Flying with a Baby About This Page:

[StitchLover]

Any advice for flying with a 4 month old? Has anyone else done it? If so how did it go? Am I crazy for attempting it? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[disney]

no you are not crazy . we did it with both of our kids when they were that age .
how was it ? not bad my wife talk to our pedatricion we ask about how to make them a little mellower on the ride he suggested giving a little motrin it will calm them and make them sleep as per our two. and the motion of the plane will settle the kids too they love car rides . this is like the same.
grant it while they were awake we took turns every 30 min or so holding , so we were equaly the same when we got off the plane .
LET ME SAY THIS IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE MOTRIN TALK TO YOUR PEDATRICION FIRST . each pedatricion may say something different.

[MMMD]

I flew with my children at that age and they were no problem. Some pediatricians recommend decongestant so the child doesn't get an earache on the plane so speak to yours before you leave. The only problem I ever had when traveling with babies was where to change the poopie diaper if there was no changing board in the bathroom. And do not, I repeat, do not let other travelers upset you if your baby cries. I hate when people complain about infants on an airplane. People that expect total peace and quiet on an airplane should rent a private jet.

[jennimouse]

We took our son on a plane when he was 6 months and our pediatrician said to have him suck on something like a nook for his ears. He loved the plane ride both ways and had no problems.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

You are not nuts at all. I suggest nursing or bottle feeding on the take off and descent - it's better for their little ears if they're drinking something. Other than that, I agree with the previous statement - don't let people give you dirty looks if your baby cries.

Enjoy your trip, and listen, worst case, you have a horrible flight and the baby cries and cries. *shrug* in the scheme of life, if that's the worst that happens to you, you're doing ok, lol! Best case, the baby sleeps through the entire thing, and you're golden.

Definitely touch base with your pediatrician about suggestions for a good flight. But I'm sure you'll be great!

[mommadjones]

I am traveling with my then 8 month old son in Jan. Doc said bottle nuk or nurse on decent. I was also told by fellow passporters(thanks all) to bring an extra set or two of clothes. Good Luck

[disney_duke]

Have you purchased a seat for him/her on the plane? If not, I would suggest to do so. They're typically half the cost of a regular priced ticket. Call the airline and see, because most airlines don't have this on their website. Some do though. BUT if you do purchase a seat, you MUST bring his carseat along for him to sit in. Requirement.

I've flown with my kids at 11 weeks and 7 months being the youngest ages. I've never used the medicine. Had it in the bag, but never used it. Usually they're pretty well occupied if you pack some new toys and favorite snacks. That and a bottle kept them just fine. Another vote for either a bottle, snacks, or a pacifier for takeoff and landing. That's what I did too. Although, for my 11 week old, she was sound asleep at landing so I didn't wake her with a bottle for her ears. She was just fine. I had a bottle ready for her if/when she woke up and then she just ate it while walking in the airport.

Changing diapers is tricky in the airplane but can be done. I don't know how though, my DH did it!! Bring along a ziploc bag to put the diaper in so it doesn't stink up the bathroom!!

Also, ask your pediatrician about water. Mine said it was OK for my 11 week old to drink up to 2 oz. water per day - due to the Florida heat. So it's OK to use that on the airplane too for the pressure.

And definitely make use of the Baby care centers at WDW!!!! I assume you're going to WDW??? The centers are great. Full changing tables, A/C, private room for nursing, tables and chairs, nice. Very nice. And fully stocked if you need to purchase something!

[SARH7]

My ds will be 9 months when we fly. His lunch time is noonish, and lucky for us, that's when we leave!! Hopefully we can board and give him his baby food then have him drinking from a bottle when we take off. Usually he naps after that meal, so I am really hoping he will sleep the entire flight!!

[Carousel96]

We flew with DD from the time she was 6 weeks. She made 13 flights before her first birthday.
I strongly recommend buying a seat and using a carseat on the plane. But I'll spare you my soapbox. There are plenty of threads on that topic here. Don't assume the bulkhead row is your best bet -- the armrests don't fold up so the carseat may not fit.
A pacifier or bottle for takeoff or landing is wonderful, but if the baby sleeps through that part of the flight, don't wake her. I'd hesitate to use meds with a 4 month old, but check with your pediatrician.
Take twice as many diapers, twice as much formula as you think you will need.
We got DD used to room temp (as opposed to heated) formula -- made our lives much easier when travelling.
And as to those other folks on the plane -- especially those who give you dirty looks when boarding, whether or not the baby has yet made a peep -- just remember: You will never see those people again!

[cogorila]

We flew with our daughter a lot when she was less than a year. My DH would hold her on take off and landing and she would either have her binky or a bottle to help the ears.

One thing I did not see anyone mention, is to find out if your airline preboards families. We did fly once on an airline that did not preboard anyone. We had the stroller and the diaper bag and our carry-ons.....my DH was not happy to find out this information as we were gathering around the gate. And, we were near the back of the plane that day.....So if you know ahead, you can plan and not be surprised! (BTW, we have not flown on that airline again!)

[kimberlym322]

Depending on what airline and where you are going, you may not be able to pre-board. I know on every flight that I have taken to and from MCO they tell you because there is so many people traveling with small children/babys they would not be any pre-boarding. So be perpared for that. If you already have your seats that you know you are going to be in, your hubby or you could board with the carry ons, other kids, and such and then tell the person taking tickets that one of you are going to stand there with the baby until almost everyone is boarded. I say do this for 2 reasons. First the baby dont have to be on the plane for the whole boarding/everyone getting seated thing. And second most of your group and bags are all ready...the only thing you will have to do is walk on the plane and hand the baby to the other person and sit and buckle up. Well at least that is what we are doing with the 1 year old that we are traveling with this year.

[StitchLover]

Thank you all so much for your advice! It has been really helpful!

[Tigger71]

Been there done that and it's easy if you choose your attitude. If you want it to be a success you will plan ahead and be ready for the unexpected (leaking diaper, messed up clothes, little room to change, unsettled baby, stressed out passengers around you...) First rule - think of yourself first!!!! do not be concerned with other passengers, you will not meet them again and they were all babies at some stage too. Second rule is trust your own instinct. You know baby and his/her needs and routine. Try to stay as close to normal. Babies are very portable and you will have less hassle taking a 4mth old flying than a 2.5yr old - believe me!
I'm with all the other PPs who said to have baby sucking on take off/landing etc and bringing spare clothes and such but be careful with meds for such a young child.
You will have an awesome time. Be sure to follow up with a trip report so we can all benefit from your experience. Have fun!

[HakunaMatata]

Everyone gave really good advice Besides traveling with our 9-year-olds, we will have DS2, 10 months at time of flight. I am hopeful that it will be a good experience or, at least, not as bad as I imagined before seeking out the advice of others.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip

[deigal]

We brought our 7 day old daughter home on a flight from Maui to Honolulu to Dallas then to Indy! The Lord was with us as she didn't make a sound and the flight crew was astonished about half way home from Honolulu that she was aboard. She was so small that they didn't realize we even had a baby with us. I would suggest taking a pacifer and say a little prayer. When a baby is 4 months old telling them to "be quiet" is useless. You need to remember to stay calm as the child will be able to sense if you are stressed. Best of luck.