Flying with a 7 Month Old

I few with my daughter who was 5 months old. I put her in a Baby Bjorn and basically attached her to me. It made not only the flight easier as we could both sleep, but also made the trek through the airport easier so that my arms were free to pull luggage

Hey T..
I took my oldest daughter on a plane at 10 months. She was amazingly good. The plane ride itself put her to sleep. The humming of the plane was wonderful. As for the lay over I would definitely vote for a short one, but enough time to feed him. Bring lots of snacks!!!

From my experience in flying across the country with my two little girls - one has flown 3 times, the other 6 times - it is best to get to your destination as quick as possible. A direct, but longer flight is best, and a shorter layover is second best. The quicker you can be done with your day, the better! Unless, you would end up running in the terminals!

I fly to Australia with my kids once a year - I started taking my son when he was 6 months old. My kids are now 4 and 2. Pack a little back pack with a lot of little toys and snacks so you can just keep pulling them out. New books were a big hit when they were really little. I would go for the shorter layover too - you want to condense your travel as much as possible so that you don't run out of supplies while you are on the road (think diarrhea on the 14 hour trip to Oz and diapers getting low!)and so none of you are the end of your rope if there are extra delays.

I flew with my son when he was 6 months too- its not as bad as you might think it could be! I didn't have a layover- I don't know that the length would be too much of an issue- just as long as you have plenty of diapers etc.. I would recommend giving him a bottle or nursing him as you take off and land- it helps with the pressure in their ears. Also check with your pediatrician but mine said give him a little benadryl about 1/2 and hour before take off- it helps with their ears too- and the side effect of sleepiness helps too!!
Its a good idea too if you to check all the carry on rules so you have your diaper bag packed properly- you wouldn't want your bottles getting confiscated at security!!

Hey T.! I just got done flying with my then 6-month old during Christmas time and it was a breeze. :) Granted we had a short (less than 2 hour) flight with no connections, but I flew with him, my 2 year old, and my 4 year old all by myself and the only difficulty I had was getting everyone through security in one piece! THAT is the real hassle! If you plan on taking a stroller, I'd recommend a lightweight and easily folded one. Also, be prepared to strip down - even the baby - of anything bulky (flying in June though, yours won't have coats and boots like all my kids did, haha) And if we did have a layover, I'd say make it just long enough to get on the ground, eat, change a diaper, have a 20 minutes breather, then hop to it onto the next one. My son sat in his carseat on the way there, then on my lap back home and both ways, he was great. If it's a short flight, don't pack a huge diaper bag, it will only be a pain - pack a SMALL carry on with just a bottle, a few toys, and necessities. Even if your child poops the moment he gets on the plane, it's a bigger pain to work your way back into a tiny bathroom than to just wait it out until you land, TRUST ME. But the chances of that are unlikely anyway. Like I said, the plane ride should be fine - just beware security!!! :) Have fun!

Hi T.,

I would suggest getting your child his own seat. Don't keep him on your lap the whole time. That's really hard for everyone. Try to find a time when he will be tired so that he is more likely to nap during the flight. Bring his blanket to lay down on the seat so he knows he can sleep there. If you are breast feeding, nurse him on the way up and the way down so his ears don't hurt. Or a bottle is good, too. Also, have some snacky things to eat and a few toys so that he is occupied during the flight. These are some of the things we did when we traveled with our baby around the same time and they worked well.

I would suggest a short layover to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible but it depends on where you are going. A longer layover would enable him to play a bit before the next flight. We've experienced both long and short layovers and it doesn't seem to make a difference for the baby. Just for me!

Oh yea...bring an extra set of clothes for him. You never know when he'll decide to have a blow-out or throw up or whatever kids do at random moments.

Have fun,
J. S.

when my oldest was 7 months old I took her to Texas with me and I got a flight that was striaght through. The flight was great. No one even knew that she was on board. She was awake the entire time. She got her wings on the way there and on the way home. Both flights she was able to visit the pilot. Pretty cool I thought. I vote for no lay overs if you can avoid it. but if you have a lay over go for the short one.

Enjoy your vacation!

Personally, I would do whatever it takes to get a direct flight! Take-off and boredom are the biggest problems of traveling w/a baby. If you have a lay over, that means you are taking off from the ground twice. A lay over of any length will make your travel time longer than a direct flight would, which increases the boredom factor. Whatever you decide, take board books and rattles that you can attach to those plastic links so that you can hold on to 1 end of the link chain, decreasing the likelihood that your baby will throw the rattle on the floor (or at a nearby passenger's head!)

Hi T.,

Yes, I flew with my son for the first time about that age. It was easy. I nursed him at takeoff and landing which kept his ears clear. It also meant he slept much of the time. I did bring a bag with a few his favorite toys and books and purchased 1 or 2 new things so there would something new and exciting to get him into. Since he was just starting to explore solid food, snacks were also very entertaining.

The comic relief came when he had a giant dump and we had to figure out how to change him. The bathrooms were so tiny and didn't have any place to lay him down. Luckily, our seat mate was an experienced dad and he talked us through it.

The main hassle was dealing with all the gear-- diaper/toy bag plus stroller plus car seat plus all the rest of our luggage added up to a lot of schlepping. On the suggestion of another mom, I went to Babies R Us and bought a special bag for the car seat that had wheels. That has been a lifesaver, we've used it time and again (my son is 3 now). You can stuff it with all the extra diapers, coats, bedding, etc. So I would highly recommend making the investment (I think it was about $35). We have tried renting a car seat a couple of times in the past when we've rented cars. I would not recommend that at all.

On the layover question, I would say whatever is likely to preserve your sanity the most. The calmer and more relaxed you are, the happier your baby is likely to be. In general, I would also suggest that you and your hubby prepare yourselves mentally to just be immersed in your baby for that whole time. It can be pretty intense to be all squished in those tiny seats after awhile. I think it helps if you are both on the same page. Try to laugh as much as possible, but be prepared to have a squabble or two on the way.

Enjoy your trip!

-Caitlin

Hi T.,
I flew with my daughter when she was 6 months old. It's really not that bad. I had a short layover on my way to our desitination, and then a long layover due to bad weather on our way back. I actually preferred the long layover because I was able to changer her diaper in the airport rest room and freshen up myself. She did really well. We brought along her favorite toys and books, I nursed her for a good portion of take off and landing, and we gate-checked her stroller so we had it with us for layovers. She slept in her stroller during the long layover (we deboarded), so we were grateful. For the most part, the strangers around us were wonderful, so her occasional fussing didn't really disturb people.

I don't know what airline you plan to use, but make sure you check their policies before you book your ticket. I used to fly Southwest all the time, but I refuse to fly with them now that they no longer allow families with small children to pre-board. And I also avoid United since they now charge $25 to check a 2nd bag. Anyhow, good luck! I'm sure it will go well. Babies are fun at that age - it's when they can (and want to) walk EVERYWHERE that travelling becomes difficult since they don't want to sit in their seat for long. :)

Best wishes!

HI,

I took my 8 month old on a flight, actually it was her second flight I flew with her when she was 4 months old as well. Anyway, I made sure she was really hungry, I mean to the point of almost being fussy and right after take off popped a bottle in her mouth and she was great on both flights. The bottle helped to equalize her ears,(the constant swallowing) which can pose as a problem and that way she was full and slept the rest of the way on the flight. I would suggest a longer lay over, that way she is ready for another feeding, or atleast by that age, a snack of some juice or a smaller bottle. Good luck, and have a great vacation.

I've flown with both of my girls (who are 16 months and 5 months). The first time my oldest flew she was 5 months old and it really didn't matter either way how long the layover was. Just make sure you have enough time to get between gates. I had both a pacifier and a bottle on hand for take off and landing and she did great. My youngest flew for the first time when she was 3 months old and did fine, as well.

We flew with our daughter at about 7 months and we had about an hour layover. It gave us time to get to the next gate, have a little play time, have some solid food and change her out of her jammies. She did amazing. We were able to time the take-off's and landings with naps and or drinking formula/juice. The only time she cried was when we were in the air or on the ground. Probably because she just wanted to do something else. I think I did worse than she did with the pressure change. Just be ready for the unexpected.

Both of my kids have been traveling on planes since they were 1 month old. Layovers for an 11 week old don't really matter as far as time goes. The layover would be more for you. When they get older, depending on the length of the flight, a little longer layover is better so they are not couped up on the plane and you get a chance to feed them in a stroller (since you will be feeding solids by then) not on the plane. Also, if it is a long flight, you may consider buying the child his/her own seat. On shorter flights (1hour) I could hold them, but any longer I would get them their own seats for a couple of reasons. One there is more room, 2) They can sit and play with toys or watch a portable DVD player (must have when traveling), 3) if it's nap time then they can sleep and you can get up and go to the bathroom since the child won't be asleep on you. 4)If you are nursing, you have more privacy and room to do so on the plane. Definitely take a pacifier or bottle with you for ear equalization. Also, just FYI, if your child is asleep while you are descending, there is no need to wake them up to make sure their ears 'pop'. They will equalize on their own while sleeping.
Hope this helps.

Hi T.,
I have 3 boys and have traveled by plane every year with them so I have lots of experience! I would have to say that the less time you take to get anywhere with small children is better so opt for the quickest route and shortest layover possible. I have also found that using a sling to carry your child is a very comfortable way of getting around. If you don't have one I think you should try it. It may take a little time to get used to it but it is worth the effort. Also remember to give your baby a bottle to suck on at takeoff and descent as this will help with any ear pressure issues. I hope that you find that your child falls asleep while you are flying. The noise of the engines will sometimes just put them right out! Most of all just relax and trust that it will all work out. Have a great trip! S. L.

We flew with my Grandson when he was 7 days old. His Doctor told us that it was fine to fly with him, as long as we fed him a bottle on take off and landing, so that he would swallow to relieve the pressure on the ears. We did as instructed and he seemed to have no discomfort.

Hi T.,
I am a 41 yo with a 22 month old daughter.
As a first time mom I took our daughter (at 9 months) to the Cayman Islands!!!!!! We flew from Cincinnati and had to go through customs, etc. My daughter is adorable but she's pretty active. I was so nervous but I realized I needed to let it go and deal with it as it happened. There's always those people who get annoyed and irritated on the plane. Who cares!! Everyone (almost everyone ) has dealt with the same situation.

I say get the flight(s) over with b/c the longer layovers just make you more tired and frustrated. It's draining enough. Also, TAKE YOUR STROLLER! Don't check it. Your child can sleep in it and they take it at the gate.

I definitely brought her favorite blanket and fed her a bottle on take off and landing so her ears would adjust to the pressure. The swallowing of anything helps with that.

Also, at that age your child may be eating soft starter foods. Ask your pediatrician what you could give him/her.

Also, most flight attendants are sympathetic and let you walk your child up and down the isles to soothe them. Remember too, babies can sense it when you're nervous, etc!
Good luck and don't waste your time worrying! Trust me...

L.

I flew with 6 month old and had no problems. I had long layovers and short. It really doesn't matter. Just make sure you have something to drink and eat for the baby. It helps with ears.

Arrive very early for your flight and perhaps call ahead to the airline indicating you are flying with an infant. Request an isle seat near an emergency exit. There will be more space there for you to move around with little one, get out toys, etc. At 6 months he'll be pretty active, so be ready with lots of activities. Try putting together a new toy basket for him and introduce items little by little during the flight.

My kids still love light up toys and anthying that makes music. Bring baggies of snack foods for little one as the flight is unlikely to have soft or chewy foods available. Also, buy some "airplanes". They are ear plugs for infants while they fly to release the air pressure.

To be honest, it depends on how capable you are at keeping baby still and captivated to whether you want a long or short layover. I personally would suggest a short layover. I can only chase after a crawler so much until you are just tired. If he's really active, he might just want to crawl and walk around to explore everything.

I would suggest bringing a stroller along. Often airlines will let you put it in the captain's closet or captain's cabin during the flight. I would call ahead to ask the departing and returning flights. Otherwise, I would buy a cheap $10 dollar stroller when you arrive at destination. He will be too heavy to carry for long.

Also, at 6 months children are pretty set on their nap routine. Try planning their nap schedule ahead a bit to align with the flight. Or you can keep baby up so that he's really tired for the flight. Once you're in the air, do your "mommy-thing" to get him to sleep. Maybe he'll sleep through the whole thing with any fuss!

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Hello T.,

I traveled with my son to Italy when he was 8 months old. If you have a 1 1/2- 2hrs layover that will be enough. It gives you enough time to get yourself together, clean up if need, and also let you and your baby to unwind. I would not suggest for a longer layover than that because the more you stretch the trip out the more cranky the 3 of you will be and you will be able to feel the affect of the of the long trip.

Hi T.:

I remember those days with our son. We have been flying with him since he was only a few weeks old. You will need to make sure you take a few small toys that he enjoys because even if you have a short layover, planes are so unreliable it could turn in to a longer layover.

My motto was always be prepared. I always took drinks, snacks, etc. During take off and ascent as your ears begin to pop you know how to take the pressure off. A young child will not know how to release that ear pressure and it could be a bit scary for him. So make sure he has something to suck on or chew on and swallow so that the pressure can be taken off his ears that way. At that age snacks will be easy as they can be things like cheerios, crackers, etc...

We were really lucky with our son as he IS and WAS a great flyer. Out of many flights we only had a tough one once and he was right around 2.

We started to travel with our daughter when she was less than 6 months. We did not look for longer delays. We wanted to get to where we were going and let her settle in. We were flying out of the country as well as within the US. The attendants were usually very helpful and would take her and walk her around. We found that having a row with no one in front gave us extra leg room during the flight. We were able to put down a blanket and let her play on the floor. We were careful to adjust her feeding time so she would drink on take off, it helped to clear her ears and kept her happy. Take extra shirts with you!! It was not uncommon for her to have extra spit up. Best thing is for you to stay calm and hope the passangers are not mean if the child expresses him/herself.
Best of luck!!

Hi T.,
I am a mother and also a Flight Attendant for a major airline. I have had many infants on my flights, the youngest I can recall was 1 week old. If you are flying through a hub city and tranferring to another aircraft, give yourself plenty of time to get from one gate to another as many gates can be very spread out depending on which airport you are going through. Also, depending on the time of year, snowstorms and thunderstorms can play havoc on the airlines schedules so give yourself plenty of time in your transfer city in case of delays going in or out of that city due to weather.
Bring plenty of food and formula or whatever baby eats and drinks in case of a delay too. Extra diapers too. The airlines do not carry snacks, formula and diapers for children and infants. Most infants are considered lap babies, unless you can afford to pay for an extra seat in which the FAA approved car seat would then fit into. There is a sticker on the back of the car seat that states if it is FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved. Car seats must always be placed on the seat next to the window and can not be placed at the window exits and the rows forward and aft of the window exits. If you are bringing a stroller, you can gate check them. Tell the agent at the podium at your gate and they will give you a hot pink tag to put on your stroller. You will then roll the stroller down the jetway and fold it up and place it against the jetway wall next to the door that leads down to the tarmac. When you arrive at your next city, it will be brought up to the jetway near the door that leads to the tarmac. Babies and small children can not clear their ears from the different pressures that our ears feel when taking off and landing. Make sure that you give the baby a bottle to suck on when taking off and landing so the sucking can clear their ears. And one final note, the further forward you sit on an aircraft the least likely one is to get airsick. The rear of the aircraft feels more of the movements of the aircraft in turbulence. And try to find out what kind of aircraft it is. If you are on a DC9 or MD80, the engines are in the back of the aircraft and extremly loud for those tiny ears and any ears. Try to reserve seats away from rear engines. Any other questions you have, don't hesitate to ask me. Regards...E.

We flew with our now 3 1/2 year old son for the first time when he was 6 mos. old. I think the trick is to tweek feedings/bottles and naps so they can happen on the plane. Especially bottles...because swallowing helps the ears to not pop as you go up and down in the plane. Even now when we fly I save a special snack (i.e. teddy grahams or gold fish) for the flight so he will be swallowing during the take-off or landing portion of the flight. We also bring favorite toys and books...and now a travel dvd player on longer flights to help the time pass quietly! Have a wonderful trip!

We flew with our daughter at 9 months. We had a short lay over, but made it long enought to take bathroom break, diaper change and so on. It was a nice relief of being cramped up too. When we got to our destination, the car did not - UGH! So we had to wait for the next plane to bring it....after a bit of complaining, we ended up with free meals for he family at the airport. The best over all advise I got - If you are taking a pack n play, use it as a suitcase as well!! We packed a lot of clothes, beach towls, etc. folded up in it!!! It is amazing how creative you can get when stuffing! And oh ya - take the big stroller....wonderful....they flight attendents were so nice, letting us (and other parents on the plane) push right up to the planes door and there it was when we landed. It freed up our hands greatly!
Have fun!

You and your baby will be fine. The biggest issue is take-off and landing and making sure your baby can clear his/her ears. Be sure to take a pacifier if used normally; if not, use the bottle or nurse so they're forced to swallow and relieve the pressure. We flew overseas with our young ones and tried to duplicate their normal day on the plane - toys, books, and naps. The layovers will just be part of your day. Take your stroller to ease getting around the airports. Most of all, enjoy your adventure!

Hey T.,

We got the same advice about the benadryl from our doctor the first time we took our baby on a plane. The bottle and a pacifier, if he takes them, are good too. Just be sure that you have plenty of food and diapers in a carry on, and check with the airline about how to do it in this day and age! We got grounded inside the plane for 4 hours in a thunderstorm on what what supposed to be a 45 minute flight once, and I got caught without enough food and formula.

Have a good time!
M.

Hi T.,

My husband and I did a lot of flying within the first two years with our first child; this was actually a pretty easy age (unless he was teething, then the crying factor played a part in his mood). We found that our son was soothed by the engine sound, and did not have ear problems. But just in case, we kept a full bottle handy for the take off and descent, just so he could suck on something effectively to help.

Also, we purchased one of those little baby harnesses designed for flight, that straps to your seat belt; it gave us piece of mind that he was buckled in but still on our laps. We had no problem from the flight attendants on this. You can purchase them from One Step Ahead and catalogues such as that.

Changing diapers in the airplane bathrooms was the biggest hassle, if the plane did not have a changing table (if they are bigger they do). We also made sure we had papers with us at all times giving his health information and linking him to us (i.e. copy of birth certificate, insurance card) just in case.

We didn't pay much attention to layovers, but now that I think about, a longer one where you CAN change him in a decent bathroom and possibly nurse in privacy without stress is probably a good idea. Most airports we encountered did not have great facilities for families or nursing moms - even Orlando!!!!!

That's all I can think of. Have a great time!

HI T.,
I flew with my baby and it was not as hard as I thought it would be. You just need to know a few tips - that the mothers of MamaSource told me:

- Do not check the stroller, car seat, and base (just have the flight addentants take it from you before you board.) Once you get off the plane, they will be waiting for you.

- Take a bottle (or be prepared to breast feed)on the plane

- Take an extra blanket (sometimes the planes are cold

- Take a bear or a toy

Depending on how long the flight your baby just might go to sleep. My baby girl did.

=)

A longer layover is good in the winter because that gives you more leeway if the flight is delayed and making a connecting flight. More time to go to a big bathroom, eat.

You are flying in June so no big deal, but if you are delayed, sometimes you make the next flight, but your luggage, stroller, baby clothes, diapers don't. For the adult most want to cut it as close as possible, but for the kid, it is an adventure, slow down, enjoy it. It will be an experience of a lifetime.

Helpful hint: if you breastfeed is better to feed at take off/landing, because they get the sucking motion so their ears don't pop. Hard to explain to a 6 month old, and you can't really give them gum to chew. I guess a bottle would work the same.

My oldest was 4 months old when she flew for the first time. She did wonderful. So good the flight attendants wanted to keep her on the plane. She also flew at 15 months and now she will be flying at 28 months. We had no problem what so ever any of those times. We did have one layover and she did good. Now it will be our first time with our second she is now 10 months old. Hopefully she will do good as her sister did. Anyway some say to have a bottle for taking off and for landing, I did have that but again she was to busy looking around at the people to drink from the bottle. Neither of my babies took a pacifer so that would not have worked either. It just depends on the child. I would just have one incase. Have fun and do have a few little toys for him.

We took our son on a plane at 4 months and 10 months. He did great. I gave him some Tylenol to help with any pain from the change in altitude. He would fall asleep as soon as we got in the air. I think the sound of the plain helped. I would not worry about layovers. Just give enough time for hi to stretch out. he may be rolling or even crawling by then. Put a blanket down and let him have some time.

Good luck,
S.

I took my first flight with my daughter in December and she had just turned 7 months old. Here are a few tricks I used. Get a few new toys to present to him on the plane. Something that lights up is good (but no noise so you don't anger other passengers) and something that he can chew on b/c by that time he will be teething. Also, try to plan on feeding him a bottle as you are taking off and landing. A binky works for this, too. The sucking motion helps with the ear pressure. On one of our legs she would not take the bottle or the binky and she was MUCH more aggravated and upset.

I had one layover each way, a short and long one. The short one was much better. At that age all she wanted to do was play on the ground and as you can expect the airport is not the cleanest place! So the long layover was difficult. Also, bring one of those umbrella strollers that you can fold up. The airline will take it from you right as you board the plane and give it to you when you get off. It is the best thing to get from gate to gate instead of carrying the baby or trying to use the baby Bjorn. If you don't have one I think they are about $20 at Babys-r-us. Good luck!!

PS Make sure you have plenty of bottles and a jar of food in case of a delay:) We had one and the weather wasn't even bad!

When I took my 11 month on his 1st flight it was an experience. Make sure you bring his favorite books and toys. Wrap them in tissue paper so they are "new" and that is something else he can play with. Bring lots of fun snacks some you know he likes and some new ones. Make sure he has something to suck on when you land and take off. I would suggest a straight flight so that you don't have to go up and down. Good luck!

I took my now 21-month old son on two international flights...the first time he had just turned 7 months, the second time he was 15 months.

He was in my lap both flights and we scheduled an early morning flight at 6:15. We had to get him up a few hours earlier to get to the airport on time, but he slept through it. When we got on the plane, he was awake at the beginning but the noise and movement just put him to sleep. We had a layover for about 2 hours and that is when I fed him and changed him. He slept the 2nd leg of the flight as well! Same thing on the way back.

The second trip was a little different. He slept most of the way down there, then we had a layover for a few hours. I let him run around in the airport and get out his energy, we ate breakfast, etc. He slept most of the way on the 2nd leg too! I guess my little guy was just an airplane sleeper!

I'd say a shorter layover at 6-7 months. If he isn't walking around, have a couple hours maybe to change him, feed him, and push him around in a stroller maybe to get a change of scenery, and then get to your terminal. It's usually once you get inside that plane that you worry how long you'll be in there (without it moving!).

Good luck!

Well, if you are able to get a direct flight that would be my first piece of advice. If not, I would suggest a longer layover. I am picturing myself when my son was 2 1/2 years old and we were running through the airport in Chicago at TOP SPEED trying to catch our 2nd plane. We made it, but I almost couldn't breathe when we got there because we were running so fast. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time in case your first plane is running late for any reason. It's not fun to run with a stroller (and in our case a car seat, too) and a baby and all the stuff you need to have with you because you have a baby!

I flew to Vegas (my mom lives there) with my other son when he was 5 months old and we didn't have any issues at all, but we flew direct. Both of my boys love being on the airplane and it's never as bad as I think it's going to be. Good luck and have fun!

I think you are getting some great advice from everyone, but the only other thing I would recommend is that you get the baby his own seat. We took our 7 month old on a trip to Florida a couple of months ago and held him the entire time (and we had to switch planes, etc.) it was the longest, most grueling trip - he was so fussy that day probably because his ears were bothering him from the flight and he was out of his element -- he is normally a very sweet, quiet baby. I think he would have gotten a decent nap in if he had been in his own bucket/car seat (and hadn't been jostled back and forth between mom and dad the entire time) and we would have been able to relax a lot more, also. Lesson learned for my husband and I. We will NEVER book another family trip without everyone having their own seat - it is a little more money, but definitely worth it!

Hi T.! I have flown with both of my children several times and the best advice I can give is to try and time it so your little one eats as you are taking off (so their ears arent too bothered)and during a normal nap time. If they sleep it is the easiest. I have also gone to a dollar store and gotten some new cheap toys to introduce to our children throughout the flight. This has definitely helped. My pediatrician has also recommended giving our chldren a dose of benadryl before the flight to help them sleep. However, benadryl can also have a reverse effect on your child and can actually make them more active. If you would choose to go this route then you would probably want to try it once before you actually fly on the plane. Either way consult your pediatrician on this because not all doctors feel the same way. How long will your flight be? I hope this helps! Good luck!

T., I have flown with babies and the most important thing to remember is that they need something to suck on for their ears as you take off. Make sure you have a bottle/pacifier and have it in his mouth as the plane revs up at the end of the runway. Also, I would take the most direct flight with the least stops. Traveling with children is not hard so don't make it seem that way. Take some finger foods and chew toys with you on the plane.
Mirrors, musical toys and the black/red/white toys are good.
Hope this helps- L.

IT IS ALL IN YOUR ATTITUDE:
flying with an infant is a breeze, if you just relax and give yourself a few extra minutes.
-Taking a baby byorn is great ...with a backpack to hold bottles,a couple of his favorite toys, FOOD, FINGER FOOD, BABY FOOD...DID I MENTION FOOD, and diapers.
-They will not allow you to dispose of wet or messy diapers on the plane, so a few ziplocs are a nice thing to have, in case.
-Just change the babe on your seat, or your hubbies..it is not sooo bad.
-We found that our kids would get very hot sitting at the gate,waiting to back up, so we just stripprd them down to a onesie to prevent that crankiness before the take off.
-*MOST IMPORTANTLY... DO NOT FREAK OUT... it will be great
and fun and an awesome experience.

ENJOY

I took my son on a plane at a very young age, about 4mos. old. He was great. I made sure he had bottles handy (I pumped ahead of time) and had a few things to just keep him busy. He never needed a toy, there was so much more to look at that was new and interesting. I did use a carrier and that worked well. A long layover was nice because I didn't have to worry about having to rush a diaper change. A short layover was also good because it was less travel time for him. Have a great vacation!

When my son was 4 months, my husband and I took him on his first trip outside the US. Our son did fine, but we were exhausted... We had a lot of baby stuff to lug around. I don't think the length of layovers matter when traveling with an infant...I actually prefer longer layovers so I do not find myself running to catch a flight in case of delays.

when we took our son to CA he was just about 6 months old... my only thoughts about layover is to make sure you have enough time to get to the next gate without rushing -- you'll have more stuff than you've ever traveled with before, diapers to change, etc. i actually found the worst part to be the "taxi-ing" time once you're actually on the plan. My son was screaming, i was getting all kinds of dirty looks, but once we actually started to take off, i would give him a bottle, he took it & then slept through the remainder of the flight.

good luck & enjoy the trip!

We flew with our son when he was 5 months old. I was breastfeeding, so I just nursed him on the way up and on the way down. I bought a plastic mat that goes under a highchair so I could spread out a blanket on it (on the floor) during our layover. (Then the blanket never touches the nasty airport floor.) At 7 months, your son may be crawling. I would say it would be best to have some sort of a layover. That way you are sure to get all of your baby gear on the connecting flight. That also gives you a good amount of time to change diapers in the airport. The airplane bathrooms are soooo small & it is extremely difficult to do- although it can be done!
I also recommend buying an over the door shoe holder to put your baby supplies in while you are away from home. Great to hold onesies, diapers, wipes, socks, shoes, etc.

I have been flying with my son since that age. He has probably already flown at least 10 times and he is only turning 3. The best thing to do is take their favorite toys and bring them out one at a time. So when they get bored you move onto a new one. When they do start to eat food bring their favorite food. Also I will pack food that my son doesnt normally get to eat on a regular basis ex: chips, cookies. Gerber has some great foods that he loves and thinks are cookies but they are actually somewhat healthy. I let him eat as much as he wants knowing it will only be for those couple of hours. I also do the same thing with the food. Bring one out at a time so when they get bored with it I offer them something else. As far as taking off and landing have a bottle ready it helps with the ears. Make sure you dont do it to early when taking off because I did that once and he finished the bottle before we were officially taking off.

As I read in some others get the carseat bag! It is wonderful and you can stuff extra stuff in it. The only thing I take with me as far as getting on the plane is just a stroller and a backpack with everything that I would ever need in it. My husband jokes that I could feed the whole plan with everything that I cram into my bag. Everything else I check in. Also make sure you pack lots of extras just in case your plane gets delayed. There is nothing like finding out you are on your last diaper and your plane is not leaving anytime soon. (happenend to my sister-n-law)

Just try to be as relaxed and prepared as you can be and your child should do fine. I think they feel the stress when you are stressed. Also just know that it is only a couple hours of your life and if they dont behave you will never see those people again.