Any tips on plane traveling with an infant?

Question

My 7 month old is preparing to fly to his uncles wedding in Key west. So we'll be on a puddle jumper too. I'd love to know any tricks on getting an extra seat or any savvy advice. I've heard about benedryl and would prefer not to use it. Any other must knows?

Answer 1

Using Benedryl on a child who doesn't need it is dangerous, all antihistamines and that is what Benedryl is has the potential to cause nerve damage, especially when used off label. It's a drug, again DRUG. Also drinking alcohol and then breast feeding is so harmful, so don't take that adivce I saw you'd already been given.

If you are relaxed your child will be more relaxed. Make sure he has nursed if you can or been bottle feed as close to your departing time, so he'll be satisfied that way. If he has three or four very small toys he really likes, the day before don't allow him to play with them if you can. Put them in your boarding bag for him, so he'll be happy to see them in flight.

If he eats anything yet, like Cheerio's, then save them for when he's getting tired on the plain, so it will be a treat, something to distract him.

Be patient and stop worrying about what others on the plane will think. You do your best for you and your son and don't drug him and risk harming him just so others won't be inconvenienced. Make sure to have him wear something he's comfortable in, not dress him up to go out. If fact putting him in comfortable jama's, so he'll feel comfortable would be wise. Also, using two peice Jama's so it's easy to change him in flight if you have to, makes doing so easier.

Make sure to have small things for him and don't bring them out until he begins to get bored.

If you are patient and calm yourself, are prepared to meet his needs, then you and him will be just fine.

If you bottle feed, contact the airlines you are traveling on about formula limits. Becuase for a while at least there were restrictions. I know a while back mothers literally had to pour out the formula, because of security issues that had come up. The story about while is too long for here. I think now you can take empty bottles on, a one leter bottle of water and powdered formula and ask the flight attendant to warm up the water for you. I think the water has to be purchased at the airport and still be sealed.

The restrictions may have been lifted, but so you don't run into problems at the airport and then end up with a hungry baby and nothing to feed him, CHECK with the air lines you are flying with to see restrictions that exist, because I know you can't take several bottles already filled with formula anymore as you once could.

Even if you take others advice and not let him sleep until just before the flight, it often doesn't work, because unless a baby or child is use to flying, it will be a new experience and as tired as they are they'll want to stay awake and look around. Then all you have is a tired active child, most likely a grumpy one. Let him keep to his sleep schedule as naturally as possible.

It's all just part of being a good mom, you do your best to be prepared to meet his in flight needs, then do you best wtih what comes up. That's what motherhood is.

Good luck and just enjoy the trip whatever comes your way and allow him to be unmediated and experience this new adventure as well.

Before going to the air port, for a day or two, he may be only seven months, but I've found that by talking about an upcoming new event, making it sound excisting even to little babies, seems to keep them happy when they are in the middle of a noisy new experience. If all the noise upsets him. In a calm and firm voice, just say, You are just fine. I find saying it firmly, with control and not getting upset myself, some how seems reassuring to little one's that can't talk yet.

You'll do fine!

Answer 2

Pay an infant's fare and book the extra seat in advance. Don't count on it being available or offered at the gate. This will let you bring the child's carseat onboard which is a LOT safer than taking him in your lap, especially on a puddle-jumper where you feel the turbulence a lot more strongly than on a big jetliner. This also leaves your hands free to amuse and tend to the child if he gets fussy. Planes are flying full more often than not so the chances that there will be an extra seat on a small-capacity plane are not all that good. And I really have seen infants bounce from their mothers' arms in rough air when they were not restrained, on two different flights last year alone. One child struck his head on the leg of the seat in front of him so hard that everyone on the plane could hear it. Infant seats are usually a lot cheaper than adult seats; not worth risking your child's safety just to save some money.

Answer 3

Benedryl is dangerous to use that way. I am glad you seem to know this. I know you do not want to hear this, but it is in the best interest of your baby's safety for you to purchase a plane seat and bring along a car seat to use in it. Get seat towards the front of the plane, I personally have had a problem with my child and I getting ill in seats towards the back because of fuel smells. Something I was not aware of but since, have had others tell me they have experienced the same. For your allowed liquids ( for carry on) make sure it is an infants ibuprofen in case they run a fever while flying. Include a thermometer too. Take some ibuprofen for you too. I hope you will not need it. I did one time and was so happy I had it for my young child. I hope you find a travel agent willing to give you a buy one get one free seat deal. Happy traveling!

Answer 4

The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that babies under 2 sit in an air travel–approved car seat which is buckled into their own seat on the plane.

The airline will charge for the extra seat. Most offer a 50 percent discount, some do not, so always check with your airline. The extra seat may be worth the extra money, especially if you have an active baby. It can be more comfortable for you as well—you’ll be able to eat your airline provided meal without curious hands getting into your juice.

Answer 5

If there's an empty seat after boarding , ask someone to switch seats . Bring things to occupy baby , like a new toy . As long as the child is fed and content ( dry ; well rested ; etc. ) things should be fine .
Do not get the child over-stimulated , thinking he/she will sleep better ..there's nothing worse than an over-tired infant who refuses to sleep , when traveling .

Answer 6

DONT!!! ahhhhha...jkjk. but please request for a seat that is close to the restroom (to um, to prevent 'accidents') or one that has a huge space in very back so if your baby do decides to scream and shout, you wont feel like the EVERYONE is staring at your back, criticizing you as a parent. as for that extra seat, sometimes you get lucky with a very roomy flight, then, when ever one is settled, u can discreetly move to another spot....i usually do this when i get lucky...i think the same works for domestic flights. hope this helps!!! gl

Answer 7

Have a warm bottle with cereal for them to drink, will make them sleepy, also have cotton balls to put in their ears, I made four trips to the virgin islands when i had an infant. If the air pressure really bothered him I would hold him up and put my hands over his ears and rock. My first trip was awful. So next trip started giving that bottle when we took off. When he was asleep it didnt bother him.

Answer 8

give baby a bottle on ascent and descent to prevent that uncomfortable ear popping from the change in air pressure, dont let those stewardesses put tose nasty germinfested pillows or blankets near your baby,these are a major source of infection like rash, staph, etc, they are just reused and passed out,eeewwwww! bring your own blankets!

Answer 9

Mrs Max : some "Airlines" will ask you to make sure that he'd
travel with a parent. Because it's for his safety among passengers also talk with an " Flight Attendant" first thing very
important ok ? good luck ! refer http://www.travelsafetytips.com

Answer 10

Don't give your child medication unless the Dr. tells you to-a mother just went to prison for giving her child medicine to make him go to sleep!

You give the kid a bath
Put on his pajama's
Buckle him in
Leave for your flight at the child's bedtime!

Dammmnnnnn!!!!