Air Travel Advice Needed - 3 Month Old

I'm sorry - my kids are teenagers now and I don't remember what age you can give BENEDRYL or a similar product. But it will clear up any problems with the sinuses that you might not even know about yet and it will help the little tyke sleep. Do not give more than the doctor or bottle recommends, but it was a definite plus for me when I had young kids.
Saline nose drops are another valuable thing to take - plus follow all the advice you've received already.

I travelled with my baby girl in April when she was just a little over 2mos (also to CA). Luckily, she slept most of the flight, but when she fussed I just went and stood at the back of the plane and bounced her a bit. Just getting up and moving seemed to help. The pacifier/feeding is a must for take off and landing to help keep there little ears clear. Also, use a sling or a baby bjorn...it made things SO much easier!!
Good luck!!

We traveled to San Diego with a 4 month old. We just made there was a paci or time to eat at take off and landing. He actually did very well on the flight. We had a baby carrier (sling) that he stayed in most of the time.

A friend of mine who is a pilot said it is really the landings that the ears might be a problem.
I took my 5 mo. old on a 3 hr flight. I took a bottle but as soon as he saw it he wanted it and slurped all down before we took off! So then I nursed him and he ended up falling a sleep for an hour or or so. I did not buy him a seat but we had an extra one between us so it worked out. As soon as i sat down i took a wet wipe and wiped everything down, the window, tray table arm rest etc. I also tied strings to his toys and to my belt loops so if he dropped a toy it would not fall on the floor ( I know first time mom.) I took a blanket for him and grabbed one of the airline blankets for support under my arm. I just took a backpack with a few things, diapers, wipes, cream, 2 outfits, blanket, wet wipes, burp cloth, bottle, 4 small toys, pacifiers. I gave him a pacifier (one that clipped on to is outfit) on the landing and he was just fine. If you have one of those compact diaper changing pads that will hold the wipes and diapers take that, it will be easier to take into the restroom to change him. Over all it was much easier than I thought. Just think about what all you will be doing and what you might need. You don't want to be digging around your purse looking for you ID, i just had my husband hold it. I just took a small zipped pouch and put it in the backpack instead of a purse hanging off my arm, you don't want a bag, purse and baby all hanging off your arms and getting in the way. I did not have a sling but I took the baby bjorn. You will do fine.

You have timed it perfectly! I traveled with my son a LOT when he was this age (by myself usually) and it was EASY! You don't have to worry about their ears at this age - which is great - no worries about bottles on take off and landing! Also, you can bring their car seat and let them just sleep. The white noise really seems to lull them to sleep and it is a joyous flight! I would make sure that you bring two extra sets of clothes, lots of diapers and wipes, and plenty of premeasured formula just in case. I would check your stroller at the gate (just get a ticket from the counter when you get to the gate) and you can roll it all the way to the plane. I would recommend that you buy a seat for the baby. It makes it so much more comfortable for you and your husband. Have fun and enjoy this easy flight - when they are toddlers it is much more difficult in my experience at least!

Take your stroller with you to the gate. You can check it there and it will be waiting for you as you deplane. If you are travelling in a row with 3 seats you can see if the gate agent will block the middle seat (if it's available) and then you can put your infant carrier in the window seat and you won't have to hold your infant for the entire flight if you don't want to. You may also want to board with the first group to give you time to get settled with your baby. Some babies don't like to be confined, but others won't mind at all and you'll feel more at ease not being so rushed by other passengers. If you are nursing go out and get a "hooter hider" or "bebe au lait". It is a cover designed for nursing. It gives you complete privacy, but also allows you to visualize your baby through the top opening. They are awesome and can now be purchased at most Target stores and probably Babies r Us. It is SO worth it. You won't have to worry about the baby kicking off your blanket and exposing yourself. good luck!

We traveled 5 times with our daughter before she was a year old - one trip was even to Spain. The first flight we took she was 2 months old. Clearly, we didn't find it difficult. The first thing to keep in mind is that it will be as challenging as you expect - so if you expect it to be easy it will be. The other thing is that a little crying and fussing will bother you more than other passengers.
Our daughter never had an issue with landing or take off - but of course it's a good idea to have a pacifier or bottle nearby. I also breastfed her for a year - so anytime she got fussy I would just feed her (I always got a seat by the window for privacy). Even just cuddling her seemed to help. We also tried to travel during naptime, so she would sleep most of the flight.
Have a great trip!

I can honestly say that at this age, both of my children were dream fliers. Ask your pedi for any drops that can be used for keeping the sinuses cleared (thus the ears)(benedryl?) and the ride will be as smooth as ice. Keep them hydtrated, and two to three favorite toys, and if they like to chew on things, make sure you have something to chew on, (mine would not touch a binkie) Extra diapers and wipes, and recieving blankets. Don't overdo it, but make sure the basics are covered. When you check in, ask the airline attendant to help you get situated before the others, makes it esier on all concerned. Tylenal, mylanta tummy gas drops, favorite blankie, you are set!

The timin is the best advice- but a pacifier might help too if he refuses to eat or just can't wait. I flew with my daughter for the first time when she was almost 4 months and I was surprised at how kind everyone was. I made silly faces and brought a new little toy that played music and had lights on it- it was alot of work (I didn't have anyone else with me), but as we got off two passengers told me how great she did (I thought, that meant that I did great entertaining her- but whatever!). Even if he does cry, it'll be okay. People will more tend to feel sorry for you than irritated (make apologetic and exasperated faces as you look at them). I find there are far more people in the world who have been in that tired frustrated position than those who are grouchy and selfish.

Oh and they even made me take off my daughter's shoes at security, so it's probably easier not to mess with putting shoes on him. Crazy isn't it?

In regards to a previous post- if you have formula premixed or pumped breastmilk they DO NOT make you throw it out (but only bring enough for the flight) but you CANNOT bring water to mix formula with- you have to get that after security. Do let them know when you get up there that you have formula in the cooler pack and show it to them.

They let me keep my stroller till I got to the plane and then put it under the plane for me (like they do with wheelchairs)- then when we got there my stroller was waiting in the hall for me as I got off the plane- made walking around the airport so much easier!

My only advice is to re-check the security site right before you go. Their guidelines change all the time. I flew with my son when he was 6 weeks old and was told that bottled water in the baby bag was fine (he's a formula baby). 6 months later, I was told I would have to go back out of security and mix the formula before coming through or they would have to throw out the bottle of water. I'm still annoyed about that.

Oh, and you can take an empty bottle to fill at the water fountain instead of buying the over inflated bottled water all airports have.

Good news - this is by far the easiest time to travel with a child! I traveled with both of my daughters when each was 2.5 months old, and with my youngest daughter when she was about 4 months old. Honestly, it's pretty easy. Be sure your diaper bag is stocked with diapers (I would bring 8-10. You shouldn't need them, but just in case!) and wipes. Bring an extra outfit for your baby, and an extra shirt for you. Bring a few extra burp cloths. And, bring a magazine, because you'll probably get to read it while your baby sleeps.

Neither of my girls has ever been bothered by takeoff or landing. I nurse them if possible (sometimes, they're asleep and don't need to!), but they've been quite content. My oldest daughter is now 3.5, and she's a great traveler, because she's used to it. And, her ears have never bothered her, even if she had a cold!

I'd bring a sling and/or Bjorn. I personally like the sling, so that she could nap in it during the plane ride (and truly, my youngest daughter pretty much slept the entire way to and from Seattle - a 4 hour flight - and the entire way back from CA, a 3 hour flight). But, the Bjorn is easy to use while at the airport. I gate checked the carseat and stroller.

Good luck, but don't worry!

Some airline bathrooms have a changing table. This is great not only for changing but for when baby needs a change of scenery or if he is fussy. You can sit him on there and play and even if he is still fussy it bother the other passengers. I have literally spent most of a flight in the bathroom.

Feed him on the way up and on the way down to help with the ear pain. My baby didn't feel too much ear pain until she was over a year but he might be different. If you can try not to feel him too much during the flight so that he will be hungry enough to eat on the way down if his ears hurt. Of course, if he has no ear pain, feed him during the flight to keep him occupied.

Silent toys that light up are good, but at three months babies might not be into too many toys yet.

My cousin's company "Puj" makes a great sling that makes for hands-free baby wearing. I used mine when traveling alone with baby, 2 suitcase, a cell phone, and a carry on. It was a life saver. It took a few times to learn to put it on quickly and just right but I am so grateful for it. It is like having a third arm.

Their website is: www.pujbaby.com

Also, try not to take too many things on board. It seems that too many things just make for more chaos. :-)

Have a great trip, I hope my advice helped a bit.
Best,
A.

Nurse on the way up and nurse on the way down. I agree about the window seat thing -- you will get more space. No need to by any fancy hooter hiders or whatever, a blanket will do. I started flying with my son at that age and no one ever bothered me about nursing.

This age is actually pretty easy to travel with. Chances are he'll sleep. If you can, time the flights for nap time. My son would nurse and then conk out for the rest of the flight generally. I had a sling and would wear him in that. It ws nice because it kept him close, in a napping position and a bit more secured. I would read a magazine or book while he napped.

You can check your stroller/car seat at the gete and it will be there when you arrive at your destination. I would check the car seat at baggage since I never bought a ticket. Pack plenty of diapers and a change of clothing in case you have an accident. I would just drape the diaper changing pad or waterproof cloth accross my lap and change him in the seat. No one knew the better and it was easy.

Good luck!

I traveled alone with my daughter when she was six weeks old. I was on maternity leave from work and wanted to spend several weeks with my family in Wyoming. My daughter was very colicky from birth and I was *very* worried about the trip - especially traveling alone. I took her infant carrier with me and the AA employee nicely allowed me to take it on the flight (instead of checking it at the gate). It was SO nice to have her strapped in next to me, instead of having to hold her the entire flight in a middle seat. The flight was full and had standby passengers, and they didn't let one of the standby passengers fly b/c of my daughter. I felt a little bad about it, but then thought that person probably wouldn't want to be next to my newborn and me.

I read through most of the responses and the only addition I have that I didn't see is to choose a flight time when your son normally naps if possible (might be too late). I had no problems until the end of the flight when two young children came to the back and started making lots of noise in the row in front of me (they were up front for most of the flight, but changed places with family in the back). Their noise woke my daughter who then cried for the last 10-15 minutes of the flight. Not nearly as bad as what I had expected -- thought she'd cry the entire flight!

My husband was with me on the return flight and it was actually worse than traveling alone because he got very nervous and anxious. I agree with the person who said to try to remain relaxed because he definitely wasn't and the trip wasn't nearly as smooth as the flight up.

We traveled at least five more times before she turned two and we opted to buy her seats on flights after our second trip. I held her once through a flight and she was so fidgety that it made for a very uncomfortable flight. And she only slept when in the car seat, so it was worth the extra expense to buy a third ticket -- especially for longer flights.

Good luck!!

How funny - I'm going to CA in two weeks with my two kids! Everyone will be wishing they weren't on that flight with us! When my daughter was that age, she traveled like a saint. She basically slept the whole time. 18 months was the age I found to be the hardest. The baby will do what he's going to do - the key is to not get upset about it. The tension that comes off of you will make it worse for the baby. Ignore anyone's stares or dirty looks - belive it or not, I have actually had people make nasty comments to me when Audrey was an absolute disaster one flight (short, Thank God!).

My suggestions to make it easier on you and hubby...make sure you have everything within reach. That means bottle, formula, paci, favorite chew toy, stuffed animal, blanket, burpcloth, tissue, diaper/wipes (very important to have close!), change of clothes - all that where you can get it with one hand if you need to. It's great that you are going together so you won't have to handle everything on your own. Don't be embarrased to get up and walk the aisle with the baby to give him something new to look at. Bounce him on your laps - trade him back and forth. He'll probably be really mellow and not give you any issues though -he's so young. I've also heard, but never done it, that the saline drops/spray (Little Noses) help open up their sinus passages so the air pressure isn't so bad. Of course, as you know, the swallowing helps too. If it gets bad, repeat this: "This is like labor - painful, but it will be over!" Good luck - maybe i'll see you on the flight!

#1 If you use formula for feedings and must feed him in flight, don't premix the bottles. The security people will make you dump them. Take the bottles (empty), bottled water, and the formula separate and mix on the plane.

#2 Have something for him to suck on during departure and landing for his ears.

#3 If applicable to you, take the lightest, most durable car seat/stroller that you can. They will put it in the luggage carrier area and IT WILL get beaten up.

#4 Have as much on hand to keep baby as settled as you can. A favorite toy, a paci, whatever...he's probably not going to like the flying sensation (well at least mine didn't :-) )

#5 FYI Security checks will be a big pain. You'll have to remove your socks and shoes, go through the metal detector, the whole shebang with an infant in your arms...just fair warning.

#6 Last but not least, and with the assumption you're going to hold the baby in flight, make sure to have a plan for keeping him secure for seat belt times (yes they made us put him inside our seat belt).

Good luck!

We travelled for the first time with our daughter around the same age. I'm sure you've heard the usual something to suck on for take off and landing. For the airport hassle, I recommend a sling and stroller. If it's a sling with no buckles, you can keep him in it through security (minus shoes if he has them on). I also keep my daughter in it for mommy bathroom trips - even at 16 months! We always take our wonderful BOB Revolution jogging stroller with the carseat adapter. It's super easy to maneuver and acts as our sherpa to throw our gear in with baby in the sling. We even set our convertible carseat in it. It's too big for the x-ray, so they hand check it, which means I don't even have to fold it up. We gate check both carseat and stroller. Too many stories about people arriving and all their luggage makes it except the carseat! I've heard that flying to the west coast is particularly hard for sleep schedules, so maybe you could start trying to make adjustments now to fit Pacific time better? Haven't ever had to deal with that, but I've heard from people who have struggled with it. Good luck and have fun!

Talk to your Dr. I have heard that you can give them Tylenol to help them sleep through. which will help with the pressurization of the cabin.

Have a pacifier handy when taking off and arriving cause of the air pressure, so you don't have to go by feeding times. They don't have microwaves on board to heat up milk,only the boiling water from the tea maching so buy some bottled water and bring it with you to mix it up so it's at least wars.
If he has a favorite item bring that but at that age they love to sleep so it's usually easier to travel. Good luck!

D.-
I am a married,stay at home mother of 5 and we used to live in Southern California. My parents (and all other family members) live in Virginia, so we have traveled by air quite a bit. When we would fly with our infants, I pretty much let them eat (breastfeed) whenever they wanted-especially during take offs and landings. They seemed more relaxed and usually slept for most of the flights. I also had a pacifier handy for the times they were awake. My husband and I have had great experiences with flying with infants- believe it or not, the baby knows when you're stressed, so just relax!

Have a great trip! :)

I traveled with my first child when he was 3 months,too. I read everything, brought everything you can imagine, and was totally prepared for the worst. My son drank one bottle and just stared at everything and slept the whole flight. As scary as it seems, it will probably go smoothly with no problems. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Carry on: diaper bag only! Use a small purse if you must. Just a wallet would be best but either way, make sure it will fit in the diaper bag then hubby can carry it for you while you carry the baby...most men can't multi-task well in the baby department. :)
If you have time to read it will be the mag in the back of the plane seat. Just as you get settled it will be time to land. Comfy slip on shoes are best. Get disposable diaper pads for airport bathrooms...they never have them.
A small baggie of wipes and about 5-6 diapers, 1 rattle or something to distract your son, a large light-weight blanket or shawl to drape for feeding if you nurse. If bottle fed: a few bottles, a bottle of water, and some formula.
If you need a formula holder, WalMart has a 3-section divided "bowl" with dispensing lid in the baby dept. that works great!
Stress free would be to have yourself packed 2 days prior by going off a list and sticking to it. Put the suitcases in the car and keep the tickets where ever you keep your car keys.

We took our daughter on a flight when she was 3 1/2 months old & she cried a little when we first got on the plane but as soon as the plane took off & she got comfortable & fell asleep. I don't know if your son will stay asleep if you move him around, our daughter didn't, so it was hard on me since I was holding her, I couldn't move. She never took a pacifier so I had to give her a bottle or have her suck on my finger when we took off & landed. We had no problems at all. Good luck!!

D.,

I would suggest several diapers, a change of clothes for your son, a change of clothes for you (at least a shirt), a piddle pad to keep under him in case of accident and then you can remove it if he does have one (can get the piddle pad at babies r us), baggies for a blow-out diaper, and enough wipes to clean him and you up if he has one. I am not saying he will have an accident, but altitude change brought one on for my daughter the first time we flew (what a mess). I luckily had most of what I needed except for a change of clothes for me - it would have been very nice to have that. Good luck and have fun.

K.

Second the advice on plenty of diapers and definately the second outfit (we ended up needing ours), an extra shirt for you probably wouldn't hurt either. I just got back from traveling with my 10 month old. I nursed her on the way up and down and she slept pretty much the entire flight. You will have no problem getting breastmilk through security if you need to, just let them know that you have it in your bag. However, if you are formula feeding please remember that you will have to buy a bottle of water once you are beyond security. Also, something that I wasn't aware of until on our way home is that the diaper bag does NOT count as a carry on. You can have your diaper bag, purse and an additional carry on if you need it, we did. Wishing you good luck and a great trip.

L.

My children were travel vets by an early age and RELAXation is the only key to success! Babies pick up on your stress, so just enjoy the trip. When they were tiny, I'd let them nurse or pacifier when they wanted. Too many parents over stimulate or over medicate infants for travel - but if you'll keep yourself in "this is just another day" mode, they'll happily follow your cue. Good luck! Enjoy your trip.

If you are breastfeeding, you'll have no problems. I traveled a lot with both of my kids and just fed them at takeoff and landing. No problems. Once my daughter did get pretty fussy because our plane was delayed and we had passed nap time but she couldn't sleep with all the excitement. The woman sitting next to me gave me wonderful comfort. She said, "I'm a mom. Don't worry about it. If people traveling in a plane can't tune out a crying baby that's their own problem." I felt better! I also sang to my kids on the plane. I didn't care that other people could hear me.
Good luck!
M.
http://onenaturalmother.blogspot.com/

We flew to hawaii with our son at the same age. First of all-do not stress-second, accept the fact that you will probably not time the feedings right. I assume you breast feed-if so, sit next to the window, have hubby sit in middle-have a cover (such as a "hooter hider"-yes, there is a product- or a shaw. Do not be nervous. Now, if you do not nurse-or if you pump your milk and store it and you need to warm a bottle or a breastmilk storage bag- have the flight attendant place some HOT water-do not fill up- in one of those "barf bags"(they are waterproof). And stick your bottle in there for a few moments-and there you have It- a warm bottle!

Hope this helps!

I guess you have purchased the tickets? When I travelled with my infant I tried to plan the trip during feeding/napping times. I would hold him off from eating until we boarded the plane then for as long as possible. When he just had to eat I fed him and he would go to sleep for the rest of the trip. It worked great, I even got to read a magazine!! If you don't have a front "backpack" carrier ie. baby bijorn you definately should get one. It frees up your hands while in the airport and on the plane and is much easier than trying to struggle with a stroller. Hope that helps.

I use my Baby Bjorn carrier instead of a car seat and my babies have pretty much slept the whole time. I always bring my car seat to the gate, and if they have seats on the plane, they'll let you take it on board in case you need it. If they don't have room, they will store it for you from there, and you get it immediately after you get off the plane. Good luck! J.