If not, then tough.

So far, I've flown 4 times with my 13-mo-old, at 3 mo, 5 mo, 11 mo, and 13 mo. My biggest advice is: keep it simple. Your baby is enough to carry. More specifically:
1)I'd recommend going with a Baby Bjorn rather than a stroller. It keeps your hands free, keeps your baby close, and packs away easily, so is one less thing to juggle.
2)If you are breast feeding, things are simple: for me, I'm usually strict about "mom is not a pacifier." That rule goes out the window when we fly. My DD can go for it whenever she wants, for however long she wants, as long as she's happy. Makes things go MUCH more smoothly. If you're formula feeding, those individual Similac powder packs are great, and if you ask the flight attendant they will give you warm water (1/2 hot tea water, 1/2 bottled water is about right).
3)Will you be visiting friends or family? If so, try to get them to acquire as much gear as possible. If they ask around to friends, family, coworkers, they can probably borrow a pack n play, car seat, high chair, etc. Now that airlines are charging for checked baggage, it may even be cheaper to buy cheap stuff to leave with family (we bought both sets of out-of-state grandparents a covertible car seat for around $50 each). Otherwise, car rental agencies will rent you a seat, too, but they WON'T install, for liability reasons. If you're travelling by yourself with your little one, ask a worker at the agency to hold your baby while you install it (I've always found ladies very happy to do so!).
4) Ask for, and accept, help! Folks are usually very very nice and helpful, often offering before being asked, and I've never had anyone turn me down when I ask them to hold the baby or put away a bag, and usually they're even thrilled to help! And in spite of what the lady below said, I ALWAYS ask a flight attendent to hold my DD while I pee onboard! ;)

Overall, relax, and know that one way or another it will all be okay. Allow extra time so you don't get stressed, and have fun on your trip!

It been awhile since I traveled with an infant but last I remember if you bring a stoller and car seat they can be check in at no charge and you will board early because of baby. she will be on your lap for most of the trip unless you paid for a seat for her. Bring extra snack goodies that baby enjoys and her favorite small toy. The pressure of taking off sometime will make baby uncomfortable and she may cry. hopefully she will sleep for part of the trip. Also make sure you go potty before you leave!! Its very hard to go once boarded unless the flight attendants are nice enough to watch her while you go. good luck to you dear, have fun!

We flew with our twins when they were 5 months old. We held them in our laps, but wish we had brought an umbrella stroller to help with plane changes. Be sure to either nurse or give your child a bottle on take off and landing. This will help with their ears popping. My babies slept through most of the flight, but make sure you have books to look at or toys without wheels to play with and keep your baby occupied. Plan diaper changes before and after flight, unless absolutely necessary, as changing on the plan can prove difficult! Good luck! It will be a wonderful experince if you are prepared and relax!

You don't have to have the base, as long as you secure the car seeat with the seat belts in the car. When I traveled with my 6 month old (at the time) we had no problem with the base fitting on the seat of the airplane. As far as the actual flight, make sure you have a bottle or a bink or something for her to suck on for take off and landing (she's a little too young to chew gum) the faster you get her ears to pop and adjust to the pressure, the more relaxed she;ll be. Have things for her to play with, and a comfort item, these things make traveling so much easier, for her and you. For the stroller, you can take that on board (so you don't have to check it) and the flight attendants can just put it in one of the closets at the front or the plane, I recommend this because my dd's stroller is roaming around Switzerland somewhere!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

I am quite experienced with traveling with a young one. My daughter was 2 mo when I first flew with her. Make sure that you have a bottle/blanket for nursing ready. While the plane is on its way to take off start feeding your baby so her ears can adjust to the pressure. (Infants can't pop their ears and this is the best way to do it, trust me the other passenger's will appreciate it!!!)
As far as the car seat goes, it depends on if she is a lap baby. If not I would take it without the base (I had a rough time getting both the base and the seat to fit in the tiny seat allotted for coach.) The airlines lets you do a luggage check for stroller's and carseats if you wish at the departure gate and they will be waiting for you as soon as you step off the plane. So this way you wont have to carry the baby, plus the car seat and the diaper bag while trying to fit through the narrow isle of the plane while trying not to hit anyone... it's not easy and more then likely nobody will offer help because they have their own luggage to worry about.
I always do a stroller check at the gate and never had any issues!!!
Best of luck!