Advice on Flying with a Carseat

I've never flown with my kids before but many parents have found this site helpful - it's written by a mom who worked as a flight attendant for 13 years so she has a lot of experience both as a parent and an airline employee: http://www.flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/

You're not required to have a carseat ON a plane, so her weight doesn't really matter. ( if you're going down, the carseat won't save them on a plane) I used a carseat once on the plane with my daughter. I don't reccomend it unless they're tiny and cant sit up or curl up on the seat by themselves. THe seat raised my daughter so much that her feet constantly pushed against the back of the seat in front of her. She was much happier without one altogether.

I just read all the responses about having your child in your lap. My advise is to get the kid his own seat next to you. Yes she can still sit in your lap, but having that seat there for them is...vital. worst case scenario, your kid screams and throws a fit. If she's in your arms, and you have a passenger next to you, the walls seem to shrink a heck of a lot. If she throws a fit and she's seat belted into the seat next to you, she's pretty much confined to a neat little square of chair. tantrums aside, she'll be more comfy and feel grown up in a seat to herself.
10 months is iffy, is she mature enough to sit still without one? I've never travelled with a rear facing seat, but my jundgement would be to check it. Good luck.

Be sure to get a No Dropsey. It'll save you from having to find bottles and toys that have been thrown or dropped on the floor or between the seats during the flight. A sanity/back saver!
www.NoDropsey.com

We fle international flight with our 22-month-old son. The pediatrician told us it was ok to use the Benedryl to help him sleep on the flight, since he almost never is able to sleep on our laps. We found that it was very effective in helping him sleep 5-6 hours at a time. We also made sure he was already tired, put him in PJs, etc to show him it was time to sleep.

Hi S.,

You should be fine :) We fly regularly between here and the East Coast using the same Britax car seat. We attach it rear facing and although the person seated in front of my daughter can not recline, it has NEVER been an issue. In fact, I believe it is required to be rear facing on planes up to 1 yr of age. Although my daughter is now 15 months, we still position it rear facing on the plane because she can look at us and its easier when she tosses her toys.

In regards to benedryl, we have not used it for flying. A close friend of mine did and it turned out to have a negative effect on her daughter (she didnt sleep and was fussy the whole time.)

I try to take enough small toys/books that I can give my daughter something new to play with every 30 mins. Also, while I would never do this at home unless she was sleeping, I do give her a pacifier on the plane to help when she's fussy.

Good luck and let me know if you have any addt questions.

Cheers,
J.

If your baby is happy with rear facing (my nearly 2 yr old is only 19 lbs, so she's still rear facing), then a cranky person who can't recline will be much less cranky than one who is being kicked. My 5 year old has enough issue with keeping her feet still while she's bored--my toddler is even worse.

Get on the plane early or wait until last call for the flight (and run the babe ragged around the airport if she is walking until then!), then ask someone to help you carry the seat. They're super heavy and hard to install--but totally worth it! Good luck

Typed on my iPhone, please excuse typos.

I have what is called the C.A.R.E.S system and it is FAA approved to use during all stages of flight. I found out about it on the United Airlines website and I talked to my sister about it who is a flight attendant and she confirmed that you can use it. It is basically a seatbelt system that utilizes the airplane seat and makes a safe restraint system. It fits in a very small bag and you don't have to lug around a car seat. With a car seat the kid will probably kick the seat in front of him and annoy the other passengers. With this system their legs are way back onto the regular seat. You should check it out to see the weight requirements etc...

Hi S.,

When my son was about 10 mos old, we traveled by plane from CA to TX. We have the Britax Marathon, which is about the same size as the Boulevard (my nephew has one). It was very hard to try to carry it on the plane (between seats, people, etc). I tried to place it rear facing and it did not fit. I ended up putting it forward facing, which was fine. After much discussion during our stay in Texas, we decided it was much better to just check in our seat on the return flight. My son was much more comfortable sitting on my lap, and it turned out that the seat next to me was empty, so he ended up being able to sit there when he wanted. As for the Benedryl, I would just wait and see what happens. Don't just give it to your daughter because you are worried she might act up. I've found that most people are pretty helpful and understanding when you're traveling with young ones (they've probably been there themselves). I did learn that only certain seats have double oxygen masks for parents with little ones on their laps, so you may want to ask the fight attendant about that, even though chances you'll need them are very slim. Just make sure you take snacks, coloring books, reading books, etc., something that will be able to keep her busy during the flight. Also, make sure she has something to drink during take off and landing (if she doesn't have a pacifier still) to help with 'popping' ears. Most airports have some kind of vendor near the gates since you can't take any liquids through security anymore.

I know this is a lot of info, but when traveling with little ones, I know I was thankful for all the hints I could get!! Good luck and enjoy your flight.

Many Blessings,
N.

S.,

Just returned from an 18 hour trip with my 9.5 month old- we did not bring the car seat, but have you check with the airline about getting a bulkhead seat- they are usually reserve for families and becasue there are no seats in front of you there is no worry about the pearson in front beig annoyed and not able to recline.

On the benedryl- Have you given it to her before? In some kids it does not have a sedtive effect and can actually amp them up. If you have not given to her in the past and don't know the efect it will have on her- during a five hur flight would not be the time to find out... I was worried how it would go with our little one- but she actually did well- with no medication. the noise from the plane actully helped her sleep and we had no problems.

Also recommned a portable DVD player- we do not let our little one watch tv normally- but on the plane it helped keep her occupied for a little bit.

Also found this web site: http://www.deliciousbaby.com/ Great info on traveling with kids.

Hope this helps

M.

Hi S.,

We have traveled A LOT with out 4.5 year old son. We always take his car seat, though I know those days are coming to an end for us since he's getting so big now. We have the Britax Marathon which is huge! We never used it rear facing, so I can't really say how it will fit, but ours always took up the whole seat. One problem we had was that my son could kick the seat in front of him. It always stressed me out because I was always worried about him disturbing other passengers. I think she's old enough to sit forward facing on a plane because technically she doesn't even have to be in a car seat...she could be on your lap.

There are a couple of things that made traveling with our Britax seat easier.

1. If you'll be traveling a lot with your daughter, I would recommend purchasing the GoGo Babyz Travelmate. It's about $100, but TOTALLY worth it if you'll be traveling often. It is compatible with your car seat. They sell them at One Step Ahead. It's a set of wheels that attaches to your car seat so you can roll it through the airport. It's great because your child can sit in it while you stroll through the airport, eliminating the need to bring a stroller into the terminal with you. You can just check your stroller as luggage if you'll need it one you reach your destination. The wheels are FAA approved and do not need to be removed while on board the plane. When my son was little, he would sleep on flights and sometimes still be asleep after landing. We would just lift his seat (on wheels) out of the plane and roll him off and through the airport still snoozing. It was great!!

2. When installing your car seat on the plane, ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. It will make the installation and removal much easier for you.

3. Check on the bulk head row. It's located right behind first class, so there's no need to worry about the person in front of you.

As for the Benadryl, there is probably no harm in it. I would just use your judgement. We always try to book flights at times when we know our son will be tired. We've never medicated him unless he had a cold or reason to be medicated. He has always slept fine on planes.

Good Luck!
A.

The carseat can face forward since your biggest concern on a plane is turbulence - not a head-on collision.
Bendaryl is fine- get the type appropriate for her age. It will help her with the sinus pressure she may feel during take-off and landing so give it to her 20 mintues before you take off. Also give her something she likes to drink in a type of sippy that takes some effort to suck - the sucking will help her ears pop. Ask the attendant for juice when you board - they usually have apple or orange juice.
A new interresting toy is a great idea and some books to keep her busy.
You may want a cocktail yourself ;)
Bon Voyage!

Hi S.,

Congratulations on your first airplane trip! Regarding the car seat, you should check to see if your particular carseat is FAA approved, some carseats are not designed to work on an airplane with just a lapbelt. Since you are asking about the seat, I will assume that you have PURCHASED a ticket for your daughter, if you have not , you will not be able to use the car seat. The rear facing orientation will prevent the seat in front of you from reclining, this may also cause the person in front to "bump" your child as they try. You will also need to put set up your daughter at the window for safety reasons (so others can get out of the aisle). Since your daughter is 20 lbs, perhaps you can set it up forward facing.

Regarding benedryl, try it at home first to see how dd reacts, my dd got hyper with benedryl. Be sure to bring a pacifier or bottle for your dd to suck on during the descent. Many babies cry with ear pain at this time.

Don't be worried, we always found the flight attendents to be wonderful and some will watch your child while you go to the bathroom or play with her. Be sure to pack extra clothes for both you and her, as well as lots of activities! Good luck!

sorry for the long response! hth!

K.

I've used Benedryl for my toddlers when flying to France. It helped me a ton. They were able to nap (and sit relatively still) and therefore not turn into tired, cranky little monsters. I also use car seats, but not the same type as you. As I understand it, car seats are for convenience on a plane, not for safety. So just bring one comfy and familiar (and preferably with cup holders for snacks and toys). Good luck!

Skip the carseat. I flew with my daughter at that age--and about the same amount of flight time. She was happy to sit on my lap and sleep, look out the window, & nurse in the sling. I was alone with her, so I used my sling in the plane & my stroller in the airports, gate-checking it on the way onto the plane. If you do use the seat, no way is a Boulevard going to work rear-facing on a plane. I have one, too, & there just isn't that much space.

Can't say anything about the benadryl--I just nursed through take-off & landing.

When our oldest was 2, we flew for 5 hours ot Hawaii w/his Britax Round-a-bout. Big mistake. Not only was the seat awkward to walk around w/in the airport, it was diffcult to install snuggly enough for my standards so we now have a no-car-seat-flying rule. Since your Britax is even bigger & bulkier & you'll be flying by yourself, I highly recommend you check it. The airlines can give you a big, sturdy plastic bag to put it in or you can buy one of those nylon carseat travel bags. We also found that w/the carseat in his airline seat, the lap tray wouldn't go down all the way flat so it was useless. The airline seat can also be a place for your daughter to play while standing. You don't mention where you're going or if you'll be renting a car. If renting a car, I'd look into renting a carseat from them, as well. I say, the less you have to haul around yourself, the easier it will make the trip for you. As far as keeping her occupied, I suggest going to the dollar store or dollar section at Target to get some small inexpensive toys to keep as a surprise for her. Pull one out every so often & she should be pretty happy. Bring plenty of snacks as well. Best of luck & enjoy your trip!

Hi S.,
Flying with a child is always difficult - I have flown with my 9 month old son quite a bit lately. I always use a car seat as it is the safest way to ensure you child will not escape you grip should there be any turbulence and or other issues when flying. I did however; have to buy him a seat. And so having done so I felt he was due as much consideration as anybody else. I have not flown with the Britax seat - I used PegPrego. However since you child is too big for the PegPrego maybe a "booster seat would be an option? I just looked up the following:
Greco Air Booster Car Seat - George - $89.00.
This could be placed in the seat and the airplane safety belts used to secure your child. Since your child is not an "infant" she should be able to face forward. It is my opinion that a booster seat is much safer than to hold your child in your lap, not to mention for 5 hours. I just returned from Texas and I could not have done it holding my child in my arms.
As for the use of Benadryl, that's your call. If used in accordance to the medication’s recommended dosage you should be fine. However, with-that-said I agree with the woman who said you should test it out at home first. Also, I have had GREAT success with a bottle and a Pacifier.
Good Luck!

S.,

I have Britax (marathon i think) and my son did GREAT in it. Slept the entire flight. Ca to Oklahoma. I got up incredibly early and bathed him with alot of that lavender baby soap from johnson & johnson. Having the car seat forward facing was easier for me, so I can't speak to that. But I took him another time without his car seat and it was awful. The car seat is something they know and they also know they can't get out of, just like when it's in the car. We sat in the very front, so there was no one in front of us.

Good luck on your trip

If your daughter is comfortable in the car seat for long rides without protest, it might be worth it. My son flew internationally at 13-14 months and HATED being in the seat, so he just sat in the airline seat. If you are working to keep your daughter in line at rough moments, most people are understanding and kind.

You have to be sure your car seat is FAA approved. The airlines are refusing to let you use them if there is not a stamp about FAA approved. This can be frustrating because, as we learned, we used our car seat on 10 flights with no problem, then on one we had to check it "for no additional charge." Even after we explained that was used it on the out two bound flights and the first leg of the return...no deal.

Also bring a bottle for take off and landing. Without that your little one's ears will hurt and the screaming will begin. As our daughter got older, we switched to juice boxes with straws, as they had the same effect, sucking.

As long as the Benadryl is calming, it can't hurt. Give it to her in her take off bottle. That will keep her down most of the flight.

Have fun,
Stephanie

You don't have to use a car seat when you fly. I have flown many times with my son who is now 2 and always just held him on my lap. The airline will check it for free so you have it when you arrive. My son was never very happy in his car seat but loves to be held so it worked great for us. We always got compliments on his good behavior. Also, you can take your stroller right up to the gate and they will check it for you; it will be at the airplane door when you arrive. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Last time I traveled with him alone I asked for a ride on one of those little carts that drives people through the terminal. They were so helpful and it was awesome! People will also offer to put your luggage in the overhead bin.

If for safety reasons you want to use the carseat, I think forward facing would be just fine since she's over 20 lbs. I have a Britax too and I don't imagine that it would fit too well rear facing on a plane.

As for the Benadryl, you may not need it. Are you breastfeeding? I always nursed my son (or you could give a bottle or pacifier) when we took off and he would fall asleep, and the vibration of the plane engines kept him asleep very soundly. The sucking is also helpful to keep their ears from hurting from the altitude. Just try to keep her awake at the airport. All the noise and activity really wears them out! Pack the Benadryl and use it if she just can't calm down.

Be sure to pack plenty of snacks, a change of clothes (comfy, easy-diaper-access outfits) a favorite book, and a new toy. Have a great trip! I'm sure she'll do great.

ETA: you can take liquids through security if they're for your baby. They will test them but that way you can bring whatever she likes to drink.

We flew to Mexico with our Britax car seat and it did not fit rear facing. We figured forward facing was better than not using a car seat. I am about to embark on a 6 hour flight by myself with my 1 year old. He's very mobile so I'm worried too. I friend of mine's mom gave me the following tips. Treat it like a car ride and keep him buckled in. Apparently little kids get serious air in turbulence. She saw some video a while ago of little kids flying up and smacking into the ceiling of the plane. YIKES! Buy a few new toys that they have never seen and tie them to the seat in front of you. Bring lots of snacks. Avoid walking the aisles with them because once you start, that's all they will want to do for the rest of the trip. This is from a mom of 6 who used to fly back and forth to Europe all the time.

Have a great trip!
L.

We traveled to Japan with a car seat and hated it. We had the Britax roundabout and it was huge in the seat. My daughter was 18 months so she was a little older than tour child. I also used Benadryl and it didn't work for us at all. Frankly it just made her groggy and cranky. Back to the car seat, it's a pain to maneuver around the airport. I attached it to wheels but it's so unwieldy. However, I was traveling alone with 2 children under 5. The stroller, which I gated checked, was invaluable.

I have traveled a lot with my little ones. I would definitely take a carseat on the plane. I think the little ones are more comfortable and it makes it more like a car ride. Also, you will have your hands free. The flight will be a lot less stressful to you. I have always used our roundabout instead of the boulevard due to size. But I think the boulevard is the same size frame as a marathon and if others used a marathon, it will probably be fine. I would probably use it forward facing due to space. The other thing is that carseat is heavy. You are definitely going to need the wheels or a carrying bag for it. I have this awesome backpack carseat bag I use, but again, I don't know if the boulevard would be too big for that. I wonder if you take a stroller and check it with baggage if they will charge. they are charging for everything nowadays. I would pack your daughters stuff in with yours in your suitcase. I think most airlines are charging atleast $15 for the first bag checked. Then if you check the stroller or carseat, it will only be $15 (considered her first bag).

I always bring tylenol with me and I think I gave my babies a dose before takeoff until about the age of 2. I figured it wouldn't hurt.

I would not stress about the trip. I found everyone to be really friendly everytime I have traveled with my little ones. The time I spend worrying about my flight was well wasted! Have fun!!

I am a mother of a two year old and i have travelled with my daughter all over since she was 2 months old. I am not sure of the car seat since i had her in my lap when i travelled alone or with my husband. Anyways, You can certainly call the airline directly and they should be able to help you out. Your question about benedryl.. It is ok to give benedryl of a very small amount to kids with allergies but every kid react differently. My daughter was very receptive. It calmed her down and made her sleepy. But you must remember to give the benedryl at least 1hour beore the journey starts. If your child is teething..you might want to get the nighttime oragel and rub a tiny little on her gums..it will make your journey comfortable. Other thing is that when you take off, have your child suck on the milk bottle..that way their ears don't hurt at all. I hope this will help.
good luck..
thanks K.

I had the same concerns when I first traveled cross country with my then 10 month old daughter, and they were all for no reason! I actually used a Baby B'Air (http://www.babybair.com/) and kept her on my lap. I opted not to give her Benedryl and I'm so glad I didn't! She had a GREAT time, was awesome, and actually entertained those around use.

If you can, get a bulkhead seat so you don't even have any passengers around you. This will also give you a little room to let your daughter stand.

You'll be amazed at everyone that will jump in if they think you need help - I know I was!

Good luck and happy travels!

P.S. Check with your airline if your car seat is airline approved. Believe it or not, not all of them are!

we don't have a briatx but took the car seat and it went fine. it was rear facing and didn't take up too much room. since the flight wasn't full, we didn't have to check the seat and we weren't charged. we ended up holding our daughter most of the time, but it was a quick flight. if you haven't used the benedryl before, test it before the flight because it might make your baby excited instead of drowsy. we know couples that have used benedryl for flights and hear it works really well to get a little extra sleep in. good luck!