Advice for Traveling with Baby

Although it's probably too late to mention this, but if at all possible take a non-stop flight to your destination to avoid extra take-offs and landings, where baby's ears are most uncomfortable.

Travel near/during the hours that he normally sleeps. Bring his diaper bag fully loaded with all of the things he's used to having (e.g., Bottle, pacifier, favorite toy, blanket, etc.). Upon take off and landing (if awake) feed him. It will help with any pressure in his ears.

Remember to mention to the person sitting next to you that it's his first time flying. It will reduce your stress of worrying about disturbing other passengers.

Good luck!

Make sure he is snugg, well dressed- comfortable....and maybe some BABY BENEDRIL :D

My son flew more times in his first year than my husband ever had! He had his first flight at 4 months from Kansas City to North Carolina (I was by myself). Make sure you don't pack too much in your diaper bag. Just make sure you have plenty of diapers, a few toys to entertain, the necessities. Make sure you have a bottle ready (unless you plan to nurse) for the way up and the way down. The problem is timing it right so that they are ready to eat at those times. The swallowing will help with the pressure changes. Hopefully you'll get lucky and he'll sleep a lot. The vibration is amazing for puting them to sleep! Make sure to bring a lot of hand sanitizer, and anti-bacterial wipes. I brought along the Madela breastpump wipes to wipe everything down. A stroller will be a life-saver, but can also be a hassle...they will let you check it at the gate and I recommend bringing it along in the airport. Also- don't forget to pack some Tylenol if he is teething. I never carry a purse in addition to the diaper bag...I usually just pack my wallet and other necessities in the diaper bag and pack my purse in my checked bag.

It's stressful, but if you stay calm it will be just fine! Good luck!
OH- and don't feel bad if he cries. It's actually good for them if they are having trouble with the pressure changes.

We've flown with both kids (from 5 weeks old to 2 years old) a few times.

You'll need to check the TSA's website (TSA.gov) to make sure you understand the travel restrictions about having liquids (bottles, baby food etc).

But, some people recommend Benadryl to help the baby relax. We didn't need to (even with our 5 week old who also flew at 11 weeks - from Indianapolis to San Diego) once we got through the high pressure of taking off. In both cases, I had a bottle so she would have the suckling to reduce the pressure in her ears.

We've taken a bulky double stroller on a plane and an umbrella stroller. You'll want to gate-check them at the plane. You'll also have to figure out what to do with a car seat (in one case, it was cheaper to just buy one when we got there for Grandparents to use)

Since you'll have 2 carry ons, what worked best for us was having your Diaper bag as one with everything you need, and another with toys, etc. to keep them entertained.

it's not so rough when you actually do it - it's horribly stressful leading up to it.

Good luck!

Bring:
- extra fluids (bottle up and down both stretches)
- extra binkies if you use them
- comfy clothes for both of you
- baby sling b/c he will probably fall asleep and so will your arms after a couple of hours!
- Tylenol or Motrin, whichever you prefer. Give it to him before you leave for the airport. Half-way through take off is not the time to find out he's in pain!
- couple of new books for him to look through

** At this age, my son slept the ENTIRE flight. We go to FL 3-4 times each year to visit family and it wasn't until he was closer to a year that he started using the flights as his social time.

good luck, have fun and don't forget to have your stroller!

Traveling with a baby was suprisingly easy. If he's still nursing all the more easy because you can nurse duing take off and landing. It's alot easier on their ears. Plan on having baby motrin close by if he's fussy. The sounds of the airplane will probably lul him to sleep.
Definatly bring your stroller and the attendants will stow you it for you. You'll need it going through the airports.

My son took his first filght at the same age as yours -it went well - helped to bring along new toys that he'd never seen before (without small pieces to scatter around the airplane) and helped to nurse him - he slept for a good portion of it - all that white noise I think. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and you are allowed to bring formula and babyfood through security. Remember you have to take off baby's shoes in the security line too (ridiculous isn't it?) I always wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
For future flights - I've found Southwest to be very family friendly and there are usually other families so its less stressful if your baby cries.
Good luck!