first time flying with baby

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  • Eclipsepearl
  on Nov. 8, 2009 at 8:38 AM

• Hi, You're so lucky you get to fly for the first time on such a short flight! When I took my first baby on his first flight, I was facing 11 1/2 hours... First of all, bring your car seat if you can. Assuming you have not purchased a seat for her, ask at check-in if you can get an extra place. Not only will she be safer but she's more likely to settle down in her own, familiar seat. 

  If you are unsuccessful getting an extra place, bring the car seat to the gate, in case of a last-minute opening or in order to gate-check it. NEVER check a car seat in as luggage. They are too easily lost and/or broken in transit. 

  You don't mention where in the world you are but in the U.S., most car seats sold there are approved for travel. More information in the link below. 

  If you have a car seat at your destination (or don't need one) then you can look into the CARES harness as an alternative. These can be rented on Ebay or Criagslist if you don't want to buy one. You will need the extra seat to use it though. 

  I used to ditch the stroller (either checking it or leaving it at home, borrowing at my destination) and put my car seat on a metal luggage cart. You can buy special car seat toters for a heafty price but a metal luggage cart works just as well. I then used that if my toddler got too tired to walk. She could ride in it. At that age, mine sometimes wanted to walk, sometimes ride so this gives you the freedom to do either. 

  Hopefully, you already have a good baby carrier. She's too big for fiddly front packs like the Bjorn but a good quality carrier is a great aide to flying with a toddler. You can put her in it when she's too tired, etc. 

  As a Flight Attendant, I saw a lot of parents trying to get through airports, while clutching usually tired (or even asleep!) children. Don't be one of them and make sure to have a baby carrier. 

  Also, instead of having to deal with both a purse and a diaper bag, go for a backpack to keep your hands free. I put a very small bag around my neck for my valuable and then I have my hands free for dealing with the kids and the car seat. Mine is large, coming up to my knees when it's on the floor. 

  Be sure to bring some toys to entertain. Get one she has never seen to give her right as she is supposed to be seated for take-off. You wont be able to use electronical things so make sure she has things to occupy her in her seat; coloring supplies, stickers, pipe cleaners, play dough, chunky books with flaps work great, dolls, or just plastic whatevers (animals, dinasaurs, etc.) Whatever she likes! 

  I personally think that for such a short flight, the movies will be more fuss than reward. At this age, they don't sit still and wont wear the headphones (do not even THINK of playing anything over the speakers in the airplane!) 

  Try to bring a few more diapers. Wrap in plastic and bind with rubber bands to make room in your backpack. Don't forget wipes, diaper cream and a changer. Learn to change her standing up before leaving to make your life easier (great tip for whenever you are out in public, since you now have a toddler who probably doesn't lie down nicely in strange places...) 

  Anyway, I have more non-commercial flying tips in this article;

  http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

  There are lots of sites on the web but most are heavily commercial (trying to get you to buy stuff) and not written by people who actually worked in the industry. I was a Flight Attendant for 13 years and I fly alone with my children about twice a year between Europe and California (plus other flights within Europe, the Middle East and once to N. Africa). 

  Good luck and hth!

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