any tips for flying?

[mkoontz]

So, dh and I had a big fight, and as one of his comments was "if you don't like it then leave" I booked a trip home (to New Zealand). Of course we made up and all is happy, and even better for me cause I've got a trip home . The flight was really cheap so I couldn't resist.

But I'm after any tips for flying with a little one. My paed has given me sudafed to use cause it apparently makes them go to sleep, and though I'll probably take it with me, I really hope not to use it. I've got my fingers crossed that she'll sleep most of the way (it's a 12 hr flight, at night time) but as I've never done this before has anyone got any advice??

thanks

[persephone3]

i've been meaning to pm you - i just returned from a 3-week trip home to texas with alice. thank you so much for the swap package - i came home with even more clothes for her, so i really needed the hangers.

she did really well on the plane both times, although she did get a double ear infection once we reached texas. i've heard that flying can cause ear infections, so be prepared if your babe shows these signs: low-grade fever (99-100 for alice), supressed appetite, and excessive fussiness. don't hesitate to call a pediatrician once there if you think something's wrong.

i recommend leaving the cloth diapers at home. there's so much more to carry when you have clean AND dirty diapers. plus covers. plus something to put the dirty ones in.

going through security with a baby is a pain in the ass - they make you take them out of the sling and put it through the x-ray machine. stroller, too. and if you're traveling alone, it's very difficult to hold a baby and handle all your stuff. ask for help if you need it, and don't let anyone make you feel like you have to hurry.

this probably needn't be said, but carry as little as possible with you on the plane. again, it's hard to stow it all away when you're holding an infant, but people did offer to help. there's also the shoulder factor - mine were killing me by the time i got to my destination, what with carrying alice in the sling and the diaper bag on my shoulder and pushing the stroller (which i mostly used once i got there, not so much while traveling; but it did hold my carry-on bag for me).

i think that's it. good luck and have a great trip! *sending anti-ear infection vibes*

[allnaturalmama]

Wear Aveena. It's the most convenient way to get through the airport, and on the plane, it's much easier than holding her all night - your arms would fall off!

Nurse for take-off and landing.

If the seat belt light co-operates, walk the aisles if necessary.

: I may take some flack for saying this, but if a kindly stranger offers to give you a short break, and you feel like you're at the end of your rope, then let them. 12 hours in a tiny seat with your babe can be difficult on both of you. There still are some good people out there - trust your motherly instincts on this one.

[spiralmg]

FYI Sudafed doesn't make you drowsy - it dries up your nasal passages/mucus membranes. And it can increase your heartbeat. I would be wary of using this on your baby unless her ears are really really plugged up. (I speak from the voice of experience having been over-drugged on this as a child).

Bring rescue remedy, nurse on take-off & landing.

If you don't already, consider learning how to carry dd on your back with an Ergo or something similar that's easy to get on and off. Your front and hands will be free. We do this - then also bring a stroller to carry our bags in the airport.

Personally, I don't think doing cloth in the air is so bad, but I've never done it for 12 hours, either, so whatever works!

[xmasbaby7]

security is the worst, so wear shoes that you can slip back on. They may still make you remove your sling anyways. ahlf the time they will, in my experience.

Nurse more on the descent, about 30 minutes before landing. Take off doesn't really bother most babies.

Also, I am finding the bigger our babes are, the ahrder it is to nurse in the constraints of the airplane seat. When she was under 2 months it was easy.

I am taking a bottle of EBM and a hand pump on my next plane trip.

Ask for a window so you can create privacy with a blanket.

[IncaMama]

yup...what they said...
are you bringing your car seat? if so, check it at the gate not at ticketing or curbside.
get one of those tram car thingies to take you where you need to go. no sense doin' all that walking.

and i am so jealous that you're going to new zealand!!!! it's our dream vaca spot...we've never been there but think about it ALL the time!!!!

[persephone3]

just wanted to add that we saw alice's ped today, and he said he didn't think it was the flight that caused her ear infections.

ditto on the nursing at descent. i carried a bottle of ebm just in case she wasn't all that hungry when we started the descent. it's easier to shove a bottle in alice's mouth than to fight with her while my boob is hanging out for all to see!

i chose aisle seats so i could get up easily to walk or go change a diaper. alice liked looking at all the people seated behind us, too.

[Panthira]

Originally Posted by michelemiller

and i am so jealous that you're going to new zealand!!!! it's our dream vaca spot...we've never been there but think about it ALL the time!!!!

Yes, what Michele said. You were probably due for a trip home anyway, to show off your beautiful baby.

You'll definitely have to show us pictures!

[wirewendy]

Traveling Advice

I have taken my daughter on 2 trips. Definitely minimize the things you need to juggle. Going through security is a real hassle. If you nurse her shortly after take-off for about 15 minutes, and then at the end of the trip when the plane just starts to descend, she should be fine. Just pay attention to when you feel yourself swallowing. It isn't right at take-off or right-at landing. It is when you are higher up.

If you have a sling, you will feel better about her safety and emotional well-being. You can let it drop over your shoulder and wear it around your waist, tucking her in, during take-off and landing. It also protects from germs, I felt. Definitely get an aisle seat. Definitely.

Changing a diaper in the bathroom is out of the question. They are disgusting, and there is no where to lie them down. You will have to do it on your lap, or somewhere on the floor. My daughter was going through her no poop for 6 days and then having a blow-out, and of course she had a blow-out on the plane! What a mess! It was funny though, because I expected it.

The best part is that you get to be so close to her for so many hours. I actually bonded more with my daughter. She had no idea that we were on a plane, just that she was close to me all the time, and she really liked that.

I thought that the temperature on the plane would be cold, so I brought blankets, but it was actually warm, and I had to strip her down to her t-shirt.

Have a great trip!

[mkoontz]

Thanks guys, I'm off today. Think I've got everything, except the rescue remedy which I forgot and I'm kicking myself now. I'll need to run out and get it before we go.

I've got one of bassinette things (hopefully) and a carrier. I'm not taking a stroller and plan on slinging her / mei tai while I'm away.

NZ is a great place - you all should go. The fare was only $700. Mind you plus more for Aveena etc etc.

Megan