Flying with baby

[frecklesnbrains]

Hi everyone. We are taking our first flight with the baby on Thursday and I'm looking for tips. I have some specific questions below, but any advice is welcome!

Feeding: I expect we'll nurse as much as possible but I want to bring some pumped milk and bottles as well in case this is inconvenient. I understand that this is okay from the TSA standpoint. We have a small cooler for breastmilk with an ice pack in it - do you think this will cause any problems?

Car seat: we need to bring our car seat and base for the car on the other end, though we will carry LO in our laps during the flight (we didn't get an extra ticket). What's the best strategy for carrying it/checking it? Gate check? Do I check the seat and the base clicked together or separately? I don't think we will be bringing a stroller because it takes up a lot of space and I mostly use the carrier with LO anyway.

Tips for avoiding fussing on the plane? Obviously I can nurse him whenever (I'm not shy), but other ideas are welcome.

What should I bring as carry-on? I'm planning diaper stuff, 2 sets of spare clothes, bottles and breastmilk (as noted above), pacifiers, a swaddle blanket. Anything else?

Do airplane bathrooms have a changing table?

[txmommy14]

I flew with DS a TON and am flying with DD in two weeks. This is the easiest stage! It gets so much harder at 12-18 months, so take advantage!

Breastmilk won't cause any problems. They will test a small sample. You can also bring frozen breastmilk through if you want if it's totally frozen. I found that one out after I had finished nursing but was going through my massive supply last time. I brought a big cooler full, the TSA guy seemed awkward but I had looked up the rules in advance.

I would always just check the seat and base together, sometime people put them in a big trash bag so they don't get damaged or dirty at all, I never did that, but I've seen it.

It's hard when they're this young as far as avoiding fussy other than nursing and doing anything you'd do to avoid fussy at home. Maybe bring gas drops, gripe water, any tips you'd try at home if his stomach his hurting? Other than that, nursing. When they get older you can obviously bring toys, snacks, etc. I never had issues with DS' ears hurting-people say to nurse as you're taking off and landing though.

I will tell you from experience that 2 sets of spare clothes is smart. I've been vomited on on a plane and I ended up needing that 2nd pair and didn't have one, ended up having to borrow a blanket from another Mom to cover my baby up in that she gave to me. I'll tell that story some time-it was a disaster!

Yes, airplane bathrooms have changing tables, but unfortunately I've had to change on airport bathroom floors before, make sure you have your changing pad. I've also had to stand up and pump in airport bathrooms, too. I can't think of anything else at this stage to carry on. This really is the easiest stage. Do you have a bouncy seat or something to put him once you get there? I'd bring your carrier (I know you have a ring sling?) to put him in if he fusses or wants to fall asleep and you want to be hands free.

Have FUN!! Where are you going??

[manybellsdown]

Oh I did this so much with DD!

An ice pack with breast milk shoukd be no problem. Just let them know, and make sure the ice pack is not too melted. They might test it.

If you're not going to use the car seat in the airport, I would not bring it to the gate. It'd just be dead weight, especially with the base. I'd regular check it. Make sure you cover it, even with something like a garbage bag (though you can buy specially made car seat covers), so it doesn't get dirty.

Nurse at takeoff and descent for his ears. Especially descent, like when you can feel the plane start to lower and your own ears react. Another sucking mechanism, like a paci, will also work.

I think flying with infants at this age goes okay, especially if you're fine nursing wherever, because the whole plane is like a giant white noise machine.

[manybellsdown]

Mobile so had forgotten all the questions.

Airplane bathrooms do have a changing table, over the toilet. Be prepared for him to hate it.

Bring extra clothes for yourself in case of any mess of infant bodily fluids.

[madamewaffles]

Lurking to say I recommend gate checking. I have seen enough luggage come down the carousel at my destination that handlers are not daintily stowing it and I imagine it would be the same for a car seat. I doubt it would be enough damage to equate a motor vehicle crash but if it is out of my sight, I'd err on the side of caution. Gate checking will eliminate some of the transfers and handlers in its path to the cargo hold. Hope you have a good trip!

[frecklesnbrains]

Thanks guys!
txmommy14 I'll bring the Boba 4G carrier rather than the ring sling because it's more secure and quicker to put on/off. He loves it. We're going to the beach in Delaware. My sister lives down there and we rented a house for the extended family - my mom, stepdad, sister and her family, and my brother and his wife. It's a short flight (Boston to Philadelphia) so hopefully won't be too bad.

manybellsdown good tip about clothes for me! I wouldn't have thought of that!

I'm worried about checking the car seat because of how rough those baggage handlers are with things. I can deal with dirt but I don't want it damaged.

[greysonsmom]

It's so nice traveling with an immobile baby. DS was always so good on the plane I hope DD is too. The plane is like a giant white noise machine so DS would just pass out before take off. If your car seat doesn't need the base I wouldn't bring it. It's just a lot of extra weight. I always gate check the car seat if I don't have a seat for it. Remember you can check one baby item for free, at least that's the case with Delta and American.

Have fun!

[sandandsea]

We are flying in three weeks. Well I am with the two kids. . I plan to check the car seat and wear DS in a carrier through the airport. I'll bring a backpack as a diaper bag and have ds1 bring his toys in his own backpack. If DH were also coming I may bring the stroller and car seat through the airport but it's too much of a hassle to get through security and fold up everything at the gate for just me.

I'm also thinking I won't bring the base and will just do the seatbelt installation of the baby car seat while we are there
The milk shouldn't be an issue just make sure you tel them you have breastmilk before it goes through the xray machines. They will test it and it will take longer to get through but it's not really a big deal.

Nursing is the best way to prevent fussiness on the plane. A carrier should help too but you can't wear the baby during takeoff and landing.

I would bring an extra set of clothes for everyone and a nursing cover too.

Most planes have one bathroom with a fold down table but it's cramped. Doable but cramped.

[manybellsdown]

Echo others about rough luggage handlers. I assumed you needed the base, which is why I recommended regular checking. But if you can do a seatbelt installation and don't have to lug the base through the airport, gate checking is likely way gentler. I always gate checked and still covered with a garbage bag for that, though.

[frecklesnbrains]

I have a Chicco Keyfit. Anyone have any experience with installing it without its base? I found some Youtube videos and it looks relatively easy but I worry about it being annoying to do every time we put the baby in and out of the car (we'll likely be driving every day).

[tumbleweed]

Thanks for posting this thread, frecklesnbrains !
We are flying next week, three days after Tumble-tot has his two month shots. We are flying across the country, so I'm definitely following this thread. Hope it's ok if I ask a question on your thread!

Can anyone tell me if the keyfit 30 car seat is ok without the base? Is there a way to secure it in a car without it? We are staying with my brother, who has an extra base for us, once we arrive, so I'm hoping to just leave ours in our car at home and use his spare while we are there. Also, we did buy a seat for baby, because the flight is like 6 hours, and the return is a redeye. Would you check the car seat at the gate, or bring it on? I think he'll sleep in it, if I don't strap him into it, but part of me wonders if it's nicer to have the open seat area. I've never done this before, any advice welcome.

[tumbleweed]

Jul 26, 2016 9:31:30 GMT -5 frecklesnbrains said:

I have a Chicco Keyfit. Anyone have any experience with installing it without its base? I found some Youtube videos and it looks relatively easy but I worry about it being annoying to do every time we put the baby in and out of the car (we'll likely be driving every day).

I was typing while you posted this! following...

[frecklesnbrains]

tumbleweed, we're also flying 3 days after the 2 month shots! He just got his yesterday. So far he seems to be napping a bit more than usual, but no other problems.

[tumbleweed]

Jul 26, 2016 9:42:48 GMT -5 frecklesnbrains said:

tumbleweed, we're also flying 3 days after the 2 month shots! He just got his yesterday. So far he seems to be napping a bit more than usual, but no other problems.

Oh wow! I'm glad to hear he's not having problems! I'm crossing everything T has the same experience. His pedi only asked us to wait two days, so I figure three is fine. Do you know if they have immunity pretty much right away, or does it take longer? I've been worrying about that part.

[tumbleweed]

frecklesnbrains I wanted to mention that I've been doing a lot of diaper changes on my lap when I don't want him to touch nasty tables. I sit with my knees together and put a pad under him. I put his head closest to my knees and just work fast. Of course, there is plenty of room for getting pee everywhere...

[soultrane]

The chicco keyfit is super easy to use without the base. You're basically just using the shoulder belt in the same way you would if you were sitting in the seat.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go-27mhuPMI

And yay for the DE shore! Have a great time!!

[frecklesnbrains]

Jul 26, 2016 9:49:27 GMT -5 tumbleweed said:

Jul 26, 2016 9:42:48 GMT -5 frecklesnbrains said:

tumbleweed , we're also flying 3 days after the 2 month shots! He just got his yesterday. So far he seems to be napping a bit more than usual, but no other problems.

Oh wow! I'm glad to hear he's not having problems! I'm crossing everything T has the same experience. His pedi only asked us to wait two days, so I figure three is fine. Do you know if they have immunity pretty much right away, or does it take longer? I've been worrying about that part.

It usually takes a few weeks for the full immune response. Also, these vaccines are given in 3 doses (2,4,6 mo) so any baby under 6mo should be considered only partially immunized. And they're fully susceptible to flu until 6mo and chicken pox and measles until a year when they can get those vaccines. Breast milk, hand washing and avoiding sick people is the best protection until then. He should be fine!

[sandandsea]

Jul 26, 2016 9:37:55 GMT -5 tumbleweed said:

Thanks for posting this thread, frecklesnbrains !
We are flying next week, three days after Tumble-tot has his two month shots. We are flying across the country, so I'm definitely following this thread. Hope it's ok if I ask a question on your thread!

Can anyone tell me if the keyfit 30 car seat is ok without the base? Is there a way to secure it in a car without it? We are staying with my brother, who has an extra base for us, once we arrive, so I'm hoping to just leave ours in our car at home and use his spare while we are there. Also, we did buy a seat for baby, because the flight is like 6 hours, and the return is a redeye. Would you check the car seat at the gate, or bring it on? I think he'll sleep in it, if I don't strap him into it, but part of me wonders if it's nicer to have the open seat area. I've never done this before, any advice welcome.

If you bought a seat, I'd bring the car seat and hope he sleeps in it. It will have to go by the window though.

[bgkc4]

FYI Philadelphia International has a private nursing suite in the corridor between terminal A and terminal B (on the side of the airport that is past security checkpoints). It's free for the first 30 minutes and then I think they are supposed to charge you, but honestly the attendant didn't seem to care or to be timing me. He didn't even mention a time limit, I only knew about it because I'd researched in advance. I traveled last week (without the baby) but I needed to pump and dump before the flight to avoid letdown on the plane. The suite has a couch, tv, power outlet and desk. DH sat inside with me.

[frecklesnbrains]

Thanks bgkc4! That's great info! I'm flying JetBlue which I think is Terminal E (not super-close) but I'll make the trek down there if I have extra time.

[manybellsdown]

Jul 26, 2016 9:37:55 GMT -5 tumbleweed said:

Thanks for posting this thread, frecklesnbrains !
We are flying next week, three days after Tumble-tot has his two month shots. We are flying across the country, so I'm definitely following this thread. Hope it's ok if I ask a question on your thread!

Can anyone tell me if the keyfit 30 car seat is ok without the base? Is there a way to secure it in a car without it? We are staying with my brother, who has an extra base for us, once we arrive, so I'm hoping to just leave ours in our car at home and use his spare while we are there. Also, we did buy a seat for baby, because the flight is like 6 hours, and the return is a redeye. Would you check the car seat at the gate, or bring it on? I think he'll sleep in it, if I don't strap him into it, but part of me wonders if it's nicer to have the open seat area. I've never done this before, any advice welcome.

If you bought a seat for baby, I'm pretty sure you have to bring the carseat on and install it on the seat at this age.

United rules, at least, require the baby to be able to sit unassisted in their own seat, or else in a carseat. www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/specialneeds/infants/default.aspx (See under Infant Seating)

[csat]

Nothing new to add just another recommendation for not bringing the base, I think you can just use the seat belt and will be much easier to transport.

[woodengirl07]

Though of you when I saw this on Pinterest

[athn64]

Good luck tomorrow!

[tumbleweed]

Jul 27, 2016 19:58:01 GMT -5 woodengirl07 said:

Though of you when I saw this on Pinterest

I'm seriously considering doing this. Or buying everyone near us drinks. Or better yet, both!

[frecklesnbrains]

I'm just buying myself a drink Oh, except it's a morning flight... Mimosas anyone?!?

[GOmamab15]

Have a good trip frecklesnbrains!

[titania]

Good luck frecklesnbrains! Have a safe trip!

[tumbleweed]

Have a great trip, frecklesnbrains ! We can compare notes after the flights!

[frecklesnbrains]

Well the flight was totally uneventful! Baby slept the entire time. I nursed him just before take-off and again while we were in baggage claim. I finally made use of my nursing cover, which wasn't too bad. I brought two bottles of pumped milk which was good because I used one during the car ride after the airport. We brought and used the car seat sans base.

The woman sitting in front of me exclaimed that she had the best seat on the plane because she got to see an adorable baby

Hope you had a good trip tumbleweed!