First time flying with baby

[Anonymous]

I haven't flown with my baby before. What do I need to know in terms of what's allowable to bring on the plane, how to get through security,etc. Any products that I should get to make things easier? Please educate me.

[Anonymous]

In my experience it's a pain to travel with a baby, and difficult to manage alone. I recommend a backpack instead of a diaper bag because you'll have both hands free. You can bring breast milk and get it through security these days...you just want to identify it for the TSA. Definitely have lots for baby to drink for takeoffs and descents/landings because this will help your baby equalize pressure in their tiny little ears and save them from experiencing pain. I always paid for a seat for my baby and installed our car seat because I believe that safety is just as much a concern in the air as on the roads. When my baby was a little older, we started bringing a portable DVD player - a special treat to keep her occupied. Finally, think about the timing of your flight. I learned to avoid times when my DC was typically napping, because she wouldn't sleep on a plane and would cry hysterically. Other babies may be lulled to sleep by moving vehicles so maybe nap time is the best time to book your flight.

[Anonymous]

What's your child's age?

DH travels for work and I've been in the plane with DC for 18 months on and off. Depending on the age of the kid you'll need different things.

[Anonymous]

Yes, would be helpful to know baby's age. I too have traveled with DD alone frequently due to traveling spouse.

I will say in my experience, and maybe I've been lucky, people (including, gasp TSA!) have been very helpful. On many occasions, TSA agents have brought my stuff over to a chair and on a few occasions actually set up the stroller after we went through security.

We always travel with a diaper bag, backpack, light stroller. DD is now about 2. When she was younger it was same stuff plus moby wrap. If the trip is over a week, we check a bag (mostly for diapers and bulky stuff). If we have the checked bag, I usually get assistance at the airport after landing because it was otherwise be too much. Yes, that requires a small tip but whatever.

[Anonymous]

When I travel with a baby I check the stroller and use a baby carrier like the baby bjorn, sling, or moby wrap. This makes going through security a breeze. They do not make you take the baby off you, so you both walk through. No hassle. As a PP suggested, use a back pack to carry what essentials you'll need on the flight. Check everything else. If you nurse, then you don't have to worry about bringing breast milk on board and if you use formula, you can just carry it as powder and mix you bottle after security. You are allowed to bring milk/formula through security, but its so much easier not to.

Remember --- you'll need a boarding pass for you and your infant (even if your child is a lap child). This means waiting on line to check in. I was never able to check in at a kiosk with a baby, but maybe things have changed. better to check before you head to the airport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I travel with a baby I check the stroller and use a baby carrier like the baby bjorn, sling, or moby wrap. This makes going through security a breeze. They do not make you take the baby off you, so you both walk through.

Huh. I have always been asked to take my baby out of the wrap/carrier before walking through the x-ray machine. We mostly fly out of National, but this has been true at Dulles, too.

When my child was little (<1 year), we didn't take a stroller when we traveled by plane, just a carrier. He's now bigger and we use an umbrella stroller that is small enough to fold and send through the x-ray machine.

But yes, how old is your baby--different tips for different ages!

[Anonymous]

Would be helpful to know child's age.

I would NOT recommend a moby or sling since in my experience (over 10 flights with baby under 2) they do make you take baby out of the sling/ wrap. AND if you use a stroller, you can put your carryon in it which takes all the weight and hassle of carrying things off your body.

I second the reco for drinking a bottle or nursing or a pacifier during takeoff/ landing to help their ears clear. I have never had a problem nursing on the plane either. My youngest slept from gate to gate last time and didn't even notice takeoff/ landing.

They will make you put the stroller through the x-ray machine so you need to take baby out. Some airports they check it with a handheld detector too.

I also like having a stroller because if you get delayed after you check in or whatever you have a place for baby to sleep. And at some airports to get to and from your gate you need to walk what seems like miles. This could be a hassle without a stroller.

Most airlines let you gate-check your stroller at the plane.

Also bring more diapers and stuff than you need. Remember those incidents where people were stuck sitting on a tarmac for 3 hours after landing?

Any other questions?