Please Help !!!!! Traveling for the First Time with 11 Month Old Active Baby

If you're breastfeeding, try to get a window seat and nurse on take-off and landings - that helps tremendously with ears popping and my younger son would just fall asleep and would usually sleep most of the flight. If you're not BF, just giving her a bottle or sippy cup at both those times will also help.

If she does seem to want to be awake, I recommend walking around with her as much as possible. I travel alot for work and it amazes me the number of people that seem to think it's okay to let a child scream the entire flight.

Also, I would bring along new, small toys - those can be a great distraction, as well as any favorite toy or comfy item from home.

We traveled extensively with my two boys from the time they were 9 mos. old and never had any issues. Indeed, due to my nursing "trick", we usually got wonderful complements on how well behaved my boys were.

Tylenol might help, but if I were to give a child anything, I'd given them Benadryl - that puts my whole family to sleep pretty quick. I have a friend whose a nurse and she's says that's perfectly safe, even with frequent use.

And, finally, if your daughter senses that you are nervous about the whole experience, that will just make her that much more nervous. You need to relax, plan to get to the airport early and if she's walking let her run off some of her energy, or at least bring a blanket you can put on the ground and let her play for a while. Keeping her in a stroller, for example, the whole time before the flight will only increase her desire to be active once you get on the plane.

I agree, you have gotten some great advice. I do want to mention, if your daughter does cry don't stress out too much. You can't control that, contrary to another mom's post. If she does want to cry, just do your best to stay calm and try to calm her down. Most everybody on the plane will see that you are having trouble and will most likely be more sympathetic.

If you have some "finger food" type snacks, take a few small ziplock bags. I also carry a few small, new toys and books. I usually take a backpack as my carry on instead of a diaper bag. I don't even carry my purse, I use one pocket of the backpack for me. That way I can wear the back pack and still have my hands free. I take our stroller straight to the gate and check it there, that way it is waiting for you when you get off the plane too.

You didn't mention if she has her own seat or whether she will be in your lap - I have done both. If she has her own seat and you are taking her carseat to use on the plane, I'd recommend buying some bungie cords and you can attach the car seat to your stroller, ours fits nicely on top over the handle bars, or it can be strapped to the back between where you walk and the back of the seat - does that make sense?

Her ears will bother her more on landing, that is when it will be most crucial to have her nurse or take a bottle. I would try to withhold liquids until that time to make sure she is good and thirsty.

Get to the airport early. Make sure she has a fresh diaper. Have snacks, toys and books ready to go.

The first time I flew with my daughter I was so worried. I think I stressed myself out WAY MORE than needed. By the way, I don't like to medicate my kids unless necessary either and I haven't ever given them anything before flying.

Good luck!

We've taken a total of 3 plane rides with our son, but he wasn't walking at the time. We're flying again in about a month, and I'm feeling the same apprehension you are! He does not like to be still for more than 2 seconds. Last time, we planned the trip around his nap or bed time, hoping he would sleep on the plane (which he did!). This time we can't do that. My son had an ear infection when we flew last time, so we did give him tylenol before flying. I don't think you should do benadryl just to make her sleepy. Take plenty of snacks, and you will be able to take milk or juice, just tell them when you check in and go through security. It shouldn't be a problem (it wasn't for us). Have her favorite toys, books, whatever, available. If she gets fussy, don't worry about everyone else. And keep in mind, that the calmer you are, the calmer she will be.

I do not think you can get an ear infection from flying, her ears may bother her because of the pressure but I don't think she will get an infection. Take something for her to suck on when the pressure builds up, a pacifier, bottle, etc.. I flew with my daughter at that age and the thing that saved my life was buying an extra seat so that she could sit in her car seat. This made her think that we were just in a car and so she was fine, slept the entire way. Also if you are traveling with someone, your husband or however, have them board the plane first get everything settled in the seat (car seat, etc) that way you can board last with the baby. The least amount of time on the plane the better. Good luck, it may go better than you think

I traveled with my daughter to PA (3 1/2 hours on the plane in addition to delays and other plane problems) when my daughter was a little over 6 months. My daughter was an angel even though I was pretty exhausted! However, this is what I did. I made sure that there was plenty of food, milk or formula and diapers in my carry on bag. I was thankful because of the delays. I never ran out of food or diapers. I gave my daughter a bottle on take off and landing. If you are still breastfeeding, you can do the same thing with the breast. She mostly slept the entire time. I also brought toys. You may want to bring something that links or ties the toy to you as you don't want to keep on having to clean the toys that are dropped on the plane floor. That really helped. If your child uses a pacifier, I would bring a couple of those as well. I was just plan on the worst situation and be pleasantly suprised. I also used a hip carrier for her and that was helpful b/c I wasn't having to deal with a stroller and my bags. By the way, my mom helped me on the way there; however, I traveled alone with a 6 month old on my return. I survived! Good luck.

I have a very active child, too, and I flew with her at 10 months. It was perfectly fine. Here is what I did: Got to the terminal early and let her out of her stroller. I followed that kid for what seemed like miles (we asked another mom with 2 kids to watch our stuff). She crawled and crawled and crawled. I know, kind of gross, but when we got on the plane, I held her and didn't let her down even once though she was squirming. As soon as the plane started to taxi, she was asleep. She woke up when the wheels hit the runway in Denver. The way back, same thing. Wear her out ahead of time, it's the best chance you'll have for her to sleep (without drugs). Yeah, some of the folks in the terminal may have been annoyed, but it was nothing compared to what could have happened on the plane!

A.
www.greenbabydiaperservice.com

My daughter started flying when she was 1 year and flies quite a bit now (she isnearly 2). I have never given her medication before a flight. First of all, something about the hum of the plane engines kind of calms her so she usually after about 45 minutes she falls asleep. Second, I just talk and talk and talk to her. Everything is a game or a time to leanr something. I look out the window and tell her what's going on. I get her her own cup of ice and water. I have never had a problem and even the times she has gotten a little loud or busy I have never had someone seem to be bothered. i would however make sure to have an extra snack and drink. If she has a pacifier make sure she chomps it the entire flight.

Please do not drug your child in any way. I'm sure you'll get several suggestions to give her Benadryl, but in kids under age 2 Benadryl often has the opposite effect and makes them jittery and restless. As for the ears, we haven't had any issues. Mostly the pressure builds in the ears during landing, so try to have her drink from a bottle/sippie cup or suck on a pacifier or eat something.

I flew with my daughter to NJ at age 11 months and again this summer at 18 months. Entertainment is key. We brought a portable DVD player and she watched a couple of Sesame Street episodes, which was good for close to two hours. We read books. We brought crayons and coloring books. We sang songs. The time of day you travel is also key . . . try to schedule your flights so that you're in the air during a typical nap time. While my daughter didn't take her usual 2 1/2 hour nap, she slept for about an hour which was a big help.

You didn't mention if your daughter will be on your lap or in her own seat. I've done both, and having her in her own seat worked better. And I didn't pay for it! Here is the trick (and check with your airline carrier -- mine was American). If you don't have a purchased seat for your child, show up at the gate with a car seat. Ask the counter agent if there are any empty seats on the flight. If there is and there aren't many stand-by passengers, then you can get the seat AT NO COST. If there isn't, then the airline will stow your car seat with the rest of the luggage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. We lucked out on the flight to NJ and got the free seat and since my daughter is used to being in the car seat she was pretty good. Unfortunately the flight home was full up due to other flight cancellations, so she sat in my lap and it was more challenging to get her to sit still.

And first and foremost, don't be embarrased or overly apologetic for your child's behavior! Sometimes other passengers have unrealistic expectations and you really can't waste your time worrying about "what they think of you" because you'll never see them again so who cares! I had a very crowded return flight this past summer, and when I turned on the DVD player some lady was giving me a look so I adjusted the sound (there was no way my daughter would keep headphones on). I explained politely that it was either a little noise from the DVD or a lot of noise from a fussy, screaming child . . .

Anyway, it really isn't as big a deal as you think. Georgia probably takes less time than NJ, so you'll be fine!

You are getting great advice. I have traveled with my 6 year old and 3 year old twins from the time they were babies. Here is what worked for us.

Buy a seat for her.
Take lots of toys.
Take only on carry on.
Make sure your car seat is placed in the seat before boarding.
My doctor always recommended Benadryl when flying. It works miracles!
Be calm!
Make sure she has something to chew on/suck on for take-off and landing.
You cannot get ear infections from flying!

Good luck!

I'd be hesitant to give Benadryl esp. if you are doing it for the first time. If you decide to do that, get the proper dosage from your doctor (you don't want to OD you baby) and try it at home a week or so before the trip so you know what you are in for as I hear some kids get hyperactive with it. Yikes! That would be a bad surprise for the plane ride.

Here are some ideas I use and I've been traveling with my three kids since my youngest was only 6 months old.
* Do saline drops nasally every hour or so on the plane.
* Some even suggest applying (gently) a little petroleum jelly (with a cotton swab) in the nostrils to prevent drying.
* Put lotion on her before boarding.
* Get her in a fresh diaper and comfortable outfit (in layers) that will keep her warm when the plane gets going.
* Give her a pacifier during take off and landing.
* Take lots of activities, favorite book, lots of snacks.
* As other have mentioned, get her a separate seat for herself (buckle her into her carseat while in that seat) if you can afford it.
* Plan the flight time a little before her nap time so that you can feed her and get her ready for napping on the plane.
* Give them a wonderful bath after reaching your destination, they will love it after being cooped up for so long.
* Relax - people will not hate you if your child is rowdy on the plane. We all have had to grin and bear it before. I'm sure you will be fine.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.
S.

You are getting lots of good advice. I would add to be sure to pack light. I watch moms traveling alone struggle to carry their babies and their carry on luggage. Make it as easy on yourself as you can. My son got a lot of ear infections and so we couldn't fly if he had one.....the pressure is too uncomfortable..........but flying shouldn't cause the ear infections. keep the baby drinking a bottle at both take off and landing.

i've traveled a few times with my, now, 7 month old. i'm nursing her, and during take off and landing (if she was awake) i would nurse her in order to get her ears to pop. really they just need to suck on anything and their ears will pop (bottle, sippy cup, finger, etc.) if they're sleeping it should be fine. people say that the reason you get sick on a plane is because of the air/fan system so just don't let it blow directly on your daughter, make sure she's getting her vitamins and give her a good wipe down when you get off the plane. as far as entertainment goes, you can always invest in a portable dvd player and/or bring her favorite books or toys that you know hold her attention. also, i have a "last resort" toy, that i only pull out when i really need to calm my daughter down, she doesn't see it that often so when she does get to play with it she's very excited. you could also get her a brand new toy or book just for the trip. all in all, don't worry too much. every flight i've been on, yes there have been the cranky "baby haters," but there were always people who would smile at and talk to my daughter and that helped make it very pleasant.

My son's first flight was when he was 11 mos old. What worked for me was Cheerios. He nibbled on Cheerios off and on the entire flight and he was happy. Be sure to take an extra set of clothes for you. At one time my son was sitting in my lap and his diaper leaked. Well, I had to wear "peed on" clothes for the rest of the day. As far as the Tylenol goes, I'm not a fan for giving drugs unless they are needed. I would let the baby suck on a bottle or pacifier during take-off and landing. It helps with the ears. Good luck.

You have received some good advice. The only thing that I can tell you that I disagree on is that your baby NEEDS to be sucking (drink or paci) upon TAKE OFF & LANDING.(even if shes asleep) You can ask your pediatrician but I think it's because the pressure can burst the ear drum. That's the same reason they advised me to give medicine for the 24 hours prior to flight to make sure there is no fluid behind the ear drum. Like I said . . discuss these issues with your doctor.

One thing that we have learned in traveling with our daughter, who is almost 19 months old, is get them their own seat. I know it costs more but it's worth it in the end. If you're flying alone then it might be kinda difficult cause you've gotta lug the carseat along with everything else you need through the airport. We purchased a Gogo Kidz Travelmate to attach the carseat to so we can pull it instead of carry it. Most babies & toddlers are comfortable & will sleep in their carseats & it makes it much easier than trying to wrestle them during your flight. It's always best to try to schedule the flight some time around when they take a nap. And always make sure that you have something for her to eat, drink or suck on during takeoff & landing. If you're lucky, she'll be sleeping when you land. We've flown 3 times with our daughter, starting at 3 1/2 months, & she has never gotten an ear infection or had any problems with her ears from the flight. Most people have children & fully understand how they are, especially in a confined space so don't worry yourself too much. She'll probably be a perfect little angel & impress everyone of how good she is during the flight. Our daughter was 10 months old when we flew at Christmas last year & she did great. You'll probably be just fine.

Think of this as a road trip. When we traveled with our 23 mo old daughter, she had her own seat on the plane and we used her car seat. She traveled comfortably in it because it was familiar to her and she was use to being secured in it to "go bye bye". We also took a portable DVD player with LOTS of things she liked to watch (at 11 months old, this may not help...unless you have home movies. Babies like to watch themselves and family/familiar faces.) Also, check the rules/restrictions for taking on food/drink but I recommend taking lots of snacks and drinks that she likes. Have a sippy cup and/or snack ready for take off and landing. If the child is eating/drinking/swallowing, it will relieve pressure on her ears.

Another idea is "goodie bags" with a variety of (new/favorite) toys, games, books, things to do to distract her. When she gets bored, switch out the "goodie".

I used to travel often with my 2 kiddos by myself. A few tips I learned were:
1) ****get a Take-Along Tether****(available at www.TakeAlongTether.com ) to keep all her items from getting dropped or lost when you have her in a stroller or in the airplane seat/car seat. It can hold just about ANY child item (stuffed animal, bottle, sippy, snack trap, etc.) and if she drops or throws it, it won't hit the floor and get lost or dirty...or roll under the airplane seat!) It also converts to a child "buddy system" when to connect you and her hip to hip when she is a bit older and wants to walk but your in a crowded place and your afraid she may wander off.
2) bring snacks (preferabley in a spill-proof "snack trap" (buy at Nesting Place in Grapevine or Toys R Us)
3) obviously bring her favorite stuffed animal or blankie
4) bring a new toy or 2 so you have the novelty to entertain her

If you bring something for her to eat or drink, she shouldn't have any problems with her ears due to the air pressure. Swallowing will help clear her ears. Also, know that it is okay to get up and move a bit on the plane. I found it was great to find a row with no one else and possibly some extra empty seats and let my kids move around a bit or stretch out and lay across my lap to nap on the plane. Check with the desk when you check-in and maybe they will help you out.

GOOD LUCK and have a great time!!!!!!

I know you mentioned you don't like giving your child meds, but I recommend you take benadryl with you just in case all your other alternatives don't work. There's nothing worse than when your child throws their biggest fit ever in the middle of a crowded airplane with angry passengers whose patience have run out (and whose ear drums are about to burst from the noise). Even the most understanding passengers can get tired of a loud baby, especially on loud or already stressful flights (delays, turbulence, etc.)

Well, I personally have never heard of an ear infection from flying so I am not so sure about that one. Ear infections are caused by bacteria forming in fluid that the ear is retaining, so if she has a cold, for sure go for a decongestant pre flight. In fact, I would give her a little benadryl just in case.(do give it to her once or twice at home first so you can see how she reacts to it before you head for the plane:) It can cause their ears to plug up, so having something to suck on is what helps here. A bottle, binky or a sippy cup should do the trick. Dont pack her entire toy box, just a few things will be fine. Books are always a fun thing, esp, the ones they can feel etc. And, a few light up type toys are good too. At her age a dvd player may not save the day, but some nice music on headphones might help. Overall, the best advice I can give you is to prepare, and then relax. She will know you are nervous, and react to it. Make sure it is easy to get her in and out of the stroller at the security check, wear flip flops or other easy slip ons for yourself too. Ohh, and have a few good treats for her. Has she had the gerber fruit snacks yet, or any of those fun things. This might be a time I allow for a fun sugar cereal like apple jax or fruit loops. Something different that will capture her attention. OK, enough rambling, if you need anything else, let me know! ~A.~

I flew with both of my children when they were small. They shouldn't get ear infections from flying. They may experience some discomfort during take off and landign from the change in air pressure. In order to relieve that I have just taken a sippy cup or bottle for them to drink from (or nursed them during those times when they were still very small). The sucking action relieves the pressure in their ears so it won't build up and become painful. (If she has a pacifier, that also works) I have NEVER given my children medicine on the airplane. I don't believe in medicating them any more than necessary (I gave them tylenol or something if they were teething, but not specifically for flying). You can take an empty sippy cup and fill it up in the airport or on the plane. THe stewardesses will get you something when you board if you ask them to. Also, a lot of times (ask at the boarding desk) they will let you carry liquid on that you aquired in the airport after you get through security.

My kids love airplanes, so we try to get a window seat so they can see out the window while we take off and look at the airplanes and the clouds. Theat helps keep them entertained. We also have taken books and little toys (special teddy or blanket as well) to keep them entertained. The best plane trip we took we had a seat at the VERY BACK of the cabin, right in front of the rear flight attendants seats. When the flight attendants weren't doing something they would interact with my son and kept him entertained during the last leg of the journey. (My kids are pretty social and love interacting with others).

The most important thing is to relax and not stress about it. She will pick up on your stress and it will stress her too and make the flight miserable. If you are excited and approach it from a "this is going to be a fun adventure" or "lets make a game of this" attitude, she'll pick up on that as well and it will make the trip more enjoyable. Flying with kids isn't that bad - from my experience - and people are almost always understanding if you have a cranky baby. They are usually suprised if the baby isn't cranky.

Good luck!