travelling with my 7 month old

radhika · Jul 3rd, 2008, 03:21 AM

hi i am flying in a 5 hour flight with my 7 month old and no dh. any tips you mums can give or any advice? feeling really nervous . we are travelling business class and hope she sleeps in a bassinet.

galligator · Jul 3rd, 2008, 03:29 AM

You should be able to pre-board & gate check your stroller so there's no reason to check that as luggage Of course, check with the airline on these as well as on your bassinet. Most airlines will allow a car seat but require baby to be on your lap at take-off and landing. And most airlines allow an extra carry on for baby, so fit any treats, etc that you can into your 2 carry-ons. Babies also are often soothed at take off and landing by sucking, so a bottle or mama nurse can really help relieve pressure on tiny ears. I would also call to find out bottle/liquid restrictions for baby if you are not nursing, I never had to address that issue.

Anyone travelled more recently than I have with a wee one should have other info.

eviemarie · Jul 3rd, 2008, 04:21 AM

I travelled for 5 hours flight with my both of mine my oldest one was 6 months old the first time i took her. She slept for the whole journey. So did my youngest she was 8 months when she first went.

Don't panic it will be fine.
You don't have to give your stroller/pushchair in until you are just about to board.

radhika · Jul 3rd, 2008, 05:17 AM

eviemarie did your kids sleep on the bassinet or over your shoulders? did they adjust to the new enviornment quick?

eviemarie · Jul 3rd, 2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radhika

eviemarie did your kids sleep on the bassinet or over your shoulders? did they adjust to the new enviornment quick?

Hi,

She was on my lap the whole journey. She did adjust as it was a holiday i was very relaxed. When we came back her routine wasn't the best bt soon adjusted back.
x
When are you going?

radhika · Jul 3rd, 2008, 09:06 AM

hi evie i am leaving on sunday early morning. also planning to give her the milk bottle inside the airplane. milk and fruit shake vs feeding her mashed stuff.

radhika · Jul 3rd, 2008, 09:09 AM

also i did travel with her when she was 3 months and she slept through on my DH's shoulders and i was chilled as he was around.
but just jittery as i will be on my own this time. and she is too tall for my lap. she hates slleping on the lap and prefers over shoulders. i hope and pray she sleeps in the bassinet. fingers crossed.

candy2100 · Jul 3rd, 2008, 07:11 PM

Hi, I have three kids and we have traveled with them at all different ages. Here are my observations on what to do/use to make a good trip with a baby:

1) Stroller: Check it in at the airplane door, or if you are flying an airline that won't let you do that, consider a travel stroller like the one by summer infant. It folds into three and is super light. It fits into the overhead compartment on the plane so you don't have to check it in at the check in counter ( http://www.summerinfant.com/strollers.htm and you can buy them at www.target.com).

2) Feeding: Try to arrange it so that it's bottle time when the plane takes off, to help with little ears. If the baby fusses a bit and the plane isn't taking off yet, try to keep her as satisfied as possible to wait until take off. It's better people on the plane with you have to deal with a little noise beforehand because if her ears start popping it can be unpleasant and she might wind up for a big cry. But of course you know your baby's moods best.

3) Napping: I have had 50% success with bassinet usage. You should end up with a bulkhead seat, which is nice to be able to stretch your legs in front of you in case you aren't able to get up and walk around because you are holding a sleeping baby.

4) Diaper changing: Slather a bunch of desitin or balmex on her bottom so that diaper changing goes easier, or if she sleeps the majority of the plane trip you aren't worrying that she will get a diaper rash.

5) Entertainment: Buy some new toys/stickers/biter biscuits to pull out for playing.

6) If she cries: Don't be too apologetic to those around you. I would try to avoid too much eye contact with people if it happens because then sometimes people feel they have the right to make comments to you, not all of them supportive. People will take their cue from you and pick up on your state of being. If you can project a sense of confidence, being calm and soothing with your baby it send the message to anyone watching you that they needn't worry, you have everything under control. I would venture a commiserating smile if you do end up making eye contact, but don't worry about other people too much. You can't please everyone.

Good luck, and have a safe trip!

TravelBug · Jul 3rd, 2008, 08:39 PM

We traveled with our 7-month-old on a 5 hour flight and everything turned out fine. May sure you bring some new toys she's never seen or played before to keep her entertained. It's actually a good age to travel - they are not old enough to move around too much and to use crying to blackmail you.

Jul 3rd, 2008, 03:21 AM	#1
radhika Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 381	travelling with my 7 month old hi i am flying in a 5 hour flight with my 7 month old and no dh. any tips you mums can give or any advice? feeling really nervous . we are travelling business class and hope she sleeps in a bassinet.

Jul 3rd, 2008, 07:11 PM	#8
candy2100 Member Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Fantasyland Posts: 514	Hi, I have three kids and we have traveled with them at all different ages. Here are my observations on what to do/use to make a good trip with a baby: 1) Stroller: Check it in at the airplane door, or if you are flying an airline that won't let you do that, consider a travel stroller like the one by summer infant. It folds into three and is super light. It fits into the overhead compartment on the plane so you don't have to check it in at the check in counter ( http://www.summerinfant.com/strollers.htm and you can buy them at www.target.com). 2) Feeding: Try to arrange it so that it's bottle time when the plane takes off, to help with little ears. If the baby fusses a bit and the plane isn't taking off yet, try to keep her as satisfied as possible to wait until take off. It's better people on the plane with you have to deal with a little noise beforehand because if her ears start popping it can be unpleasant and she might wind up for a big cry. But of course you know your baby's moods best. 3) Napping: I have had 50% success with bassinet usage. You should end up with a bulkhead seat, which is nice to be able to stretch your legs in front of you in case you aren't able to get up and walk around because you are holding a sleeping baby. 4) Diaper changing: Slather a bunch of desitin or balmex on her bottom so that diaper changing goes easier, or if she sleeps the majority of the plane trip you aren't worrying that she will get a diaper rash. 5) Entertainment: Buy some new toys/stickers/biter biscuits to pull out for playing. 6) If she cries: Don't be too apologetic to those around you. I would try to avoid too much eye contact with people if it happens because then sometimes people feel they have the right to make comments to you, not all of them supportive. People will take their cue from you and pick up on your state of being. If you can project a sense of confidence, being calm and soothing with your baby it send the message to anyone watching you that they needn't worry, you have everything under control. I would venture a commiserating smile if you do end up making eye contact, but don't worry about other people too much. You can't please everyone. Good luck, and have a safe trip! __________________

Jul 3rd, 2008, 03:29 AM	#2
galligator Mostly Harmless Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 750	You should be able to pre-board & gate check your stroller so there's no reason to check that as luggage Of course, check with the airline on these as well as on your bassinet. Most airlines will allow a car seat but require baby to be on your lap at take-off and landing. And most airlines allow an extra carry on for baby, so fit any treats, etc that you can into your 2 carry-ons. Babies also are often soothed at take off and landing by sucking, so a bottle or mama nurse can really help relieve pressure on tiny ears. I would also call to find out bottle/liquid restrictions for baby if you are not nursing, I never had to address that issue. Anyone travelled more recently than I have with a wee one should have other info.

Jul 3rd, 2008, 04:21 AM	#3
eviemarie www.designerclothing Joined: May 2007 Location: Stratford Upon Avon Posts: 1,340	I travelled for 5 hours flight with my both of mine my oldest one was 6 months old the first time i took her. She slept for the whole journey. So did my youngest she was 8 months when she first went. Don't panic it will be fine. You don't have to give your stroller/pushchair in until you are just about to board.

Jul 3rd, 2008, 05:17 AM	#4
radhika Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 381	eviemarie did your kids sleep on the bassinet or over your shoulders? did they adjust to the new enviornment quick?

Jul 3rd, 2008, 09:06 AM	#6
radhika Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 381	hi evie i am leaving on sunday early morning. also planning to give her the milk bottle inside the airplane. milk and fruit shake vs feeding her mashed stuff.

Jul 3rd, 2008, 09:09 AM	#7
radhika Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 381	also i did travel with her when she was 3 months and she slept through on my DH's shoulders and i was chilled as he was around. but just jittery as i will be on my own this time. and she is too tall for my lap. she hates slleping on the lap and prefers over shoulders. i hope and pray she sleeps in the bassinet. fingers crossed.

Jul 3rd, 2008, 08:39 PM	#9
TravelBug What R U Lookin' At? Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,710	We traveled with our 7-month-old on a 5 hour flight and everything turned out fine. May sure you bring some new toys she's never seen or played before to keep her entertained. It's actually a good age to travel - they are not old enough to move around too much and to use crying to blackmail you.