Air Travel with 10-11 Mo Old

I have a friend that uses her ipod with cartoons on it. Her daughter just loves it. Her favorite is Dora the Exployer.

Hi H.,

What worked for my daughter was a DVD player and her favorite DVD's. We started using it at 8 weeks of age when we went on a road trip to Riverside, California. We used it when she was 4 months to fly to and from North Carolina, then again at 8 months to fly to and from Tennessee. We scheduled to flights around her nap schedule so there was very little awake time and when their was, we played Calm Baby or Fun Baby. I can honestly say that we had absolutely no in-flight crying and other passenger's commented on how good she was each and every trip. She's now 27 months and we have taken it along on all trip whether it's just a trip to Flagstaff or a trip to Rocky Point. We really don't know what we'd do without it.

Good Luck and have a safe trip!

We have flown alot with our kids starting when they were 3 months old. I don't know what airline you are using but we almost always use southwest and I always take the carseat to the gate and ask if the flight is full. If it isn't they always let me use the carseat on the plane and he always falls asleep. If the flight is full they just check the carseat at the gate. Everyone else has some great advice have a great flight.

Hi H.,
My husband and I are currently in Tucson and we fly home to Hawaii at least once a year with our 2 year-old. My son's first was at 4 months old which included 2 stops and 3 different airplane. It turned out perfect because at each layover/plane change, was his feeding/changing hour. So that worked out well for us. When we flew home for his first birthday, I bought a couple new toys that I didn't introduce to him until we were on the plane. I also brought a couple of things that I new he enjoyed. If he's on the pacifier, that will help with the ears plugging up. When we went home again this year for his 2 year birthday, we took the red-eye so that we would sleep most of the way and that worked out well for us also. Oh, and also, if he's not one to sit in a stroller for a period of time (like my son), one of those snuggli carriers work well for keeping your hands free to carry stuff and stand in airport lines.

H.,
I have traveled as a nanny with babies all ages. Here are a few suggestions:
* Be prepared for take off and landings...the change in altitude hurts baby's ears. Have a bottle, pacifier, or food for those times so baby is swallowing which will help alleviate the discomfort.
* If baby adapts to changing schedules and if he can sleep in your arms, try to have him nap during the flight. If you dont think he will nap during that time, then get his nap in before so he is refreshed during the flight. A tired baby is a fussy baby.
* Have enough food or milk to offer during the flight. A hungry baby is a fussy baby. Pack food he can pick up off the tray in front of him while he sits on your lap. (have some wipes to wipe the tray off before and after)
* Have some new toys you can pull out during the flight, and/or put some favorite toys away at least several weeks before the trip, so baby will be excited and interested in them. Take toys that you are willing to lose (it does happen), that are easy to carry, and will engage him. Books are always good, too.
* Be prepared to constantly be ready to switch from one thing to another. As soon as his interest is waning, pull out something new, whether it is food or toy.
* Brush up on hand games you can play/introduce with him. (itsy bitsy spider, so big, patty cake, etc) Peek a boo is always fun for them!
* Learn how to change his diaper while he lays across your lap. But still change his diaper just before loading the plane...you might not have to change it while on board then!
* Hummming is very soothing. When baby gets fussy, hold him close to your ear and softly hum to him, rocking him in your arms.
* Remain calm! Babies can feel your anxiety.
* Enjoy this time together!
I hope some or all of these tips help to make your trip a very rewarding and fun time for all of you!

AHHH, Traveling with baby:) I've traveled by myself lots of times with all 4 of my kids, from the time they were all infants to now, ranging ages 12 - 3...so by my own trial and error, this is what I've learned.

*Go with the flow
*Dont' worry about what other passengers are thinking about a baby on board
*Don't be afraid to ask the Flight attendant for help
*If he's already moblie (crawling, scooting, cruising), it will be a little more challenging to keep him in the seat. SO if you can, walk up and down the aisle with him a few times...holding his hands so he can "walk" if he is doing that yet. It is kind of gross to let him crawl on the dirty floor - I KNOW - but, if that's what ya gotta do, then do it. Bring antibacterial wipes, hand soap with you:)
During take off and landing, nurse him, or give him a bottle, or a sippy cup, or pacifier, or something to chew on...it helps with the pressure in his little ears.
*Don't worry about bringing tons of toys with you. He won't play with half of them. A few board books, soft activity books for him to lift flaps etc can be entertaining.
*Be prepared to play lots of games with him, singing songs, pat-a-cake, tickle the tummy etc. These only require time and not stuff:)
*You might be lucky enough to sit in front of or next to someone who really likes babies and will talk to him or play peek-a-boo with him.
*Bring his favorite snacks...even surprise him with a new kind of snack.
*Kids love to look out of the window.
*You know those peanut or pretzal snacks they give out? Get one for him -not to eat, choking hazard- and just let him play with that...makes neat sound when shaken or squished.
*If you are very lucky, he might sleep some. I found that when my kids were young, the white noise of the engines lulled them to sleep. I would have to put one of the blankets from the airplane on the ground in front of our seats and my son would love to sleep down there! I'd pick him up during lots of turbulence and landings:)

These things worked for me. But I found that when I don't get stressed about it or worry about what my kids "look like" to others, the plane rides were, and still are, very enjoyable. All of my kids are now great travellers!

Much energy for enjoyable and safe trips!

A.

I've flown a ton with my kids. A 15 hour flight when my daughter was 14 months and a 12 hour flight when my son was 11 months were the two longest, but we've done lots of little flights here and there as well. Your flights are not too long, so you will be fine!

Snacks were the best of all for keeping them engaged and happy. Don't worry about nutrition too much - it's only one day - bring snacks and treats that he really likes! Honestly, toys didn't do much for either of them... they were more fascinated with all the people to watch, especially at that age. My daughter really liked books, and magnetic toys were good too, and easy to contain. Bring new things that he's never seen before as well as a few old favorites.

The hardest thing is keeping him on your lap. I did two flights without buying a seat for the child, but never did it again. Having the extra room is invaluable. The DVD idea is good, but may be difficult because he doesn't have a seat and you may be squashed a lot of the time. My daughter never saw TV at your son's age, so a DVD was truly fascinating to her and a whole new experience.

If you can fly at nap time or bed time, that will help. Take 2 diapers for every hour of travel, extra clothes for him, of course, but also clothes for you - at least an extra shirt for you! This will be the time he'll spit up, or spill or blow out a diaper! My daughter had 3 poops on one flight - I had her in the last diaper and still had over 2 hours left! Eek!

My kids never had ear problems on the flights, but be ready with a bottle, pacifier, sippy cup, whatever, in case. Take your stroller to the gate and check it there, if you can. You may think it'd be easier to just carry him, but it's hard to carry the baby and carry-ons, etc. Especially if you have to make a connecting flight. You'll be glad to have the stroller, although going through security is a pain. You'll have to fold it up and put it through the scanner. Bring a small umbrella-type if you can. Also, you won't care as much when/if the airlines wreck it! On our first flight, we checked the new stroller at the gate and they totally bent the frame and broke a wheel. We had to get the airlines to buy us a new one.

Even though you can often board early with a child, wait as long as you can. No need to make him sit an extra 1/2 hour while all the other passengers board. Check your seat assignments - on 3 different flights, Delta separated us, once when it was only me and my daughter traveling!! Arghh.

During layovers, let him roam and crawl or walk as much as possible! You want to wear him out! It's hard enough to keep him contained on the flight, don't try to do so on the ground. Sorry, I can't offer much more advice - you'll be fine and if he's miserable just remember it will be over soon! Good Luck!

We have taken several trips with our now 3 1/2 yr old. He flew a couple of times before he was a year old. We found that preparing for the trip made the actual trip easier. We found several new toys at the dollar store. We would give a new toy every so often if he was getting bored and wanted to move. We tried for about every 1/2 hr or more between toys. The new toys and fun snacks helped a lot. Also, remember that your son has just as much a right to be on that plane as anybody, so don't fret if he happens to be not a perfect child every minute. Try to make the trip fun and have fun with him.
I hope that helps.
M.
www.LivingOurdDreams.org

Hi H.,

We started flying with our son when is was only 3 1/2 months old. He is now 4 & 1/2 and is the expert flier. We fly at least 5 times a year and he has always been good. I was really nervous when he was super young and being an ex-teacher, I made my "lesson plan." I always have something new for him to discover and a plan of what he can do next (at your son's age, my son liked tearing up magazines on the plane). The biggest help when he was your son's age was something to drink for take off and landing (at the time I was able to find Pedialite (sp?) in a powder and mixed it in his sippy cup, I thought that would be better than a sugary juice) and he used a binky which also helped for take off and landing. But here is my best advice.... go to the store and get a box of cheap ear plugs (I think I got mine at Home Depot) and have them with you in your carry on. If all else fails (all your tricks aren't panning out), pass out ear plugs to those around you. They will appreciate it. :) I never had to do this, but always had the box with me just in case.

Good luck!!

D.

Hi H.,
when I used to fly with my wee ones, I asked to have the seat at the bulkhead...that's the one facing the wall divider. That way, my son or daughter could sometimes sit on a blanket on the floor when they got too restless in my arms. Make sure that on take off and landing that he has something to suck on. This will help with his ears not popping so badly!! At this age a new toy or two might help, but, they are harder when they are younger to amuse on a plain. Strangers were always helpful when they played peek a boo over the seats!! Have a wonderful trip and I hope this helps somewhat.

Start hiding away some of his toys now so they will be "new" to him on the plane. Quiet toys that require him to move something, press something, etc. that engage as many senses as possible are good. Tactile stimulation books are good. Just make sure he hasn't seen these books in a while or they might bore him easily. How does he do with headphones on his head? Just remember that he has a short attention span and that is normal - just plan for it. Favorite snack foods are good too. Don't let him see any nervousness or anxiety on your part leading up to the flights. Enjoy!

Fun times! I travelled last summer w/ a 13 month old.... lots of snacks! Crayons - even for that age.... imay hold his attention for a few minutes. :) My kids love books.... & of course toys..... something that he can put little toys into a purse or box....that kind of activity holds my daughter's attention for a while. Most of all, remember, that if he doesn't do well it will all be a funny memory soon! Blessings!

All the responses are great - just make sure that if you have any liquids in the diaper bag that they fit into a quart size bag. Be sure to have the bag packed and ready to remove from the bag as it has to be screened separately. If you do bring a DVD player, that has to be removed and screened separately too, so keep that in mind as well. Buy a bottle of water when you get past security and have that ready for bottles etc. Wear shoes that you can get on and off easily, because it is hard to juggle that, plus repack your bag, while holding a squirmy child. (They made us take our 7 month old out of the stroller this time and screened the stroller separately - if the line is long ask an attendant if you need to remove the child or not...it varies). Also, we discovered that some airports have separate lines for families with children (Milwaukee had this), so take advantage of that. They are a little slower paced but then at least you don't feel rushed. Once you get past security - the flight should be a breeze!

Hi H.,
I recently flew with my daughter from Texas to New Mexico, there are a few things I would suggest. First, if he is prone to any ear infections or ear problems I would see your Dr. before the trip and get some ear drops. If you have one of the small fold up strollers take that. (They are $20 @ Baby's r Us) They will let you keep it till you board the plane. Pack a little back pack or bag for him with snacks, books, small toys, and an empty bottle/cup. If you can fly early, the flights tend to be less crouded and you might be able to get in a row where he can have a seat. Also, keep him in his socks till you board the plane...you'll get through security quicker. (His shoes have to come off too)I hope this helps a little.

H.,
I recently flew with my 16 mo. old to Hawaii...it was a 6 hour trip and she was perfect on the way there and on the way back. We also flew to Nebraska on a 3 hour flight when she was 10 mos. old and did great. I recommend that you walk around with baby before you board the plane. Show him around the airport and get him acquainted with the sights and sounds. As far as things to pack: I woud pack 3-4 different books that you won't mind getting a little damaged. Specifically paperback story books. I found some great ones at Target. I packed plenty of her favorite snacks in the SnackTrap cup---(which I highly recommend). Of course, the binky (if he takes one) or bottle for take off and landings and nap time. I also packed little toys, blankie, and a favorite stuffed animal. A portable DVD player; I recommend a Sesame Street dvd...or any dvd with short movies. Make sure baby is dressed comfortably and pack plenty of ziplock bags for dirty diapers, dirty clothes, trash, etc.. and napkins. I also recommend you pack some socks for him and a change of clothing, like a comfy onesie just in case. The most important advice I can give you is to just be relaxed. The more matter-of-fact you are the better. Seems like baby picks up the cues. I got on the plane relaxed and prepared and with a mentality of whatever happens...happens and she was perfect each time.
PS Walk around with him while on the plane...just up and down the aisle if he gets a little fussy. Good Luck and Happy Traveling!!! :)

We moved from UK to USA when our little "peepers" was 9 months. 2 flights, 3 take offs & landings, 13hrs of travel. DEFINITELY have him sucking or better yet, nursing (or bottle) DURING take off & landing. I sat next to the window and snuggled down. A portable DVD and some Baby Einsteins will help get you through a long layover as well. Music CDs also play on most DVD players so you can play some familiar music. We have the headphone plug adaptor that doubles the single headphone jack. That way, I can hear what my baby's hearing and sing along! Trust me, your passengers would rather hear a family singing that crying and yelling. I loved the shredding magazine suggestion!! Seriously, whatever makes it work.

When he turns 1yr, they make a FANTASTIC product called "Earplanes" in a children size. http://www.cirrushealthcare.com/EarPlanes-C8.aspx
They're a silicone earplug with a thin open channel in the center. In that channel is a small cylinder shaped filter. This still allows the child to hear, but DOESN'T allow the cabin pressure to hurt your child's ears. We just went to Iowa last month with our girl who's now 5yrs. She actually ASKS me to put them in for her if I forget or if the pressure starts to bother her. I like them better than a solid ear plug as she can still hear me talking to her, reading, everything!

Another suggestion, Get some baby saline nose drops! (and some for the adults also). The airplane air is so dry, your nasal membranes dry out and crack. Then you're traveling with a plane full of people who have all sorts of colds, etc. This is how you get sick when you travel. I also take a pack of anti-bacterial wipes and wipe down the armrests, tray tables and anything else I'll be touching. Touch a germy armrest, rub your nose or eyes and yet another way for viruses to enter your body. This is especially important on our outbound trip. If you develop a cold before your return home, your return flight will be MISERABLE! Airborne for the adults, as often as it says on the package.

When my son was little, we flew quite a bit. I found that I much preferred direct nonstop flights rather than ones with layovers because he would start to fuss right before he was ready to sleep, and finally be asleep and the plane would touch down and he'd wake. He'd be wide eyed in the airport taking in new sights and playing (which we want, to wear him out). Then it took him a while to settle down on the plane and again, he'd start fussing right before going to sleep and the plane would touch down a short bit later. Not to scare you, just sharing what I learned. My son (and I too) always take a bit of time to fall asleep, especially when there's things going on. I've been amazed & envious of those parents who can carry around their sleeping toddlers or little kids who can sleep in the middle of a public place.

Another piece of advice- have stuff for them to drink and/or eat while taking off and landing, to help them equalize the air pressure in their ears. That is what hurts the most, when their ears pop with the air pressure. (Adults chew gum or at least flex their jaws but little ones dont know to do that). So, stuff they can chew/suck/eat/drink to get their jaws moving during take off and landing.

Beyond that, bring his favorite stuff (some old, some new), a light blanket, food, it is SO hard not being able to bring water/liquids but get it beyond security, and have fun!!

9 months is a bit young for this still but one thing my son loves for travel and church is a magnadoodle board. I also use the Crayola color wonder (which ONLY draws on special paper but wont leave color marks elsewhere)

Hello H.,

I traveled for the first time in a plane when my first son was 6 months old. He was one of the easy going kids when it comes to flying and flirted with all the people around us during the flights. We had several flights to go from CA to Kentucky for my sister-in-laws wedding. It was fun and I also played with my son tickle bug and he also slept part of the way. See your doctor if he is prone to ear infections as my sisters child was and get some ear drops.My husband and I took turns with the holding and playing and all, bring some toys for him that are soft and easy to stick in the diaper bag. Favorites of his would be great. Make sure you also pack snacks as at that age they are usually eating some solid foods and such. Cheerios are a favorite of my child along with Kix. Make sure you have the teether type toys and some baby motrin or tylenol with you if it is allowed on the plane. Take care and I hope your flight goes well.

D.

H.,
My experience when traveling with little ones is this. Bring the things they love and are familiar with. You know what comforts them at home so they will comfort them in the air. Also talk to your doctor about your little ones ears. That is most often the trauma behind their fussiness on airplanes. Little ones ears do not make the adjustments to pressure changes that ours do and it causes them a lot of pain, so find out what you can do to combat it ahead of time. Their tummies can get upset for the same reason. Something like baby Benadryl can help. I know it's not ideal to give our children lots of medicine, but It beats them being in a ton of pain and really making the flight difficult for you and all the other passengers on the flight. Your little boy will be drowsy for the flight and likely sleep through most of it, but he will be alert and happy when he arrives.

Best of Luck to you,
M.

Hi H.,
When we flew home for Christmas last year, our daughter Kaylee was 15 months old. It wasn't her first trip on a plane but the first where she was old enough to want to play. Let me start by saying, she slept most of the way. Most small babies that I have seen on planes will fall asleep with the hum of the plane. The main thing is to make sure you have a bottle or pacifier (if he takes one) for him to suck on while you are taking off and landing. The air pressure can sometimes bother them a little more than adults. I tried to set feeding times around flying time when Kaylee was smaller.
For the waking times, I can suggest glow sticks, some small cars, a book or two and most definitely have the snacks handy. I found the glow sticks at Michael's craft store and only cost me a $1 per can. I picked up several in case there were other kids around me. The are really great if the plane is dark. The small cars I found at Wal-Mart. They were only about an inch long and an inch high. Just right for small hands. I had a few other things but she seemed to play with those two items the most. I suggest getting a bag for just his things also. Something big enough to put in a blanket, a jacket (if needed) and then the toys and snacks.
Hope this helps you out. I know it did for me last year. Now this year might be different. hahahaha. She will be over 2 by the time we fly again this year.
S. H.
Mother of 21 month old Kaylee

You might go ahead and bring your son's carseat with you and ask the person who checks you in at the counter if the flight is full or not. Sometimes, if there are a few empty seats, they can assign one of you the window and one of you the aisle and then block the middle seat between you. That way you won't have to hold your son the whole time. But if the flight is full, then you can just gate-check the carseat, and try again for the next flight after your layover. Also, if your son does fuss the whole time, just keep thinking to yourself, "It'll be over soon". And for the people who get mad about crying babies on their flight, they get over it. Have you ever heard of anyone who's life was truly ruined because they had to listen to a crying baby for a few hours? No. They complained about it to people who ask "How was your flight?" and then they move on. And don't spend all your time apologizing, just smile, say you're sorry once, and then go back to your baby. But just don't get frustrated. Like I said, people will get over it.

Well I am probably going to get a ton of criticizm for this but give him a normal dose of benadryl before flying, maybe 1/2 hour to an hour. It will make him a little drowsy and hopefully for you he will sleep. I noticed that a lot of people were telling you to not worry about the people around you but you need to a little. Try not to let him kick the seat in front of you or grab it. I have two girls and I still hate when a parent doesn't have control over their child on a flight and just doesn't care about anyone else. I think because there are so many things to look at on the plane you should be fine. I flew with both my girls when one was an infant and the other was about 1.5. Its really not that bad and not stressful as long as you have that mindset.

Snacks, snacks and more snacks. I assume you already have your flights, but it is always helpful to schedule them for what might be a sleepy time - the noise of the jets usually make them go to sleep. I don't know if he's old enough to be interested in movies, but we always carry a portable DVD for our kids. Some books that he likes to play with - ones with textures or quiet sounds. Bring a sippy cup, but it'll probably need to be empty to get through security. Don't forget to pack an extra outfit in your diaper bag in case he has an accident. Have a great trip.

I have traveled by plane with each of my little girls as a "lap child." Honestly I am not sure about the best activities to keep them busy... I got lucky they usually took naps for a good chunk of the time. One thing my girls liked is looking out the window when possible. It's also a good time to get some new little toys, mainly just for the travel itself so they hold his interest for longer. Don't forget plenty of snack variety and since the airlines are being stupid lately some drinks too... those little gerber juices I think are small enough that they will let you take them on. I would like to recommend a couple things that I found are life savers with air travel. If you have a front baby carrier or a wrap that you can carry him in its great for when you are sitting and he is sleeping, so you can feel a little more at ease about if you doze off yourself that you won't drop him. Another must have is a stroller... ideally a small umbrella stroller... great for the layovers and getting too and from the gates. I have both had and forgotten both of those 2 items and it has been really hard not having them. I also found that with their binky's it helped to use a "binky leash" because it can be hard to reach down between the seats. I hope some of this helps and that you have a wonderful trip!

Hi H.,

I just traveled to Virginia which was about a 5 hour flight with my 8 month old daughter. She did not have a seat on the way there and it was hard to hold her the entire time so bring your sling, baby bjorn or whatever you have to hold him and have snacks! We had tv's (Go Jet Blue!) so it was a little easier to keep her focus on something. Make sure you've got bottles or sippy cups ready (formula has to be made prior to going through check points) because you can't take in water bottles. Out of courtesy for others, don't bring noisy toys! Good luck, they are pretty short flights so you should be fine.

The best thing to bring with you is patience and a great sense of humor. I have traveled alone with my daughter 4 times now (she is 15 mos.) and every time, I land exhausted and with a great tale to tell.

It is important to ask people before picking your seat if they mind if you sit in their row. I also try to get a window seat so we can kind of shrink away. The greatest lifesavers have been people in the same row or next ailes that want to "flirt" with her and I always bring lots of her favorite snacks, a new toy or two and some tried and true favorites. It is not easy, but it's better than being stuck at home rather than seeing loved ones. Just take many deep breaths and know that it will be okay.

Hi H.,

I have traveled numerous times with 2 of my girls since they were about 5 and 2 months of age. With babies it's easier (at least it was with mine) because they eat and they go back to sleep. Now that they're a little older (3.5 and 1.5 y.o.) you have to work a little harder. Make sure you have enought food, books, little toys to keep them busy when they're awake. I used to always bring some benadryl with me just in case, but maybe used it once. When they get bored you can always take a walk, but mostly bring something that he likes or some new toys; pacifier if he uses one. Some babies also have some problems with their ears when the plane is ascending so if that happens just give them a bottle/breast or pacifier.
Hope some of this was helpful.
T..

We just flew with our 22 month old and got a portable dvd player and let him watch a movie. He sat still the entire 4 hour flight!

We flew to Hawaii when my son was 11 months old. We took snacks that he liked, but hadn't had in awhile like the Gerber Puffs, Gerber Fruit Snacks and cheese crackers(which we rarely gave him) The snacks really kept him entertained. We put them in the cups that have the slotted rubber lid, so they are supposed to be spill-proof. He was still breastfeeding, so we did that for his milk.

For toys we bought some new board books, took a magnetic dry erase board and some wood picture magnets and few select magnetic letters, a ziploc with playdoh inside(we left the play-doh in the bag so he could squish it all he wanted without making a mess) we also brought along a few 'new' Hotwheels cars. We also let him color with crayons for the first time. These were all things that we knew he liked to play with, but never really let him. It was overall a pleasant experience and he hardly cried. He sat on our laps and whenever we went to the restroom we took him with us and let him walk the aisles. The one airport had a play area, so that helped as well. I kept each different activity in its own ziploc bag, so that it was easy to grab it out of the backpack when he started to fuss.

Happy traveling and I hope this helps!