First Time Vacation

My sons first vacation was also when he was 9 months old. We flew from Ohio to Boston. I also, planned on breastfeeding when taking off and landing, although that is not how it turned out. My son had no problems with the pressure, and therefore didn't need to nurse.

I pumped some milk before leaving, so that we had some in bottles just in case I felt uneasy about where I was seated and nursing. One security person was not happy about the fact that I had 'mixed' the bottle before getting past security, but I had to inform them that I had pumped, and that it was not formula, and then they were fine with it.

When I traveled, I also went by myself with my son, so it was a bit of a struggle getting through the airports with my son in tow, and a large suitcase and carry-on and purse, and car seat. What I would do differently was that I would have kept paperwork and other needed items in a more accessible place. I kept dropping things while trying to dig for my tickets, or license, etc.

Here is what I would suggest:
1. If you can afford it, get a separate seat for your child, use the car seat in the plane.
2. If you have a lot to carry, bring a stroller, and use it right up to the gate. They will take the stroller and store it for you. When you get off the plane, they will have the stroller right there for you, and your hands will be free to do other things.
3. Bring new, small toys that aren't noisy. Your child will probably get bored on the plane, and it helps to have a new toy to surprise them with.
4. Try to get an aisle seat, it is much easier to get to the bathroom in a hurry if you need to.
5. Don't worry if your child cries or misbehaves. Like my brother-in-law told me, it is a sign of life.

My suggestions would be to spend the money and get the extra seat for your baby. You both may enjoy the extra elbow room, not to mention it will keep you from needing to sqeeze the two of you in between other passengers. You'll also have more room underfoot for any carryons you will need. Definitely pack a change of clothing for both of you, and I always packed extra receiving blankets or small towels just in case I needed to clean anything up (throw up, spilled milk, whatever) Have plenty of babywipes handy, and you may also want to have some disinfecting wipes too. I'm not a germaphobe, but, airplanes are really nasty. You may want to wipe down the area around your seats. Check your stroller at the plane, and RELAX! You and your son will do just fine. Have a great vacation.

Jama - We started flying with our children when they were babies and yhey are now 10 and 7. We never had any issues on the airplane but what someone had told me in the beginning was to purchase "new" toys or bring toys that maybe you have put away for awhile and they have not seen. New toys always seem to keep kids entertained for a little while longer than ones they play with day to day. Be sure to bring your own snacks too, however be sure to check with the airline about everything you intend to take on the plane. I have seen some parents have their children's toys taken away at security because they felt they could be considered hazardous. I know, a little over the top however, it is for our safely so I do no complain when I have things taken away.

I know your child is only 9 months old but if they seem to be intrigued with any certain tv characters..Dora etc. You might consider taking a portable DVD player with those movies so they can be entertained a little with that too.

All in all, I did find that my kids were really more entertained with the idea of flying and being on the plane and most of what I suggested was not needed but I took anyway just in case.

Good luck! I am sure it will work out fine! My daughter even flew with a double ear infection and was fine. The day we were to leave, we had a doctors appt that A.M. and he said she had this double infection. He told us to be sure to give her Tylenol right before boarding and pray. She was just fine. The pressure did not bother her as she was a pacifier baby and she just sucked away on that.

Have a great time!

my daughter has been flying regularly since 9 mos, she loves it! she 5 now, but its not as daunting to fly with a baby as you think. motrin before you take off and a pacifier for them to suck seems to do the trick for their ears. i used to bring a cd walkmen with baby music for her to listen to and always sat by the window! baby cookies can be messy but keep them entertained. hope this was helpful! just as long as you are relaxed the baby will be in relax mode. good luck!

The idea for taking new toys is a great one. To add to that...hook those toys to those plastic chains. You know the ones you get at the toy store/Target, etc. Hook them to the toy if possible, so that when your son throws it on the floor, you have a better way to snag it up. Or, even better hook the other end to something permanent (seat arm, seat belt, etc.) I can't tell you how many times I had to try to pick up those toys while I had my baby on my lap along with the tray table down, and someone sitting right next to me. Nearly impossible. I didn't fly without those chains again. My kids are now 9,7 and 6 and we get comments every time we fly, that they were so well behaved. Like others say...relax. People who are rude are just unhappy people who would find something to complain about regardless of you being there. Good luck!!!!!!

Be very careful about breastfeeding. Many people still in this day and age get offended. I know you will try to be as private as possible. Ask when you board if it might be possible to sit in the best seat for privacy and explain why. Or if possible get a first class seat. More room may make privacy easier.
When I breastfed I had someone tell me I should do it in a bathroom. I told them I would gladly do it if they were willing to take there food in the PUBLIC bathroom and sit under a urninal. Needless to say he shut up. I also pointed out God gave women breasts to feed our children, it was man who made them sexual objects.
I was also told once by an elderly lady you can tell who love their children by the way we feed them. Lazy mothers just prop up a bottle and do their own thing.

My son is now 3 1/2 and has flown to Florida three times and to Connecticut twice. The first trip he was 11 months old and we had a couple of new toys for the trip to peak his interest. I flew by myself on part of this trip as we purchased a vehicle in Florida that my husband drove home to Indiana. Pack only what you need on the plane ride, and focus on EXTRA clothing, wipes and throw away bags in case of motion sickness. I have this fantastic backpack diaper bag from Lands End that I couldn't live without. It is the best purchase I have ever made. Take a variety of easy to pack finger food. You will also need a stroller, you can check it plane side and it will be a lifesaver in the event you run into delays and such. Always keep what you will need to sustain you for a day in the way of diapers, etc in your carry on luggage in the event your luggage is lost or delayed. Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip.

I would not know what to say but I can pray for you.. Jesus I pray that you would protect Jama and keep her safe. I pray that you would give her strength. I pray that you would give her wisdom on what to do when she goes on vacation. I thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus name I pray amen....

As a single mom with my immediate family out of state and extended family across the country, my now 2 and half year old has flown more then most! We started at 3 weeks and have been pretty consistent every couple of months.
I had a wonderful stroller that I brought with me that I could fold and unfold easily with one hand and was light weight. Even if the baby wasn't in it, it was great to hold everything. Plus you'd need it when you got to where you were going anyway!
Most of the time I wore her in the baby bjourn. It was easier and left my hands free. Plus my daughter loved to see everything going on.
Breast feeding is great! I would feed her while going up and (if she was awake) during the very long descent. We tried the binky but she never liked them much, made for a great toy though.
Bring quiet toys to play with and a couple books to read. Any favorites are always good. When the drink service comes around, get the bag of pretzels and an empty cup. It makes for a wonderful new toy part way through the flight!
When packing your son's multiple changes of clothes, be sure to throw one in for yourself! I have a wonderfully expensive airport bought Houston shirt to remind me.
Finally, we were always the last one on the flight! We never pre-boarded, you are on their long enough and you aren't bringing a car seat so you don't need that much prep time on board. Stand near the boarding doors and when they have their 'last call' then get on.
FYI- for future flights, try booking the first row in the coach cabin. The bulk head row offers a whole lot more leg room and makes it a shorter walk down the narrow aisle with all of your things. Let the airlines know over and over that you are flying with an infant and they would always try to make sure that, if there was an empty seat on board, it was always right next to you.

As a last word of advice, there is always that one passenger who moans and groans when they see you get on board with a child. Their rude comments are even worse. I try to remember that they obviously have never been blessed with a child that they could take on trips with them. Ignore them and soak in the positive reinforcement of the other veteran parents on board that love to say, "I remember those days!"

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Hi Jama,

Some of the things I have learned to make things simpler.
Use a backpack for a diaper bag to free yourself of clutter.
Bring a baby carrier (bjorn) so when you turn the stroller in as you're boarding, you strap him on you and again, free your hands and keep him right next to you.
Bring several small new toys.
Bring plenty of snacks if he's eating.
Try to keep him from one nap so he's so tired he sleeps most of the flight.
I try to sit by the windo so my kids can look out the window, however, they were usually more interested in staring at humans and being cute.
If you can afford it, I's buy him a seat and bring a stroller, sit in the 2 seat side so you don't stress about bugging other passangers.
You may think everyone would think your precious angel is adorable but I once had a man leave my side in FIRST CLASS ;)
Gotta love it.
He moved to the front by the flight attendants and never came back.
My daughter was about 16 months and was whinning a lot - not crying or yelling. Becuase my hubby was carrying our 5 month old baby, we couldn't sit together due to the oxygen mask count.
Needless to say, my daughter ended up with her own seat in first class ;) But it was upsetting.
The good thing was that all other passangers reassured us by offering up their cookies, being playful with my girl....

It really hasn't been that tough for me to travel with them but there's always a jerk around to humble you ;) Since children at this age have no social skills, there is always some fun surprise but you will live to tell hahaha

Hi Jama!
Relax it will be O.K.! I would suggest bringing some things for your son to play with( rattles, squishy toys etc.) Sometimes it's the dumb things that catch their attention-the mall magazine, snacks if he has any teeth..cheerios, infant fruit snacks. My son needed to suck on his bottle for take off and landing, so breastfeeding is good. My son cryed during a whole flight and fell asleep as soon as we landed. I just apologized to the people around me before the flight, but everyone was very understanding, and if they're not....pooh on them!!!! Good luck...you'll do just fine!