Traveling with 6 1/2 Month Old

Go now! It is much easier the younger they are! I wish I would have flown when my kids were younger. We didn't start flying with them until my son was 3 and my daughter was 1, but we have flown 9 times in the past 10 months. I have to say under 1 is much easier. Once they start walking it becomes more difficult!

K.,

We took a trip from Washington DC to Hawaii when my son was 5 months. It was so much easier at that age than from about 18+ months. As I remember we just played with him and took lots of easy carry toys and books. We didn't even have a portable DVD player then. The only draw back is that one of you the whole trip is going to have to hold back on doing what you may have used to, like snorkling, only one of us at a time could and we found it wasn't as much fun with out the other. My son did LOVE the water and the sand so it was fun to see him play.

Hope you have fun if you go.

this is the time to travel! it's relatively easy w/ an infant - much harder w/ a toddler. have fun!
S.

We went to California w/ our almost-2yr old daughter, and 1 mo. old son. that was scary, but it turned out fine. I'd say a 1-2hr trip to Florida should be pretty manageable. they say take a bottle, or breast (for sucking during take-off & landing). other than that, cross your fingers and hope for the best. considering the whiney loud personality of my son, I'd say he surprised us at how good he was...

Go for it! It will actually be much harder to travel on a plane with him when he is a toddler. If you're not shy about breastfeeding in public, I always got the window seat, had my big husband next to me, and kept my babies soothed and happy (and relieved ear pressure) by breastfeeding on the plane. Have a good trip!

Well it depends if you are going to get him a seat or if he will be sitting in your lap. If you get him a seat and he usually rides well in his car seat than that is your best bet. Otherwise the flight shouldn't be to long and you and your husband can take turns holding and entertaining him. We just moved from Germany and had to fly with our 3 girls (4, 2, and 8 months) I was not looking forward to it but I just brought toys they liked and they did really well. So like I said I think you should go, it is when they get a little older that it gets harder on the plane. Hope this helped. S. S

It will be so much easier this year than it will be next year. Especially if you can nurse him on the airplane. (Make sure to get a window seat, it's easier and more private that way.)I have done it both ways with my now 2 1/2 year old, and it is easier when they are not yet mobile. Good Luck

I think that this a prime time to travel!! Especially if the flight is fairly short. My son was about 6 months old when we took him on the airplane. It was very nice - he slept the whole time. Just make sure you feed him right before you get on the plane (like in the waiting area). And I would suggest having him in a front wrap to keep him close and warm ( i kept my son in my lap during flight -- saved on the cost of a nother seat and it allowed for him to always be held)... you dont need to buy one of those expensive wraps either... go to wrapyourbaby.com and they will tell you how to do a wrap with just some regular material. Plus, having the baby wrapped and on you when you get to the airport frees up your hands and all that. Again i would suggest toe socks and flip flops and just put your shoes in your checked luggage but on top by the zipper. flip flops are easier to get on and off for security (especially with a baby in your arms) and toe socks keep your feet warm on the floor. Most airlines let you check your stroller at the gate so you can do that and its usually free of charge. Becuase we had one of those snap and go strollers we also were able to count our carseat as the stroller - although we had to separate them for storage... then we just took the base of our carseat as a carry - on for my husband (along with his small bag)... and I had my purse and the diaper bag. It all worked out very well... just wrap the baby, feed & change prior to boarding... and relax :).

i'd say traveling for a short flight will be easy -- nurse him on the way up, and give him a pacifier or nurse him again on the way down - to avoid his ears getting blocked. depending on how well you can sleep in the same room with him, though, your actual stay at the vacation destination may or may not be restful. but if you're nursing, there isn't an easier age to travel with a little one, I think.

K.:

I have taveled with two little ones on an airplane. The thing to remember is that if you have them in a carseat it has to be aprrove by the airport or you cn have him on your lap. Either way you go, bring a pacifier to help with the ear pressure and some tylenol to help with irritability. Normally there will be someone with grandma instincts that will want to help and hold your baby. I did allow someone to hold mine cause she was screaming for a while and that lady put her to sleep the whole trip. Well, it was an hour and half but still she was a miricle. just some things to think about.

I've flown 15 hours with my then 18 month daughter. One mother who used to fly 4 hours with 6 month old recommended me to cover baby's ears while landing and departing, because it might hurt ears. I was still breastfeeding at that time, and it worked whenever she cried.

I would rather travel with a six month old than a two year old. I flew with my son around that age. I just latched him on around take off and landing. Nursing helped him readjust to the pressure. He was happy just looking around.

Go for it! We've flown with my daughter twice now (FL to ME and FL to DC) once when she was 3months and once when she was 1 year. Both times were great and we had no problems. We basically expected the worst but she was an absolute angel! Just be prepared with brand new toys and food. My daughter loved playing with the emergency tri-fold card and with straws. Try to sit towards the back because it's louder (engine noise) and you'll be close to the bathroom. Be sure to ask for any open seats to place his carseat--rather than buying a seat. If not, he should be fine in your lap. Have fun!

I've had to travel with my kids since they were babies. The hardest part is all of the stuff you have to carry with you! Keep in mind that you have a limit on liquid that you can carry with you on the plane. You might want to check with your airline online to see what your limitations are for that.
You can take your carseat with you to buckle in to the seat, but you'll have to pay for the ticket for that seat. I know many people will just hold their babies....I couldn't since my husband is in the aeronautics industry and really wanted us to have our babies buckled in at all times.
Also, it's a bit difficult to change diapers on board. There's no changing table in the lavatory to put your baby on, and the other passengers and attendants turn their noses up at changing a bad diaper in the cabin!
Otherwise, you'll just need to let you baby either have a pacifier or bottle when going up or coming down to help them adjust to the cabin pressure, and make sure he/she doesn't have any stuffiness before you fly.
Most hotels are baby friendly and will have cribs. You can call ahead to find out. You might want to take your own cribsheet.
The last thing that I would say is that with our children, we knew they had small windows of time that they were good to go out during the day, and the rest of the time, we needed to make time for them to rest and have naps. If your baby sleeps well on the go, you'll be fine!

I actually started flying with my son when he was 5 weeks old. Just make sure that you have everything that you might need and it should be fine. I lived in Orlando until this past September and let me tell you, there are TONS of kids flying to and from Orlando. You're nto going to be alone if you have a crying kid...and the good thing is that your son will be much younger than most of the crying kids!! :)

Hi

I have 3 children and began flying with my oldest when he was 4 months old. The trick that worked best for us was getting flights that coincided with nap time or bed time. It made late nights for us, but flying at night ensured less full flights and that the kids would sleep. If your baby does not take a pacifier, plan on feeding during take off/landing as it will help his ears. I made sure to pack lots of toys in the diaper bag as that is the age where the newness is wearing off. I would try to take a trip, hope it all works out for you.

K.

I live in the East and my family lives in the West. I have flown many times with my now 2 year old son. It totally depends on their moods/personalities. I didn't have much trouble at that age. It was later, when he could walk that he was a little hard to deal with for 5 hours on a plane. Good luck!

Hi K.. We are 1st time parents to a 22 month old boy. We went to Disney when our son was 6 months. He did spectacular. I did give him some tylenol about 30 minutes before our flights to help his ears and make him tired. He slept coming and going. I also bought a flight vest for him that attaches to your seat belt. I didn't want to take a car seat. This way you don't have to worry if there is turbulance. Also I took our big stroller because you can take it right up to the door of the plane and when you get off they have it right there waiting for you. Good luck, and remember no matter what happens the best thing is to keep your sense of humor. L.

I traveled for 1:45 plane ride w my 6 mo old in august, fine when she was in the carseat in the airplane seat (we were lucky enough to get a free seat next to me)
but on the way back she hadn't had a good nap and there was no seat. She's used to sleeping alone in a crib so just couldn't get comfy with me. I was in the bathroom standing trying to nurse for about 30 mins, didn't want it just tired, till the flight attendant reminded me i couldn't just spend my whole flight in the bathroom
i hope she has twins:)
so good luck w having a free seat next to you if u do it or maybe just a baby who's had a nap would b my 2 cents!

Hi, We have a 3 yr old son and have been traveling extensively with him since he was 2 months old. We've been cross-country, to Europe and the Caribbean and have no trouble with him. It's best to start them out young. Since your's is only 6 1/2 months, that is perfect. My advice is to plan trips around his nap time. That way, he'll sleep during flights. Take books and plenty of his favorite toys and snacks to keep him happy. Also, speak with your pediatrician but we never leave home without Benadryl. Benadryl not only makes them drowsy BUT it opens up their airway passages so they don't have trouble breathing because of the dry and stuffy plane air circulation. Good luck!

I think thats a great age to travel. I took my daughter on a plane at 9 months and 15 months. Try to make your flight during naptime. A bottle or paci will help with his ears. If you give him snacks by then, bring them. With my daughter the portable DVD player was a life saver and bring some books. I strongly reccomend bringing Motrin or tylenol. My daughter's ears were killing her when we landed. Thankfully I had the Motrin.

Good luck and have a great time.

Enjoy it now. I traveled a lot with my first child and I did. Your baby stays in your lap, you nurse on takeoff and landing (this helps with the pressure change). Much easier than flying with toddlers I think. You can take your stroller right to the door of the plane and have it gate checked so it is waiting for you everytime you get off. (This helps with toting your carry-on stuff too) You are usually permitted to board first and airlines are usually very helpful. I would say go for it. Babies are so portable!

Hey K.,

I'm a new time mom to my son Logan who is 4 months old, and I also had to return to work as a high school teacher. Kudos to you for still pumping/breastfeeding. I stopped and just gave in to the formula after the demands. We want to travel with him to CA in August when he will be 11 months old. I don't know either how it will go, but I guess it depends on the temprement of the baby, how long the flight is, and other stuff. I did find out we have to get a passport for infants and an online site like skybus.com will let you hold the child and fly for free if you don't already know that.

:) denise

K.,
I would definitely go for it! It actually is easier at this age then when they are on the go. As a former Flight Attendant I do have some suggestions for you flight though. Buy a seat for Rylan and bring his car seat with you to place in the seat. I know it is not required since he is under 2 but look at it this way. In a car that is driving 60 miles an hour it is law to have a child in a safety restraint but in a plane that is traveling about 600 miles an hour it is not. Whoo hoo for big buisiness. The airfare will be at a reduced rate. Anyway- it will also make it easier on you to not have him on your lap for the entire flight. Another suggestion is to bring lots of extra formula, and or bottles of breastmilk (if you don't feel comfortable breastfeeding in public) if he uses a pacifier make sure you have it with you because it is important for him to have something to suck on during take off and landing. This helps him to "pop" his ears during the pressurization of the cabin. Pack that diaper bag full of stuff that you would need, diapers, toys, wipes, extra bottles etc. I hope that this helps. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy yourself. Even though this seems overwhelming it is actually easier than when they become a toddler. Good luck!
M.

Just go! I moved overseas when my first was 5 months old and she spent a lot of time in planes, front-packs and backpacks. She was great and probably got to see more of the world than most adults.

Don't delay traveling because of age... 6 1/2 months is actually pretty easy since they are in the "bucket" car seat and are pretty happy going wherever. They are easy to have on your lap on a plane too. Granted, your behavior will be a bit modified... you can't go out to the bars every night and you need to keep the baby out of the sun and all, but don't let having a baby keep you from traveling!!! The baby will be better and more laid back for it!

Flying with a 6 1/2 month old is not too difficult. When my oldest was that age, I lived in Colorado but all of my family was back in Washington, DC, so I took many flights back and forth. In fact, it's much better to travel with a child at that age, I found, than when they're a little older (10-12 months), because then they're trying to walk and do not want to be restrained. Things that I found very useful: book a seat for your child (yes, it costs money, but it saves sanity); remember your child's carseat for the plane trip (and make sure that it's approved for air travel); take a lightweight stroller with you in the airport and check it at the gate (the airline will have it waiting for you on the jetway at your destination -- life saver!); bring your child's pacifier if he uses one and let him use it during takeoffs and landings, and during the rest of the flight if you choose (it will help his ears with the change in pressure); and pack many snacks foods like Cheerios (assuming your son is eating solids yet). Good luck and have a great vacation!

K. - I know all kids are different, but I've flown by myself with my 20 month old since he was 6 weeks old, and it's been fine. I try and schedule the flights near his nap time and make sure he's hungry, then breastfeed on the way up and wake him enough on the way down to breastfeed so his ears don't hurt him. I think a bottle does the same thing. I always bring his favorite book, truck, etc with me to try and keep him occupied while the plane taxis so he doesn't drink and fall asleep while we're still on the ground. Before the flight he's interested in the people, the planes, the other kids in the boarding area, etc. One thing to be aware of, he'll have to come out of his front pack (or stroller I would think) when you go through security. This tied me up the first time, but people in front and behind me and the security people were all really helpful. You'll have a second pair of hands, so I say if you want to go on vacation, do it! AND BRING LOTS OF DIAPERS, WIPES AND CLEAN OUTFITS! I don't know if it's the excitement, the change in altitude or what, but you'll need them the first day.

This is a great time to go! Better now than when he is older! Just make sure to nurse him/give him a bottle at take off and landing. He will probably sleep for your flight. I held my kids on all of our flights and it was fine for us. Just make sure to pack light - you will be carrying quite a lot of stuff - baby bag, stroller, carseat if you buy your son a seat for the plane, etc. You can gate check the stroller which is great. You will have to get the milk/formula checked at security but they shouldn't give you any problems. I think I brought 3 or 4 bottles with me and they didn't say anything about me bringing too much. But do check as much stuff as you can because it is hard to walk down those narrow aisles with your diaper bag, blanket, and purse and anything else you think you might want for the plane!

I took my son across the country 4 times before he was walking and took my daughter when she was about 8 months. Those flights were ok. The last time I took my son on a plane he was around 2 and it was a nightmare - didn't want to sit in the seat or sit still, even with a DVD. Then he didn't sleep all the way from AZ to DC...so he finally fell asleep right before we landed and woke up when we were waiting to get off the plane and then screamed until we were off (and we were in the back). Just awful. Go now!

I found it super easy to travel with an infant, especially breastfeeding. I had less to carry since no formula, though I do pack a change of clothing for both me and the baby in addition to diapers and wipes and rash cream. Since you do breastfeed while you're together, this might be enough for a 5 hour stretch that most trips I've taken last. If you do bring formula, I would recommend getting the little bottles of ready to feed so you don't have to worry about making a mess mixing it, and it's easier to get through security when you have a nice commercially sealed bottle. You can take as much breastmilk or formula or juice for the baby as you can carry, just have to declare it at the checkpoint. It gets more difficult as they get older. Once the baby is 2, you have to buy a seat, and bringing the carseat on the plane is a good idea. Until then, the lap is manageable. I would go as early in the morning as possible as to get through security when it's slowest and to minimize the possibility of flight delays. Nonstop or direct flights are also a good idea. You can check your stroller at the gate, but if you have a nonstop or direct flight and not maxing out your carry on luggage I would just check it with your luggage. Since you won't be traveling alone, Definitely use those extra hands to take turns holding the baby and carrying diaper bags and carry ons. The last two times I've flown, it's been with two kids, one of whom was a lap child and no other adults. This last time was with my newborn at 5 weeks and my 2 year old. Before that was my, then 18 month old and 5 year old stepson. Since your son is young, pre-boarding is a good idea.

I would assume you're flying from Richmond, so I have no advise on that airport. If you were flying from Newport News or Norfolk, that would be another matter. If you're going through Atlanta, try to sit toward the front of the plane so you can get off quickly and don't have to run to your connection unless you're bringing the stroller to gate check. It will take about as much time to get off the plane sitting in the back as it will for them to bring it up to the door of the plane.

So, I think traveling at this age is easy. My son flew several times before his 1st birthday, but to make the experience good and better for those around you, here are some suggestions:
during take off and landing, nurse, even if it's not feeding time, or give a bottle or pacifier, they need to "pop" their ears just like you and at that age this is the only thing that will help. I suggest not buying their own seat, but holding them, I found they were calmer this way. Also, since your husband and you will be traveling there can be a little back and forth. Bring things, small things to entertain him and food, make sure you bring whatever food he may be eating, if any, or the bottle, it's a sure fire way to stop crying, even if you NEVER give your baby food to paci them, sometimes on a plane, it's okay. Also, a hungry baby will not be happy. Also, if at all possible, try to schedule flights during sleep times, my son slept every flight until one of our legs to this Christmas trip and he's 2.5. Good luck and have fun. Oh you mentioned Orlando, which is a great place, but be sure to think about having a baby with you if you're planing theme park type trip. Little babies don't enjoy long lines and being out in Florida heat all day. Have fun!!

Traveling w/ a 6 1/2 month old should be fine. Definitely worth all your effort. Just make sure to start a full list of ALL the things you'll need to take. Hotels usually carry pack 'n plays but we always took our own stroller. There is a lot more to take at that age, but it will be worth it! :) Getting away from your daily routine is very important & enjoy your young family along the way. Our son is now 3 1/2 & it's much easier to travel. Best of luck & enjoy!! Just remember your list to ensure you remember every thing.

I have a 4.5 month old son and flew with him for the first time for Christmas. I traveled without my husband, had to change planes/terminals in Detroit, and while slightly more chaotic than normal, it wasn't too bad. I packed back-up outfits in case he pooped through the one he was wearing (which he did, but thankfully during our layover). The main thing to remember is to breastfeed or give him a bottle during take-off and landing. The swallowing helps them to regulate air pressure changes. On our final descent, my son wouldn't nurse and began screaming when his ears obviously popped. I felt AWFUL. He'd done so well up to that point. I wore a bjorn to carry him and they didn't make me take it off thru security in DC, but they did in Indiana. ?? I didn't take a carseat because I had one to borrow at our destination, so I didn't have to worry about that. Airlines don't typically assume liability for the care of strollers, car seats, etc. But I saw plenty of them on the baggage conveyor when we arrived, all seemed in fine condition.

You should be absolutely fine traveling. Best of luck and go enjoy the southern sunshine!

In my opinion...it's easier to fly when they are that young than when they can move around on their own! Try taking a 2 year old on a plane and having him sit still for a couple hours! talk about nightmare. 6 1/2 months will be a piece of cake. just have something for him to suck on at take off and landing. maybe even plan the flight around nap time.

Hi K.,

I have to apologize for my English first, but I want to tell you about my experiences with flying with little baby. I have two nice children (Matti 3 years old, Sara 1 year old). My husband and I are from Europe and we fly home every year. We lived in California and our trip took about 15 hours with one stop in London. We flew with my son when he was almost 9 months and I flew alone with my kids when my daughter was 6.5 months and my son 2.5 years. And I think this is the best time for traveling with children. They are not walking and they are unpretending for lot of space and running. They usually can sleep a lot if you will choose good time for flying. You can take everything you need to your diaper bag. Just give him bottle with water or milk when you will take off and land because it can help with pressure in his ears. But fly with so young baby is better and easier than with 2-4 years old. Have a nice trip. B.

Hi K. -
piece of cake! We are a part-German family, so we have flown overseas with our 3 children at various ages, many times me by myself with one or more of them. Florida is only about 2 hours, so that's not so bad. It's not as bad as a car trip since you'll be able to take him out of his seat. Some of the overseas flights have little bassinets (not sure whether those might be available on your flight) but those are great for naptime. At 6 1/2 months your son won't be walking yet - that's when traveling gets really hard, in my opinion. Just take lots of favorite toys and perhaps a couple of new things from the Dollar Store. Also - breastfeeding is a great help during takeoff. The sucking helps babies not have their ears pop and hurt. Good luck and happy trails!

S. (Mom to Michelle (11), Nina (became an angel at 8) and Simon (6)

We flew with our 14 mo and 4 yo and although we were nervous, they did fine. You can either hold them or bring a seat with you and buy a seat for them. We gave our baby some benadryl (check with your ped and test first)a binky during takeoff and he was asleep in about 20 minutes from the bumping of the plane.

Good luck to you, she will probably do better than you think!

Honestly, I think it is much easier to travel with a 6 month old than my 4 year old and my almost 2 year old. lol

A good thing to do when taking off or landing is to nurse your child. The sucking helps his ears from popping. Other than that, he should be ok. I travel all the time with my children. (kinda have to when our family is all the way in MA and we're here) Mostly driving, but if I'm going without my husband I fly.

I have a 2yr. old and a 9mo. old. I travel from MD to CO every few months to visit family and have done so since my first son was 1mo. Sometimes it can be a nightmare and sometimes it is no problem at all. I would recommend nursing during take-off and landing to help release pressure in ears, other than that you can't predict. You don't want to put your life on hold either, the sooner you begin to travel the easier it will become.

Fly now before they start walking! We actually have had a decent time with flying. Here are some tips we read and have used: if they work or not...it made us feel prepared! 1. If baby starts losing it, have your husband walk up and down the aisle with the wee one. Folks are more sympathetic to the hubby. 2. As a joke but makes folks feel like we are sympathetic to the "other" we went to Target and got a huge container of ear plugs. As eyes started popping with a baby on board we, with a smile, offered the ear plugs...it broke the ice. 3. If possible, have one of you at the window. The white noise puts them right to sleep! 5. Changing table in the airplane bathroom is TINY...practice or just put a lot of butt cream on just before the flight. 6. Have the infant suck on passy or bottle during take off and arrival. It works wonders! 7. The other great part is that the kid is with you the whole time so they are really really happy! Oh, and have really low expectations for the flight and you may be pleasantly surprised! Good Luck, T.

I think 6 mos is a fabulous time for babies and travel. They are still not quite mobile and so social. Does he like the stroller or being carried in a sling or Bjorn? If so it would be perfect. Air travel is no problem - just bring the car seat and its just like a car trip. Orlando has a ton to do - all those theme parks and such - not sure how much he would get out of them, but he would be free! They can also wear sunscreen at that age so you can do a lot more outside.

I say go for it! Lots of good advice from other mommies. A few other things I would add:
- board the plan early and get settled. One parent can hold the baby while the other loads overhead luggage, etc.
- book your seats as an aisle and a window. This way, if there are open seats on the flight, chances are that you won't have someone in the middle. Having three seats to yourself (when you only paid for two) is a huge help! If someone has booked the middle seat, just ask them to switch with either the aisle or window, whichever you don't want.
- ask for help if you need it. Use skycaps, etc. to help with luggage. It's worth the extra tip money to not be completely exhausted by the time you get there.
- in the hotel room, if your baby is used to being in his own room, set up his sleeping area away from yours. You may even consider putting him in a bathroom, etc. so he still has his own space. (This obviously depends on what your family is used to and how big your hotel room is.)
- Have fun!