First Plane Ride with 6Mo Old

Either feed her or let her suck a pacifier. The sucking action keeps the ear canals from closing.

Been there done that.
Granny

welcome back to Ms. the home of cotton fields , slushies ,catfish ponds , beautiful sunsets , where we sawt "skeedders" in the summer , and its just plum good old Dixie land , it's HOME ......
How'd the plane ride go ? hope just fine .....
a dixie gramma .... M.

I took my son on a plane ride a few times within his 1st 6 months. I feed him when we were just getting ready to take off and that allowed him to be pacified and sucking as the plane took off, I did the same thing as we landed. He slept most of the trips....it seemed to work great! Have fun relax and dont be concerned about others around you, they will get over it....I sang to him and played with him while he was awake, just like we were at home. He seems to have fun too!

While the plane is taking off and landing, let her nurse or drink a bottle. The act of swallowing keeps the eustacian tubes open to relieve pressure in the ears. You shouldn't have any trouble taking breastmilk, formula, juice, or baby food through security - just make sure that you have the baby's bottles and jars in a clear bag seperate from other liquids and take it out for the agent to inspect. Also, when you check in for your flight, make sure that you or your so's boarding pass has "infant in arms" printed on it if she is going to ride in your lap. Otherwise you will have trouble getting through security with a baby without a ticket.

Our pediatrician told us to let our son suck on a pacifier to help keep the pressure from causing problems in his ears. That seemed to work well.

Other than that, just make sure you have some quiet toys you can keep her amused with.

Good luck!

You may have already heard this, but just as the plane is Taxi-ing to take off, start nursing, or give her a bottle. Make sure she has not eaten recently. Just like an adult with chewing gum, the sucking should pop her ears if there is any buildup. A pacifier may work, but not as well. Of course when she is old enough to eat, a snack will help. Do the same thing when you start the decent. Make sure to bring some dangling toys for her car seat if you are keeping her in one. Plane rides get very boring for kids. Good luck!

We traveled by plane with my son several times in his first year of life. Ask your ped about Motrin and Benadryl doses so that the take off and landing won't bother her ears. It will also helpe her so sleep some during the flight, which (I admit, this is VERY selfish) will make it easier for you to hold her during the flight. Wiggling on a plane in that little seat is no fun.

Also, a pacifier or bottle during take of and landing will force her to be sucking and swallowing, helping the ears.

ALSO...If you use the Dr. Brown's Bottles (or maybe others...not sure about those, though), you'll want to loosen the lid during take off because the pressur causes the bottles to leak. I learned this one the hard way during the first leg of a 3 leg itinerary. My carry on was soaked!

Hello J.,

I found some info. for you, hope this helps:

Encourage her to suck her thumb, fingers, or pacifier if she already has this habit. It sometimes helps to give her a cuddly blanket or special bed-time toy at the same time. This will both ease her tension, and encourage the sucking that she needs to 'pop' her ears.
Offer her some water to drink from a sipper cup or bottle. The swallowing action will help to 'pop' her ears.
Offer a chewy fruit finger as a good alternative to lollies.
Ask your doctor's advice about giving a small dose of paracetemol elixir before you leave the departure lounge. Some parents believe that this helps to minimise any ear discomfort during take off.

Basically any chewing, sucking, or swallowing helps ears to equalise to airplane cabin pressure changes. If your baby cries, although it can be quite distressing to you (and to fellow passengers), the crying action also helps her ears to equalise, so sometimes it's as well to just cuddle her through the uncomfortable phase --- it does end once take-off / landing is over and most babies then settle quite happily for the rest of the flight.

This is just in my opinion but I think her ears will be just fine. My son will be 8 yrs in August and he took his first plane ride at 6 weeks old and did just fine and has been on many more since then. I did give him either his pacifier or nursed him at takeoff and landing since he didn't take a bottle at the time. Good luck on your trip.

IF you are breastfeeding, have the child nursing when you take off and land. That way she is swallowing naturally and that will keep the pressure off her ears. If not breastfeeding, feed her a bottle during take off and when landing.

I am a mother of 5 that has travelled alot with nursing babies!

I have travelled with my girls since they were 3 months old. When the plane takes off have a bottle ready for them to drink it helps their ears because they are sucking and the pressure does not hurt. Also, you can use the motion sickness bag to warm a bottle for landing. The stewardess can place hot water into the bag and it will warm a bottle very quickly. There are usually changing tables above the toilet in the tiny bathrooms-- it took me three plane flights to find this out. Since you are leaving early in the morning find out if the flight is booked and see if you can get your own row of seats to provide more room and make sure you get a pillow to prop under your arm for support in case your child sleeps the entire 4 hours --your arm will go completely numb!!! Also, bring one extra of everything because nothing is accessible in the air! M. P.

My son went on his first plane ride at five months and I just made sure that he had his pacifer, bottle or his silkie to suck on which he uses to sleep. It worked great, lots of comments on how nice it was to fly with a non crying child the whole flight.

We took our son on four plane rides within his first 15 months (at 3 months, 6 months. 11 months and 15 months). Give either a bottle or pacifier during take off and landing to help with the pressure. Take a few favorite toys and books. Not sure if your daughter watches Baby Einstein videos, but a portable DVD player is always helpful. And don't forget to take a familiar blanket for the plane ride if it's chilly.

Hi J....I took my daughter for her first plane ride at 8 months...ask your doctor if it is advisable to administer a small dose of Dimetapp just prior to takeoff. Also, try and time her feedings so that she wants a bottle at takeoff. The sucking action helps to relieve the ear pressure. If she's anything like mine, she will love the white noise of flight and sleep all the way through...good luck!

Try getting her to chew on something during take off and landing (those are the times when the pressure is the greatest). Anything will do, pacifier, teething ring, snacks, nursing, I even used my fingers once, just so she's moving her jaw so her ears will pop naturally. Otherwise take lots of entertainment and snacks and you should make it through just fine.

Hey J.,

I am the mom to a well travelled one year old. She has flown at 5 1/2mo, 9 mo & 1 year. The first two were easier just because of size and activity level, not to mention she just slept better at that size and the plane was as relaxing as a car ride.

I do not believe in giving medicine unless it is absolutely needed. AND MOTRIN is NOT SAFE in infants. So we prepared bottles just before take off and would feed her during take off. We also had a pacifier handy in case she wasn't hungry (we had acid reflux and learned aversion so feeding was sometimes not possible) AND we had tootsweet.

I first recommend that your little girl be due a feeding near departure that way she is busy sucking because sucking does help. I would have her suck when you ascend for take off and descend for the landing.

I next suggest you see if your pediatrician or some medical person can get you complimentary TOOTSWEET. Or for just a few dollars you can order them directly from the manufacturer HAWAII MEDICAL (http://www.hawaiimedical.com/home.html )

this link below will take you to ordering toot sweet sized as 6 doses for $3.30 plus S&H of around $10, so i suggest ordering anything else you need too...

http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?...

It is great to have on hand to dip the pacifier in as the plane is taking off and it helps to keep the little one sucking therefore reducing any pain.
It is used in conjunction with injections and there are studies showing the effectiveness of glucose and pain deferral. We used it for all our take offs and landings and did not have a fussy baby ever. maybe it was luck but i think it was the toot sweet.

another tip. Bring your stroller for getting around at the airport it really helps and you can bring it right up to the gate and then check it as you board nd leave it in the terminal. the airline will have it ready for you when you exit at your destination.
Good luck and congrats on moving home -mb

J., A pacifier, a bottle Even just sucking on your knuckle will help relieve ear pressure.
God bless

You can start now by arranging your daughters schedule to coincide with the trip so she is sleeping when you are in the air! It may take just a little while to re-adjust her after you are home. You could also just make sure she will be hungry when you first take off and when you are landing! That is when the pressure changes the most and when the ears pop. That is what bothers them the most! My daughter seemed to do fine! Just take her favorite toys, favorite snacks (if she is eating solids) and if she fusses I am sure no one wpould mind u pacing the isles to quiet her!!

J.,

I haven't read all of the responses, but definitely nurse during take-off and landing.

Also, give her a little Benadryl or Infant Tylenol. This will help her rest easier on the flight.

J.,

I remember my daughter's first plane ride (she too was only 6 months). I was prepare for things for her to keep her busy and things to help with pressure. For instance, if she was still awake, I had a passy and a bottle for her to drink. with these, she didn't notice a thing when the plane took off and landed and the pressure didn't bother her. FYI, the bathrooms are extremely small on planes and it was so hard to change her diaper. Good luck if you need to do this. Don't worry, she will be just fine.

R.

I just flew with my 4 1/2 month old twin daughters. They were great on the plane. I would recommend taking toys for your daughter while flying. Also, I breastfeed, but I pumped and gave bottles during the take-off, which help relieve the pressure in their ears. Nursing or giving your daughter a bottle during take off will help her ears adjust.

When I took my children on their first plane ride (my son at 4 months and then my daughter at 2 months) I made sure that I had a good travel bag packed. Make sure you have plenty of formula (if you bottle feed) and most airports will allow you to carry 1 or 2 bottles of water if they are sealed (I have had security take it away too, so don't rely on being able to bring it, you might have to buy some once you pass through). Also make sure that you pack and full set of clothes for your baby and you in your carry on bag. My son had the biggest diaper blowout on his first plane ride and I didn't realize until it was all over me, so thank God for the extra clothes!
As for the ear popping, you can either feed your baby on take off and landing or give her a pacifer. The sucking will help with the pressure.
Just make sure you have a couple of toys that she enjoys playing with, maybe even surprise her with a new one once you get on the plane. And don't be shy about asking help from the flight attendents. Their job is to help you though the flight.
Hopefully, she will sleep the whole flight and be an angel. Good Luck!

I have no idea about the pressure. Does she take a paci? Doesn't sucking help?

My friend flew with her daughter when she was young. She was worried about carrying everything. We thought of a sling and my friend said that really worked well.

Good luck!

24 Years ago I took my Jeff on his first plane trip hr was all of five months, I make a travel notebook of the trip, so now he can look at it and learn about his younger days. He did very well. My hardest part of the trip was I had to change planes. If you will need to make sure you get some help so you will have way to make to carry. I even had his first dance with him during the trip. I held him and dance arcoss the floor at my brothers wedding. It was also fun to give his grandparents they first look at their grandson.You will do fine relax and enjoy.

It should go smoothly. Think of it as a car ride where you have your hands free to entertain your daughter and you can hold her. A paci, a bottle, or nurse during take off and landing (I have nursed with all types sitting next to me, most are very understanding.)

Bring a change of clothing. I think all of my kids have had poop accidents at least once on a place. Not easy to clean up, but whatever happens keep your cool and remember it is MUCH faster than driving to your destination.

My husband and I have travelled by airplane many times in my nearly 3-year-old's life. The first time we flew she wasn't even 3 months old. I was also concerned about the change in air pressure, so since I was breastfeeding her I made sure to do so on take off and landing. The sucking kept her ears clear. (One could give a bottle or pacifier if one is not breastfeeding.) Also, the sound of the airplane engines lulled her to asleep on subsequent flights.
Happy air travel! BW

I used to travel quite a bit with both of my kids by plane -

If your daughter is even a little bit stuffy, I suggest either simple saline nose drops right before flight or medicated ones (but not sure the age appropriateness for a 6 month old for medicated.) My worst flight was with a stuffy baby and he was in screaming pain because his ears wouldn't equalize.

Also, don't forget the stroller trick. Make sure you roll it all the way to to door of the plane. Makes life SO much easier. They will take it from you right before you step on.

Hi J.! I flew with my son at 8 months and it went really great. You have already got a lot of good advise on what to do during take off and landing. I nursed my son witch worked for us. I do not agree with medicating. My advise to you is us a good backpack and don't worry about it too much. Children know when there parents are worked up or worried about something, so the more relaxed you are the child will be too. Take a few new toys that she has never seen before and a couple of her favorites. She will probably be entertained with the flight and all the new things around her, so don't over do it with the toys. I recomend taking those individually wraped wipes. They were super handy and convienent. I didn't have to worry about getting the huge container out and they work for wiping your hands and cleaning things other than bottoms. Good luck and God Bless!

Lucky you! I always wanted to move back to Mississippi. But it's not in the cards. Now working on 22 years of marriage and being away just as long, I've realized I'll be okay. Sorry for the digression. ;)

Regarding plane trips with an infant. My daughter is now 11 years old. So it's been awhile, but I found giving her a bottle during takeoff and landing always helped. The sucking motion clears the ears.

And if baby does cry and scream while flying, don't you dare be concerned about the other passengers. Many on the plane are parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. You'll find more sympathy and help than folks who are bothered.

Hope this helps and enjoy living in the Magnolia state!

i'm posting some suggestions i posted on another group below. when my son was young i nursed him on take off and landing if he was awake. he never took a bottle or a pacifier so those were not options for us and we never had a problem!! we always bought his own seat and put his carseat in - helped us from having to hold him the whole flight, we felt safer and he could see out the window which he loved!

we have traveled a lot domestically and internationally and here are some suggestions i have...(some of these will be too old for your child - but just use what is appropriate)

i am an over packer - but i've never regretted it!! :-)
and if we have to sit on the runway for hours - i am ready!! i have 2 large zip top ll bean bags that i put everything in - food, change of clothes, diapers, wipes, my pocketbook, books, toys, camera, computer, etc. i always bring food - all kinds including yogurt, jarred baby food, crackers, sandwich, fruit, graham crackers, etc. and i also bring snacks for me - i am not happy when i'm hungry and neither is oliver. i also fill his backpack with playdough (small containers), books, cars, animals, stickers, those special magic markers that only work on certain paper, aqua doodle cards, his stuffed monkey, etc. i also wrap most things (some new and some old) in tissue paper. i know it's not environmentally great - but it is a great time waster and he gets so excited to open everything up - doesn't even matter that it is something he already has - it's still exciting!! i have also just started bringing a dvd player (he is almost 4 years old). we never
did before - as we didn't really watch tv until later - but on some of the long flights we take - it is a last resort option.

i am always completely exhausted when i fly with oliver. i think it is b/c i worry before the trip that i am packing everything we will need - and then on the flight i am on high alert to his needs so that he doesn't have a complete meltdown. knock on wood it hasn't happened yet - but it takes me a few days to recover :-) for me - being prepared for every instance is really helpful and makes a tiring time - a little better.

the things that keep his attention most - are playdough, stickers, aqua doodle cards and books. he will sit and be read to for hours!!!

i have NEVER medicated my son - nor would i and would never suggest that to anyone. make sure you are prepared - know that you will be exhausted - but it is never a good idea to 'medicate' just to make life easier. safe travels and let me know if you have any other questions.
J.

Not sure how you are feeding your daughter, but on take off and landing, it will help if she is "sucking" on something botte/cup/breast, or a pacifier. We traveled to Arizona with our then 7 month old and she did wonderful on the plane with a bottle. She did well in our lap. We did not board the plane until we had to. That way we kept down the time we were confined. We took an umbrella stroller through the airport and had them put it below when we boarded and they unloaded it at the door when we came off at our destination. When I traveled alone with her I used a front baby carrier. It got frustrating at the security check points, so put it on after you get through those! Have a couple new "soft" toys that she has not seen to keep her hands and mind occupied. Good Luck!

Does she take a pacifire? I would pack some snacks for her to snack on. Chewing on something would help with her ears popping. Feeding her a bottle during take-off and landing would also help, those are the worst times. I would also suggest you use an umbrella stroller. It really helps get around the airport

DOes your baby like Baby Einstein videos? We took our portable DVD player with headphones on the plane and it kept our son occupied. Make sure and wait until you "NEED" it.

We took my daughter on a plane ride when she was about 10 months old. She did fine. At that age it really isn't a big deal to them. As i recall I think the only think she did was pull on her hears a little but she wasn't fussy or anything. When I took my 2 year old with me to colorado last october the only thing she did was lay her head against my chest because of the feeling she got when the plane went up and down....gave us all the willies....lol! Good luck with this.

Hi J.. I flew with my daughter, Kendall when she was exactly 6 months old (she'll be 3 in June). I was scared to death; however, I gave her a bottle when we took off AND when we were landing, so the pressure wouldn't bother her ears. She was perfect, and the beauty for both of you is that you get to hold her during the flight, so she'll be comfortable and most likely sleep the whole time. Definitely bring a couple of bottles!! She will be fine! I'm a Realtor in Mississippi (Gulf Coast), so if you need a place to rent or purchase, we are here! Good luck!!

I would recommend having her suck on a bottle or pacifier during take off and landings to help with her ears.

I took my little boy at the time on his first plane ride around the same age and he did just fine. I would recommend feeding him on the plane to help prevent her ears from having too much pressure. Also you may consider taking a strap carrier to hold her close to you and you can easily take it off.(the kangaroo thing?)(i can't remember what there really called.) Good Luck, you'll be fine.

Hi J. - my son flew for the first time at 6 months and has flown several times since then. I did nurse him at take off and landing and kept his paci for inbetween. He did great and slept on every flight. I also took his carseat and purchased his own seat, which I would very much recommend. He fell asleep in his carseat just like he does in the car. It was a bit of a challenge to install the thing rear-facing in the seat (simply b/c they HAVE to be installed next to the window and its hard to put a knee in the seat to get it tightly installed when you are ducking beneath the overhead bins), but definitely worth it! I would also recommend using a backpack instead of a shoulder style diaper bag - keeps both hands free for manuevering through the airport and down the aisle of the airplane.

If your carseat is difficult to carry (fortunately my Britax had a nice bar on the back which made a great handle), you can buy a carrying bag for your carseat and then throw it over your shoulder. I strapped my carseat to the handle of my carryon bag, so it all rolled through the airport. Although on later trips I decided not to do a carry-on, just a diaper bag.

I've seen people use their infant car seat and stroller through the airport and I wish my son had not outgrown his infant car seat that fit in the stroller, but he had, so I just used an umbrella stroller (which was much easier to handle getting through security and the buses that transport you to and from your vehicle!

Don't forget to throw in some little plastic bags to stash any poopie diapers in. The flight attendants will not (can not) touch them.

Just make sure you have a bottle or pacifier for her to suck on during take off. That helps with the pressure till the cabin pressure stablizes. It is turly not a bad experience flying with babies. My fourteen yeal old was 6 months when I flew with him and this was the advice I was given and it worked fine.

J., I work for an airline and what I tell all moms is to check with your pediatrician...they usually advise the moms to give the child a dose of benedryl. This keeps them relaxed and their ears dont pop. Its when we are aware of the popping that bothers our ears. A relaxed child will not experience the painful pop.
Hope this helps.

Pacifiers and feeding are perfect for ear popping. I had a 16 1/2 hr flight from Tokyo, Japan to Oklahoma City, OK when my daughter was only 5 weeks old. Her pediatrician suggested that I either feed her or use a paci. She refused the paci but was more than willing to eat during takeoff and landing. It worked great!!

Hi J.,
I am a first time mother of a beautiful 7 month old girl. We have flown with her 3 times now and are ready to board another plane next month to see the grandparents. I was so worried the first time we had to fly. She did so great! I suggest that you feed or give her a pacifer during take off and landing. That should help with the ears. My daughter was still full from take off that she wouldn't nurse for the landing and it didn't seem to bother her. Chances are that if you feed her during take off she should sleep for part of the flight. I also suggest getting a new toy for the flight. Good luck!!
Debbie