Going away with my 9 month old baby in 3 days, any advice on what to bring with me on a 5 hour flight?

Show all answers

Paul McDonald

I beg you... don't do it.

As a frequent traveler, I have to discourage you from making this trip by airplane. 5 hours is way too long of a flight to take a 9-month-old baby.

The frequent changes in air pressure, the noise, the people, the enclosed space--your child is going to be very, very, very uncomfortable and in pain (babies don't know how to pop their ears) a lot.

Whenever I see a person with a baby on an airplane, I think to myself: "What a fool."

I know I should be more gracious, because the person probably doesn't know the pains and changes that they will be putting their baby through (much less the aggrivation placed on everyone else on the plane). I don't mean to be rude.

Why in the world would anyone even think it's a good idea to take a nine-month-old baby on a 5-hour flight? I don't even have the ability to understand that decision... yet a lot of people do just that. And guess what happens--the baby cries the whole flght, is in pain, makes noise, and bothers everyone else to no end.

It's just not a good decision for anyone.

Tam Tam

Ear Plugs.
For everyone else on the plane.

Hassen

I have flown internationally since my kids were 2 months old (now they're 7 & 5).

For take-offs and landings, the best think you can do is if the 1 old is still nursing, make sure to nurse the baby. If the baby is not nursing, give her a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take with you, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard with you, do not worry. However, you may be asked to taste the formula by the TSA officers (usually this will only happen when you are exiting the country. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

Another trick is that if the baby is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink or nurse, gently rub the neck of the baby from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of her favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie.

Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets. The stewards/stewadess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request.

Under FAA regulations, airlines currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). The steward/stewardess should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. However, this is not the safest way for a child to fly and the FAA does recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device, but does not mandate it because of the cost to the parents.

A child safety device is an FAA-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It is not approved for use in motor vehicles. For example, the FAA has approved a new harness-type device appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS or device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1

If I can be of any other help or assistance to you, feel free to contact me.

Samarama

Bring diapers, books, extra clothes for both of you, a favorite toy, snacks, and a blanket. Hopefully, the baby will sleep a lot of the trip.

~Just A Girl~

Bottles, diapers, wipes, small toys maybe attached to those link-a-doos (that makes them easy to cary), a book or anything they are comfortable with.

Some snack foods if they are allowed...this will keep them occupied during the flight.

Jerry M

JUST DON'T DO IT! PERIOD!!

tbugs

Well, the consensus is that you do not subject the other passengers on the plane to your baby. It is absolutely terrible to be on a plane with some crying baby. It is not the baby's fault - it is the fault of the parent.

Do not take your baby on a 5 hour flight.

BangkokBob

Stay at home, your 9 month old baby does not belong on an airplane, not to mention a 5 hour flight.

Celtic Latino Angel

Something to keep the baby quiet, bring some of his/her toys & some games you two can play to keep him/her (u didn't say whether its a boy or girl) occupied. Make sure to bring some water and juice & a couple little snacks so he/she doesn't get impatient.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: