Advice on Flying with a Newborn

Hi there! I work for Southwest, though I'm going to guess that you're not flying on us (because of the Wright Amendment!!).
Nevertheless, southwest.com has some great tips for traveling with little ones. The information was provided to us by Eileen Ogintz, who is an expert on traveling with kids. It's great info, no matter which airline you're taking!
Here's the link:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/taking_the_kids_in...
Hope that helps. Have a great trip!!

I think it will be good to fly when he is young because when I took my son at the time he was 3 months he slept the whole time.
You need to see if they have a spare seat so you can put him in the car seat in the seat next to you.

good Luck and have a safe flight.

At 3 weeks old, you are lucky. It's really not that bad. My son flew several times before 6 months old and these are actually the best. I have a few suggestions for you. #1 MOST IMPORTANT...let the baby suck on something...pacifier, bottle, breast during both take off and landing. The reason most babies cry on a flight is that they can't and don't understand equalizing the ears. I have seen moms refuse to give a pacificer because they are against them...this does not help anyone- not you, not the people around you and especially not your precious little one whos ears will hurt if you can't get a sucking action of some sort going. So choose your method, but have a backup...
#2 Check the carseat and go with a baby Bjorn or sling of some sort, especially if you didn't get a second seat- which at that age is a total waste. You don't want to have to lug that car seat carrier around and you will have to take the baby out and put car seat and stroller thru the xray machine. THIS IS NOT EASY. A baby bjorn type thing leaves you hands free to carry a diaper bag and pull a suitcase if needed. Plus when you get situated, you can take the baby out and easily put the holder under the seat in front of you or in your diaper bag.
#3 BORROW, BORROW, BORROW...depending on who you are going to visit...it is totally worth purchasing a pack & play with Bassinet & changing table to keep at grandma and grandpa's house. The expense far outweighs the hassle of lugging one with you, especially if this is your first child. We keep ours at my parents house and just shuffle it around to whomevers house we are staying while we are in visiting. Then, borrow things. A stroller, toys, playmat- a blanket will always do.
#4 Have whomever you are staying with pick up a pack of diapers & wipes for you, so you only need to pack enough to get you there. This is the most rediculous thing to pack in a bag...they are the same price everywhere you go...just get them on the other side. #5 If you think you may visit often, leave duplicate things behind. At both grandparents houses, our son now has a drawer. I know that there are wipes, bowls, spoons, babywash, washcloths, bibs, a towel, an extra pack and play sheets, etc... at each house. These are all the things that as your baby grows you will become obsessed with packing. So, do yourself a favor and ask for a drawer. Now both moms are conditioned to check the drawer before we come and they even stock it for us before we get there with diapers, food, snacks, new books & toys. My son loves his drawer at Nana's house...
LASTLY..if you will be traveling alot as the baby get bigger, so your best to schedule a flight that departs close to nap time. You'll be glad you did!

OK, so alot of info. Good luck to you and don't stress about it!
B.

This is what worked for me. #1. You can gate check your stroller, that means that you can walk it ALL the way down to the door of the plane, then they will take it and it will be there when you get off. (It doesn't count as part of checked luggage). SO, take your biggest stroller and then you don't even have to carry your carry on! Also, feed the baby on the way up AND on the way down, the swallowing while he/she eats allows their ears to pop naturally, that way they won't cry. Oh, a funny part of my trip? My Harley had JUST filled his pants when we landed. I stood up, told everyone in front of me, "I promise you don't want me on this plane very much longer." It was like the parting of the Red Sea, I've never gotten off a plane so fast in my life! ;}

I have traveled with my daughter so many times, and each time I learn something new. First I don't pack enough diapers for the whole time I am there. I only pack enough for the trip and a couple extra, then I buy a pack when I get there. (Only buy a pack big enough for the time your there, you will probably go home with more than you came with). Put a duffle bag inside your suitcase, so you have an extra bag. If your bottle feeding bring a bottle with those little plastic bags that go in them. Make sure that you feed the baby on the way up in the plane and hopefully on the way down (it will make their ears feel better from the air pressure). If you don't want to carry things back with you, you can always send them in the mail, it cost a couple bucks, but it's worth it! (you can even send your stuff there). And see if there are things that maybe some family members have to lighten your load. I have gotten to a point where I don't even check a bag on most of the time depending on the amount of time I am spending there. Good luck, and congrats on the new baby!

First, let me say how impressed I am that you are going it alone!! Second, its the worrying about it that is the hard part! If your husband is able to bring you to the airport, he can help you with the luggage. You can either check it at the curb (well worth the $2 per bag charge!!) or he can walk you inside and you can check it at the counter. IF you bring a stroller, you can check it at the gate, but with the carrier, I wouldn't think you would need a stroller. Are you buying a seat for the baby? If not, you can check the carseat and put him in the baby carrier. A backpack is easier on your back than a diaper bag, but a diaper bag is better for quick access. I always bring a diaper bag so I can just reach in for whatever I need. Your little man will probably sleep on the plane ride, so that will be easy! Try to feed him during take off and landing, or offer a pacifier if he uses one, to help with his ears. Then , try to relax! And, don't freak out too much if he is fussy on the plane ride...he isn't the first baby to do it and he won't be the last! Hopefully you will be next to a nice person who will understand! On our last trip, my little one (then 8 mos) was a bit fussy, she was teething! The gal next to us was awesome! She was playing with her and couldn't care less that she was fussy! I think you might get lucky being that he is so young and he will just sleep for you! Good luck on your flight and have a fun, safe trip!

try feeding him when you get on the plane so he will fall asleep afterwards. also ask to be placed by an empty seat so you may lay him down next to you. my husband and i flew with our daughter when she was 4 mos. she slept through most of it. :)

I took my daughter on a plane when she was 8 weeks old to meet up with my husband on a business trip. It's wise of you to ask for advice!
First off, see if someone can borrow a pack n play or bassinet for you. Also, you can visit www.babysaway.com for rental information. If you're staying in a hotel, they usually provide cribs at no extra charge.
Second, check ALL your luggage. Don't even try to carry a piece on.
Third, you can "gate check" your stroller and car seat. We had a travel system and I put my daughter in her car seat, popped it into the stroller, and wheeled it all through airport security. You have to unbuckle the baby and wheel it through security separately, but after that, you're good to go. You just wheel the baby and stroller right up to the plane and a baggage person collects all the strollers and puts them in the cargo compartment after all the luggage is in. Your stroller is the last thing on the plane and the first thing off -- so it meets you at the door when you reach your destination. If you're taking the infant carrier on board, they'll instruct you to put her in a window seat. If not, leave the carrier with the stroller.
As far as baby's supplies, I packed a backpack as if I was on a day's outing -- formula powder (this is handy even if you're nursing), diapers, wipes, burp rags, extra outfit, and an extra shirt for me (in case of a massive spit-up).
To ease ear discomfort on take off and landing, you'll want the baby to be sucking on something at those times. Have a pacifier or bottle handy.
One note on the stroller: If you won't be able to fit it in a car or otherwise take it with you once you reach your destination, you can pick up a "snap 'n' go" stroller frame from Babies R Us. It was about $60 when we bought one and was well worth the investment. It folds so small and is so light weight that we used it on every road or plane trip we took until our daughter outgrew her infant carrier. We passed it down to some friends and it's gone through 2 other babies since ours!

If your son is travelling on your lap invest in a Baby Bjorn baby carrier. When my son was small I tried all the carriers (and spent way too much money) before finding the BB and falling in love. You can slip it on easily and it is comfortable for both of you. Your baby can face your chest and you can lower the BB to feed him without taking him out of the carrier or taking the carrier off. Also, travel with a backpack instead of a diaper bag -- you can get more in it and it's easier to slip the backpack on your back and the BB carrier on the front to manage luggage and tickets. What I really like about the BB is that while it is recommended that you support the baby's bottom for things that require two hands you don't need to. I used to wear my son while I did dishes. Good luck and make sure he's feeding when the plane takes off -- it won't be as painful on his ears.

1. Use a front-pack like the Baby Bjorn to get through the airport, and get a backpack diaper bag (I love the Land's End one!). That will leave your hands totally free. If you plan to bring a carseat and stroller, you can gate check them so you carry them through the airport (which lessens the chance of lost luggage, but means you have to get everything through the airport) or check them outside and hope they make it (which is a scary thing to hope for, but does make getting through the airport easier).
2. Keep a separate little pouch with a disposable changing pad, a few diapers and a small container of wipes. You won't want to carry your entire diaper bag to the airplane bathroom for diaper changes!
3. Change your baby's diaper in the airport right before the flight. You may get luck and not have to change again during the flight, if it's fairly short.
4. I found it really helpful to bring a Boppy pillow on the plane. I tied it to the handle of my diaper bag backpack, so it was easy to transport. It made a great place for my baby to sleep during the flight, and made it easier for me to nurse her.
5. Nurse/bottle feed during takeoff and landing. I've never had an issue with my daughter's ears bothering her, and I think this has been part of it. Honestly, if you're nursing, you may end up nursing nearly the whole flight - it will keep your baby calm and quiet, which will help you and those around you!
6. Be sure you have about 10 diapers in your diaper bag, just in case your flight is delayed or you have major blowout issues. Have one full change of clothes for your baby, and a T-shirt change for you. Bring some burp cloths, many of them if your baby spits up a lot.
7. I wore a jogging suit with an elastic waistband and pockets in the jacket, and tennis shoes I could slip on and off. It was perfect. I needed to slip my shoes on and off easily at security, and it was great to just quickly slip my pants down and up when I needed to use the restroom. The jacket had pockets, so my ID and plane ticket could go there.
8. Ask if whoever drops you off at the airport can get a pass to help you through security. NOT ALL AIRLINES ALLOW THIS (I've had some trouble with American), and it's largely up to the agent. So be prepared that it may not work, but it's worth asking. Also be prepared that you'll have to take your baby completely out of the Bjorn (or whatever carrier you use) to get through security, so an extra pair of hands is really helpful.
9. Pack a bottle of water and a granola bar for you. Eating with a baby on your lap in a plane is NOT easy, so keep it to one-handed things!
10. If you'll visit your family fairly often in the next two years, consider having them buy (or buying yourself), an inexpensive Pack N Play for your baby to sleep in. It's well worth spending $50 to avoid packing, checking, schlepping and setting up your own. My daughter is tall for her age, and at 16 months, still sleeps in the Pack n Play with no problems.

Traveling was easier when my baby was younger, so I'm sure you'll be fine!

I remember the first time we flew with my son and we were so nervous. We worried for no reason. He did great and slept most of the time. The main thing is to make sure on take off and landing that he is sucking on something. A pacifer, bottle or nursing. I gave my son a bottle I had pumped. Don't worry so much about scheduled feedings or sleep just do what feels right. When you land you can get back on your schedule. Also, the airline attendents are so helpful. Keep your stroller with you. You can take it right up to the gate and they will check it under the plane. Also if there are seats available you can just strap your car seat in the seat next to you. The hardest part was probably the diaper change...but there is usually a changing table in the restroom. Good luck!

Hi N.,
My name is G. and have a 6 month old daugter - Sofia. I took Sofia to Italy when she was 4.5 months old (I know she was not as young as your baby, but she was fine!). The doctor said to have her suck on something (either a bottle or the pacifier) when we took off and landed to avoid ear pain. It was a very long flight for us - we went to London with my husband and then I flew London - Torino with her. Instead of taking a stroller I took the bjorn to carry her in the airport and it worked very well b/c my hands were free and I could get my lugagge. If you ask me, I think it is easier to travel with younger babies as they are not aware of surroundings, etc. Now Sofia is very very active and I think it would be harder but I'll do it again in July, so we will see. Hope this helps and good luck !!!

I've also got a 3 week old little boy - and I can't imagine traveling on a plane with him alone right now!! You are brave!

My friends with young children highly recommend using a Snuggli carrier when traveling - it leaves your hands free and keeps the baby close to you.

Maybe we can get together sometime!
C.

my son and i traveled together when he was three months old. it went great! i planned the flight during his nap time and he slept for most of it. i called friends with kids near my parent's house and borrowed all the big items such as a pack&play, stroller, etc. so i wouldn't have to bring it. i just brought a back pack with his things, my baby in his carrier and my bag. you don't want to lug all sorts of stuff through the airport. be sure to check in at the gate and let them know you're traveling with an infant. my rep. was very nice and moved my seat so i would be next to an empty one for my son's seat. she also put me near the back so it would be louder and help him to sleep and so i could walk easier if necessary. be sure to pack extra diapers and formula if you use that in case you have unexpected delays. have a great trip!!
M.

Hi N.. I remember flying with my son when he was about 1 month old. I went out and bought a "sling carrier". It goes around your neck and the baby stays snug inside the "papoose" area. It prevents a lot of people from coming up to see the baby...germs and also frees up your hands. It was wonderful. My son was completely comfortable as at that point he still liked to be swaddled and wrapped up. He slept the entire trip in the sling. Kept it on in my seat and had him in there. If he got a little warm I just folded it back a little.

I highly recommend it for traveling.

Good luck

K.

Hi N.,

First of all, good luck! Being the mommy of two little beauties and having family out of town I feel your worries! But, I do know you can and will get through it! First of all, I am not sure what airline you are taking but most will let you check your stroller at the gate and then bring it right to you when you get off the plane. Make sure you take advantage of preboarding, that lets you get you and baby in your seats without being rushed. When packing (because we have a tendency to pack way too much) I take half the clothes that we will need and then do laundry while I am there, if you are staying there more than a weekend. But the best secret I can offer is whatever you can buy once you get there (especially diapers), do that because it saves on so much space. You will not have to travel back with it either because it will all get used on your visit!
Again good luck!
J.

When we traveled via air for the first time our daughter was 12 months, but the doctor suggested to give her benedril 30 minutes before take off. This will help her rest and relax durring the flight.

Hi N.,
I have a 21 month old and we have taken him on a couple of trips. The first one was just me travelling alone with him and he was about 9 months old. Hopefully yours will sleep but I would suggest you take plenty of bottles and pacifiers for the take off and landing to pop his ears and then a few little toys on the plane. I was nursing when mine was that age and remember the diaper explosions - maybe an extra shirt for you and a couple outfits for him in your diaper bag carry on, just in case. I arrived early to the airport so we had no rush whatsoever and then checked EVERYTHING else but the diaper bag because I was like you - only two hands. If you take your stroller and infant carrier they will let you check that part right there at the entrance to the plane, which is also handy when you get off. I have to say, I took my pack n play and they lost it on the way there so the first night was in a neighbors borrowed pack n play - but as much as can be borrowed will save you the hassle of taking it all there and back. I also asked for a bulkhead seat upon arriving to the airport. That way you don't have a row of seats in front of you which gives more room - and at the time my little one was pulling up so he had some room to stand and play with his toys on the seat. I also took a few diapers and wipes in my diaper bag but just went to the grocery store once I got there to get the bulk of that stuff - it takes up so much room in your suitcase. Two items I left behind the first trip and wished I had: the baby monitor and his little nursery CD player so that his music that he sleeps to would drown out the noise from the other rooms. I guess the only other thing is just pray pray pray - I was really nervous about the plane ride and if Jackson would scream the whole way and both trips I have been pleasantly surprised at how well it has gone. Plus - yours is so bitty that everyone will be oooooing and aaaaahing over him. If he starts crying and anyone seems annoyed - just bash them over the head with your diaper bag and go about your day. Best of luck to you!
A.

N.

I bet you are so excited to show your little guy off. As a pilot's wife I had the advantage of going to see my family after my son was born, so he's started flying at two weeks. My advise is a front carrier; that leaves your hands free and it makes it more comfortable on the flight and the little one is also strapped in. I then used a light weight blanket to completely cover him; as even strangers seems to want to touch when they see a baby, and being so little I wanted to protect him as much as possible. Use a backpack for your carry on rather than a strap diaper bag, again leaving your hands free.
I hope it all goes well and enjoy your trip.

I fly all the time and my son has flown since he was an infant. The take off and landing are the worst for their ears. If you can feed him or give him a pacifier to suck on while your are taking off and landing it should help. My son hasn't ever had any trouble and he used his pacifier.

One major piece of advice is to make sure he is sucking on a bottle or pacifier during take-off and landing...because of the tremendous pressure on his little ears. I flew several times with my daughter when she was an infant, and that always did the trick...the sucking reduced the pressure on her ears, eliminating the need for her to cry out in pain...like I've seen some other babies do on planes. Other than that, it shouldn't be too bad, given he's only 3 weeks old, and should be sleeping most of the way. Just wait...it really gets tough once they're busy toddlers!

I flew with my first son when he was 2 1/2 weeks old and again at 2 months. It really was not difficult. The one thing his dr. told me was to nurse him (or bottle) at take off and landing, to help his ears adjust to the altitude change. We did this and had no problems.

N.-

Not sure how long your flight is but I would consider getting a seat for the baby and using the infant carrier. When ever we have flown with our son (turning 3) we have gotten him a seat. Up until he turned 2 we got a 50% discount on his seat- which helped in many ways. By him having a seat we did not have to hold and he used to sleep on the plane.

Also- ask your pediatrician if there is any medicine you should give the baby to help the ears. Sucking when taking off and landing also helps.

Good luck
M.

I flew with my son much later -- but I think you will be fine.

I believe I flew with my son when he was 6 months -- but I have talked and heard of others flying as early as you are doing so.

I know how exciting it is to take your baby "home" -- I am from the East Coast - and my family is back East - -so I can totally relate to the excitement of it all - be safe and enjoy your time home.

One thing to help with your child's ears popping - as the descent is what appears to cause the most problem. My child never had an issue going up - it was the coming down that caused the discomfort. And if the pilot slowly descends or stays at 20,000feet for an extended period of time - that could prevent your child from being able to get rid of that pressure as well.

Try feeding the child when you are descending - that way, the child is forced to swallow (and release the pressure in their ears - if there is any). Or stick a pacifer in their mouth to also get them to swallow (if your child is using a paci). The hardest thing about flying with a baby is when you are all by yourself - and having to feed them baby food out of a jar - and hold them, and then make a bottle - -so always do as much as you can before the flight - -so that everything is in arms's reach for you in your seat. And assuming your right handed - sit in a aisle seat on the right side -- that way you can hold the baby on your left while feeding and not have a problem with a neighbor being on your left. Also, don't hesitate to ask the flight attendant for help - most of them are very kid friendly -- and will gladly hold the baby while you use the laboratory etc. I remember, I was afraid once to ask the male stewardess for help (he didn't seem friendly) -- so I literally had to hold my son who was 3-4 months old on my lap while I went to the bathroom. Anything is possible, in a crunch. Also, be sure to bring a blanket or ask for one immediately upon arrival on the plane - those flights always seem a bit chilly with the air on. And always push the recycyled air away from you -- its not fresh air -- and if anyone's sick on the plane -- that means you would be breathing their germs -- so try to avoid inhaling recycyled air.

Hope that helps, enjoy your flight home.....

Hi I am in the Air Force and I am a single mom so have flown with my son everywhere since he was just a baby (He is 2 now). . . This is what I did. I made sure that I had a bottle for him or at the time breastfed him on take off. That is so there ears don't pop. . . Babies are more sensitive with that. after that it was real easy he would sleep most of the time until he turned like 18 months. But You should get on of those baby carriers that you can wear. It made my life so easy. . . And get a good one not a cheep one. Make sure it has something to support his head. Then you can take as much luggage as you want trust me I pack everything!! Good luck on your trip.

Hi Niki, my son was a bit older (4 months) the first time I flew with him by myself. But the advice may still apply.
1. Try to schedule feeding right before you fly or once on the plane so he won't be cranky.
2. Nurse, bottle feed or give pacifer during take off's and landing to help keep little ears from popping and hurting.
3. Check your bags. For my carry on, we found a back pack diaper bag, so that kept my hands free. I brought on two changes of clothes for him and a extra shirt for me.
4. My parents were able to get a temporary gate pass at the ticket counter, so they met me at the gate when I landed. They also had borrowed an infant seat and had it installed, so I didn't have to bring one.

5. I wore jeans with side and back pockets. I kept my id and ticket there so I could hold the baby with one hand and pull out ID with the other.

Finally, if your baby cries don't panic and don't let the stares of others get to you. You have a baby and babies cry.

D.

I just flew with my 3 mos. old and he did fine. But I have this stroller that is made to turn into a car seat as well. So all I had to carry was my bad and I put his diaper bad in the stroller's storage basket and him in the stroller. I took it to the gate (like wheelchair people do) they took it from me from there and had it ready as soon as I got off the plane. I didnt want to take it on the plane though, so he could sit on my lap and sleep and I could sit in the front rown, with more foot space. I made sure he was fed before hand and had the pacifier to pop his ears. It really bothered him on the descent, but theres not much you can do. Dont feel bad if he cries, thats life almost everyone on there has had babies and understand. Good luck! If you have any more questions about the stroller please let me know.
R.

Does he take a pacifier? If not, make sure you wait to feed him once on the plane. The pressure will effect his ears and he may cry because it can be very uncomfortable. If he is sucking on something that is like us chewing gum. You may want to put a little cotton in his ears, if he will let you, before you get on the plane. This also might help with the pressure. If he does start crying do not let other people make you feel bad. If you get anxious so will he. Just stay calm and talk softly to him and do whatever you do to make him feel comfortable. It will end once you get back on the ground. I would love to hear how things went. Have fun and enjoy that beautiful boy! J.

If you are checking bags anyway, then you should be fine with just your two hands because your husband can help you with curbside check in and I'm assuming someone will pick you up at the airport who can help you get your bags.
I always prefer to just do a carry on so what I would do was mail a box ahead of time with things that I'd need - cd player, bottles, toys. At 3 weeks, you don't need the toys so I don't know if that is really necessary for you. The other thing I found really useful was to make a list ahead of time of what you need. I ususally start teh list a week or so ahead of time so that I can add to it. Then I can just check it off as I pack. The one time I didn't make a list, I forgot a ton of stuff.
Enjoy your trip!

of course they say you should have your child in a car seat if you are then attach it to your stroller while your rolling around the only thing is you have to take every thing off the stroller and put all of it on the belt for security. if your carrying him in a carrier(bjorn ect..) then its so much easier. you still have to take him out and put the carrier through security but the security will help you don't be afraid to delagate and ask for help. i have flown 4 times now with both of my girls starting when they were a little over 1yr and 4mos. old. also i would get your childs ears checked before you fly out a couple days earlier to make sure there is no fluid because if there is then it could cause serious problems also make sure your baby is sucking on a passy or drinking a bottle/breast feeding when you take off and land unless asleep. it helps they're ears. hope this helps! also if you are taking a stroller then you check it at the gate and its waiting for you right there as soon as you step off the plane. good luck! A.

Hi,

I went to Europe with my son when he was about 2.5 months old. He did very well. Just make sure you wear something comfortable especially if you are nursing. Also, if its a long flight try to get the bassinet seat, where you get a bassinet on the wall, or on the floor to put you baby in.
Make sure you nurse him (or bottlefeed) when the plane is taking off or landing to avoid earache.

Good luck!
Bibi

Just make sure you give him a bottle (or nurse him) going up and coming down. It helps their ears pop because they can't do it on their own. I made the mistake once with my daughter that she fell asleep so I didn't give her anything to drink on the way down. She woke up part way in the descent screaming probably because her ears hurt.