Flying with 4 month old
ameliabaldwin
Posts: 12 Member
Hello! I am going to be flying with my 4 month old by myself! I am super nervous! Please give advice, tips, suggestions, helpful hints, anything!
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I flew with mine recently and he did great! Make sure to bring plenty of breastmilk/formula, a pacifier to help with ears pooping upon descent and landing, and a nice warm blanket to wrap them up in since it gets pretty cold on the plane.0
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I flew by myself with our daughter when she was 3 1/2 months old, and it was surprisingly easy. I carried her on my chest in one of those carriers you can buy at most stores, and TSA let me go through the metal detector so I didn't have to unstrap her going through security. It kept her secure on me and my hands free, without the hassle of a stroller. If you do powdered formula, just put the bottles in a separate bin along with any other baby-related food/liquids. They did let me keep a bottled water when I said it was to make her bottles. They just used a wand to scan my hands for any dangerous powders.
I did my best to time naps with take offs, otherwise I had a bottle prepared in case her ears started to hurt (they never did). She ended up snoozing on almost all of the flights in my arm. If your baby takes a pacifier, that should work too. You'll have to get creative with changing a diaper if you need to do it during a flight; those latrines suck for counter space.
Oh, and try to compact everything into one bag, it's easier to keep track of it that way, and to store it on the plane. Anything that isn't essential put in a rolling suitcase that can be checked in. Take extra formula if the baby is formula fed, in case of delays.
Give yourself plenty of time to check in and get through security, and you will be fine! :flowerforyou:0 -
This is an easy age to fly with because they aren't mobile and they still like sitting with you. I found the noise of the engine usually put my kids to sleep right away but when the plane is moving on the ground, it could be a bit rough.
I always used a baby carrier and carried my stuff in a backpack because I found the stroller more of a headache. Some flights they let you wear the carrier while on the plane (so I've heard) but Canadian flights have never let me. I take out the main things (toys, bottle, food, other distractions) I need and put them in the pocket when I sit down. I have made the mistake of putting my bag overhead and then being stuck in turbulence for 30 minutes while my 18m is freaking out about wanting her Cheerios.
Once I had 2 kids, I used an umbrella stroller for the older one. We always had to fold it up and run it though the x-ray machine. I have seen people have to take their sleeping child out of a stroller to do that. They don't always ask you to but you have to be prepared for it. Not sure if you are going by yourself but keep it manageable. You don't need as much as I see people bringing on board. The more stuff you have, the harder it is to manage and your kid will probably not use all the extra stuff. I have 2 kids and I use one backpack and one checked bag.0 -
Thank you everyone! I appreciate the tips. Did you take your car seat and stroller and then check them at the gate? I will have a layover, so overall my entire trip is going to be 8-9 hours, and I will be by myself.0
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Thank you everyone! I appreciate the tips. Did you take your car seat and stroller and then check them at the gate? I will have a layover, so overall my entire trip is going to be 8-9 hours, and I will be by myself.
I didn't take a stroller at all, since I preferred to have her strapped to my chest to leave my hands free. (I was flying to see my husband after he had been gone for two months though, so I knew when she wasn't in the chest carrier she would be in his arms, so a stroller wasn't needed) I did take our extra car seat just in case the rental company didn't have one, but I checked it in with the rolling suitcase since it was free with American Airlines. I have to say that the best workout I've done so far was walking from the car to the check in counter / from baggage to the rental car with car seat in one hand, diaper bag and rolling suitcase in the other, with my daughter on my chest. :laugh:
Definitely take what you think you'll need though! I've been through security several times now with our daughter, and TSA has never given me an issue with anything I've brought for her. The airlines have always been pleasant and accommodating too.0 -
My daughter flew with me for the first time when she was 5 months, and it was a breeze. She fell asleep during take-off both going and coming home, and slept a good portion of the flight each way. When she was awake, I found I didn't even really need any toys or anything to occupy her - she was very interested in looking at all the people around us! And lots of people were happy to make silly faces at her and wave, and it was a lot of fun!0
