Taking 11 month old on a plane

[newmominct]

Question- I'm taking Nathan with me on a plane to florida its about a 2 hour flight from where I live.

What have your experiences been with this? He will be a lap rider. I'm worred though because while he's not walking yet he is newly quite proficient at getting around and wants to be down on the floor 100% of the time!! He's more active than ever , my little sleeo 20 hours a day baby has changed so drastically! hehe

anyway

How can I help him relax or distract him? Do you think his teething tabs will help him out? I'm also worried about his little ears.. what do you do about the whole cabin pressure thing???

[joshsmom]

I've flown with Leah many times and she usually nursed during take-off to alleviate any ear pain. Or, even better, I nursed her while waiting take-off and the feeling of the plane accelerating and taking off knocked her out. I was able to put her in her seat within a minute or two of taking off.

I will say this, having her in a carseat makes a WORLD of difference. She "knows" she has to sit and is used to her seat. She is and has always been a mover, so I don't think it'd be possible to restrain her for 2+ hours.

What airline are you flying? There was a few times when I flew very last minute and couldn't buy Leah a seat. Southwest was great and always let me bring her carseat/take a space on the plane, even without a ticket.

[newmominct]

I'm flying Jet Blue but I really cant afford to buy him a seat...
I feel awful and I know its best to have him in a car seat but he's almost a year old and my family in FL has not seen him yet. I'm afraid lap riding is our only choice.

They actually gave you a seat? Hm... interesting- it would be great if they would do that for me. HOw did you swing that one?

[sealy]

I assume PP meant that she found out that the flight wasn't full beforehand & brought her carseat to the gate & asked either the gate agent or flight attendant if she could have her seat next to an open seat in which to use the carseat. It's totally fine to do, provided you are willing to take a chance that the flight won't fill up last minute. If for some reason they say No, you can gate-check your carseat & have your DS as a lap-child as planned.

[newmominct]

\ok good plan!

[joshsmom]

I assume PP meant that she found out that the flight wasn't full beforehand & brought her carseat to the gate & asked either the gate agent or flight attendant if she could have her seat next to an open seat in which to use the carseat. It's totally fine to do, provided you are willing to take a chance that the flight won't fill up last minute. If for some reason they say No, you can gate-check your carseat & have your DS as a lap-child as planned.

This. I got savvy after flying almost weekly for five months straight. :)

I usually asked if the flight was full at check-in and then knew if she'd be able to fly in a seat then. I NEVER checked a seat, when I did need to lap her. I always took it to the gate. I think I only had to lap her 2 times and both were times when I bought a ticket a few hours before the flight.

If the flight was empty and I knew that ahead of time, I just kind of took her right on in the seat and nobody said a word. (Southwest has open seating, so this worked.)

[Earthmama]

Bring new toys -
does he watch movies? Could you get a portable movie player for the flight?
Books.
Toys that change shape?

I hope it goes smoothly for you.

[newmominct]

Thanks EM :)
I've been squirreling away a new toy for him here and there since I've made the plans...
I generally don't let him watch TV but JetBlue has the TVs in the seats I think I'll make and exception for the ride :)

[Jacksmommy]

I took ds on a flight when he was 10 months old. He pretty much nursed and slept the entire time. We actually had 2 flights or a flight where we had to change planes. I had a seat for him. He never sat in it. Just his carseat did.

[newmominct]

Thanks Jacksmommy that makes me feel better

I guess what I'm most worried about is the chance he might get fidgety.

He used to love sitting in my lap, and at time still does, but lately he squirms to get down and cruise around.

Also I remember being on planes as a kid and my ears and head feeling like they were going to implode I can imagine being a little baby and feeling that- it must be awful...

I feel better now, though! This is exactly why I joined BFDC- my friends don't have kids and no one in my family has breastfed. You guys are the best :)

[momoffaith]

My DD flew several times between 8 months and 18 months. Everything from a 30 minute flight to a 10 hour flight. She nursed at take off for the majority of the flights and I have no doubt that helped with her ears. The last flight to Hawaii (10 hours) she was already weaned so she took her passy. Actually flying home was the last time she took her passy, so the next time we fly she will have a sippy cup or gum (depending on her age).

As for entertainment ... anything new. DD loves her toy lap top/books/snacks/squeezable blocks (by Parents) and most of all to observe other passengers. Just remember quite toys as to not disturb anyone else. The hardest thing for her was other children, especially if they got upset, she is a curious child.

I also never board early, Delta will encourage those with small children to board early but for me that was just more time in a confined space.

Out of 20 flights ... DD had one bad experience and that was bound to happen so thank goodness it was a 30 minute flight.