Flying with 6 Month Old

Hey there! I have flown with my boys every couple of months since they were about 3 months old and have never had any problems and I usually fly solo. They are 3 & 5 years old now. I mostly fly to Maryland and its about 2-1/2 hour flight.

I would highly recommend getting a flight during nap time if you can. I give my boys pedicare right after we get sitted on the plane or right before.

They usually don't have trouble with take off; its the gradual decline right before landing. you'll start to feel it in your own ears. So I try to work a nursing or bottle around then. once I nursed too much and then when they needed to nurse, I couldn't get them interested. The pedicare opens them up and usually my kids sleep through it without drinking.

I also fly southwest so I can pick my seat or request the last row. The engine is loud back there and drowns out any crys but most importantly the noise usually puts them right out. Also, if you are in the back you can jump back and walk or rock the baby to sleep by the bathrooms, its dark back there and you can't stand up front any more (cockpit safety).

Pack books and a movie or anything else that might entertain, but I bet she sleeps. As long as your relaxed so will the baby. Good luck!

S.,

My son is 28 months old but has been flying since he was 6 months old. Both my Husband and I are Pilots, so we fly alot. My son flys in our plane more...But has flown more commercially than most kids. I would advice that you feed her on take-off and decent and landing, to make the adjustment with her ears most comfortable. If she has a pacifier or favorite toy, bring it along...To be honest Aidan's first flight was anti-climactic...He slept most of the way...Plus you'll be suprised most poeple on the plane, including the flight attendants are very helpful...

P. McDaniel

I travel a lot for my job but nursed so I took my son (now 12 months) with me on trips starting at 6 weeks. I've done flights up to 4 hours without purchasing him a ticket. When I needed to go to Europe, I bought him a seat and used his car seat.

First hint, if you have a Bjorn or sling, use it to get you through security and boarding the plane. When my son was little, I always took the infant car seat as a carry on. If you put it into the overhead compartment upside down it fits, but if you are lucky and fly at off-peak times, sometimes you can use an empty seat and not pay. This is easiest, nurse on take off and landing (or give a bottle). If infant seat is in the overhead compartment it doesn't get as dirty as when you check a car seat.

Bring some soft books, toys baby likes, 2 blankets (I always have my son travel in footed, warm PJs, that way he is comfortable and I don't have to remove his shoes in security!) and your usual in the diaper bag. Most airplanes have a diaper changer over the toilet - worked fine before, but getting a bit small these days. If you can schedule your flight during a naptime, all the better.

Ask for a bulkhead seat if you aren't shy about breastfeeding, it is much easier to have the extra space.

Good luck!

S.,
My 5 month old daughter and I just got back two days ago from California and we flew last month to Ohio. The best advice I have is to be organized!!! Have your diaper bag with the barest essentials so not to weigh yourself down with unnecessary stuff. Get a fanny pack and keep your i.d. and phone in the front. In the back pocket keep 2 diapers, disposable changing pads, and a travel pack of wipes. That way when you have to get up from your seat to change her, you won't have to bring the whole diaper bag. Jansport makes a cheap one you can get on ebags.com. Also, use some sort of baby carrier such as a bjorn, snuggli, sling, so your arms will be free in the aiport. And don't worry. Most people will smile at you no matter what happens. My daugher screamed her head off on the way to Ohio and people were very sympathetic and helpful!

Hello! We have a 7 mos old and we took him on several flights when he was 6 months old. He did great! Are you breastfeeding? I recommend breastfeeding during take off (and until the plane reaches its designated altitude), as well as during landing. That will help her pop her ears. Otherwise she could be in a lot of pain. If our son had already nursed when we were ready to take off, we offered him a pacifier. You can also use a bottle (formula) if you don't breastfeed.

As far as distraction, I have heard that you should buy new toys she hasn't seen before so that they will hold her attention longer.

Mostly, try not to be stressed. She will sense it. Relax and enjoy the flight. Just remember, it won't go on forever!

Best of luck with Avon and Tupperware. I am an Independent Consultant with Arbonne and LOVE IT!!!
M.

Hello S.,

Everyone should understand that babies may fuss, cry or scream during a flight. If not, they'll be alright. We flew from Germany to America with our children who were 6 months old and 2 1/2 yrs old. We packed toys and snacks. I nursed my 6 month old whenever she was needed to be fed. I didn't nurse her on take off nor landing. She didn't require it. It was a 8-9 hour flight and no fussing from either. We did talked, sand and played away. People from the back heard us and complemented at how well our children were and how well my 2yr talked. We had a great flight. We just kept them on the same schedule as we did at home and they were at their comfort level. I guess that I can recommend for you to pack your child's favorite toys, books (if she's into them) and just about a few of her favorite things. It'll go smooth and it's only a few hours anyway. The other passengers will be just fine. Have a blessed day.

Oops! You forgot to mention you also sell Tupperware!!
J.

Hi S.,

I travelled with my daughter when she was 5 months old. We took a 2-1/2hr flight. To avoid problems with her ear, I made sure she was drinking her bottle as soon as the flight started on the runway. She finished her bottle when we were already in the air so she did not have any ear bubbles. Swallowing gets rid of the ear bubbles. I kept her up the entire time before the flight as well, so after her bottle she went to sleep, she slept the entire way. When the plane started to decend I woke her up and gave her juice to sip on until the flight landed. No problems with her ear at all, so no screaming on the flight. She was very good. I did this both ways and she was fine.

I flew alone with my daughter when she was 6 months old, we were on a 2 1/2 hour flight and she did awesome!! I gave her a bottle of breastmilk (I don't like to nurse in public), on take off, and another on the descent. My daughter did not seem to even realize what was going on and even slept for an hour. I did give her some Tylenol before we got on the plane because I was so nervous about her ears hurting, because I always have issues with that. But I think you should be fine. I was a nervous wreck the night before, I was worried about her crying the entire flight as well. She is now 10 months old and I am flying on Wed, I am hoping she will do just as well, and Daddy is along this time, so he can help. Good Luck!!

I completly understand your concern. My inlaws live in MI so we have flown a few time from Orlando to Detroit with our little one. We flew at 5 weeks, 4 months and 7 months - having a great experience each time. I also nursed which I think helped tremendiously in this situation. I took a window seat, wore a button up and down shirt and one of the nursing bras where you can just clip off the front layer of the bra and that seemed to work really well with comfort (there is not a lot of space in those planes to be removing sleeves and bras!) Also, I brought my boppy which I was really glad for. I just put that around me and she kind of had a comfortable place to sit, lay, nurse, so that she was not too figity. My daughter Rylee actually did really well because I think the movement of the plane kind of lulled her to sleep. And nursing her on take off and landing was a good help - that much time she was occupied!(I did have one of the staff come over and tell me my daughter could not nurse when I was taking off for some unknown reason but as soon as she walked away I did it anyway and no one said anything)

Anyway, kind of winded answer but I hope it helps!!! Good luck and have fun!

Call your pediatrician. Our's recommended Benedryl and our little one slept all the way to California at that age. If you are looking for another source of easy income. Check out my website. There is a company presentation on there. I am an online travel agent.It ahs worked out well for me as a stay at home mom.

Hi S., I flew back in January with my then 5 month old. The best advice I got was to purchase a DVD player and take her favorite videos. Let me tell you it worked wonders. I also did take her car seat on board with me and it was the best thing ever. I didn't purchase a seat. What I did was as soon as I got to the door of the plane I asked if there were any empty seats available in the back in case she cried. They were nice and understanding and gave me an entire isle by myself. I know most airlines are good about giving you a seat if they have them available. Good luck with your trip enjoy!!
Connie

If your still nursing her I'd say that will be the charm. My son was about 6mo when I flew to MN for my grandmothers funeral and he nursed most of the time, and then he just slept. He was a bit into little nibble foods but mostly nursing was the best thing.

Hello, I have a 11 month old and her name is Sofia as well. I flew when she was 2 months and 4 months old and we did just as you plan to nurse during take off and landing. She slept pretty much the rest of the time I think because of the plane white noise. I do not know if you are opposed to watching videos, but if your baby is not the best napper maybe a portable DVD might be helpful. Good luck! I am flying again when Sofia is 14 months old so, a little nervous myself. Hope it goes well and you have wonderful trip.