Travelling Alone with Infant

I traveled alone with my 6m old daughter and had no trouble at all as far as needing Dad's permission. It is actually not nearly as difficult to travel by plane with an infant as it will be once they become a toddler. Just make sure on takeoff and landing that your baby is hungry enough to be interested in nursing, as the sucking motions help equalize their little ears. At that age as long as they are with Mom and have a meal handy, they are pretty much secure and happy.

I would suggest bringing her birth certificate or a copy of it just in case. On one trip they did not ask for it, but on one trip they did. I always figure better have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Needing the other parent is usually only an issue if you are traveling out of country or on a one way ticket, but you can bring a letter from him just in case. I traveled alone for the first time with my infant from London to Montana when he was 5 months. He sat on my lap, and was good the whole flight. They are actually easier at that age because they are content to just cuddle and be with you. I find it more difficult now that my boys are 4 and 5 since they no longer want to sit still for 9.5 hours :). You will probably get some looks from the other people sitting near by when you get on, just ignore them! Try to change her diaper before you board. There are fold down changing tables behind the toilet, but space is very tight, and do not forget a change of cloths for her in your carry on. Good luck and have a great trip.

Lots of great suggestions!! The only thing I would add is to bring something new and different to suck on "just in case" for the way up or down. When I took our first flight my girl(6 mos. at the time) was cranky due to unfamiliar environment and did nurse a lot, but then refused on the second time down. In desperation, I grabbed one of the fruit leathers I had brought for myself and held on to it while she sucked it. Of course, it made a big mess, but NO Crying or ear hurting :). Now we take them as "special treats" whenever we fly. Also TSA did require I had her birth certificate. There was an Amber Alert in effect for a baby in my state at the time and they didn't want to make any mistakes.

I have taken my daughter to Europe when she was that age and did not need any letters of permission. If your baby does not have a passport for ID, you may want to take along a copy of the birth certificate - we did get asked for her ID, even when traveling domestically (we also do the trip to the east coast once a year).
Prepare yourself for all eventualities - layovers in Chicago are the worst!!! Take plenty of diapers (more than you think you will need!) and extra clothes. Dress your baby in layers, as the temp on the plane will vary throughout the flights and layover, choose easy on/off clothing.
If you are flying UNITED (I am guessing since you are going through Chicago) be aware that many of their domestic aircraft do NOT have changing stations (actually none that I have ever been on did) so make sure you change her right before boarding.
In addition to her carseat I would suggest a carrier (baby bjorn or sling etc). You might also want to practice using the restroom with the baby strapped to you :) Take along a stroller that will hold your car seat (or a snap and go) and gate check it.

I have to admit our first flight was pretty rough, with hours of crying and her being unable to fall asleep. Make sure you are rested and well fed yourself, just in case you encounter a meltdown. On the plane and in the airport everyone was pretty helpful (with the exception of one TSA agent) and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Good luck!

This is the perfect age to travel with an infant. She can't sit up, can't walk, so she won't want to move around all that much. I would recommend taking her in your lap, instead of in the bucket. I traveled from Philadelphia to here with her in my lap. DO TAKE A STROLLER THAT YOU CAN PUT YOUR CARSEAT IN. Otherwise getting from gate to gate is really difficult. I was able to gate-check both her carseat and her carseat carrier (I didn't use a stroller), but used a carseat carrier instead).

Nursing saved my hide. Even when she wasn't actively eating, I had her on the boob the entire time. She was completely happy with this arrangement. I would sit her up if she'd pop off, and as soon as she started fussing or getting ansy, I'd pop her back on the boob again and she'd be fine. Most of the time, she slept. Just make sure you prop a couple of coats under your arm, and have a flat carry-on that you can put under your feet to raise your knees (unless you're really tall).

I couldn't have made it without breastfeeding.

If you use a baby carrier (which I recommend), make sure it is one where it is easy to get her in and out of it. You'll need to take her out at security, but you'll also need to remove her during takeoff and landing (if the flight attendant is aware of the rules and wants to enforce them). Technically, having the infant in a baby carrier is not approved for takeoffs and landings.

I just flew with my 6 month old daughter to Ohio alone. I didn't bring a stroller or carseat and instead wore her in the Ergo. It makes it easier to do things since your hands are free. Plus my little one is use to being worn and really enjoys it - kept her calm since she was right with Mommy. The only other thing I brought was a backpack with diapers, formula, food and toys. It was great. She slept, played and had a good time. Don't be afraid to ask for help - most people are willing to help you out. Safe travels.

C.,

I actually just returned home from a trip with my 3 1/2 month old. We flew from Anchorage to Austin, TX. While it was a long flight my daughter did just fine. We didn't need any I.D. for her although I did take a copy of her birth certificate just in case, but they never asked for anything. I took our carseat and stroller through security and gate checked them both . . . very nice and convenient to have both during the layover we had. Once we were on board all she did was nurse and sleep. In talking to our pediatrician he suggested that we nursed, used a bottle, or something else to "suck" once the door of the aircraft closed. This is the point at which pressurization occurs which could also affect their ears. I also took TONS of diapers, one for every hour (including layovers) we were traveling just to be safe. I also took 2 extra outfits and a few onsies for my daughter as well as an extra shirt for myself. I would suggest limiting the amount of stuff you need to take. We didn't use any of the toys, books, etc that I packed. They just added extra weight that I had to carry. The hardest part of the trip for me was changing diapers in the tiny restrooms. I felt like I needed more than two hands to hold the baby on the changing table, pull out wipes, diaper, etc.

Oh one last thing . . . make sure you have a changing pad! I don't know about you, but I didn't want my baby touching the changing table on the plane with bare skin. The restrooms don't look as though they are cleaned very often!

Hope this helps and have a safe trip!

I traveled alone with my daughter frequently between months 3 and 6 to visit family in different parts of the country - it was absolutely the easiest time to travel with her. You won't have any problems with the airlines in terms of traveling alone, unless you plan to go out of the country. Generally, they don't even ask for id for the baby, though if you have her passport and/or birth certificate it's good to have with you just in case. She will most likely nurse and sleep the whole time. But just in case, bring a couple of baby safe toys to distract her with. Make sure you are nursing her during takeoff and landing to help her ears adjust to the pressure. Bring a light blanket to throw over your shoulder for additional privacy, and to help her feel cozy. And bring extra clothes and diapers on board! Invariably, my daughter would poop or pee a lot at the most inconvenient times, and it really helped to have diapers and wipes at the ready in the seat so I could change her without having to get up if necessary. Good luck!

You'll be fine! Just bring a couple small toys or books that you can use to entertain her if she is awake. Other than that, take an empty nalgene through security and fill it up once you're through. That way you'll always have fluid even when it's not being served. When you check in, ask about gate checking your stroller and car seat base (if you're taking them). It's a pain to go through the airport with the base, but they're much gentler with it if it's gate checked. Also, to be prepared, but you'll need to have your baby out of the carseat/stroller to go through security. I found it easiest to leave mine in while I put everything else on the table and then picked her up last minute and put the carseat/stroller IN FRONT of everything else. Then after we went through, she went back in and I could load everything else under as it came through. There's a "family line" at security sometimes and that can be easier if it's an option. :) It'll go fine though. I've flown alone with my now toddler many times and it's easier each time. First time she was 2.5 months old.

And you don't need a note from the other parent. :)

Make sure you have extra clothing with you on the plane. When I took my little guy the pressure changes in the cabin made for pressure changes in his belly. We used more than a few diapers. It was not painful for him, but I wished I had packed heavier on the wipes and extra clothing.

Good Luck!

Hello C.
I would not worry to much. Take extra clothes and food drink etc. if needed in case something happens. I have flown several times with my 18 month old and only once did she vomit all over me on the plane. Luckily i had an extra shirt. So take extra stuff, but not too much. Sounds like you have a long flight. I have never had problems on the plans either. The flight staff was always helpful. It can take a little longer to go through security because you have more stuff so give yourself more time. They do let you take liquids for your kids, but they might test it first. Something that i am sure you already know it make sure he/she is either eating or sucking on something when taking off and landing if possible to help there ears. Something else i found helpful was being in an aisle seat in case you needed to change there diaper etc. i liked it better. You can ask before boarding and they will put you on a aisle if possible if that is what you want. You will also be able to board earlier because you have a child. Make sure too that you get your stroller tagged before they begin boarding if possible so that you are prepared. I always like to be prepared and not be rushed. Good luck and i hope you have a great trip.

Hi C.,

Good luck on your first solo journey. You might want to consider contacting the airline you are flying with to see if they have any I.D. requirements. Interstate travel shouldn't require a permission letter from the other parent, I believe those are only needed if you are traveling outside the country, but it doesn't hurt to bring along a copy of your child's birth certificate and, if you have one, her passport. One tip I did read for taking your child to unknown places where there are likely to be lots of people, like airports, is to snap a quick pic of your child with the digital camera each day so you have a photo in the event your child does get lost in a crowd.

You've probably already heard about nursing while taking off and landing. (It worked great for my son and I when we went on our first solo vacation!) I've also heard from friends, who travel with their children more often than I do, that having a baby in a sling can be a good way to travel. If your child is a good sleeper in cars, it is likely the movement of the plane combined with the sound of the engine will put your child to sleep. It's always good to have a few toys handy for distraction in the event your baby decides to stay awake. Because of her age, I'd pick a few of her favorites to bring along and maybe one or two new toys to use for distraction.

Safe travels!

The best way to know the airline's regulations is to look them up on their web site. Some regulations differ from airline to airline.

From my own traveling without baby I learned that most airlines allow an adult with a baby to take liquids aboard while others may not. Check with the airline to find out what liquids are acceptable. To take them on board, keep the liquids out of the carry on and show them to the security guard.

FYI re: not being able to have baby in a front pack during take off and landing. I think it's because those are the times during which a plane is most apt to crash if it's going to crash. Please be aware that crashes are extremely rare. Emergency procedures require that the passenger bend forward to be in the safest position. If the baby is confined in a pack the mother cannot bend over. With the baby out of the pack the mother can both bend and hold the baby. This makes sense and doesn't make sense to me.

You shouldn't need parents permission. I've travelled with children under 2 more than a dozen times and I've only been asked once for proof of age- this could be shot records, copy of birth certificate or passport. Of course the one time I was asked I didn't have it with me since he was in a baby bjorn it was obvious he was under 2. If they can't tell he's under 2 you'll be required to buy a seat.
Bring a change of clothes for you and baby in carry on. Don't worry about regular nap schedule while flying, just nurse and let nap when it happens.
The other thing I did, especially with a layover, take along extra diapers. I generally put a days worth in the carryon just in case the worst happens and your flight is delayed.

My advice is simple:

* Nurse on landing and takeoff. It helps her ears pop and keeps her comfortable.

* Get a baby carrier or sling if you don't already have one. Learn how to get her in and out of it (on the front, perhaps) by yourself. This is less bulky than a stroller and stows very easily just about anywhere on the airplane. Flight attendants will be happy to help you get the baby out if it is cramped when you get on the plane--or your seat neighbor.

* Don't try to do purse and diaper bag too! Put all purse essentials in the diaper bag. Then you can probably get away with another carry-on if you want it. And it's less to carry around. If you usually have a big purse, pack it in your check-in luggage for when you get to your destination.

* Bring a couple of new toys, but dole them out slowly, and only after baby gets bored with looking around. If you give them all right at first, she'll get bored faster and fuss sooner.

Good luck! You'll do great!

In addition, to a toys and a change for the baby as mentioned in previous posts I also pack a clean shirt for myself in my carry-on in case of spit-up or other incidents.

Another mom and I have tips on our resource site spotonideas.com.

You don't need "permission" inside the states.
A baby is pretty easy, because you don't have to entertain them like a toddler.
I also brought my front pack you can use during flight just not during take off or landing, not sure why but that's what they told me in May when I flew with my 8 week old.

Bring a shirt change for yourself just in case, and an easy outfit for the baby (pjs) and an extra blanket (it gets cold on the planes). I had a hard time changing the baby in the airplane bathroom, it was easier to change him while he was on my lap. Also bring plastic bags for those dirty diapers (like the ones you use for dog, poop and scoop.)

ALL car seats are approved to use in an airplane.

Good luck.

i have flown several times alone with my children (now almost 4 and 7 months), and flew at least once per month with my older son (usually alone) from the time that he was born...there is not problem with you taking your baby alone...I have not paid for an extra seat for my children, until age 2, because I end up holding them anyway to nurse...but you should be in good shape with the infant carrier! You might want to consider pumping for the plane (I usually nursed before taking off and used a pacifier for the plane to eliminate the stress of trying to get my kds to eat or the possibility that the seats might be too cramped)...you will likely be seated in the middle as the carrier will likely have to go on the window seat, which means little space to nurse with the potential of someone sitting on the aisle...just a thought though!