First Time Flight for 8 Month Old

Everyone seems to have given you very good advice. The only thing I have to add is regarding the formula. You can bring the powder but not the water. I found it easier to spend a little extra and buy the pre-mixed formula. As long as it is unopened and clearly labeled as baby formula they will allow it through. It saves you from trying to mix a bottle on the plane as well - it can get bumpy and messy. And if you can afford it, absolutely buy the extra seat. It makes a world of difference.

The trick for my son has always been lots of food and lots of books. I always make sure that my carry on is a backpack, so that it's easy for me to carry while chasing a kid through the airport. For layovers, let him roam and work off his wiggles. He will be cooped up on the plane so he needs that time to move around. Plus, he might just wear himself out and sleep on the plane. If you can sit next to other kids on the plane, sometimes that helps as babies seem to be very fascinated with one another. Also, if you have a neighbor who seems interested, let them play with him for a bit. It will keep him distracted and probably make their day too. I found while travelling with my son that most people are really great about it and helped me out quite a bit. And remember if he cries, he cries. Just do the best that you can, focus on your baby, and don't worry about what anybody else might be thinking.

Good luck!
B.

We took our baby on her first flight last summer when she was 10 months old. We just made sure we had a bottle ready for her in case she cried or felt uncomfortable once the plane took off. Someone suggested her pacifier as well in case she experienced discomfort in her ears from the altitude. The good news...she slept almost through the entire flight. We took the earliest flights we could get and we made sure to keep her awake at the airport until we boarded. Once on the plane, she was tired and didn't make a fuss or wake up. We haven't flown since they put in all the restrictions but you can call the airline and find out exactly what you can and can't take on board for your baby. At the time, we were able to take a small bag with water for her bottles and formula. I'm not sure if that has changed. Good luck. I think he'll do fine.

I flew with my baby at 4 months and it was terrible. He cried the whole 5 hours. We gave him tylenol, fed him on the way up, had a suitcase full of toys and nothing seemed to help. On the way back we bought a seat for him and gave him just alittle bit of benedryl. He slept for about 3 hours and laughed and played for two. It was a great flight!!! Then at 10 months we flew to Hawaii and another great flight. We are flying in 2 weeks again and I am hoping for the same. For my son the trick was benedryl and his own seat. I know it can be pricey but for us it is well worth it!!! Also get him one or two new toys to play with and alot of snacks. My son loves the wiggles so we brought along a DVD player. As far as formula and water. Water you can get on the plane, formula bring the powder. I brought yogurt and baby food containers on the plane and it was allowed. Pretty much they allow anything that pertains to a baby on the plane. The fruity stars are absolutely allowed!!! Good luck and again be calm you will make it through. The 1st flight was the worst 5 hours of my life but we made it through. Just ignore others around you if they start giving you dirty looks. You are doing all that you can do!!!

Check with the airline you'll be using, but usually, they let you bring baby things (stroller, pack n play) and don't count them toward your luggage restrictions.

As for inside the cabin, yes, bring food for him, and make it the stuff he likes. I took a flight in January, and they restricted the liquids you could carry on. So, I would take some formula, but in the powder form. I know Similac has those little straw things that make 2 ounce bottles. I'd take something like those because they say what they are and they aer sealed.

Last thing is I'd say take a deep breath for yourself. Calm done. I know flying is hard - I'm a rotten flier, too. But when you concentrate about the baby, it will help you, too.

When I took my oldest on a plane, the sound of the engines made her sleep. So, that part was easy.

Good luck!

well it was my daughters first flight she was 9 months old and MY first flight too!! on top of that i was alone cause my husband was out of town on business. the first thinkg i did was as soon as she woke up in the morning i kept her awake all the time especially on the trip to the airport so that she would be a little more tired than usual. i had a bottle ready as soon as i got settled in my seat. so when the plane took off i gave it to her and then burped her and cuddled so she was ok, Yes she screamed at times and cried but what can you do.. she is a baby and you cant yell at her cause she is scared or uncomfortable haa haa. also as soon as you get to the boarding area and they take your ticket for the last time ask them for the "Bulk head seats" they are the seats right behind first class and have LOTS of leg room so you could set her on a blanket on the floor if he gets fussy. and dont forget to relax cause your baby can definetly feel you! let us know how it goes!

I flew cross country at christmas with my then 5 month old, and it wasn't too bad. I would suggest non-stop flights whenever possible, but otherwise a few of his favorite toys should keep him occupied during the layover and flight. I carried my daughter around in a snugli and she sat in my lap during the flight so it was pretty easy to keep her visually entertained and happy. Its a new experience so as long as he isn't a nervous baby he'll be plenty interested in what's going on around. You need to be calm and relaxed for that to happen though, otherwise he'll feel your nerves and become anxious as well. Also, the engine tends to lull babies to sleep once you are in the air. Try to feed him during takeoff, not only to give him a fully belly for sleeping but it will also help with the air pressure change. Here is the link to the FAA for what you can and can't bring on board with you :)Happy travels!

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitt...

Hello R.,

My daughter is almost 38 months old, she has been in a lot of flights since she was 4 months old, we went last year to Europe with her and she did great. If your baby is busy, he'll do great. Bring a lot of activities, little books, his favorites programs and a new DVD or a new small toy (they love that). Give him a lot of fluids especially during take off and land off (that will help him with his ears). Enjoy your trip.

Ohh and you'll need ziploc bags for all his food, juice, diaper rash cream, etc. You can check the following link.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitt...

Have a safe trip,
Sylvia

I have a 3yr old son who has been traveling since he was young. The thing I found to be most helpfull was to give him a little dimatapp to help with the pressure. when you take off and land make sure he is sucking on something whether it be a pacifier or a bottle this will help him pop his ears and relieve the pressure. Other than that maybe some toys. my son always fell asleep on take off then would wake up on landing so I condsider myself lucky.

I have flown over 10 times with my now 20 month old son. At earlier ages, the good things to carry on-board for him were books and small, soft toys & rattles. I also make sure to bring a blanket and an extra change of clothes.
As far as snacks go - remember you can't bring water through security. I believe formula is okay if in a bottle, but you may want to check with the airline. Most all dry foods are okay to bring on-board.
Something I learned is that babies ears pop on take-off and landing. This will contribute to fussiness, but if you make sure to give him a bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and landing, it will help immensely.
Now that my son is a little older, we also take a portable dvd player with some movies - like Finding Nemo. That's a great way to keep him quiet and entertained.
Have fun on your trip!!

Lots of good advice. I personally wouldn't give him anything other than tylenol for his ears. Nurse or bottle feed him as you are taking off and landing. It worked well for my daughter when we flew at 3 months and 5 months. She played with her toys and us or slept. our first trip was not a full flight so they were able to give us a row with an empy seat for her and her car seat. The other trip was full so she was on my lap. I brought my boppy which made it easier to hold her and to nurse.

I had two 5 oz bottles of breast milk in my carry on that I took out to go through security.

good luck.

I have traveled quite a few times with my infant, and the best thing we found was a portable DVD player with something that keeps his attention. You can bring formula on the plane, but not water, you have to buy it behind security, or ask the flight attendant, any other foods are allowed.

Also, something I just found out and is a lifesaver is first you can take your stoller to the gate and they will check it in there (great to have within the airport), and you can pick it up right when you get off the plane. Also, if you didn't buy your infant a seat, you can take his carseat to the gate and if they have any open seats they will allow you to take it on the plane. If they don't then you can check it same way you check the stoller. Good luck!

in jan i flew my then 8 month old son to texas, i went out & bought one of those snugli carrier, it really helped keep him calm. then just at take off i gave him a bottle, & he was out....

I just got home from a trip last week with my son and you CAN NOT take water through security or the pre-made formula. However you can buy a bottle of water on the other side of security and then carry it on the plane. You can take anything food wise through security as long as its dry food. Also you can take medications as long as the bottles are 3oz or less and all of what you take medicine wise MUST fit in a sandwich baggie or they WILL take it from you!!!!! Hope this helps...my son is a year and a half and this was his 9th flight, so if you would like to ask me anything please feel free to contact me, my email is ____@____.com
Good Luck, A.

I had to take my little one on a plane recently. A friend of ours is a pilot and I asked him for some advice...our daughter is 3mo. He told us to make her drink right after take off and right before landing (to help her ears). When they swallow it keeps their ears from getting blocked. It worked very well. We also brought books, some toys, and a portable dvd player (just in case). We didn't end up needing them though...she slep most the time and it was a 6 hour flight! Chances are your little one will sleep to, the turbulence makes it just like a bumpy car ride...puts them right out. I wouldn't worry to much.
Not sure about all the restictions about what you can and cannot bring on board as far as food is concerned. All I do know is that any liquids (like moisturizers, ect) can be no more than 3oz bottles and must be out seperatly in a clear baggie, unless the items are checked of coarse. You can check tsa's web site and I'm sure you can get all the info you need there. www.tsa.gov
Have a nice trip and try not to stress, chances are its going to go alot smoother then you think it will. :)

I took my daughter to Paris when she was 10 months old. I bought her a seat and took a lot of toys and snacks. If it is a longer flight ask for a basinet and bulk head seating (available on longer flights and international). I did not take a car seat, but wish I had. We have flown shorter flights since then and she loves to be in her car seat. If your son likes to watch movies take a portable dvd player.
They let you take almost anything as far as the baby is concerned. They prefer you place all liquids in ziploc bags so they can see what's in there. I took desitin, tylenol, benadryl, and vaseline and they didn't care. I told them before it went through the security check so they knew it was there.

We didn't bring my sons car seat on the plane with us because we wanted to save some money. Next time we will be paying for the extra seat and bring his car seat. My son just wanted to crawl around but there was no where to go. Usually he falls asleep good in his car seat so we should've just purchased the extra seat, it would have made the trip a lot easier.

We used the travel packs of powdered formula already measured out. That might have been before all the restrictions, I don't remember.

Hope this helps out.

J.

Hi R.,
We just got back on Sunday from an airplane trip to Chicago with my 2 year old and 1 year old. We had an awful experience, and I hope it's not the same for you. Here's my advice so that you don't experience what we did. Our flight was to take off at 7:30 am - we could see our gate from security so it wasn't a long walk. We got to security around 6:30, in plenty of time (or so we thought). My family of four (yes, ALL of us) were flagged "randomly" to go through the terrorist tests. We were in security for over 45 minutes, and they went through EVERY single thing in our carry on bags, swabbed each toy, diaper, and everything else for explosives. Long story short, we got to the gate just in time for the agent to tell us he had given our seats away and we couldn't get on the plane. Our explanation of being held up in security meant nothing to him.
So, my advice - be sure you get there in plenty of time just in case you are "randomly" chosen. You cannot take any liquid through security except formula or breastmilk - no sealed water bottles or drinks of any kind. You can purchase water or other drinks after you pass through security. Snacks are fine, either in sealed bags or in containers. Also, during takeoff and landing, have your baby sucking on something - a bottle, pacifier, or his thumb to help with pressure in the ears.
Best of luck and have a safe trip!

I don't have much advice for traveling with an infant, but your comment about being "not a good flyer" made me want to respond. I work with people who are afraid to fly, and they often say things like "I hate to fly" or "I'm a bad flyer." Whatever way you say it, fear of flying can be overcome--especially before you pass this nervousness that you speak of on to your son. We offer classes to help and have a Chicken Soup product that is especially helpful. Visit our website at fearlessflight.com. Check the tsa website for info about what you can and can't take onboard. The food shouldn't be a problem--but the liquids might be unless it's 3 ounces or under. On the website they have a list of "permitted and prohibited items" as well as other helpful info. Hope this helps!

Hi R.,

I have flown several times with my daughters (3 years old and 14 months). I flew with my oldest the first time when she was 6 weeks old. One piece of advice that I can give you is make sure that he has a bottle or a pacifier during take off and landing. It helps relieve the pressure on his ears and will make him more comfortable otherwise he doesn't have any way of "popping his ears". My experience has always been that the noise and vibration puts my kids to sleep. They take great naps on the plane. I usually have plenty of snacks and bottles. I also have little toys or books that they haven't seen before that I pick up at the dollar store. Not a big loss if we misplace it. Also, make sure that you have a change of clothes for him (in case of sickness or diaper accident) and a clean t-shirt for you in case he gets you in the process. Last time I flew, you could take all of the items that you mentioned but water. They gave me canned water on the plane to make my formula. The best thing you can do is call your airline or visit their web page. It will tell you their restrictions. Most importantly - RELAX - he picks up on your tension and that will make him tense. Good Luck and Have a Great Trip!!

G.

I just kept my son busy with snacks, DVDs and toys, but it is still nreve wracking because you really can't control what happens on a plane with your childs mood. remember that all mothers understand what you are going through if your child acts up on the plane and feel sympathetic rather than annoyed, (and who cares about the annoyed ones).

I would call the airports or look online or call. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitt...

There should be no problem taking all of that stuff in your carry-on. My daughter has flown about 10 times in 16 months, so we have had lots of experience. Tips would be to have your son take a bottle at take off and landing to help his ears pop. We have never had to give our duaghter tylenol. Other than that bring a few toys and hope for a nap.

my son was 8 months old when he went on a plane for the first time. we flew from england to america, with a few stops in between. he didnt like the taking of, as i think he was scared, so i just tried to distract by giving him some toys to play with and a bottle. but once we were in the air he was fine, he slept most of the time, i took him out of his car seat a couple of times so he could move about a bit. but, yeah, bring some tylenol
along with you as his ears might play him up.

I took my son on a flight when he was 8 months old. His doctor told me I could give him 1/2 tsp of Benadryl before the flight. And that really helped. My son is big for his age, though, so I wouldn't do that without talking to your doctor. Try to get him to take a bottle or pacifier while the plane is landing, to help his ears "pop" and relieve the pressure. I took some toys, and gave them to him one at a time, as he got bored with the previous one. That helped stretch them out longer. It should be fine for you to take his snacks on the plane in a carry on bag. They want the formula to be pre-mixed, or you can take the powder and buy water in the airport after you've gone through security. I just mixed it before security, and they were fine with it. They x-ray the liquids seperately from everything else, including any baby medications you take with you. I'm not a great flier either. One thing I found that helped me is my son and I have a special song I sing to him. Any time the flight got bumpy or I got nervous, I would sing our song quietly in his ear. It was reassuring for him, helped me think about something else, and kept him from getting nervous because I was. Good luck, and hope you have a great trip!

The best thing to do is take the trip in the car. That way you can stop to eat, change your baby's diaper, put gas in the car and buy some more snacks that you may be running out of. That is the only advice I can give you since I never traveled with my daughter when she was a baby.

I suggest to be sure to have your son drink his bottle at take offs and landings. That really helps their ears. Also, you may want to go out and buy him some new toys that you can surprise him with on the plane, that will keep him busy for sure. I have been flying with my daughter since she was 8 weeks, and I work for US Airways. Also when you are checking in you may want to see if there will be an open seat next to you so you can bring his carseat on. You also can take milk,formula and any other non liquid snacks, like the fruit puffs you like. Keep in mind anything liquidy, or anything like yogurt consistancy you can only take in 3 ounce containers through security checkpoint. You can pack as many 3 ounce containers as you want as long as they fit in a quart size ziploc bag. One per person. Also, whenever the seatbelt sign is off, take him for a little walk up and down the aisle. Babies love to look at other people and this is a good way to get him movin'!

R., I have flown with my 6-month old son a couple times and it went better than I ever expected. The best piece of advice I can give is to keep him a bit hungry before hand so that he will take a bottle as you are taking off. The sucking helps with pressure on the ears and might put him to sleep as well. (Same is true of landing.) If he's not hungry, give him a pacifier. I haven't done lay-overs yet, but I have a feeling that all the activity at the airports will keep him entertained. Don't stress too much. I did and it wasn't worth it at all!

We have flown with our daughter twice now. Once at 4 months to North Carolina and once at 8 months to Tennessee. Both times, we timed the flights to coincide with her nap schedule. That way she was awake during the boarding process and ready to nap upon take off. She did so well. Way beyond our expectations. She was a lap baby for the first flight so I took the boppy and she slept on that. For the second flight, it was worth every penny that we spent for her to have her own seat so that she could sleep comfortably in her familiar car seat (Britax). Definitely feed a bottle at take off and landing for the cabin pressurization. We took the portable DVD player and it came in handy for both trips. We won’t travel without it. I packed the stroller in a padded stroller bag and checked it with the luggage so we used the Baby Bjorn to carry her through the airport.

As far as what you can carry on. I packed her diaper bag with 3 baby bottles w/approx. 6 oz. of water in each, a formula dispenser, 3 jars of baby food and some snacks and they didn't give me any problems.

Good luck and wish us luck as well as we are getting ready to take a long road trip to Rocky Point with a "very" active 14 month old.

Hi there R.-
Talk to your doctor about Benadryl - he/she can tell you the proper dosage. It's much easier if the kid's tired & sleepy. The only problem is it doesn't work on all kids. Sounds like the Dimetapp thing is a good idea for pressure. Also regarding pressure on the ears, on take off & landing do give him something to suck on (pacifier or bottle). My son didn't like pacifiers so we did the bottle but be careful that you are not feeding him through the entire flight. Otherwise you could wind up with partially digested milk all over you, the baby & anyone within a 3-foot radius. Snacks are a good idea just avoid too much sugar because again you could wind up being your childs burp rag. And when you're flying there's no such thing as a little spit up. Always bring extra clothes and a plastic grocery bag in addition to your typical diaper bag stuff - nothing like the smell of vomit to top off your day - the grocery bag will help contain the odor. If his attention span is long enough to watch a DVD on one of those portable DVD players then that could help. Lots of interactive play - maybe a toy airplane, his favorite toys. Put his toys in wrapping paper and have him open them on the plane. Planes are fun but "Christmas"/birthdays ;) are really fun on planes. Getting up & walking around with him kills time. Travel-size bottle of Purell is a must. I always take advantage of the pre-boarding option for parents with small children. I used to sit in the back but forget that idea. You want to be on first and off first. Strollers help if you're in a hurry & is much easier for them to sleep in. And something I learned from my last flight - DON'T FORGET BLANKIE or their favorite toy. I spent $60 to have it overnighted to the city I went to. Lots of info but it'll help. Good luck.

Hi R.,

I am a mom of 9 month old twin boys. We took them for their first plane trip at 7 months and they did great. To avoid delay at security I brought the dry formula and purchased water once I was through to the gate area. One tip is to buy a couple of small non noisy toys before the trip. Then, break out the new toys one by one as needed. I've heard giving a little tylenol just before boarding works well too. Our boys were actually congested the week prior so we used a baby antihistamine from "little noses" and they slept most of the flight. Also, having them take a bottle at take-off and decending keeps their ears from hurting. Allow time at the airport......also, we made sure to change diapers just before boarding.

Oh....my husband and I found it very helpful to purchase an extra seat on the plane since the rows are usually by three's. This way we had the entire row to our selves and room to let one baby move around. The cost for the extra seat is 1/2 price if you tell them it is for an infant/child.

Well, I think that is all I have to offer:) I hope some of this will be helpful.

Take care,
Jen K. B/B twin and expecting in Arizona

Hi R.. You have quite a journey ahead of you. I flew to Fresno in Jan with my then 7 month old. We had a lay over in Vegas and she did really well. I took all the stuff that you noted in your request, but also did a few extra things. I know that I am a horrible flier so I went ahead and gave my daughter a 1/2 dose of Tylenol about 30 min before the flight. Once they get that fussy...it's too late to try to medicate. I also made sure she had a bottle while we took off and landed. This helps with their ears. Like us chewing gum. If you don't want to do a bottle then the breast or a pacifier. This is VERY helpful!!!! Also your son is old enough to see things past a window. Sitting at the window on the plane will give you things to point out to him...if you aren't in clouds. I also had a baby backpack instead of a stroller. It was much easier to carry her in and I didn't have to get her out until I was actually at my seat on the plane. You know how you can get loaded down while traveling with kids. You can also buy him a brand new toy and save it for the flight. That might hold his attention for at least a little bit. I hope your flight goes well. I wish you all the luck. Hope I helped with some ideas. J.

Nope, no water or liquids, you can buy that once you get past security so leave that at home. Puffs should be fine, along with cheerios and the baby goldfish. As far as entertainment, does he like to watch TV, the portable DVD player was the best thing ever invented. Also, you might just give a nip of juice with a little sleepiness (i e half a dose of benadryl) so she'll be sleepy and be happy to lay in your arms and snooze too, depending on the lenghth of the flight. And if he uses one, have a binky in his mouth during take off and landing, or a sippy cup to help with ear popping.