T.M.
Hi M. -
First, you will be fine! I have traveled from CA to France with my son when he was 6 months and again at 1 year.
First, let the airline know that you are traveling with a lap baby (I'm sure you have already) call back and ask them if they will confirm your seats in the bulk head...they usually will always try and put babies in the bulk head as that is where the bassinets and or bouncy chairs are installed during the flight. I put my son in the bassinet to sleep when I was awake as I was so paranoid that he would wake up when I was asleep and try to get out and fall out...when I slept, my son slept on me very comfortably.
My son slept really, really well on the plane, I think it is the noise and vibrations….
The flight attendants are usually very good and accommodating to moms with babies that are traveling alone. You can either take your son to the bathroom with you, or ask one of them to stay with him (esp. if he is asleep, that is the easiest time for you to get up, stretch and go to the bathroom), if your son is awake and would get upset if you left (Stranger anxiety) then just take him with you...it isn't the easiest thing to do, but you can....
As for when you can eat...again, the attendants are very accommodating and will bring you your tray when it is easiest for you, you may need to wait a bit until he is sleeping, or playing comfortably in the bassinette or bouncy chair before you can eat.
Bring a lot of your own little snacks as well.
I would plan to nurse on takeoff and when descending. Try to hold off on feeding until you take off so he is good and hungry, if he won’t nurse, or you had to nurse him before takeoff (happened to me) then try a pacifier if he takes on, it is the sucking that helps with the ears….I never had a problem with my son’s ears hurting. My son nursed a ton on the flight, I think it was nice and comforting, so plan on that. If you are not comfortable nursing in public, bring a nursing cover as it can be difficult to be discrete on the plane ;) Also, I think the nursing cover helped keep my son from becoming distracted while nursing on the plane. If you use a boppy to nurse with, bring that for sure! Otherwise you can use one of the airline pillows or blankets to put under his head, etc.
I would bring plenty (more than enough) diapers and wipes, wipes will be your best friend ;) Also, bring a couple of changes of clothing incase he has a blow out or a diaper leak. I would just keep him in comfy PJ’s for the entire flight. Bring enough clothes, diapers, wipes, etc. so that you can make it through any unanticipated delays that might happen.
Bring anything that he loves, if he has something special, bring it. A couple of SOFT toys (they throw at that age ;).
Also, get something new and save it for the trip – New things are entertaining! My son was thrilled with the cups and straws!
If he watches any of the baby Einstein videos get a small portable DVD and bring it.
You can give him Benadryl, but I urge you to try it once before the flight as in some babies it can make them restless.
You can let him crawl up and down the aisle a bit or help him walk up and down the aisles, that will help him get some energy out.
As new moms, we tend to tense up and freak out if our babies are making the smallest fuss, which seems like the largest, loudest fuss to us, but you need to just try and stay calm and relaxed as your baby will feed off of that energy. Most people will be really helpful and understanding, and quite frankly if someone isn’t understanding or rude, then just ignore them, it’s their problem. You will be surprised at how many people will be thrilled, really thrilled to help you out…I had more than a few really great ladies asking to hold and play with my son (they can’t go anywhere with him, so take advantage of any offers of help that you are comfortable with).
Hope some of this helps and more importantly helps but you at some ease!
I know that it is scary but you will be fine! Good luck and have fun, what a great adventure!