On the Airplane

First of all, I wouldn't recommend all of the food suggestions, since your daughter is only 4 months old. But, I would recommend that she be sucking during takeoff and landing...whether you have a bottle, pacifier, or better yet breastfeeding, if you are doing so (which can also have a real calming effect due to the hormones released). Bring a cold teething toy, and look into getting the homeopathic teething tablets at a health food store. They dissolve almost immediately and work wonders. She may be so interested in her new surroundings that she does just fine. If you get tense being worried about everyone around you if she begins to cry, then realize that she will pick up on that tension and cry longer. Stay calm and soothing, and that will help her stay calm as well.

Make sure she is sucking on a bottle or nursing duing take off and landing to help her ease her ears with the pressure. You might also try some of those teething rings or the hard biter biscuits (I think Gerber makes them). My son loved those biscuits. They are really messy but they kept him busy forever.

try using baby anbesol, it works better than orajel. and second try getting some of those chew toys that you put in the freezer.

M.

I took my son on a 2 hour plane ride when he was around the same age and a few times since then. I used Baby Orajel 1 time at home and didnt get the same effect I got from using Teething Tablets. They melt in the mouth and work all over and for longer than Orajel. You can Get them at walmart. As far as helping your daughter with the pressure of take-off and landing... Make sure she has something to naw on or a bottle of water. The sucking motion will help relieve her ear pressure just as an adult chewing gum will do. Take a couple of her favortie toys or even one she has never saw and it will make the plane ride more enjoyable for her, yourself, and everyone else on the Plane. Good luck and safe traveling~!!!

T., first off we've all been there, so you'll have other mommies support. Remember to double check your diaper bag that it does not have any "contaband", I accidentally left a pair of kids scissors in my one time and when I was asked to step aside, it was the most nerve recking thing and with a baby who's crying at that point, is not fun. Pear down your belonging as much as possible. Look at what you have and make sure you have everything but not too much. I would also suggest, a change of clothes for you and for her. My dt had a bad case of diarria that just seem to come on as soon as we walked into the terminal! 3 sets of clothes and we weren't though yet. When you get in the plane check with the flight attendant to see if there's a "changing area" in the lavs. If tylenol is not working on her have you tried motrin. I was never a motrin mom, I always stuck with Tylenol myself, but diff babies react differently to meds. I would bring some on the plane with me. Also try to hold off on feeding her until its right before take off and right before they start to desend. That's really the only way to prevent the ear thing, they need to constantly suck on something. Think about bringing a bottle for water. 4 hours is a long time to hold onto a baby, I wouldn't be afraid to allow someone to hold her for a bit. If nothing a flight attendant who is caring. I've had some that just gives you the dirty look, which I was not going to have any of that. I paid for my tickets she does not need to treat me or my baby tht way. Lastly, don't be nervous, bc your baby can probably pick up on that. You need to take the lead and remain calm. Hopefully its Sun that you are traveling and not today Sat. Good luck and enjoy your visit home. A.

Dear T.:
The plane staff should be able to help you. One suggestion: If you can trade the seat to be 'on the wings', your flight will likely be calmer. The airplane pitches around the wings - if you sit in the front you go up and in the back you go down as the plane puts the nose up, the opposite when it puts the nose down. The center is calm.

Regards,
W.

Hi. We did the same thing. Only I don't recall how long our flight was but it wasn't that long. Just be ready for HOW to fly. Face her towards you and cover her ears and even give her a pacifier during the landing and take off. I made sure I had a bottle for my son to suck on and some food (though I was alone and it wasn't easy to feed him). Try some of those puffs that melt in the mouth just so she can eat (if you're alone) but it won't be quite so hard to give to her. Good luck!!!