Traveling on an airplane with an infant?

Question

I am worried about a few things.... His comfort, I know I have problems with my ears on planes so I am concered for him. Also any other suggestions about orgainizing, feedings (6hrs w. 1hr layover) he will be 5 months. Any suggestions are welcome!

I am traveling alone. Just he and I! Crazy I know!

Answer 1

If your baby has trouble with his ears, make sure to have a bottle for him to suck on during takeoff and descent. The best thing to do if he starts crying is just to let him because he'll clear his ears on his own that way. As for you, continue to clear your ears during descent by opening your mouth widely, chewing gum, drinking-swallowing or pinch you nostrils, close your mouth and blow. Not too hard to damage your eardrums but just enough to clear your estantian tubes.

Answer 2

I traveled alone with my infant children a few times. I had a few good trips and a few bad ones. my suggestions:

Definitely want to bring a change of clothes or two on the plane with you just in case baby gets sick.

Save the bottle feeding for the take-offs and landings as it helps the ears (and bring some gum along for you to chew to help your ears).

Be sure and check with the airline regarding all the new security stuff to make sure you pack the bottles and baby food correctly. Everything has changed in recent years and you dont want any problems while at the airport.

Changing baby on the plane can be difficult if plane is crowded. I would make sure you have some type of pad you can put down to lay him on while changing him. I would ask to be seated next to empty seats if available.

Dress the baby in layers and be sure to bring a blanket regardless of the weather outside. Planes can be cold.

Above all else...dont be afraid to ask for help while on the plane or in the airport if you need it.

Have a wonderful trip!

Answer 3

Many parents worry that the changes in air pressure that happen when you fly can harm their baby's ears. It's true that "popping ears" during takeoff and landing can be a bit painful for infants, but it won't cause any lasting damage. (The pressure changes can be very uncomfortable if your baby has an ear infection, however. If so, you may need to postpone your flight.)

Your baby will feel more comfortable if he has something to suck on during takeoff and landing, so you may want to breastfeed or give him a bottle or pacifier. You can give him some infant pain reliever (such as acetaminophen) if his ears really seem to bother him.

To minimize disruption to your baby's schedule when crossing time zones, you may want to keep one watch set to your home time so you'll know what your baby is expecting next. Caring for a baby full time is stressful even while staying home, much less at 30,000 feet in the air. If possible, travel with your mate, another relative, or a sitter.

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Answer 4

I just took my 7 month old from Sydney to LA, via New Zealand! Long flight!!!

Its a good idea to feed during take off and landing, so that he will not get sore ears. He could also suck on a pacifier to help with that, if he just is not hungry and won't drink.

Keep his fluids up! Its ok to feed more often than you normally would. My daughter was on a 4 hr feeding routine but during the travelling i fed her every 2-3 hours. She was more thirsty than usual because of the dehydrating effects of flying, and it was comforting.

Is he going to be on your lap? You might be able to get in an exit row. We did that and put a travel infant bassinette on the ground at our feet so she could sleep.

Try and change diapers on the ground because its really difficult on the plane in those cramped airplane toilets!!!

Take on plenty of toys and books to keep him occupied.

Pack all the food and bottles in a separtely in a clear plastic bag. Otherwise they will want to search through all tyour stuff. That way they can just look at the bag and see there's just baby stuff in there. Also put any diaper rash cream or powder in there, too.

I really thought it would be horrible, especially with the long haul flight i did, but we should give our babies credit - they are adaptable and even my very fussy baby did well!!!

Have a great trip!

Answer 5

Wow its tough to take a kid on a plane. I did it several times. First off the best way to help with ear discomfort is to have him or her drink from the bottle. The swallowing opens the eustachian tubes and allows air to get in the ear.

Are you traveling with another person? Well either way I suggest checking almost everything. Only carry on whats essential for the baby that way your not having to lug all this stiff around the airport. Also make sure to have a blanket so he can get soem floor time without getting on the nasty airport floor.


For some baby's the flight can be sleep inducing. It was for mine. Hope you have nice trip.

Answer 6

take a red eye, try to keep baby awake as much as you can throughout the day, feed him before you et on the plane and one about an hour before you land (so you won't have screaming baby going through the airport) dress in comfortable layers sometimes airplanes are hot sometimes cold, a passifer is good to use for take off and landing to help ther eears pop.

Answer 7

Try to schedule feedings around take off and landing. Make sure you pack enough diapers and formula in carry on in case of delays or lost luggage-trust me this happened to me with twins!

Answer 8

babies on laps are loose on kin US flights, yet not on foreign places flights. on your lap will value much less yet not be as mushy, handy, or risk-free as putting the toddler in an toddler automobile seat that's buckled in to the seat subsequent to you.