Need advice for moving/plane trip

[Jeanne_L]

So we are moving half way across the country in less than 2 weeks... (from VT to WI). besides the chaos of boxes/packing/saying goodbyes we are actually in pretty good shape for things. DS and I are going to be flying, and DH is driving the car (we didn't think ds would be up for the 20 hour drive seeing as he HATES the carseat!), and we are shipping all our stuff.

i just thought of this this morning, though... i wonder how ds will be affected by the move? i mean, dh and i will still be there... he has spent days away from the house (with us) but i wonder how much he is aware of his current home, and if it will throw him for a loop to suddenly be somewhere new....anyone here ever move with a babe? how'd it go for you?

Also, there's the plane trip coming up. we do have a layover which means two takeoffs, two landings... i've read it's good to nurse during take off and landing, to help his ears equalize... i think i read on a thread here on mdc that it's not the best idea to check a carseat with luggage (from the carseat's point of view) but rather to gate check it...i don't think that will be an option for me flying alone... i plan on having ds in a wrap, and a backpack (for diapers, snacks, etc); and checking a suitcase and the carseat. that seems managable to me. any other advice on flying alone with a baby??? or just with a baby in general?

thanks in advance, mamas!!

[birthjunkie27]

As far as if he'll be thrown for a loop by living somewhere new...I highly doubt it. He's still so little and as long as he still has mommy and daddy he's "home". We moved when our middle child was 2 weeks, so he was definatey unaware. I do know someone who just moved from Washington state to Chicago with a January baby, but they all drove together in the moving truck. I'll see if she has any advice for you.

[DesireeH]

Best wishes on your move!

We moved when Jevin was about 17 months old so he ws definately aware of our change but he was excited. LOL We moved from a really small house to a normal sized one so he was like "room to run!" LOL And we moved from a yucky loud neighborhood to a normal one so I think he noticed we werent as stressed anymore. LOL BUt it was totally fine. He even started sleeping through the night once we moved. LOL

Re; plane......I take Jevin's carseat on but he's over 2 so I have to pay for him anyways. When he was under 2 and I didnt buy him a seat I checked it at the gate or else it gets thrown down the luggage shoot and I was scared that would ruin it. They say you should get a new carseat if you get in a bump car accident so I dont know how it can handle being thrown around down luggage shoots! LOL You do have to carry it right off the gate though and that might be hard with holding a baby and not having extra hands (unless you have the travel system kind.....you can take the stroller and the carseat to the gate). I always nursed when going up and down and never had any problems. All the times we flew, Jevin slept most of the time (except last year when we flew 5 hours and he kicked the seat in front of us the whole time!) But when he was small, I dont think he noticed he was on a plane at all. I had him a sling when he was little and when we were getting OFF the plane the guy next to me said "I didnt even know you had a baby!" LOL He was in a black sling with my boob hanging out in there! LOL I had a black shirt too so he probably just blended in! LOL

ANyways, I hope you have a great flight!!!!

[xmasbaby7]

I have posted this before after my flight when dd was 7 weeks, but I'll say it again.

Do not nurse during actual landing. Nurse 30 minutes before you are supposed to land when the pilot usually says "we've begun our initial descent". The descent is the most dramatic at that time going from 35K feet to about 10K feet, adn the hardest on ears. Once you are approaching the airport and can make out cars vs. semis easily on the ground you are fine at 10K feet.

Also, if they are asleep during take-off, let them sleep. It bothers most people less. I wake up dd for landings only. I was a worry wort, so you could nurse both to be sure.

If you do use a pacifier or toy at all, have it attached to you somehow so that if it drops, you don't lose it under the seat. It is really hard to bend over to get your stuff once you are in flight with a babe on your lap.

Keep ds in the wrap and he should be really happy.

I was so new to nursing still I was terrified I would be seated next to a business man who would complain. I DID get seated next to grumpy business men both flights. They each looked crestfallen having to sit next to a "crying baby". I said, "Don't worry. She won't cry if I can feed her." Then I smiled, "I'm still pretty new at this nursing thing, so I hope we don't bother you."

Both men then were great and even offered to go to the bathroom during latch on to give me privacy, etc. (obviously, we are both much more seasoned nursers now than I was then, so I don't think it will be an issue.)

Good luck on your move!

[perditafoster]

My advice: take twice as many diapers as you think you'll need! DD always pooped on the plane ride and I ran out of diapers twice. It was disgusting and the whole cabin smelled! but I had nothing else to put on her....once I took cloth and another time I took sposies and both times I ran out As for layovers...make sure that you eat something so you won't get exhausted and run out of energy to nurse. Plane food is icky and at least in the terminals they have good/decent places to eat. good luck and I'm sure you'll do just fine!

[IncaMama]

i agree with their advice...and i would NOT NOT NOT check the carseat with the luggage. and you're right, it'll be hard to carry the carseat to the gate so you call for one of those little cars that will drive you to the gate.

you can also use the harness straps like backpack straps on most carseats and put the entire carseat on your back.