8 Month Old on the Plane

We just flew with my son and it was pretty simple. I put him in his front pack the whole time, he slept most of time. So that way he wasnt trying to crawl around. fed him plenty of finder foods and playing with his toys.

My son happened to be very social, so I would let him sit with other people who were sitting near. Strangers are often more exciting and can entertain a baby for a while. Also, it's okay to let him move in the isles, most people like babies and think it's okay if one crawls under their feet. :) Fun snacks will also keep a baby entertained for a while.

As an airline employee, and flyer with a toddler, here is my advice:

BFing IS great during takeoff and landing. We also try to get Moire good and tired before the trip so she's more likely to catnap on the plane. We take a few toys she's not seen recently, or buy some new ones. We take lots of snacks. If it's a longer flight, or has a layover, we also take/rent a DVD player, and bring some DVDs and headphones.

Also, managing YOUR stress level is going to make all the difference. Nagigating a busy airport is stressful, but you can make it easier.

Choose to check as much as you can, even it means you're paying fees. You're going to need your hands free and if you have all of your possessions as carryon, its going to make you overwhelmed and sore tomorrow!

Also, rent one of those carts. You can gate-check the carseat, and put all of your other carryons on it, and they are so easy to push.

I don't EVER use a stroller in airports. They get stuck on escalators, those people movers, and can get horribly trashed when gate-checked, so I always use a baby carrier. I prefer a ring-sling, but bjorns and meitais work as well.

Make sure you've had enough sleep, enough food, and enough water. Sleepiness, dehydration, and a grumbly tummy will go a long way towards making a normally happy mom a grouch, which in turn makes a happy baby a crybaby.

Be prepared for the looks from business travelers that can't stand babies. But also look for those kindly grandmothers and hope they sit next to you! When you need a potty-break in midair, they are usually kind enough to play with baby so you can do your business. And it's not like they can get off the plane with your baby!

Also be prepared for a bit of fuss. Baby has no choice but to be on your lap or in the empty seat next to you, if there is one. They can't crawl or anything. So it's natural if they fuss. But if you remain calm, it'll make all the difference.

Last bit of advice: Try to locate all bathrooms and play-places in the airport if you are going to be there for more than twenty minutes before your plane takes off. You want to change the diaper less than 20 minutes before boarding. And a playplace is a good place to tire kiddo out.

Happy travels! You guys will do fine!

PS: Pack his birth certificate! :D

I have to respectfully disagree with Abra. Some people may like babies, but MOST people, and espeicially the average grumpy flyer these days do NOT like babies crawling up their feet. There is also a huge safety issue with letting your little one crawl in the aisles during the flight. That is the only path for flight crew and passengers and most people are not on the look out for little sweeties when they are moving about the cabin. I usually just steel myself for however many hours of hell (excuse the language) because that way, it can only be a better experience than what I steeled myself for. You never know, your little boy might just nurse on take off and then fall happily asleep because of the white noise and pressurization. You might also have to be prepared to be the most cheerful Mommy ever so you can keep him smiling. Just know this, the flight will not last forever, and you will never see the people on board again. Do what YOU need to to keep your beloved son happy, healthy, and safe.

Even if you did not purchase a separate ticket for the baby, I would HIGHLY suggest taking the car seat to the gate with you. I took my 7m old to visit grandma and both ways the flight was not sold out and they let me take the car seat on the plane. My daughter was already scooting and wanting to move around and it was so much easier to strap her into the car seat once the plane was up (I gave her a bottle on my lap during take-off). I played with her for a few minutes, then she fell asleep. She is used to being restrained in her car seat at home so it wasn't strange to her and she stayed put much more calmly than if I'd been trying to wrestle with her on my lap. The vibration and white noise of the plane lulled her to sleep the same way it does in the car. If the plane is full you can gate-check the car seat and are not out anything.

Haven't read all of this, but...
We my daughter was 8 months old we flew from Seattle to Singapore, and back three weeks later. It really was okay.

*try to time a nap for during the flight. By far the easiest thing to do is get your little one to sleep as much as possible on the flight.
*bring favorite snacks, books, toys, etc. If you can introduce a new book or toy thats great, too.
*let your little one run and stretch and make noise in the airport lobby, so they get some of it out of their system.
*I did not find it to be appropriate to let her crawl around on her own, or reach into other people's seats. However, my daughter is gregarious, and she often made friends with people around us by smiling and waving at them (usually in more silence than when she was just sitting). I think you can often tell who is baby friendly and who isn't. The vast majority of people i sat near seemed to appreciate my baby, and be sympathetic to her when she got a little fussy.
*save a trip to the bathroom for when you baby is starting to amp up in noise and activity.
*i second the front carrier, although at 8 months, its more for the walking around than when you are sitting.

*i found breastfeeding to be harder and harder as my baby got older - at 9 months on a flight she was kicking the person next to me, and more inclined to remove my modesty-blanket covering. If possible get a window or aisle seat (the airline staff will probably help with this if you explain that you'd like more room with your baby), or even a seat with an empty one next to it if it is available. Also, make sure you have a blanket or something to use to shield your baby and you from others. As an added bonus, making a cocoon around you sometimes helps the baby calm down.
*i liked the windows because it felt more private, and because my daughter will spend some time looking out the window and playing with the shade.
*i also liked having bulkhead seats, because while your luggage needs to go overhead, you also have some room at your feet for baby to stand or sit on the floor.

Good luck, and have fun. I've been pleasantly surprised by how friendly and helpful people are. If you are kind and thoughtful to them, they often return the favor.

ps. this probably doesn't apply to a two hour flight, but, in case other people are reading this - some flights offer bassinets which hook onto the bulkhead, and which the baby can sleep in. These rock. Get one if possible - may be only international.

Also, they have 'baby seat belts', which are modified lap extenders, and which can belt your baby to you during take off and landing.

One nice thing is that it is only a two hour flight. What I try to do is take new toys. Things they haven't seen or played with before. The newness of the toy entertains them for a little longer. Also I know at 8 months this seems crazy but try new things like coloring and playdough. He will have your full attention so this is the perfect time to start these if you haven't already. You can watch him to make sure nothing goes in his mouth. They are quiet activities and it's the plane floor not your carpet that the playdough is ending up on. So even if it is dropped and gets rubbed in to the carpet no big deal at least he was entertained. Hope all goes well and worse case remember you will never see the people around you again.

Hi,
My baby flew at the same age. Although my is also very active he choose to sleep most of each flight. The one thing I took that was entertaining was a battery powered hand held fan (with foam 'blades'). I did not intend this to be entertainment...I took it to keep him cool just before take off when the air conditioning goes off. He thought it was the neatest thing and didn't require any toys (although, I did take toys with me). Any momement he even thought about crying I turned on the fan :oP Also, be sure to bring food (which I am sure you were already planning on :o).

My daughter was 9 months we I took her her and her two brothers to San Diego. I did the nursing bit, but I also had the binky just in case. Lots of toys. I got a seat behind the bulk head. I flew without my husband, so I relied on my oldest son who was 7 a lot. My other son was almost 3.

You will probably do fine. It is not as hard as you think. Two hours will go by faster than you think.

I've taken several 2 hour flights with my now 8 month old and we will be flying with her again in a week. I just don't let her nap until it is time to fly (for afternoon flights), and then she'll take a bottle and sleep for the whole ride. Another strategy is to get late evening flights (like 9 at night), so it's bedtime and they fall asleep then too.

I also ask at the gate if there are any open seats and then see who can be moved so the empty seat is next to me for my daughter. If there is an empty seat, then I bring the car seat on so I can strap her in when she falls asleep.

Good luck with your travels.

I took my daughter at 7 months, and she was a very active girl. We nursed during takeoff and landing and also whenever else she wanted during the long flight. I'm not sure if it had to do with the altitude or what but she pretty much slept most of the time even at this active age! Go prepared with favorite snacks. Also maybe a new small toy that will keep his interest simply because of the newness.

Good luck

Lilli

Check-in very early so you can request the bulkhead seat - this is the very first row after First Class with the wall. There is plenty of room for your child to sit in the floor and play rather than being forced to be in your lap.

A.

We just flew 6 hours each way with our when our baby was about the same age.
She was attached to my boob pretty much of the time, which was fine.
If he's into finger foods yet, those provide plenty of entertainment as well (we practiced pincer grip by eating cheerios one by one for a couple of hours when she wasn't nursing) - and maybe a new toy, or a favorite toy, or let him play with something he usually wants but can't have (your keys for example).

Good luck!

Depending on when you'll be traveling--perhaps get him used to some situations in which you must hold him on your lap and his own personal preference for mobility is restricted. Maybe take him on a bus ride and have him on your lap? Like it or not, he does not rule the world and perhaps it's time to let him start understanding that. Learning how to be mobile is wonderful for a baby, but learning boundaries and that life isn't always going to be what you want, when you want, is just as important. Preparing him ahead of time for that life-lesson might help the plane ride be a little easier. We have always "made" our child stay in the aisle, no walking up and down the aisle with her when she was little--and now that she can walk, no getting out of her seat to walk. She knows that's just how it is and at this point deals with it. We're happy because we know she won't be expecting to wander up and down the aisle of the plane on future flights. I feel bad for the parents I see walking up and down the aisle so their toddler can "explore". Especially when the fasten seatbelt light comes on and their child cannot comprehend why all of a sudden he/she must go back and be restrained. Then, they scream.

I have to agree with the post that said most people aren't that jazzed about babies on the plane. I get dirty looks every time I travel with my now 20 month old (she's been on over 10 round trip flights since birth) and she's usually a great flyer! However, after two trips when she was between 7 and 8 months old--my husband and I realized she does MUCH better and is super happy when she's in her own car seat. It's expensive to buy her the ticket when we really don't have to until she's two, but it is worth it for the peace we, and our fellow passengers, get while our daughter is happy and content in her seat (she sleeps most of the flights we take back East). In the car we had her rear-facing in her convertible car seat at 5 months because I hated lugging "the bucket" around--so bringing that on the plane was wonderful the first time!

Bring a "new" toy and a "favorite" toy, a soft and compact blankie or something he can snuggle into. My naturopath recommended Rescue Remedy drops when she was younger to help calm her down. You could also try some Colic Tablets or Teething Tablets by Hylands. They tend to mellow baby out a bit without knocking them out. I gave them to a fellow passenger sitting behind us once for his little guy and he was able to calm down enough and take a nap.

Lots of talking to him too, tell him how good he's being and how happy you are when he's being mellow. Comfort him when you have to restrict his mobility and be firm but calm. Babies pick up so much from our own fears and anxiety. The calmer you are, the better.

Now that I am a mom and have been through a flight or two in which my child fussed sometimes...it seems like most people are empathetic and slightly relieved they aren't me! Like another post said, these are people you won't see again and most people expect little ones to be fussy on a plane.

Hope all goes well for you! You are getting lots of good tips and advice from other moms here that should give you a great flying strategy!

I'm in the same boat, we are heading on a trip back east with our 8 month old daughter leaving this weekend, though she is taking a bottle these days instead of nursing. You are right, taking off and landing definitely nurse, but during the rest of the flight you need to do what is best for you and your son and not concern yourself with the other passengers, you don't need that added stress. These days everyone's got headsets and their own entertainment when traveling so don't worry about them. If you need to, get up and walk the aisle, or stand in the back of the plane, and definitely bring toys and books. Let your son be your son, it's only a 2 hour flight, everyone else can just deal! Happy traveling!

We recently traveled with our 10 month old and tried to be sure he had a ton of floor time before each flight. That way we burned as much energy as possible before he was stuck on our laps. We took a bunch of toys he hadn't played with before as well. This included some binky's - he doesn't use them but will inspect and chew on them for about 20 minutes. We were fortunate in that our flights corresponded with his nap times so he slept at least half of each flight. BF'ing during take off and landing did wonders for his ears - even when the milk was gone it comforted him when he got fussy. We were also blessed for the most part with people who didn't mind playing with him over the back of the seat. Good Luck!

Hi H.,
We took our son on the plane to NY at about this age. We bought a "Me in the Mirror" that we pulled out for the first time on the plane. He was happy to play with that for most of the trip! It has several aspects to it, which is why I think it provided so much amusement. Also, we brought a few books. He also napped well during part of the flight, nursed to sleep.
Good luck!

Hi,
I recently took my 8 1/2 mo on a plane. I had some books and favorite toys. The life saver though was a v-tech kids laptop. It is orange and costs about $22 at fred meyer or target. There is an infant version and a 3+ version. I bought the 3+ version. It is something a friend of ours had and she was totally into it. She can push buttons and they make noise or play with the mouse, open and close it. Obviously she doesn't use it in the way it is intended but it kept her occupied - and it did. Now I give it to her at home when I am on my laptop and she wants it.

If they don't offer, ask if the flight is full, if not, ask if you can have a row to yourself I was able to get our own row on 3 out of 4 legs of the flight. It gave lots of room to play and let my baby move around. On the flight we didn't she was frustrated about being contsricted. Also, be nice to the flight attendants and they may entertain her a little as they walk up and down the aisle.
Don't stress, she will sense your anxiety and be more anxious and more difficult to calm in the new environment. Tell her how much fun it is going to be.

My final advice, that really helped me. My baby likes to nurse too and nursing was the best for take off (she was able to play during landing because we "practiced" landing on my lap, she giggled when the plane actually landed ), however since we had multiple legs I drank Mother's Milk tea in order to have a supply of milk for each leg.

Good luck
R.

Hi H., I've flown quite a bit with an infant (our 10 month old has made 2 long haul international flights and one long-haul national flight so far our 3 year old about 7 long haul international and 4 long haul national). Most important thing is when you check in is to see if the seat next to you is "available", that way when you pre-board (ask to this at the gate, not all airlines will offer it, you HAVE to ask/insist) you can talk to the air-hostey and see if s/he can make sure it stays available or if the person assigned to it can be moved (amazing how many people will quite readily change seats when a baby is involved..). Nursing on take off and landing is the thing to do, they will tell you to put him in "burping position" but they never say anything when you are nursing. The white noise of the plane and the vibration might just put her to sleep for the entire flight; our baby doesn't take a pacifier, I nursed and he slept for 6 of the 8 hours (not all in a row but in long portions).
Just don't sweat it, it's only 2 hours, if he cries...he cries, 90% of the people on the plane will have gone through something similar at some point in time (you stress...he stresses). Just entertain him as you would at home, a couple of books a favourite toy, and snacks. I wouldn't bring any elaborate electronic toys, that just gives you something to annoy everyone around you - besides, the people sitting behind you will be great entertainment for him. Everyone loves a baby. You and he will do great! Just don't get stressed...it's only 2 hours. Be aware there may not be a change table in the loo, change him before you get on the plane just in case...
No worries...you'll both do great! I did my last international flight on my own with a 3 year old and a 9 month old (he had just learned how to crawl and cruise and does not like to sit still) by myself, the trick is not to stress; if he gets restless, let him stand on the floor in front of your seat or on your seat to check out the people behind you, hold his fingers and walk the length of the plane.
Have a great trip!
E.

I took both of my kids on the plane when they were babies and they did great. I was also breastfeeding and just fed them when we were taking off and they fell asleep. Also, fed when landing to keep them quiet and keep ears from hurting (it helps there ears pop). Also, bring little snacks, and maybe a couple new toys or book to look at. Good luck! My kids were much easier as babies then they have been as toddlers and preschoolers.

hi! my son was only 6 months or so when we traveled so it might not be the same...but i breastfed him for take off and if your son is anything like mine he falls asleep while nursing. so he slept pretty much the whole time, it was great. he would wake up a little during the flight but was contented to just look around and flirt with other passengers. then come landing i would just nurse him again. when all else fails just nurse is my motto! of course it wouldn't hurt to bring his favorite book or little toys to occupy his awake time. good luck!

My mother and I flew from Spokane to San Antonio when my little guy was 8 months and had just started crawling a few weeks prior. The thing that was the best was buying BRAND NEW TOYS and giving them to him one at a time during the flight! This worked wonderfully and when he got bored with one I popped out a new one. He really liked a toy I got a Target the best. It had a large suction cup on the bottom and a bunch of toys on the top that would spin around if he hit them. It suctioned right to the table and he thought that was great! Pack lots of snacks, which I am sure you are, and his favorite blankie or toy with everything! Good Luck!

Our son went on his first flight at 9 months old. It was a 1 hour flight, layover and then a 3.5 hour flight. We feed him on the first one (bottle, but breastfeeding will work great) and then had some time inbetween flights to make a bit of a corral with our carry ons and put a blanket on the floor and let him crawl around, dig through his diaper bag, etc. Anything to get some energy out. He ended up sleeping most of the flight, but on the way home it was a different story!!!!! We had 1.5 hours of freaked out kid. What worked: we brought NEW toys he hadn't seen before, a lot of singing as passing back and forth between my husband and me. We had an extra seat inbetween us so we let him "sit" there and play with the toys, read books, tried to feed him (didn't work this time)and eventually he got tired out and slept. It was tough, but overall he did fairly well. Just make sure you have plenty of entertainment for him, let him wear himself out before the flight if possible. A new treat or snack that he doesn't get often (if he onto solids and snacks) might work too. We tried those gerber puffs with him on this flight and he liked them. Hope that is helpful, good luck. ALso - if you can time your flight around naps that helps too!

I am anxious to hear solutions to this as well. I will be traveling by plane to NY to see family with my (at the time of trip) 9 month old. My pediatrician told me to nurse during take off and landing, but what to do for an 8 hour flight? Ours it at night, so hopefully the kids will sleep.