[*Mommy2Camden*]

We just bought the plane tickets for Camden's first plane ride!!!! We're going to Minnesota at the end of September so Bo's dad and brothers can meet the little guy!!! (His dad had a stroke 10 years ago, and it's impossible for him to come to Colorado) Anyway, for those of you who have traveled with baby on an airplane, what advice can you give me??? I'd like for things to go as smoothly as possible! Thanks ladies!!!!

[LindsLuvsSi]

I don't know how much help I'll be since Z was 11 months when we flew the first time with him and it was a red eye flight. I nursed him at take off for his ears and then he slept almost the whole 8 hours flight.

Some ideas-
-Feed him during take off and landing (BF or bottle, not sure which you do, but hte sucking/swallowing helps their ears)
-If you sucks a binky bring that to keep him happy/calm
-Bring a few different toys to occupy him (get him 2 new lil toys just for the trip, but don't give them to him until the flight...that's what I did, got DS new books)

[Oreobaby]

I also need some advice with flying...Rayanne and I are flying to BC in 22 days to have her meet my brother SIL and her cousin. She will be very young, and not walking, and I'm not entirely sure how to occupy her, as she isn't really into many toys and things yet, but I guess lots can change in 22 days.

[LindsLuvsSi]

Oh yeah, wanted to suggest a baby carrier- sling or backpack carrier type, makes travelling so easy, especially on the flights when they are little for sleeping in.

[Celry]

DH and I flew with the girls when they were almost 3 months. It went really well. Make sure the airline knows you have a lap baby if you didn't purchase a seat for him. A day or two before the flight, call and see if the flight is full. They may change your seat to be next to an empty one. Take your carseat to the gate with you. If there is an empty seat, you can sit next to it and bring the catseat on. If the flight is full, you can gate check the seat and won't need a catseat bag for it.

My kids refused bottles before we went and I could only feed one at a time, but they did great during take offs and landings. It didn't seem to bother either of them.

Watch for the family line through security. You probably will be waved toward it, if not ask about it. You won't have to wait as long to get through and they may help you with the stroller.

I know security works different at each airport, but the ones we were in all made the babies take off shoes, coats etc. just like adults. If you are carrying BM with you, you need to let them know. They may wave a little tester strip over it to check it, but nothing will go in it and they won't make you taste it. There used to be limits on how many oz. of BM you can bring with, but now there aren't.

We brought a toy or two for each kid, but neither cared about them.

Pack a couple extra changes of clothes in your carry on. We packed one change for each kid and put the rest in our checked luggage. The airline lost our luggage, so we spent the first day or two shopping for a whole new kid wardrobe.

[Jodi0804]

We took Billy when he was almost 2 months old and it was fine. Here are some things I found helpful.
1. Travel system - we needed a car seat for Florida anyways and it was awesome to have his stroller as well. We didnt take a carrier but totally should have for when he didnt want to be in the stroller/car seat.
2. Try to sit where there are 2 seats only. It made it easier for me with nursing him and with getting up to walk the aisles if necessary.
3. The LOVE the new toy suggestion mentioned, we will definitely do that now that he is into his toys.
4. Pack lots of diapers in case you are delayed.
5. Billy only nursed once when taking off. The other take off and both landings he totally slept through!
6. If you aren't paying for a seat for him, be sure you take his birth certificate. We had to show ours even though at less than 2 months is was very clear he was under 2 years old!!

[*Mommy2Camden*]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!! Very helpful!!!

[Oreobaby]

Thanks guys...I called WestJet, and they said that I would just need her medical card or vital statistics paper work to say when she was born. I am not sure I will have her birth certificate back before I leave, as we know the government is not always the most speediest. Thanks for all the of suggestions, definitely good.

[downunderchick]

Ditto everyone else!

Bella was 3 months when we flew, 24 hours worth of travelling. If you are BF, just make sure its available whenever they want it, me and DP took turns eating so the other could hold her.