Flying with a 6 Month Old...Any Advice?

Hi C.,

I am about to experience the same thing with a 4 month old that is already teething and my pediatrician recommending making sure they have something to suck on during both take off and landing. I plan on giving my little one his bottle during take off and an ounce or two of water or pedialyte during landing, which will also held with the dehydration they may feel from traveling.

Good luck and happy holidays!

I definately suggest flying in the early morning. I traveled with a 3 month old both in the morning and then on the way back in the late afternoon. The early morning trip was WAY better!!

Good luck!

I've flown with my son multiple times. Here are some things I've learned...

Take your own portable trash bag - they seem to have so much trash as a little one. I used a little diaper trash sack - the scented ones - just because they are so small and mine had handles.

I took a little backpack of his (since yours is younger, just use your diaper bag) and put new toys that he'd never seen before.

I was all about the DVD player. When my son was little, he was mesmerized with baby einstein. It was a huge distraction. If you have an ipod that you can upload pictures onto, upload pictures of him and pop that out when you need it. My son has always LOVED pictures of him. That or movies of himself.

I nursed him going up and coming down. That also helped him fall asleep.

The BIGGEST life saver ever for me was I purchased his own seat. Even when he was under 2. I called the airline and asked for the cheapest fair possible. Told them it was for an infant. This way they can sit in their carseat where they are comfortable - and if they fall asleep, it gives you time to relax. You probably already have your tickets, but it may help in the future.

I think one thing that may help you with your layover is a baby bjorn or sling. My son often fell asleep in his. The rocking motion while walking always knocked him out. I never gave him benadryl because for some kids it wires them rather than making them sleepy.

If I think of anything else I'll add more. Let me know if you have any questions. Oh, and if you are taking your stroller and check it at the gate, don't put a bag on it. 2 times they sent it all the way to baggage claim. They didn't realize it was a stroller. :-)

Good luck!
S.

Well for starters, you'll do just fine, don't over think it!!! I just flew with my 2 year old and he SCREAMED!!! for 50 minutes...yep, I was the Mom who couldn't control her kid!!! Anyways, you may get bad looks, but just remember those people don't know what it's like to have a baby.
Now, that being said, I started flying with my little guy at 12 weeks old, so we have lots of experience. Feed your little one on the way up (and down if awake). Mine always fell asleep at that age. If you wait for them to be hungry on the plane, it puts in time and keeps them occupied. Also, new toys they haven't seen before helps too.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas

Talk to your DR to see if you can give your baby benadryl or dramimine to help him sleep or at least be tired/calm. I would try it before you actually fly though. Benadryl makes one of my boys very sleepy and the other two very hyper. We have given them all draminime for boat rides but they were much older....it did not make them sleepy but it does some kids. I would definitely take lots of bottles with something he really likes to drink so he will be eager to drink for you, especially at take off and landing to help with the ear popping. Maybe watered down apple just, pedialyte or gatorade... Good Luck and Merry Christmas !!!!!