solo airport travel w/baby - need advice!

[Ruby2]

I hope this is the right forum for this question.

I'm making an emergency trip in three days to visit a sick family member...dd needs to meet him before it's too late. Plane tickets are crazy expensive so dh can't come with us.

We have two short flights to get to our destination, less than an hour each, so I'm not worried about the airplane. I'm hoping my three month old will just nurse for most of the flights. It's the layover that I'm worried about.

Has anyone ever traveled alone with a baby before? I need advice for how to handle the airport for three hours during the layover. She's too little for an umbrella stroller, so I'll be carrying her the whole time. I'll bring my ring sling and hope that she'll be happy in it most of the time.

I'm thinking that even though it's a short trip I'll obviously check my suitcase. I'm an over-packer though and am worried that I'll have a giagantic diaper bag to lug around in addition to the 15 pound baby! I'm really stressing out that it's going to be overwhelming. Bathroom breaks, dirty diapers, eating lunch...augh!!! Any advice would be appreciated!

[cheryllynn]

I traveled with baby twice, although I did have dh with me. We did use our regular stroller. If you have one, I highly recommend bringing it. The stroller is put through the xray machine and you can keep it until you are just about to step onto the plane. They check the strollers right there.

I also would recommend your sling as that might be the best way to keep baby on your lap while flying. I did time bottles on take off and landing. She also slept a lot on the plane. The droning noise helps babies sleep.

I would include in your diaper bag two outfit changes for baby and one clean shirt for you. Our DD did have poopy diapers on two of the four flights. Just take it one step at a time.

We found airport personnel and flight attendants were very helpful. The screeners are also helpful when you show up with your baby.

You will need to have a car seat. If the car seat has a base, remember to bring that too. We checked our base and had a seat on the plane for baby so she was able to sit in her car seat in her seat. (airlines do not charge you for checking car seat/stroller/car seat base, but double check just to make sure).

It is a lot to carry, so I would 'practice' at home to make sure you can manage everything.

I thought we were doing well and then I saw a single mom with an infant and a 3 year old! She did very well and there were lots of helpers (strangers/fellow travelers) too.

Arrange to have help both in dropping off luggage and picking up luggage. If they can't meet you at baggage claim, rent one of those carts - it'll be worth it.

We found that the new experience kept DD entertained as she loves looking at people and in airports there are lots of people.

For the layover, I would make it to the next gate and then camp out there.

[allical1284]

I did this when DD was 3 months as well. A really good pouch sling that DD loved saved me!! It had no metal so I just cruised through security with her strapped to me. I was able to wear a back pack with all of our carry-on supplies (diapers, burpcloths, wipes, extra set of clothes, etc...) while wearing her in the sling. Be sure to have your carry-on bag ready to go for security check so that you can just throw it up onto the belt. Also, wear slip-on shoes so you won't have to bend down and mess with tying, buckling, etc... at security. I tucked my ID and a debit card into my bra so that I could reach them easily at security and again when I stopped to get lunch in the airport (I carried my lunch over to an empty gate area away from the busy food court, spread a small blanket down, propped DD up against the backpack and sat down on the floor next to her to eat).
When I first got to the airport, I was carrying her carseat (bagged) and pulling a rolling bag and I checked these 2 things immediately so that I wouldn't have to worry about them after that.
GL!! You will make it through just fine!!

[hakeber]

When ds was 4 months old, not quite, I travelled from Buenos Aires to Pennsylvania...It took three flights to get to NYC and then a four hour car ride to my parents house. DH had to stay home in Argentina.

Let me just say I do NOT envy you.

You are smart to bring the ring sling for layover transport. I thought I could use my car seat on the plane (I specifically bought one that was FAA approved for that purpose) but the air hostess took it away before take off and wound up gate checking it anyway...

I had this stupid bucket car seat to lug all over Miami airport. From international to domestic is about a MILE of walking and I had to get my luggae and re-check it...oh what a nightmare that was. He was crying the whole journey, or so it seemed, and at one point I recall just collapsing in one of the hallways and having a good old cry myself. I just was EXHAUSTED.

I would say, nurse lots and bring as little carry on as you can. If you can get one of those snap and go strollers for your car seat though, it might be nice because you can gate check it and it acts like a luggage cart. When ds was older this is what we did and I so wished I had done that on this trip. But you can still use the ring sling to carry baby if she prefers, and just use the stroller as a luggage cart. The sling will also come in handy for nursing. If you can't get a snap and go stroller, I would also recommend using a back pack for a diaper bag to distribute the weight more evenly.

Also nurse on take off and landing as it will likely bother her ears and she won't know why...In argentina and Chile the stewardesses understood this, recommended it even, in the States the hostess was really rude and hostile. Don't be too surprised if the hostess asks you to cover up, or says you can't nurse during take off because the baby had to be strapped in on your lap. Just ignore them.

As a mother with a baby you have the RIGHT to be boarded first with those who need assistance. Insist on that right, and go to the front of the line so that you can get settled and don't have to fight for overhead compartment space, etc. The airlines in the states are AWFUL for that (though not as bad as the UK) meanwhile in South America the ground crew board the families with small children before they even announce boarding for anyone else.

[tzs]

i just did it and it was so much easier than i had thought.

if there's room on the plane (which there was both times...it was half empty) they will block out an empty seat next to you for a car seat. then you can strap her in that (it's really the safest) and you have your car seat which you might need when you get there anyway. (you really don't need the base)

so i borrowed a snap and go so it worked as a stroller/car seat holder/luggage holder etc... and they check it at the gate. it's right there ready for you when you get off the plane. they will also check the car seat there if there's no room on the plane. if you can't borrow it might even be worth buying (make up for the money by not checking baggage instead?)


they also allow you an extra carry on for the babe (even non-paying.) it's really amazing how much baby stuff they will let you take on for free when you can't even check your own bag without paying.

and everybody was really great. my babe loved hanging out at the airport with all the people. my 6 month old even got her wings!
good luck and have fun

[belltree]

I did this with an 10 week old baby. Also shortterm, wicked expensive and me being sad and exhausted - we went to a funeral and I was really sick). It was tough, but it went fine.

Bring as much as you need but as little as possible, so you don't have to carry everything - I had my jacket packed up in the check in, as I didn't want to deal with it. I used disposables instead of cloth. A blanket was very good to have on hand, so I could put him down on the floor, while waiting and he could play a bit on the floor. Get some easy snacks for yourself so you don't get too tired.

I also brought my birthing/pregnancy necklace, my dh gave me just for my own strength. I know, nothing really needed, but it was good to have it with me.

You'll be fine. It won't be easy, but you'll manage.

[simcon]

I haven't found travelling with babies too much of a hassle (just flew 20+ hours with my 12-month old a few months ago, and am planning on flying back with him solo at 16 months soon). DD, now 7, started flying at 5 weeks for the same kind of reason you're going, and has done many many trips a year, with 5+, 12+ or 20+ hour ones every year...

It's worth it to prune back your packing and check bags. I never carry an additional carryon, only a diaper bag. I don't mind schlepping a bit, and for under 6 months I end up wearing the baby (ergo, pouch, whatever is best liked), carrying the bucket to use on the plane with the diaper bag in the bucket. I find SW is best for getting the baby a seat if a lap child--you can ask at the desk if the flight is full and decide whether or not to check the carseat based on that info.

It's best just to do the bucket right in the airplane seat if you can use a carseat on the plane--the base is a hassle as the seatbelt can get stuck because the buckle is often right where it hooks into the base. I'd eat with the baby in the carrier--grab something that works while walking if the baby needs to keep moving. Bathroom, same thing--baby in carrier. Better to go to the bathroom in the airport than on the plane--something to keep in mind for the layover, etc. Changing diapers is also easier in the airport, but doable on the plane. Easier if baby has his/her own seat and carseat--you just have more room (have to confess I tend to change pee ones in the seat, and only poopy ones in the disgusting airplane bathrooms.)

In hundreds of hours of flying, neither of my kids has ever had an issue with their ears--so while there's a good chance, it's not a definite thing. I second the two extra outfits for baby, extra shirt for you suggestion. My infants always had their most spectacular blowouts on airplanes.

Airports have lots to attract and keep kids' attention--lots to look at! And for the plane, lots of nursing. I know people have had many issues nursing on planes, but I don't think it's the norm--no one's ever even looked twice in my experience, and it's a great way to soothe and lull to sleep, along with that great engine white noise!

Use disposables for the trip to make things easier. Hope it all goes well, and isn't too sad..

[stinkster]

Currently recovering from jet lag from our US to Thailand flight - solo with 3 mo old DS.

Here's what worked for us...
I had a car seat (base packed in check-in) and a snap-n-go stroller frame that I kept with me in the terminal. I packed a diaper bag with several extra outfits for DS and more than enough diapers. I also took a canvas bag that held my ergo and an empty water bottle and would place my small-ish purse in it when going through security. The TSA will require that you breakdown the car seat/stroller (car seat upside down) to go through the X-ray machine. Not so great if you have a LO sleeping inside. All the better if LO is sleeping the sling, but sometimes this can't be managed b/n driving to the airport, cking in, etc. Take your time going through security. I always feel stress and pressure and would have to consciously tell myself to slow down my breathing and relax. Despite the general atmosphere of those areas, there's no reason to rush. Be methodical about preparing everything to go into the X-ray machine and when removing it. Like other posters have mentioned - think carefully about what you wear and ease of removing shoes, etc.

After checking in and going through security I would keep DS in ergo, place bags in car seat and then scope out the best bathroom for changing and using myself. Then I'd fill up my water bottle, grab a snack, and camp out at the gate.

Closer to boarding time I would use the restroom again and fill up water bottle. Then I would ask the airline employees at the gate about how full the flight was and whether or not I could manage a better seat (although this might not be such an issue for short flights). If I had not received them at check-in, I would get tags for checking the TWO parts of the stroller at the gate.

And then I would make sure I was part of the 'special assistance' boarding. Once on the plane I stowed diaper bag under the seat in front, ergo overhead, and took DS to back of the plane to either watch everyone board or rock to sleep (not sure if there's room for this on smaller planes). I'd sit down shortly before they closed the door.

I was amazed at how unhelpful the airline was (which is why I avoid flying US-based airlines when possible). Fellow passengers, on the other hand, were more often quick to offer assistance.

One more thing, if for some reason you end up delayed, re-routed, or have other complications, seek out an airline employee and ask what specifically could be done to help your situation.

I hope things go smoothly for you!

[justKate]

I second some sort of stroller, just for bathroom sake. The family restrooms are great, but they rarely have a place where you can set a non-sitter if you need to use the restroom. In flight, I actually don't mind if other passengers or the flight attendants hold the little one so that I can pee--it's not like they can get away with her!

Pack as light as possible, take a carrier, and let strangers help you. It will be easier than you think!

[tabrizia]

I've flown a lot with both mine. The first time I traveled with DS he was 9 weeks old give or take, DD was 5 weeks old the first time I flew with her.

That being said it is really easy to fly with an itty bitty. Sling, diaper bag and check luggage should be fine. I have never needed a stroller when I traveled with mine, it is just so much easier to put them up in a carrier and go. Make sure to pack extra diapers because if there is a delay of some sort you do not want to run out of them. The layover should be fine, I have never had a problem with baby in the airport while waiting for a flight, they generally are happy to look around and see what is happening. As for bathroom, I am really good at going now with baby in a carrier, your mileage may vary though. I find it really isn't much of an issue though.

The only things you really need in your diaper bag are diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for baby, a change of clothes or at least a fresh shirt for you, just in case, the one time I didn't pack extra clothes for me is the one time I got thrown up all over, of course!, a burp cloth or two, a snack for you, and a book or something to entertain yourself with if baby is sleeping and you have a free hand. You really shouldn't need anything else.

It is really easy to fly with a non-mobile infant. When they get up to 8 and 9 months then it starts to get tougher.

[townelin]

Think about what they'll make you take off at security.
elastic pants - no belt plus easier in the bathroom if LO is in a sling
slip-on shoes already mentioned
skip any liquids other than BM and have that handy on top because they will check it.
no jewelry to remove

Have fun!

[lalemma]

I just did this! I was overwhelmed in advance, just like you are. But it was okay.

The layover was the worst part. If I had to do it again, I would have radically stripped down my diaper bag (that was the only thing I carried on) so I wasn't hauling so much around.

I wore my guy in a stretchy wrap. I prefer wraps over slings anyway, but it was great to just do a pocket pre-tie and pop him in and out as required. And in a wrap, I just take him with me when I have to pee.

I second what someone else said about being mindful of going through security. The less you're hauling around, the less delay there will be, and the less you'll have to repack.

And wear shoes that slip on and off and are comfy.

I checked our car seat. First, I couldn't bear the idea of dragging it through the layover airport. Second, I am very skeptical about how much you're really gaining in safety. I've read the numbers, and given how extremely safe air travel is anyway, you're really shaving tiny percentage points off.

My final tip is to dress more lightly than you think. My little one is like a tiny heater, and I didn't realize just how hot the two of us together would get on overheated planes. Next time, I'll pack my coat in my checked luggage and carry a sweater with me, not wear it.

[2boyzmama]

Don't worry, it'll be easy

I've done two international flights with my first son (9 months and 13 months old for the flights) and I also did a domestic flight with my second son when he was 4 months old.

BARE MINIMUM is the key!!

I had baby in a ring sling, and I had a *small* backpack on my back, and a small fanny pack on my waist (who cares what you look like!)

In the backpack, I had like TWO diapers and ONE outfit for baby (simple, like a one-piece pajama). Plus a small zip-loc bag of wipes. I also had some simple small toys (preferably that baby hasn't seen before).

In my fanny pack was my wallet, my tickets, my cell phone.

Wear simple comfy clothes with as little metal as possible. Wear easily removeable shoes.

Are you putting baby in her carseat? I did on the international flights, but not on the domestic flight. If you are using a carseat, you can ask the ticket agent to load the carseat onto the plane for you before boarding. Then, contrary to most people, I suggest that you WAIT to board the plane! In my opinion, the less time you spend ON the plane, the better for everyone. It's SO MUCH easier to occupy/entertain a baby in the terminal vs on the airplane! You can move, walk, jiggle, show her things, etc.

Once you board the plane, if you have her carseat, check to see that it's strapped in correctly, then put her in. Your *small* backpack easily fits under the seat in front of you, and your fanny pack stays on you. Voila, you're done! If you don't have a carseat, then you just walk on the plane, sit down, buckle yourself (under the sling) and you're done. Baby never has to be taken out of the sling.

During the layover, take your time, walk around, show her everything. I prefer to get to my next gate quickly just so I know where it is, then I go exploring a bit. Get something simple to eat, a sandwich or wrap or something, something that you can eat while still walking around to keep baby occupied.

You said you hope she stays happy in the sling...is she the kind of baby that wants to be put down sometimes? If so, then pack a light blanket in the backpack (light, like a receiving blanket, not the plush thick ones) and then you can stake out a spot near the gate and spread out on the floor. I actually SLEPT on the floor of Tokyo airport with my 9 month old! LOL! But with all the hustle and bustle of an airport, I'm guessing that she will be content to just be int he sling looking around (practice different carries so you can face her out so she can see).

What else? It's really not that hard! Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You can even ask someone to stand outside the bathroom stall holding her while you use the restroom (I have asked grandma-type women to do that before, I needed someone to hold my 3 month old while I wiped my 2 year old's butt!) Ask a flight attendant to hold her while you use the restroom on the plane if you need to.

[Ruby2]

Wow - thanks so much for the advice and encouragement! It never would have occured to me to bring the whole snap and go + carseat combination. I was planning to check the carseat which was giving me another reason to be nervous (what if it gets lost in transit?!?!).

I think I will seriously consider bringing the stroller with me now! Even if I just use it to carry the diaper bag, I think I'll be glad to have it. Especially for going to the bathroom!!! I'll probably just plan to gate check it though. It would be nice to have the carseat on the plane if dd was awake and squirmy, but I would be worried that they would make me strap her in it for takeoff/landing, which I would NOT be happy about.

I'm going to TRY to just take one blanket. I'm super crazy about germs while flying...I was thinking that I would want three little receiving blankets in case I have to put one down on a surface that looks yucky...but I'll try to get over my phobia and pack light! Less blankets means more room for clothes as dd has a knack for diaper blowouts. Good advice too about packing extra diapers in case flights are delayed.

I'm not worried about BFing on the plane. I requested a window seat so I'll have a little bit of privacy and the person next to me will just have to deal with it if he/she is uncomfortable! I'm wondering if I should bring an empty bottle and fill it with water just in case...but I don't really know why - she loves to nurse and has never passed up an opportunity!

Thanks again everyone - I feel MUCH better.

[tzs]

i'd bring the bottle just in case. it really does help with the ears (or nursing), so i wouldn't risk not having it.

as for me...i really prefer using the carseat. i mean, it's not like (g-d forbid) the plane is going to crash but sudden severe turbulance happens often enough where grown adults get thrown around so i'd prefer my babe be strapped in as much as possible. a sling might do the job though.

you'll do great.

[cheryllynn]

Regarding bringing a carseat into the plane. If you purchase a seat for your baby, this is no problem. If you are waiting to see if there is an available seat, this might not happen. If the plane is full or close to full, you might not be able to keep the carseat with you in the plane. Also, some airline personnel might not let you keep the carseat if you have not purchased a ticket even though there are empty seats - I'm not sure how a gate person decides.

If you do bring the carseat, we were required to have the car seat in the seat by the window. I'm sure this is for both safety and security because if you sat by the window and the carseat was in the aisle, you would not be able to get out unless you ungainly climbed over it.

I would defintely pack more than two diapers though. We suspect there might be something about airplanes, the jiggling, the air pressure, the relaxation from the drone of the engines just seems to get baby's bm's to let fly!