Flying Alone with 3-Month Old Son

My son is 11 months old and he has flown about 7 times already, his first time being one month old. Take your stroller. Its alot easier and you just check it right at the gate and it is right there when you get off. The hardest part is putting it through the scanner at security but all you have to do is ask and they will help you or the person behind you will. Just feed them during take off and landing and if you can make your flight around nap time. You shouldn't have a problem. I feel the younger they are the easier it is to fly with them. Any other questions fell free to ask, we are pros at this by now!!!!! Good luck and don't be nervous!!! Oh by the way, when you check in for your flight ask if it is full, if not ask for a seat by yourself. They always do it for me if its not a full flight. That way you have another seat to put things in like your diaper bag instead of trying to reach for it under the seat!!

Get a good carrier- like a ring sling, wrap, or mei-tai. He wil be much happier close to mama and you will be hands free.

you can check your stroller/carseat in right as you board- they are classified as wheelchaors and are not counted against you.

if you are nursing- or a bottle too- feed him on take off and landing to help his ears adjust.

pack light and have fun!

Carry him in something that free's your hands but easy to remove and would be easy to breastfeed with. Dont bother with toys or noise makers and bring something from home that he's somewhat familiar with like a little teddybear and spray it with ur purfume so he can smell ur scent.

All the suggestions are great. But I would add a few more: Don't be afraid to ask for help!!! You might encounter the rude business man/woman who can't be bothered, but there are LOTS of people who are understanding and willing to help. Just ask.
If possible, pre-board. This will give you time to get settled. (Get an aisle seat so you can get up and walk if necessary or go to the bathroom without inconveniencing others)
If the baby starts crying during the flight (mine never did at that age, in fact they slept almost the whole trip-numerous overseas flights- the engine lulls them to sleep) don't worry about the people around you. There will always be that one person who acts as if their children never cried, ignore them! I have found that most people are truly understanding and feel sorry for you and the baby.

You will have a great trip!

You need a stroller! Take it to the gate and get a ticket there, give it to the people just before you get on the plane and they will get it for you right as you get off the plane at your destination.

P. once you get through the trip to your destination you'll realize that it's not that difficult, it's just an adjustment. Give yourself lots of time and a stroller will get you through security loads faster because they usher you to the head of the line and put you through a designated security line and you can stash your diaper bag and blanket or what ever you need underneath. You can hang out at the gate and get your bearings while you wait for boarding and get a gate claim check for your stroller from the attendent at the gate, if you decide to bring it, so they will take it right before you step on the plane and it will be right there when you step off the plane. Just take your time and relax your baby will read your feelings and most likly react accordingly traveling should be an adventure not an ordeal if you can help it.

First of all, dont panic and leave PLENTY of time. it does take twice as long as normal, but you get used to it after the first few times!
It really does help to have him in a stroller, just for ease of having hands free for ticketing, ids out etc.... they will make you take the baby out of stroller, sling etc through the security anyway and of course if you are going through hartsfield you pretty much have to strip down anyway!! its much easier with baby in his car seat, then you can get you sorted, take the stroller down, then take him out before you go through security.
Once you get to the gate the baggage people will gate check your car seat and stroller, just take him out and leave them by the door. They will be waiting when you get off. If its a long flight, check the seating availablity, if there is an empty seat next to you, ask if you take in the baby seat - we did this a few times without having to pay for a seat. That way hes next to you without you having to hold him the whole flight. And if the seats do fill up, they will still gate check your seat for you!
Make sure you board first, even if they dont say families, get in line with the first and business class people. Try and get bulkhead seating or right at the back. theres more room and its usually by the kitchen area (and restrooms) which is a great place to take a crying baby as its a little more private. usually the staff dont mind if you just ask them. ive found that sometimes they will actually want a cuddle! Dont be afraid to ask them anything either. Dont worry if other passengers are rude, just say "Im doing the best i can", theres usually no answer to that!. Our daughter actually always fell asleep pretty quickly as the motion lulls them. But time your feeding for when the plane is taking off - the sucking motion helps with the air pressure, so it doesnt hurt his ears and after a good feed he should fall asleep! We've done 4 international flights and 4 domestic with our daughter from just a couple of months old and even though i do get stressed, as long as you take your time and ask for help if yu need to, it will be fine. Good luck!.

Hi P.,

When my daughter was 2 1/2 months old we flew home from Ohio. She did well. Her pediatrician recommended that we give her a bottle of water, juice, or something like that during take-off and landing so that her swallowing would help with her ears popping. We used that because we had no way to heat her milk bottle. And we actually used pediatlyte. As far as traveling through the airport and security, we used backpacks to keep our stuff in as our carry-on bags. It was a lot easier to carry that instead of a regular diaper or duffle bag - which is hard to keep on your shoulder and hold a baby and deal with everything. I wish you luck! Our trip was good. Don't forget the pacifiers (if your son takes one) and diapers and wipes. Sometimes is easy to overlook the most obvious. Also don't forget the Tylenol just in case. Have a nice time home with your family.

I traveled to the Bahamas when my son was about 3 months old to visit family and it went smoothly. My suggestions are to pack lightly for yourself so you have less stuff to lug around, and if you need anything buy it when you get to your destination. Also, bring a baby sling carrier so your baby is close to your body, and you can have your hands free. Keep an eye on your little one and your luggage. Good luck!

Hi! I flew with my son when he was about 2 months old. I kept him in the snugli and I didn't bring too much on the plane. I basically brought a couple pacifiers, formula and 2 bottles, a change of clothes for him and a shirt for me, a blanket (we all know how cold it can get in an airplane),about 5-6 diapers, and a small toy he liked and a book for you. He was perfect the entire flight. Just make sure you prepare for a possible plane delay and diaper explosion/leakage. He's so young that you should have a pretty easy trip ;O) Have a great time!

Also, another tip for packing bags, buy diapers when you get there. Takes up too much room to pack them in.

As for security and such, ask for help! Depending on the airline, they might let you go through the handicap security.