Need Advise Regarding Flying with My 11 Month Old Daughter??

I recommend a portable DVD player. Its good for one or two baby DVD's at least until they grow tired of it. Also, a friend of mine recently recommended the bulkhead if you can get it. That way, you can play with her on the ground a little.

My son is almost 20 months - its tough! Good luck!

Food can be very engaging. Think of snacks that involve a lot of chewing or one by one eating (like puffs or Cheerios) A pocket calculator. A bag full of small (but not dangerous) things. Let her take all the things out by herself. Books with flaps.

I flew a lot with my 2 young kids and I did a few things that made it very easy. Here they are...

1) Keep her up late the night before
2) Wake her up early
3) Plan the flight around nap time so she is tired from the lack of sleep the night before.
4) Give her the appropriate amt of Tylenol Cold to keep her ears from popping and it should make her a little more tired.

She should sleep through most of the flight. I had easy flight from west to east coast!

Good luck!

Here is what we do when we fly.

1) Bring a backpack full of toys/activities/books to do while on the plane or waiting during a layover
2) Bring another backpack with snacks for both parents and child and any baby food, bottles, etc.
3) Another backpack with a couple of changes of clothes for baby, a change of clothes for Mommy/Daddy (you never know what baby will spill or barf up on you during the flight), diapers, wipes, baby blankets, etc.

We always try to book the bulkhead seats so that the kids don't kick the seat in front of them and so there is more leg room for us and room to let the kids walk around in right in front of us.

We gate check our stroller and carseats. It is regulation now that any child 2 and over must be in a FTA approved carseat and in their own seat while flying. So if you plan to use your carseat on the flight, you need to make sure that it has the sticker that says it's FTA approved or most airlines won't allow for it. Most carseats are not FTA approved. If you have a Britax then you are safe. At the check in counter we have them take our carseats with the luggage and ask for the carseats to meet us at the gate. That way we don't have to lug it through the terminal. Then when we get there we load the carseats into the plane and leave our stroller out for them to put below. Then at the layover we do the reverse, leave the carseats at the gate and take the stroller.

And everytime we gate check our baby items at our final destination they pull all of our luggage and have it waiting in front of the customer service office so we don't have to wait for it at the baggage claim.

Take some ziploc bags for any poopy diapers while on flight.

I am not a fan of giving kids medication just to give it to them so I have never given my kids anything while we flew. I just had a lot of pacifiers or bottles on hand for take off and landing to help with their ears.

I also just pack enough baby essentials to get through the first day of travel then I hit the nearest Wal Mart or Target to get whatever diapers, wipes, baby food, and formula that we will need to get through the rest of our trip.

I would also invest in a stroller travel bag as your stroller will get dinged and thrown about from the airline handlers. Or else just use one of those cheap umbrella strollers.

FYI: We will be taking our first flight with two kids (3 yrs and 1 yr) in early May. I am not worried about my kids on the flight, I am more worried about packing everything and figuring out how we are going to handle all of our carryons.

S.

I don't have flying advise but wanted to let you know you are not alone. I am 4 months pregnant and have a 13 month at home. Mine will be 19 months apart, it will be hard - but something tells me we will manage just fine and enjoy every minute of it ! Good luck !

Hi J. I can beat that, my older brother is just 11 months older then me. His B'day is 2 days after mine. That makes us the same age for two days. Funny huh?
As for your daughter traveling, my grandaughter is 3 years old now and has been to Italy, Canada Washington, New York, Cabo ( Mexico ) Mammoth. All this was before she was 2 yrs.
She traveled like one of the adults. I think you might as all of us be tending to worry too much. They have a movie screen for each passenger and the sleep mode tends to kick in. I think you and her will do just fine...

Take your carseat to the gate with you and ask if there are any extra seats on the plane. They will give it to you if there are so you can strap your child into the carseat so they are safe. I also recommend that you buy her a seat if that is an option. Since the first time we flew with our sou at six months old, we have always purchased a seat as it is sooooo much easier as he just fell asleep. He is now 4.

Hi J.,

I have bene in your situation before! flying with an 11 month old is a challenge. Not one which has to be unbareable, however! I had a child who crawled everywhere - screamed at the top of her lungs and was (and still is) very challenging!
I flew with her on several occassions - here is my advice.
what to bring - tons of diapers, Baby Tylenol (helps them to relax)- lots of small distractions and snacks. Most flight attendants understand - some passengers dont - yet most people at somepoint fly with a very active child! take lots of patience and deep breaths along as well. you will be fine! It sounds much worse then it is! Good luck! J.

I've made several flights from Hawaii (military mom) to the east coast (12 hrs) with our son and recently made a trip to the west coast (5hrs) with both kids. I've done both car seats and as an in-lap situation. There are pros and cons to both. Hand foods and lots of wet wipes. Not all the airports have changing facilities in the bathroom nor on the plane. Also, depending on what airline you are flying on if you set in the bulk head seat they might have a crib that folds out. Not everyone knows about them. Same with hotels, if you request them they'll give you one. I brought books, some crayons, and we did some walking up and down the isle. We also try and sit by the engine so that the noise blocks out my kids. Not everyone will be nice or forgiving, but my motto has become that they pay to get from point A to point B not to have a quiet flight. Oh, and I seemed to be up for almost ever because of tiem change. I also give my kids tylenol before we board (ok'd by dr. first). and give them something to suck on (pacifier, straw cup, sippy cup...for their ears)

We took our son on a trip at the same age. All of the overhead buttons were VERY amusing! He loved switching the light on and off and feeling the air- at least for the short spurts that we had to remain seated. We also packed new toys he had never seen before and brought them out as needed. And, finally, we were up ALOT! Most people, flight crew included, were very patient with all of our time we played in the isle. I think they knew that a happy baby meant happy passengers :)
Good luck!

i posted this a while back - but thought it could help you too. sorry for cutting and pasting - but i didn't have much time to write a whole new post! :-)
J.
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we have traveled a lot domestically and internationally and here are some suggestions i have...

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 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, matchbox cars, finger puppets, 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.
ps - when we fly to london we do the redeye and it has worked like a charm!! he even fell asleep on takeoff one time - we weren't expecting it b/c he's usually too curious to nod off - but he was well fed, in his pj's and the plane was dark and he was cozy under a blanket!!!

Hi
My daughter, now 4.5, has flown between Sweden & Los Angeles numerous times since the age of 4 months. I was nervous at first but no need to be. Try to keep her occupied during take off and landing and let her have a pacifier or bottle so her ears don't pop so much. Once you are up in the air you can let her explore the plane. Most people including flight attendants don't mind. Don't worry. Bring lots of goodies and toys and just relax.
Have fun!
/S.

I traveled with my daughter by airplane when she was young. First, your baby will not understand why she can't crawl around as usual. I hope that you have purchased a seat for her...this will definitely help (but I know that it is expensive to do so). My daughter stood in front of her seat and used the seat as a backdrop to throw her(soft)toys at. Maybe, if no separate seat, then you stand in the aisle as much as possible and let your daughter stand in front of your seat.

Take a lot of diapers & ointment, diarrhea always happened. I don't know why.

There are some quiet moments in the galley area. Don't get in the stew's way, but try using the floor there as crawl space. (Wash your baby's hands well afterwards)

When we travel with my daughters we bring the portable DVD player. It really helps! I always try to buy one or two new videos as a surprise treat along with the old favorites. Both my girls loved Baby Einstein videos, especially ones about animals.
I also pack lots of little toys and books. I try to find some new things so they are a surprise--the novelty of something new usually works for a while. But, also pack the favorite blankie or teddy so she has something comforting.
Also, have lots of snacks handy. The airplane food is yucky and now expensive. Not to mention it is not what toddlers usually eat. I always pack healthy items in a small cooler. Just remember not to pack liquids or fruits (Hawaii to mainland) because they'll make you throw them away. Things like cheese, crackers, applesauce cups, little finger foods are good. Check with the airlines about their restricitons because they will make exceptions for babies.
Don't forget to pack an extra shirt for yourself in your carryon luggage. That way if she spills or spits up on you, you have something to change into!

Most importantly, stay calm and don't stress! Have fun!

We took our then 13 month-old daughter with us to Hawaii from LA (5 hour flight) without buying a seat for her and I deeply regreted it. If we had gotten a seat for her we could've brought her car seat where she might have been able to sleep. She ended up throwing up (have the barf bag handie) towards the end of the flight. A portable DVD player goes a long way- just remember to bring the charger (we forgot ours). The good thing- most people on planes love babies as long as they're not crying (= so try not to be too nervous...

Recently my daughter and I flew to Frankfurt, Germany from LAX with my 11 month-old grandson. That's a 12 hour flight, and it was no picnic, but a bassinet helped a lot. Try finding an airline that offers them, because the baby can use it to nap and play in like a mini playpen. My grandson is very active, but you can put toys in the bassinet, and it helped a lot.

I have been there before. Either go first class and use the extra leg room for her to sit and play. Put a washable blanket on the floor. Or plan the trip around when she takes a nap, and bring all her favorites. Usually all the excitement makes them pretty tired. A must is to bring some new toys and books in a seperate backpack. Sitting her next to the window seat might help too.

We travelled quite a bit with my daughter when she was younger. One trick I learned was to find a bunch of her existing toys (or new ones) and wrap them like presents for her to open throughout the flight. Perhaps also, some small snacks in various packaging to keep her busy snacking here and there. GOOD LUCK! Take a picture of her on her first flight :)

My advice is to fly at night. I flew a lot in the first year of my son's life. Over ten times. That was a lot! There was one time that I flew during the day and it was when he was crawling and starting to walk. I was up and down the isle with him and some were not too happy. That was the first and the last time I flew during the day! So leave after 11pm and get in early in the morning. It is great! I hope this helps!

Flying with small children can be very stressful, but as long as you're prepared you'll do fine. If your daughter has toys that she loves to play with, bring them. Also, if it's possible buy a couple new ones to keep her interested. My family goes to Hawaii every other year and have been since my oldest was 8 months old. I'm very lucky tht my children aren't very fussy during the flight, but I do bring books to read, coloring books, stickers, a notebook to scribble or draw on and a dvd player to entertain them. A portable dvd player is the best investment you can ever have. I also bring snacks for them when they get hungry. I was worried about my youngest because he's a more active person than my daughter, but he did fine and your daughter will too. Good luck and have a safe flight.

Hi J.,
I am a mother of three kids who have all been flying since they were about 3 months old. The best advice I can give is to come prepared. Bring playdough and cutters (the tray table is a perfect place to do this). Bring favorite snacks and if you nurse, do this on take offs and landings or any air pressure change. Lay a blanket on the floor at your feet with toys on it. Are you flying alone? Let her walk up and down the isle with you if you can. Pack yourself a "survival" diaper bag full of your child's stuff and be prepared to go into your own world so to speak while in flight to keep them busy and happy. Good Luck, hope this helps. N.

On my last trip to Alaska with my 3 boys in tow (ages 7,5, & 3) I found it to be well worth the $5 it cost to get the little digital movie player. No more large screen at the end of the plane, trying to see around everyone, you get a little player to put on your tray, with ear buds. You may want to take some regular headphones, or practice with the ear buds. We got to choose between a few movies that were recently released, or "TV" channels, which included kids channels. I also took coloring books, magnadoodles, a few of their favorite toys (cars, guys, etc.), some books that they like to hear me read.
I think most of all, relax. It's not a library! She'll want to stand on the seat, look around, see the people around her. If it's ok for the people 5 rows ahead of you to talk loudly about everything under the sun, then it's ok for her to make a little noise!
Happy flying!

Make sure you pack a spare set of clothes for YOURSELF in the carryon bag--because if she vomits on you, you'll smell really, really bad. This happened to me and my daughter when she was about 1 1/2 years old. Fortunately it was at end of the flight, so the people around me didn't have to smell it too long.

My best advice is stop worrying about your co-passengers, let them worry about themselves. You concentrate on your daughter.

I have been traveling with my daughter since she was 2 1/2 weeks old and she is now 13. I have NEVER had a passenger complain because I have become a pro at being prepared. My first suggestion is to look for seats near the wings if you can. Being near the engines helps drown out any noise she may make and sometimes the droning noise is a good sleep inducer when its naptime. Also, choose the time of day to travel that she is at her best. Just at lunchtime works well because there is so much time spent eating and then napping that can eat up a lot of the time. Be sure to bring some NEW toys that she would love. The fascination of something she hasn't seen before is always a winner. More tips: enlist the aid of the flight attendants when you need to. They are usually delighted to give a hand with whatever you need -- other moms on the flight (especially those with older kids) can also help. They have been there -- done that. What ever you do -- make it obvious to fellow passengers that you have their comfort in mind when you discipline and tend to your child. As long as they see that you are trying your best, even a fussy child will get a smile and lots of understanding from them. No passenger wants to endure a brat that the parents are doing little to control. Let her walk up and down the aisles when you can, play "splashie" in the bathroom sink -- break up the monotony. If all else fails --I always carry an emergency shot of Benandryl to calm down the uncontrollable fussies. Take plenty of her fave healthy snacks & some for yourself in case you can't get to the meal. It's a mother's untold secret weapon on planes. Good luck and have fun!!!

I took my son for his first flight at that age! I was so scared because of how active he was/is. (he is 2.5 now) I bought a portable DVD player and his favorite shows/movies. (elmo at the time) I went and bought NEW toys so when we opened them on the plane it was new and interesting, distracting him longer than if it was a usual toy. We brought coloring books and crayons and he did great! I only had to put a movie on at the end of the flight, the last 45minutes. It went great!!!
I hope that works for you and Good Luck...
A.

Get her a seat on the plane. I've held an infant on my lap and it was torture. She did not want to stay on my lap. Airlines will often give you a discount for an infant. The extra cash is worth it. Bring her lots of little toys, post-it notes are fun.

If you can, fly during a naptime/bedtime, and request the bulkhead seats. There's more room, and many airlines have attachable bassinets that your baby can sleep in. Also, whenever we've flown with our daughters (first trips at 17 months and 5 months, LA to London), we get them their own seats. This is mainly so that we have more room, and if the child is still in a portable carseat, you can have her sleep in it in the seat next to you. Once the portable carseats were no longer an option, we stopped bringing carseats all together. Were we really going to be lugging a huge carseat around while looking for a cab? And if you rent a car, you can rent carseats, too. If family will be driving you, then bring them.

The toys and wrapped gifts are always good. Don't forget a change of clothes (or several) for both of you. And don't don't worry too much. The 5 hours will feel like 12.

You have a good question. I seems like a daunting task but you'll be fine. My husband and I took our daughter to Europe when she was 12 months old (From Honolulu to Zuerich and back, 24 hours of travel) and I was pregnant too. I was really worried but everything went very well, much to my surprise! I think the key is in the preparation. Pack some toys, change of clothes and snacks and drinks so that you can keep your child happy. You'll find that the time will fly by very fast because you'll be busy. Book a bulk head seat (check with the airline 1 hour before boarding) and sit on the aisle yourself. By the way, we took both of our kids to Europe again last year when they were 5 and 7 and they did great!
Enjoy you trip!

Hi J.,
It's worth getting a portable DVD player with an extra battery and some good DVDs for kids. That player goes on all our plane rides and has been a life saver. Also bring a couple of new toys or books to keep her occupied.

Hopefully she will sleep on the plane. At that age, my son fell asleep as soon as he heard the engine and would sleep at least 2 hours.

Good luck and congrats on the new baby!

L.

Even at this young age, she will know that something REALLY COOL is going on... go with that.. read some little stories about planes and stuff and remember to just shrug off anybody's negative remarks. When I travelled with little ones, I was surprised at how rude and insensitive people could be. If she cries, she cries. Try not to get upset about it, cause if you are upset she will pick up on it and be upset too.