Air Travel with Infant

Believe me I didnt leave my kids til they were at least 3!!!
If you are nursing- nurse on the way up and down, huge help. If you bottle feed, I would think it worked the same way- the swallowing helps relieve ear pressure.

YOu can hold the baby on your lap. If you bring your car seat for a seat, you pay for the seat. If you bring an umbrella stroller, they will store it in the front or back of the plane for you!
not sure about natural sedative- maybe WHole Foods may have a suggestion?

Have a great time! and biggest thing of all, if your baby cries on the plane- focus on making the baby happy. Forget about the rest of the people and if you are bothering them! many of them have been thru the same experience!

K.

Hi S.,

I have been flying with my sons since the oldest was 10 weeks old. First, lwt me say that I too have used United because I had miles and the are not very accomidating. They wouldn't even let me pre-board. that luxury is reserved for first class passangers. You can take your stroller to the gate and get a gate check ticket. You put it on the stroller and leave the stroller at the end of the jetway. It will be there when you get off the plane.
If you do not need a seat for the baby (you will hold him the entire time) he should be free. If you want to seat him in his car seat you will need to purchase a seat, often at full price. If your flight is not full you can ask at check-in if they can put you next to an empty seat and then you will have some extra space. Another trick is to book yourself in the aisle and your spouse in the window and hope no one chooses the seat in beween the tow of you. If the seat does fill the middle passanger shouldn't have a problem swithcing with you.
For the ear popping, you should feed him at takeoff and landing. My Dr. recommended Benadryl to help my boys sleep, but it didn't really work for me. YOu can always book flights that occure during the times the baby usually sleeps.
Other advice I would give is that you should carry the least amount possible (which is hard with a little one). The first couple times I would cram all sorts of stuff into the bottom of the stroller and then I got to security I had to remove everything, fold up the stroller, and send it all through the xray machine. It was horrible.
Also, when you get on the plane, take everything you will possibly need during the flight out of your bag and stick it in the seat pocket or on the seat with you. If you stow your bag in the overhead and the seatbelt light is on you cannot get anything. If your bag is under your seat and you are holding the baby you can't get to it there either.
I hope this helps, and have a great trip.

N.

Hi S.,
I'm a military spouse and I had my daughter in Germany. She is not even 2 yet and her and I have flown from Germany to the States 3 times. It is difficult traveling with a little one, but not impossible. If you do want your son to have is own seat you will have to pay for it. But it is nice to have them strapped in their car seat, it gives you much more freedom to prepare bottles or breast feed. Don't expect anyone sitting near you to offer help. Only on one flight did any person sitting by me offer to help. You will get dirty looks because you are traveling with a little on, but ignore them, they don't know why your traveling. You can take your stroller with you to the gate, right before you get on the plane you will have to fold it up and someone will take it and put it under the plane. After you land, I always wait to get off the plane last, your stroller will be brought up from under the plane. As for air pressure, I just try to have a bottle ready or use a binky. Having them suck on something helps. I also talked to my pediatrician and got some benadryl to give her on the flight so she would sleep. I don't think I would have made a 9 hour flight with out it! But check with your doctor first, 14weeks is young so I don't know what he can have. The airports have gotten a lot better about taking water and formula and snacks for the little one. But overall I have had good experiences flying with a baby. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask, my daughter and I have been on about 12 flights together.

There are earplugs you can buy that keep you from having that painful ear pressure. I think they are called hear-os. I use them when I fly. Not sure if they make them small enough for babies but worth a try. Also if he takes a binky, have him suck on that during take off and landing. For me landing was worse, not sure why. Or see if the airline will let you give him a bottle or nurse while taking off and landing. Something about the sucking motion releases the pressure in the ears. Not sure about the car seat and stroller thing. I haven't flown since my baby was born. Good luck.

About three years ago my family took a flight from Philly to Alabama. under the age of 2 your child used to be able to sit in your lap for the flight and you would not have to pay for an extra seat. I am not sure if that is still the case you will have to ask the airline. We felt more comfortable to have our daughter in a car seat and therefore had to purchase a seat for her at full price. We brought her stroller and they stored it right inside the door of the airplane. My daughter and I only had ear popping issues on teh way back because we were on such a large airplane. I have heard that you can give children's benedryl but I am not positive. My daughter used a pacifier and the chewing helped her ears. I also brought some of her favorite toys and snacks for her to keep occupied.
Best of luck to you

Hi S.,

I flew with my son when he was 13 weeks, and it went very well. I flew US Air, but I'm pretty sure they all have similar policies, as follows (check the United website under baggage FAQ to verify the gatechecking of seat/stroller part):

For babies under 1 year (maybe even 18 months), you can hold them on your lap for free. Or, if you prefer, you can buy a seat for them and use your car seat strapped in it. I've lap-held my son on four flights now with no trouble. Car seats and strollers are not considered baggage (ie, you don't have to pay to check them, nor do they count against your baggage allotment) because they are considered a necessary "medical assistance" item, similar to a cane, walker, etc. You can use the carseat/stroller to get around the airport and through security. Once at the gate before boarding, the crew will gatecheck both pieces (so they'll be on last and taken off first and ready for you at the jetway, not baggage claim). Alternatively, what I do, is to box my carseat and check it and stroller when I'm checking in before security and wear my son in a baby carrier around the airport; this means I don't get my stuff until I've reached baggage claim, but to me, it's just simpler to wear him than wield a stroller around a busy airport. Last, ear pressure, if a problem at all, is really only during takeoff and landing (when the altitudes are rapidly changing). The best thing to do during those times if he starts to fuss is to give him a bottle/nurse him. The swallowing and jaw movement is what clears the ear tubes (why adults chew gum during takeoff and landing). Good luck!

My father owns a travel agency.

If youe traveling with your husband you do not want the emergency seat for the arms do not go up and the seats do not go back. If your not real tall the regular seats are fine. If you take the carseat on the plane you will have to pay for a seat unless there is an empty one next to you.

Children under two do not have to have a seat so you do not have to pay for them. When you book the flight let them know you are traveling with a infant.

If you are planning on taking the carseat on the plane (for sure) you have to pay for a seat. You really don't need to a seat for a 14 week old unless they do not like to be held or they can only sleep in the carseat or bed.

If you are traveling with your husband and it is 3 seats in some of the rows book an isle and window so the middle seat could stay empty. If someone sits there they will love to switch with you but if they don't bring the car seat onto the plane. Ask the desk at the gate if the seat is empty.

You can take the combo stroller car seat to the plane and they will put it under the plane at the gate and bring it out when you get off. You get a tag at the desk at the gate

For the ears - feed your baby. Make sure you wait to do this until the plane is off the ground. Don't make the mistake I did and start feeding when the plane leaves the gate. It can take up to an hour for the plane to go in the air and then the child doesn't want to eat.

The only natural seditive is chamomile. You can have the tea yourself and then breast feed or you can get drops from the natural food store.

One more thing. Remember the 3 oz rule for bottles. That is for everything but baby bottles. You don't need to know this but other might like to know. They do not sell milk on planes and you can bring it through security so make sure you buy a lot at McDonalds.

Make sure you take a diaper bag of diapers, toys, blanket, extra clothes, and wipes, and bottles if needed.

Also you are aloud to carry on one bag per seat you pay for. Purses do not count as a carry on.

I flew from PA to CA with my three month old and had no problems. Good luck.

Lap children fly free until 2 years of age. The airline will sell you a dicsounted fair for a child in a car seat depending on the rate (if it's full-fare you could up to $200 off). We chose this option as it's the safest and then we have the car seat for when we arrived.

Umbrella strollers MAY be allowed, but if you use a travel system they will check it at the door as you board the plane and then have it there waiting for you when you de-plane.

Have a bottle ready for take-off and landing, even if it's small. If the baby has a binkie that will work too for sucking. You'll be surprised at how well he will do...the sound of the engines knocked our son out for the entire 3 hour flight when he was 6 months old.

It's so much easier to fly with an infant than a toddler, so enjoy that while it lasts! OH - check with the airline and TSA on the most current restrictions for formula, bottles, etc. We ahd not issues but that was 2 years ago now.

Also, if you have a lap child you get NO extra baggage other than to check the stroller at the gate. IF you buy a ticket, you get an extra carry on for the baby. Keep that in mind.

Ask to pre-board. NOt all airlines do that, but if you ask nicely they may allow it. We're a United Airlines family too and we've had no issues with them (if you need to warm a bottle ask in advance for a cup of warm water...do NOT let them warm it...it was scorched the first time we tried that).

Good Luck!

Hi S.,

Most airlines, if not all, will allow a child 2 years or younger to fly for free, as long as they sit in your lap. If, however, you plan to keep your child in a car seat/restraint, then you will have to purchase a ticket. We flew with my daughter from Philadelphia to Los Angeles for the first time when she was 17 or 18 months old so she was free. We did get lucky on one leg of the trip because we had an empty seat next to us that we could use. As far as the ear pressure, just make sure you have a pacifier (if you use them) or a bottle/sippy cup for the child to suck on while descending. My daughter still cried but as soon as you land, it usually stops. Good luck!

I flew with my oldest son a lot when he was a baby. It is actually easier to take them when they are infants.

Yes, he can fly for free if he is on you lap...no car seat. If you want him in a car seat, you need to buy another ticket. The stroller you can bring to the gate, but they will check it at the gate and bring it out to you as soon as the plane lands. You cannot seat in the emercency row with a baby,and you really do not get any special accommodations. Usually, they will heat up bottles or fill up sippy cups..but that is about it. Some fligh attendants will hold the baby while you use the restroom if you are flying alone with your baby.

As far as the pain in the ears..it never really bothered my son. I would nurse him when we about to take off and he would usually fall asleep before our ears started to pop. If you are not nursing, a bottle at take off is good. If he is not hungry, you can dip a pacifier in juice to get him to suck. Once you are at a cruising elevation, you won't have to worry about his ears until landing and then the bottle, breast of paci will help on the way down.

Usually at least one of the bathrooms have a changing table.

Have fun and safe travels!

-Jenn

Hi S.,
When I traveled with my son, we had to buy an extra seat for the car seat. I would check with the airline. As for his ears, we gave him a bottle during take off and landing so he was sucking on the bottle and his ears were fine. My son was full after takeoff so he slept the entire flight. You may want to check with your doctor to see if there is anything to give him, but most doctors will not give kids that small anything. Good Luck
L.

You can bring the baby as a "lap child" for free, but that means he won't have a seat or be able to use his car seat. Otherwise you will have to pay full price for his seat.
You can gate check your stroller - just tell them at the counter and they will probably give you a tag. When you get on the airplane you fold it up and they take it down for you, and then bring it up at the end of the flight right when you get off the plane.
As for the ears, I would suggest nursing, bottles or pacifier - sucking helps with the pressure in your ears.
I took my baby on a flight overseas when she was about that age and it was fine! She slept a lot - I think the noise of the engines helped her sleep. I brought my boppy pillow for her to lie on on my lap which was very helpful.
Good luck!

Hi S.,

i don't want to repeat what everyone has already told you. So I'll pass along these web sites which were very useful and answered all my questions for the times we flew with our daughter. Have a great trip!!

http://www.flyingwithkids.com/

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/

http://www.travelforkids.com/Travelessentials/flyingwithb...

I have traveled with my son a few times. Call the airline and tell them you have an infant. They will usually assign you a seat in the front row. It has a lot more room for your carrier. You do not have to buy a seat since your baby is under a year old. Do not expect a space to be available right next to you to place the car seat/carrier. They are considered a lap child. As far as the year popping thing. I nursed my son the first time he flew and the second time I gave him a juice box. I had him drink when we took off. Since he doesn't get juice it was a special treat so he drank it for awhile. If you aren't breastfeeding then give him a bottle after the plan leaves the ground. Also gently rubbing around the base of the ear can help eliminate some discomfort for him. I hope this helps!

You absolutely should feel good about taking your son. If you hold your son on your lap for the entire flight, you will not need to pay for a seat for him. They will not allow you to sit in the emergency aisles of the plane. jThe stroller will have to be checked at the gate and they will then load it onto the plane. As far as the "pain" goes...he really shouldn't notice much being so young. I would ask your pediatrician what he recommends, if anything, for the sedative for ear pain. You didn't mention how long your flight it, but from my experience, the plane calms alot of babies and they sleep anyway.
I took my daughter on a flight when she was very young and had no problems. Just make sure you understand that most people will be oooing and aahhing over your baby and tend to want to be "touchy" with him being so little.
Have a wonderful flight!!!
K.

S.,

Look through the archives. I've been on MamaSource for less than a year and I've answered some version of this question a few times already! :)

Nutshell: your baby can be a "lap baby" or you can purchase a half price ticket. If a lap baby, try to book a flight when the plane may be more open, so you have a higher chance of having a seat for the baby. Book a center and an aisle, if there are 3 across, and leave the middle open...and maybe you'll get lucky. Bring your car seat. If there is no open seat for the baby, the flight attendants will stow the car seat with the stroller. Once the airlines made half price tickets available, we always purchased them, as it is much safer for a baby to be in a car seat on a flight than on a lap.

The stroller can go right up to the door of the plane, and then you leave it, and when you get off the plane, it is right at the plane's door for you, before you go up the walway.

I know some people who gave their kids Benydryl on flights, but we didn't want to drug our kids, so we've never gone that route. We just had our kids drink during take off and landing.

I don't recall ever reading here about someone advising a mom not to travel with her child; if you are getting flack from people elsewhere, that's a shame! My kids flew as infants! We never had travel issues with them.

OK, S., I just went into the archives, and found my (long!) response to Melissa on Aug. 15...I will send it to you privately!

Have a great trip!

T

First of all, you are going to be fine. 14 weeks is a good age to start traveling. You can check your stroller at the gate. They will give you a tag and you unload the baby at the end of the jetway. Have your beverage of choice ready for take off and landing and feed him then if you can time your feedings accordingly and your flights are on schedule(relatively). When your ears need to pop, so do the baby's. Have him nurse or suck a pacifier. Even if it's breast feeding, try to get the window seat and have your husband take the middle if he will.
You will hold your son on your lap, hardly anyone uses a carseat in a plane. They're so big and unweildy. You won't get a window seat and you don't want one. He flies for free as long as he is on your lap and can do that until he is two. That is if you can get your almost 2 year old to sit on your lap.
I don't know of any natural sedative off hand, not a fan in general. You know your child though. Best of Luck and Happy Travels.

Hey, some advice we are going to take it each question at a time.

What accomidations will the airline make for me (like emergency seating?) If you tell the booking agent that you will have a child flying with you they will NOT put you in the emergency seating. If they do you can ask to be moved.

Will my son be placed in his car seat during the flight? last time I was on an air flight, the childs car seat was NOT allowed to be placed facing backwards. At 14 weeks you are better off holding him anyway.

Will I be able to bring his folding stroller on the plane (he is over 20lbs)? unsure. Each airline is different. You will have to call and ask United. If they do allow it, its going to be considered like a wheelchair and they will store it up front for you.

What can I do to combat the pain of his ears popping? the ear popping is during take off and landing. Either have him sucking on a binky or a bottle during these times and he should be fine!

Is there a natual seditive I can give his so he is sleeping so he will not experience ear pressure? At 14 weeks he is to small to be given anything. Not even your Dr is going to give you anything to help do that. Your best bet is to hold him and have him sucking something.

I have traveled with at different times four different kids. I have always traveled with gum or lollipops depending on their ages to avoid the ear popping. I have never had a problem so long as I gave it to them just before we took off and landed. Good luck!!!

HI,
the best thing is to call the airline. Anytime I have flown, the regular sized stroller can be check as you are stepping on the plane, and will be there when you step off the plane. For safety, I would buy a seat and use my car seat, God forbid something happens you want your son in the safest place possible and that is his car seat. Just be sure it is approved for flying, it may say it right on the seat or in the instruction manual. Have him using a binkie or drinking from a bottle when taking off and landing, this will help with his ears. Check with your doctor if there is anything you can give him. I know people who give their children cough syrup or motrin to relax them during the flight. My girls have always been awake while flying and Ihave never had an issue. It mostly depends on your child and how he is feeling. Book the flights, if possible, when he is generally happiest, if you fly during his "witching hour", if he has one, you are looking for trouble.

Most of all YOU need to be relaxed. if you are nervous he will be too.

Have a wonderful time and fully enjoy the experience. Don't forget to ask the flight attendant for wings for a first time flier!!

Hi S.,

I flew with my son several times when he was an infant and he did great! Book your seats so that you and your hubby have a window and an aisle. Then when you get the airport, tell the gate agent that if there are any extra seats, if they could keep the one between you open for the carseat, that would be great. That way if there is an open seat, you will have one for your baby's seat. I found that about 50% of the time, I could get an open seat next to me for my baby. If not, then you just move over and let the person assigned to the middle have the aisle or window so that you and your hubby can sit together. You can gate check your stroller and your car seat (if the flight is full, you won't be able to bring the car seat on). I recommend getting a bag to put the car seat in so that if you do have to gate check it, it won't get all dirty in the luggage compartment. They sell nice ones at Babies R Us. When you get the the gate, ask for gate check tags for your stroller and car seat if necessary. You do not have to pay for a seat for your baby, but you also won't be guaranteed that he will have one if you don't. So if you want him to have a seat for his carseat, then buy him a seat. If you don't, then he is free, but he will have to sit on your lap or be held in your arms. My son never really seemed to be affected by the changes in air pressure, and would usually just fall asleep on the plane. I always nursed him on the way up and down so that the pressure changes wouldn't hurt his ears. Don't plan to bring books or lots of carry-on's as you will be completely occupied holding or taking care of your son, so the less you have to carry the better. Most planes have changing tables in the bathrooms too.

Have a great trip!! -- J.

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The airline will not book you special seating. You would need to book that seating yourself to specify where you want to sit. You can call the airline or sometimes do it online and request or choose an emergency seat if it is available. As far as his seating, it is upto you. He can sit on your lap which means you do not have to buy a seat for him. If you prefer the car seat, you will have to purchase a seat. Yes - you can bring your stroller. Get it tagged at the counter before you go on the plane. Right before you get on the plane, you will take your baby out and the airline staff will take the stroller and store it. They may have it as carry on if they have the room, otherwise they will store it with the other luggage. But it will be ready for you as you are departing the plane.
For the ear popping, any kind of chew toy or teether if he is using them is helpful.Be sure to have some toys or books ready so you can keep him distracted.I do not know of a natural sedative, I have used a bit of Benadryl or Tylenol - you might want to check with his doctor since he is only 14 weeks old. Good luck I know the first time travelling with the baby can be stressful, but you will be fine and will make it through.

Congrats on your baby boy. I will be traveling this summer with my baby boy due in the next few weeks and my twin 6 year olds by myself. I have flown with my twins several times since they were babies. I haven't read all the responses, but I'm betting you got a lot of great advice.

My sister is a flight attendant and bil a pilot, so I have learned a lot from them. If you want to put your baby in a seat, definately, you will need to buy one. If there happens to be an extra, they will gladly let you use it. You can take your stroller and carseat to the plane with you and gate check them. I couldn't imagine maneuvering the airport without my double stroller! If you decide to take the carseat on the plane, then you will need a seat. I can't imagine where else it would go. Depending on the length of the flight and if dh will be with you or not, that would also determine if I was getting him a seat. I could not imagine having to hold the baby myself for 6 hours (for example). Even if you do decide to sedate your baby (I never do), his ears will stil experience the pressure so nurse, bring a bottle, or passafire during the take off and landings.

Good luck and have a great vacation!

Accommodations: you get to board first

Car Seat: only if you want it....if you do, you pay for extra seat. Children under 2yrs old are allowed to ride on a parent's lap (free), but you can always choose to pay for the additional seat and use a carseat. if you don't use the car seat, you can check it as baggage.

Stroller: If it fits in the overhead, you can take it as a carry-on...otherwise the stewardess may be able to stow it for you. Just ask.

Ears Popping: have a bottle available for him.....the continuous sucking/swallowing will help. In fact, it's better for him to be awake & drinking than to be asleep.

Honestly, it's not usually an unpleasant experience. You should be just fine!

Have a great trip!

The only other adivise I would add is that you make sure to keep the straps buckled on your stroller and not leave anything in pockets or other compartments your stroller may have. When I traveled with my kids the straps on my back carrier got broken because they are not very careful with the stuff that is stowed last. I've traveled with my kids a lot and usually people are very nice. The little ones are usually put right to sleep by the airplane noise. Also don't take more than you can carry by yourself. If you have to change planes especially.

A few months ago I traveled with my then 10 month old son to Florida. We took our stroller up to the gate and they called us with the passengers with wheelchairs and there is a spot you put in on the plane. As far as I know you have to hold him on your lap. B/c of safety regulations they wont let you use the carseat on the plane but you should be able to put it with the stroller. For his ears, I let him nurse on and off thru the flight as much as he wanted. Some people say you can give babies Benadryl but ASK YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!! I didn't need it thankfully. they say that eating or sucking a binky helps with the ears. I think that any child under the age of 2 flies for free. after that you need to buy them a seat. every airline is different so i would recommend calling yours and asking them your list of questions. hope some of this helped. good luck!

I would ask the airline their fees, etc for an infant.

We traveled to Switzerland with our son when he was 10 months old. I nursed him during some of the take offs/landings, others he just slept through. I put him in a Baby Bjorn for most of the flight so he would be secure when I fell asleep, and that worked very well. We also had lots of baby wipes to wipe off the arm rests, tray tables and anywhere else he was touching. Good luck and enjoy your vacation.

I have traveled with all 3 of my children with minimal problems and we've traveled with all of them from infancy on up. I have never had a problem with taking my children in a stroller to the entrance of the plane. I also had a double stroller and never had a problem. Any airline I've traveled with stows the stroller and is available to you as soon as you reach your destination. Although, it would be nice to get an emergency seat that is roomier, I haven't come across any airline that allows that because you are not in a position to perform your duties if a need arises. I agree with another post that you request a window and aisle seat and hopefully the middle seat will be empty for you. Truth be told, if someone is assigned the middle seat they will ask the stewardess if other seats are available so they don't have to "deal" with an infant/child on the flight. Yes, there are some rude/inconsiderate people out there and your child has every right to be there just like everyone else! So just know you may encounter a rude person or 2, just don't let it bother you and enjoy your trip with your little one. Also, try to book your flight according to your child's sleeping schedule if you can so you have a better chance of your little guy sleeping right through the flight with no problems. For popping ears use a binky or bottle during take off and landing. Lastly, relax and try not to stress so your little guy doesn't get upset too. You'll be pleasantly surprised that it's much easier to travel with your child than you think so enjoy it and have a safe trip!!! Good luck!

S.,
Having done a lot of flying with a young child, I completely understand your nerves. First of all, the airline will not put you in emergency seating as anyone sitting in that row has to be at least 16 years old. If you talk to them ahead of time and book the seats early enough, they may allow you to be at the front of the plane so you are the last ones on and first ones off. You do not have to buy a seat for him (and if he is usually content sitting with you, I would suggest saving your money), but if you don't buy a seat, your carry-ons count towards his carry-ons, so if you think you are going to need a lot of bags or extra carry-ons, you may want to get a seat (plus then he could sit in his carseat the entire flight which may be a god-send). You will be able to bring the stroller all the way up to the gate and check it at the gate. They will bring it up to you at the end of the flight so you are always able to have it in the airport. For ear popping I suggest either a binky or a bottle, and if your doc says okay, I would give him some Benadryl (it still works like a charm with my son). My biggest piece of advice however is to NOT all get on the plane when they tell you that people with young children can board. Instead, have either you or your husband get on and get everything set up at your seat (get his toys, bottles, security items, etc.) out before your son gets on. This also gives you time to get rid of the stroller without a mob of people waiting for you to get it down. Have the other person get on with the baby at the last possible moment so he's on the plane for as little time as possible. It sounds complicated, but it is a life-saver! Flying can be SO easy with a child if you prepare everything in advance...have fun! :)