3 Month Year Old Flying

Hi K.
I also traveled when my baby was 3months, I consulted the pediatrician before and he advice to feed her bottle before the take off this way her ears won't pop or bother her. It will be like if she's chewing gum like we do as adults. I hope this helps it helped for me when I traveled on the holidays and I also has lay overs.

Hi K.

the best advise I can give you is if you are breast feeding have her eat while taking off and descending. Or give her a pacifier. Sucking is very important. Although i am a mother of 4 and have been on plane trips and the babies were sleeping. Their ears were fine. Good luck!

Is she bottle fed? If she is when the plane takes off and lands fed her. Kinda the same thing as us adult chewing gum. Pacifer work good too. tylenol work great for fussy.

all of the advice you've received about nursing/bottle feeding on take off and landing is right on the money - I'd also suggest bringing a blanket that you can lay on the floor at your layover gate so that she can stretch out while waiting for the next flight. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to fly with an infant! Have a great trip.

Good Morning K.!!

It has been awjile since my children were little, but I remember being anxious about flying with little ones. I understand your concern about taking-off and landing. Most babies and people experience discomfort due to change in air pressure. If Avery Olivia uses a pacifier, these are good times to use it. Also, try to time a feeding, even if just a bottle of water, for changing altitudes. The sucking motion helps relieve the changes in air pressure.
Now, as an older and more experienced mother, I would recommend getting a good night's sleep, packing snacks and a change of clothing for both of you.

Good Luck, and more importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!

L.

Relax, flying is easy. If your nursing, nurse on take-off and landing. If she is sleeping let her sleep through it. If your bottle feeding then give the bottle. Take a stroller or front carrier for the airport transfer. They will check the stroller at the jetway and bring it back to the jet way opon arrival. If your relaxed the baby will stay relaxed. If its a long flight a few toys or black/white/red books to temporary distract from you. Take extra clothes (I took 2 additional and ended up using them most of the time.)
Have a good trip
T.

Hi K. - I have flown several times when my daughter was that young (my husband is a pilot). The main thing I learned was to have her suck on the way up and the way down, but not a bottle. I'm not sure about breastfeeding. But when I used a bottle with formula in it - she ended up getting a upset stomach because the food expanded in her belly and she was miserable. Just try to get her to suck on a pacifier. I hope that helps. Good luck!

I have flown many times with my daughter, and the first time is scary b/c you're nervous about everything! As long as she's awake for take off or landing, give her something to suck on--pacifier, bottle, breast. If she's sleeping, you don't need to wake her, she won't notice the change in elevation (I didn't know that until the flight attendant taught me that:) Just try to keep her schedule as normal as possible, and have plenty of extra milk/formula just in case layovers, unexpected events, etc. I brought tylenol, mylecon, etc, just in case, and I also used a sling for naps (if she uses that, or baby bjorn to free up your hands). You'll be surprised how smoothly it all goes. She'll sleep most of the time too.
Good luck!

Dear K.,Last year I was flying to Chicago by myself and about 2 minutes after we took off a 2 or 3 month old started screaming. Obviously her ears were hurting. Her father was a doctor and he right away gave her some infant tylenol drops. It took a while to work but it did work. The dr(father) said that he had meant to give the baby the tylenol before they took off,but he had forgotten. I have also heard that if you nurse the baby or give it a bottle while taking off and landing that helps also. I think the preventive tylenol makes more sense. Good luck S.(mother of 3 adult children)

Try to hold off on her feeding until you take off and land...let her nurse or drink her bottle while taking off and landing...that will help with the two worst parts of the flight!

Nurse her while ascending and descending...or if you do not breastfeed, give her a bottle or a pacifier :) I fly about 30x a year with my children and have been since they were first born (we have our own plane) so that is what I do and there is no problem at all. Good luck and have fun!

i have flown with my daughter when she was about 3 weeks old. The doctor said it's fine and may cause only minor discomfort to the baby. He said you may give her something to suck on during take off and landing to help alleviate the pressure. i found that it didnt bother her at all when she was sleeping during take off or landing. hope this helps.

Are you breastfeeding or bottle feeding? If you're breastfeeding, what'll help with the air pressure during the ascend and descend is to breastfeed your baby. Not only will it soothe her, it'll be a nice distraction. My sister in-law is a pediatrician and she's recommended this to us too. If you're not breastfeeding, have a bottle or pacifier in hand. I wouldn't recommend sticking anything into her ears.

And with the white noise on the plane, she'll probably be sleeping longer than usual. If you have a baby carrier, it'll help to be comfortable for both you and her on the plane and during the layovers.

Good luck on your travels!!

Hi K.,
Try try to relax and know that flying with children is just very DIFFERENT than flying as an adult and no one should expect her to act like an adult. She may cry if her ears hurt, but they do say that is one of the best cures. I was a flight attendant before I had my boys and they used to tell us to use paper cups stuffed with a little paper towel and to pour very hot water on them so they could make steam. You would then hold this up to the ear and steam the area to help things open up. I said all of that to let you know that the flight crew should be available to help you with this little trick should you need it. We pray for your nerves that she sleeps through most of your journey, but remember that the cries of a 3mo old are not upsetting to the general public, even tho they are monumentally upsetting to her mother. Take pictures if you can get help with that...this is actually a memory!
Also my own mommy tip is to put her into thin comfortable clothing and use blankets if she gets cool. PLAN on a clothing change toward the end of the last flight. I used to pack the bag I could fit under the seat and use a kind of Braille method of getting things out so I could know where things were during any portion of the flight and even when a child was on my lap. Write yourself a checklist that you can go over as you pack and before you leave. Double check for anything not allowed in your carry-on and find out all of the policies about bottled liquid, strollers, child seat, etc.
Be sure to make flight staff aware that you will need your stroller if the connections get tight. If you have never considered a sling now would be a great time to think about trying that out.
Good luck, try to have fun, rest and take an awesome lighthearted book/mag to read.

Hi K.,
During the ascending and decending of lthe flight , make sure she is eating - either give her a bottle if you are giving formula, or nurse her. That will alleviate pressure in her ears. (It's kind of like giving gum to a child for the same issue). Good Luck and congratulations on your new little one.

I flew with my son when he was 2 months old. Like everyone else has mentioned, make sure you breast feed, bottle feed or use pacifier on take off and landing. This helped ALOT! I also, gave my son a small dose of Tylenol about 30 mins. before boarding and this also really seemed to help. Just check with your pediatrician.
The front carrier is a good idea, however, just keep in mind that you can not walk through security with your baby in the carrier. The front carrier has to go through security. I learned this the hard way. My son was quite fussy at this age so as soon as I got to the airport I put him in the carrier so he would hopefully settle and sleep. I was so happy and thankful that he had just fallen asleep as it was approaching our turn to go through security, only to find out I had to take him out of the carrier. And of course he woke up crying. So once we made it through security, I was struggling to carry my baby, my purse, the diaper bag , the front carrier and my shoes (make sure you were slip on shoes). Surprisingly, no one stopped to offer us help. I had to stop and sit down and ask a complete stranger (who I made sure looked kind and honest) to hold my baby so I could put my shoes back on, get things reorganized and put my son back in the front carrier.
I know several people have told you to check the stroller, however, I personally thought it was helpful to have the stroller right up until boarding. You can easily check it at the gate. Just tell them at the gate you have a stroller you would like to check. Even a 3 month old baby gets heavy after holding them for a long period of time. Combi has a great light weight stoller that folds very compactly and is perfect for travelling. I have always found elevators etc.. to be very accessible in airports.
Give yourself plenty of time. Be very organized and pack as light as possible but make sure you have all the essentials right handy to grab - diapers, wipes, change of clothes, bottles, pacifier, etc.... Try to only carry your diaper bag and/or purse. In the end, my son slept our entire flight and we have flown many times since and I have become very comfortable with it. I'm sure you will too! Good luck!

Hi K.!
I flew with my daughter when she was just 2 months old and it went very well. I was told by her doctor to just make sure she was sucking on something as you went up in the air and when we were landing. I was nursing her, so when we took off I just fed her and then I gave her a pacifier when we were landing. The rest of the flight she slept. So just feed her whether it is bottle or nursing or have her suck on a pacifier during those two times. Some other helpful tips were that I made sure I used hand sanitizer before touching my baby after I had touched anything or anyone and I wiped down the tray on the plane with a baby wipe and obviously kept her away from anyone who was coughing or anything. I also pushed her in a stroller while waiting in the airport and then used it all the way until I got into the plane and they checked it for me there and it was waiting there when we landed. It is nice b/c the airlines let people with children board first so you can take your time gettin situated without people getting annoyed at you. :) Hope this helps! Im sure everything will be fine!

Hey K.!! I have flown plenty of times with my kids. The first time I flew with my then 4 month old, I just made sure he had a bottle or a paci for taking off and for landing. The sucking action should help with the ears. You'd be surprised how easy it is - I thought I would go crazy, but we were just fine. I brought some toys and books and things went great. He slept really well on the plane too. One time I went with a 2 year old and a 2 month old, by myself!! Both kids slept the whole way. Thank goodness! The way back was a different story, but not too bad. The stewardess' are usually very helpful too. Just remember that the plane will eventually land and things will be fine.
OH! And remember a blanket, if you are breastfeeding - for privacy, for sleep if someone has the lights on to block the light, and if you want the fan on - to keep the baby warm. Also, ask the people at the boarding desk if there are any open rows, they can move you to a place on the plane with extra seats so you have more room.
Good luck!

Hi K.,

Are you nursing the baby? If so, what I did when we flew with my little one, was nurse him as much as I could while asending and desending to minimize the pressure build-up. It seemed to work fine, and he never even acted like there was an issue!
If you're not nursing, then give the baby a pacifier or it's bottle, if it's possible. Any form of sucking will help.
This is all I know in a case like this. Hope it helps.
Best of luck with your trip. ~L.

K. - what worked best for me flying when my son was an infant (per his doctors instructions) was to nurse him on the way up and nurse him on the way down - or bottle feed, whichever you typically do. The sucking will prevent her ears from hurting. A pacifier can help too if she normally uses one. Other than that, she'll probably sleep a lot. Have a great trip!

Give her a bottle to suck on during ascending and descending. The swallowing will help her ears equalize the pressure. Skip the cotton balls. They won't do anything to help with pressure changes. Enjoy your trip!

I did that with my son at that age as well. I made sure I had a bottle available for the acsent and especially the descent. That seemed to help with ear problems. Good luck!

Try getting her nurse, suck on a bottle or a pacifier during take off and landing. Other than that, don't travel in the outfit you want her to arrive in, pack extra diapers, wipes, clothing and other essentials in case you get delayed. I first flew with my daughter (New Jersey to San Diego) when she was 15 days old. Enjoy the trip, this is easy. Once they get mobile it gets harder!

I began travelling with my son when he was only a couple of months old. He was a great traveller, and I would like to encourage you that your daughter will be, too.

One of the biggest recommendations I can make is for YOU to relax! The more you relax, the more your daughter will be able to relax.

I would also suggest that you be prepared to give her a bottle as the plane is taking off.......and as the plane descends, do the same thing. Whatever she likes to drink.....whether is be breast milk, formula, or water. This is the best to keep her ears open! If she also uses a pacifier, I would encourage you using that, too.

More than likely, she will sleep during the flight.

I don't know anything about cotton balls or what that could possibly do.

Enjoy your flight! My son has become a seasoned traveller (he's now 22!!).......and I hope this is a good experience for you!

Again........RELAX and enjoy! (She can pick up on your nervousness and react!

W.

As far as the ears, try to offer her a bottle during takeoff and landing. Swallowing helps to equalize the pressure within the eustachian tubes, which is why adults are told to chew gum, so they'll swallow.

Hi K., I did the same thing when my son was 4 months old. We didn't have layovers, but our flight out was delayed by 4 hours!!!! (Supposed to leave at 8pm and we were stuck until midnight) But regardless it actually went really well. I expected the worst, but my little man was great. Some advice that worked for me... 1) Give yourself plenty of time! It's better to be waiting at the gate then rushing around the airport with an infant. 2) Be prepared with extra clothes, diapers, etc. in your carry on. 3) Keep your baby on the same schedule as much as possible and 4) give her a paci or nurse her during take off/landings. My son wasn't hungry when we took off first so the paci was perfect for him. The next time (on our way home) he was and I nursed him and he did great then too. Oh and 5) Have a sense of humor - you'll probably need it! Good Luck!

Hey K.,

When I flew with my little one.. just scheduled feedings around the time for take off and arrivals so that she was sucking on the bottle during the changes.. this seemed to work and the people when we got off told me that they did not even know that she was on-board and it sure made it easier for me.. I also had the stroller to help with the connections.

hope this helps...C.

hi K.
i have a 13 months old boy and i have been flying with him since he was 4 months old back and force to europe there was never a problem with him the only thing a doc told me on the flight was to make sure that they have a bowl movement after the flight or next morning that was it. he enjoyed it and slept thru it all
have a nice flight don't worry

Especially during takeoff, descent, and landing, I would give her a bottle or pacifier- it's the same kind of motion that adults get with chewing gum to relieve the pressure on their ears.

Hi K.. I know you have a lot of advice already, but thought that I would pitch in. The 1st time my son went flying he was 3 weeks. He flies about once every 2 months (average) so we have become pros.

My best advice is to plan your daughters naps around the flight. I know that my son always takes his nap 3 hours after he wakes up, so if my flight is scheduled at 11, I will make sure that Logan is up at 8 (at least, sometimes I will wake him up earlier). Then, I let him run around and burn up as much energy as he wants. But, at 3 months Avery shouldn't have too much energy.

If you have a baby carrier and are comfortable using it, then do. Thats what I did with Logan until he got too big. We didnt use a stroller just because it was a lot with the baby carrier. But Logan loved it because he would be in my arms without my arms being full. I would walk around the airport till it was time to board, and it would always help him to sleep.

Make sure you have lots of formula (or breastmilk). Take extra because something may happen (flight gets delayed, etc). Also make sure that you have extra diapers (if you need 2 take 3). I have side pockets on my stroller and always keep them filled with extra diapers and wipes.

Good luck and have a wonderful flight!!!

Oh, when you get on the flight, the flight attendant will let you know what is the proper way to hold Avery during take off and landing. Also, the flight attendant is always happy to help you with anything. Whenever I have needed the little girls room in flight, they have always been more than kind in holding Logan for me. Also, if there is empty seats on the flight, a lot of times they will put you in a row by yourself (if there is space)

Have fun!!!

Hello. Yes I know what you mean. 3 years ago I had to fly with my 1 yr. old and worried about the same things. I found that if you feed them at those times, then the ear problems can be avoided. I would suggest that you hold baby off by just giving her maybe half of her normal feeding and then give her a full bottle while ascending and descending. Also if baby is not on cereal might want to introduce a little. That way baby tummy stays fuller longer. May also try to introduce baby food fruits also. I know that you may say that baby is to young, but I know several people that has started baby off early and they turned out fine. I hope you find something that works even if it's not anything I have suggested for you. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A SAFE TRIP!

My little girl just turned 5 and she has been flying since she has been about 3 months old. Save yourself from bringing every toy in the toy room. A wonderful lady on our first flight introduced her to the cup that they serve adults beverages in and it was a hit!! In regards to the ears... if you can wait to feed her while the plane is taking off or a pacifier to suck on. My girl did great!! Hope all works out and happy flying!!

I flew with my daughter starting at three months and we flew a least three times a year for three years. I would recommend getting a sling. Its great to be able to carry her in and when she is sleeping on the plane you dont have to worry about dropping her if you dose off. It is also much easier than dealing with a stroller. I always tried to fly red eye and nursed her when we were taking off and landing. She really did not have a problem.

The only time I had a problem was when she was fighting an ear infection and I had to get back home for work. The first part of the trip was fine but landing at our home airport caused her to throw up. I could not get her to drink anything for her ears so they probably hurt pretty bad.

I also flew with my son when he was 3 months from san diego to north carolina. No problems what so ever. Its really easy to fly with an infant. Its gets real fun when they can walk!

My son has been flying since he was four months old. He sleeps most of the flights, when he is not sleeping he just looks around at all the people. What has helped him for takeoffs and landings is either having a bottle or pacifier.

They travel easily at this age. I suggest you try carrying a bottle and helping her to drink during ascent and descent which will keep her ears equalized. Worked for us. Good luck!

no cotton balls! If you are nursing you want to nurse her on accent/decent. or give her a bottle,pacifier or something to suck on.This will help with the pressure.Take your stroller, they have room for them.

During take off and landing either feed her (breast or bottle) or give her a paci. As long as they are sucking on something during those times they are okay. we flew from Germany to Atlanta when my dd was 3 mths old. We got her her own seat and took her carseat, much easier and waited till we got to the gate to check the stroller. Take a changing pad and plenty of diapers, wipes and clothes for her. My dd pooped really bad and only one of the bathrooms had a changing thing so we ended up using our laps since it seemed that bathroom was occupied a lot. if you can get the seat with the bassinet seat in front of it. That will help if you don'thave her own seat. Other than that good luck! I dind't have any layovers but was nervous and found that it went better than i thought and we were over prepared for it

I know exactly what you are feeling! It has been quite a while, but I can remember with great detail the one plane trip that will forever be embedded in my memory.

I know Avery is only 3 months old, but you might want to ask your pediatrician if she is old enough or weighs enough to take a tiny bit of the purple, not pink, Benedryl...the one that has the decongestant in it. The decongestant will help her ears adjust to the pressure changes in the plane. I think you can give it to her every 4 to 6 or 6 to 8 hours, but since she is so little, you might give her less than the doctor says and stretch it out depending on your connecting flights.

If she cannot take the purple Benedryl, ask if she can take a tiny amount of the pink. At the very least, it will help her sleep consistently.

I probably should not be telling you to medicate your child! Please call your pediatrician and ask for suggestions. They may know of something that works besides Benedryl or cotton balls. I never tried cotton balls, so I do not know if that works or not. Since Avery is so young, she will sleep alot on the plane anyway as long as she is comfortable.

Be sure Avery has a bottle to drink on the plane b/c that helps with ear pressure adjustment. If you are BF and do not mind doing it in front of other people, start after take off when you can tell the cabin pressure is changing.

If you prefer to be alone when you BF, explain this to a flight attendant after you are seated. Perhaps once the plane is stable but the seatbelt sign is still on, they will allow you to go to the restroom, back row with a blanket or somewhere semi-private where you can BF...not the best condition but it's a plane!

Sometimes, certain airlines still let people traveling with children, the elderly, or the disabled, get on the plane before anyone else. If the airline no longer does this, still ask, but before take off.

If they will not work with you, as soon as the seatbelt sign is off, be the first one in the restroom if Avery is awake and looks like she is in pain or cranky.

If you have to wait for the restroom, try massaging Avery's head, face and body to relax her. Let her suck on a pacifier if she uses on. She just might go to sleep. I still do this for my girls sometimes and boy does it help relax them and change their mood!

Lastly, you may want to give Avery some Infant Tylenol drops to help with the pain.

I truly hope I have not offended you with my advice of medicating your 3 month old daughter. I remember when my daughters, who are now 8 and 10, were that age and I think I would have been appalled at someone who told me to give them unprescribed medication. I have learned since then that a decongestant helps with their ears adjusting when flying. I am only trying to help and offer suggestions, but Avery may be entirely too young to take anything. First and foremost, call your pediatrician and see what the office says.

I am looking forward to reading the other responses to your question. It seems like everyone in my family (except me!) and many of my friends are pregnant. I have forgotten almost everything about babies and need a crash course!

Good luck and have a wonderful trip! I hope you find the perfect solution for you and Avery!

I have three children and have flown w/ 1 - 2 from the time my oldest was 2 mos. old. First of all a collapsable stroller is a life saver - especially with layovers - you check it at the gate each time its well woth the extra time!!! MAke sure you have a pacifier or bottle for him during take off and landing, that has done the trick for me. A change of clothes ofr hime and a blouse for yourself would be a good idea. I wouldn't fuss with several toys , maybe one new one and an old favorite small quiet one. and a favorite blanket. And then if you can set right behind first class there is more room and it helps to be as close to the front of the plane as possible for pressure problems. Don't waste time or space with a car seat on the plane.

We did our 1st flight @ 6 weeks. The best advice I can give is to make sure she is sucking on either her bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing. I tried to hold off my son from finishing a bottle if it was near time, or provide something that he really enjoyed -- i.e. juice. Another piece of advice -- take LOTS of extra formula/diapers/wipes -- we were significantly delayed and I know I would have been more stressed if I was worried about running out of supplies!

We flew quite a few times with my son while he was an infant. During takeoff and landing either have her sucking on a pacifier or eating. My son was always great on flights and we never have never had a problem with his ears hurting. Now that he's a toddler, we have trouble keeping him entertained and in his seat during flights! Good luck!

K., she will be fine. Just nurse/give bottle when landing/taking off and use baby carrier......close to you she will not even notice anything:)

My best recommendation to help with take offs and landings is just to have her suck during those time periods. Nursing a bottle, whichever you use this is the perfect time. A pacifier works as well. This always worked with my children, and kept them quite happy on the flight. Other than making sure her ears are clear this is really one of the few things you can do. My daughter is now four and I just give her fruit snacks as we're taking off or landing. I've yet to have a problem for her with flying.

Good Luck!

Hi K.,

I had to start flying with my daughter when she was 2 1/2 months old. She has cancer and we were making trips to St. Jude in Memphis. It is such a long drive and flying just seemed easier on her. Anyway, I was advised by some other moms that during take off and landing to make sure my daughter was sucking her pacifier. I did just that and she has never had any problems and we have been flying for 14 months. Hope this helps answer your question.

C.

You'll do great flying with your 3 month old. During take off and landing have her sucking on something... pacifier, or bottle. That will alleviate the ear issues. Pack your formula as powder in the bottle and then buy bottled water once you get through security. Or if you're comfortable, bring a bottle and fill it with water once you get through security. Also, be sure and bring your stroller. You can check it at the gate. It will greatly help you get through the airport. Pack it up with your diaper bag, purse and any blankets you bring for your baby. When you get off the plane at your layover and destination, they'll have it waiting for you at the gateway. So you get it up to the airplane door!! Good luck!!! You'll do great!!

we flew with both of our children when each one was only two months old. my best piece of advice is this, ware her. check your stroller at check in, and keep her in a wrap, sling, or front carrier. she can stay in it for the flight as well as walking through the airport. if it is a large, busy airport, strollers are hard to navigate, plus many airports require you to use escalators, trams etc. to get from one terminal to the other. my son slept almost the entire trip in a moby wrap. and i was able to nurse him in the airport by simply leaning him to one side. also if you are nursing, invest in at least one good nursing shirt with an opening at chest level, so that you can nurse on the plane. i never wore a nursing shirt until we traveled, and it was so worth it. also, my son did not nurse for take off or landing, and had no problems with his ears. i think that they are just really not bothered by that as much as adults are.

I flew with my daughter at that age. she had no problem with the change in cabin pressure. the doctor said it was probibly because she was well hydrated. I made sure I nursed her before I got on the plain and I used a sippy cup with water on the plane. just one warning your baby will get scared when they start the engines the flight attendants told me every child gets scared by that. make sure you have plenty of things that remind them of home and your baby will be just fine. oh yeah I almost for got if you are breast feeding it is a good Idea to take an extra vit. c for three days before and after you fly to ward off the many germs that float around the plane.

When I flew with my children at that age I made sure they were nursing during takeoff and landing. I would assume sucking on a bottle or pacifer would work the same. Neither one of my children had problems with their ears while we flew.

Letting her suck on a pacifier will help with the ears during flight.

As a former flight attendant, I have too often seen the effects of flying on childrens ears especially on the descent. This might sound strange but I found that if you have two plastic cups (big enough to form a seal over your childs ears)you can alleviate some of the pain and discomfort by covering the ears and pulling away every so often to relieve the pressure. Your child may even be able to do it w/o your help once they figure out that it helps. It worked many times for children on my flights. If not, you can use the old standby and give them a lollipop or something that makes them salivate so they will swallow. Never hold their nose to help them pop, it could pop their eardrum and cause further damage. Hopefully this will help. Happy flying, K.

K., your 3 month old should be fine flying as long as you have a pacifier and bottles for her to suck on. The sucking on the pacifier or bottle will help her ears to pop while asending and descending.

Have her suck on the bottle and it will keep her ears from popping.

there are these things called 'earplanes' you can get them at walgreens, google it - you'll find it. They're reasonable price.

Also - plan to feed while accending and decending, the sucking helps naturally clear the ears with swallowing. Otherwise, I bet she'll sleep!!

We flew with our son when he was 9 weeks old. We were told by his doctor to try to keep him sucking at least during take off and landing. So I would suggest trying to feed her or give her a paci if she likes one. The sucking is supposed to help their ears cleared. Our son had no problems. Good luck!

HI there,
My now 5 and a half month old has been on 14 flights, 6 of them international! Yup. we took her to Russia when she was 3 months old and she did great. My biggest piece of advice is BREASTFEEDING. I think it made a difference for her to be eating (swallowing) when descending. There have literally been only 2 times that she has cried on a plane and it was about 2 minutes each time, both on the descent, and the boob fixed it. Try to time it so your baby is eating on the ascent and descent (even if its bottles, I have no experience with them but I imagine it does the same or similar)

Also, I bought a box of 50 ear plugs and handed them out to the passengers on our longest flights (8 hours) just in case she wasnt doing so well. They didnt need them but everyone was thrilled that we were so considerate of them (and I imagine if she had screamed/cried they would have been more tolerant and understanding)
Good luck!

We flew when my baby was 11mon old--the doctor told us to have him suck on a bottle or paci, if she takes one, on take off and landing and that helps with the ears. He did fine with everything, only thing with him is that he wanted to crawl around in the ailses--you won't have that to worry about. Good luck and have fun on your trip!!
T.