Tips for flying with baby.....

I'm confused about a bunch of stuff. First....I have 2 strollers. The Snap and Go and the Peg Perrego P3 (which I have yet to ever use). We did not buy a seat for Sidney. Do I check the car seat and base? Or do I just check the base and bring the car seat and snapNgo to the gate? Or...can I attach the base to the carseat and put it in the snapNgo??? Or should I just check both and use the peg perrego??? UGH!!
I bought one of these Eddie Bauer car seat travel bags....is that what people use to check the seat?

Should I bring the Bjorn and keep her in it for take off and landing?? I'm a nervous nelly when it comes to flying....since we need to be buckled the whole time how come its ok that we just hold onto our baby?
Are their changing tables in those itty bitty bathrooms?
Any other helpful tips???

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

I've flown with Nate to NY twice once at 3 months and a couple of weeks ago at 8 months.

The first time I just brought the stroller from the travel system and then we rented a carseat from the rental company. This last time, I checked in our carseat and used a lightweight Chicco stroller. Both times the strollers were checked at the gate. I honestly don't know what they do with the infant carriers. But I assume they check them at the gate also bc on my last flight I saw a few people with the entire travel system waiting to board the plane.

During take off and landing, I gave him a bottle to help with the pressure in his ears. After 15-20 min into the flight, he was asleep. He pretty much laid on my chest the whole flight. I try to fly around the time he would take his morning nap. I bought snacks and toys just in case he didn't sleep.

I personally try not to use the bathrooms on the planes so I don't remember if there's a changing table (but I image it would be really tight if they did). I always change Nate right before we get on the plane. I try to fly in the morning, since he usually doesn't usually poop until later in the day.

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

We flew to FL with Sarah when she was 5 months. We got her a seat so we brought the whole seat with the base onto the plane and checked the snap n go at the gate. I'd bring the seat and base to the gate and check it there, less chance to lose the base than if it goes through the whole system, you know?

There's this thing Baby B'Air that somehow straps the baby to you on the plane. Not quite sure how it works.

We also changed Sarah right before the plane took off and when we landed, but they were short flights. Bottle at takeoff and descent to help with air pressure. Pacifiers also, but Sarah never took one.

We had toys with us to amuse her on board.

Good luck!

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

Why are you bringing the base at all? Most car seats can be installed without it, and it is just one more thing to carry.

I would bring the carseat to the gate, not check it, just in case there is an empty seat available.

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

I've flown with Andrew a few times. If your not buying a seat for the baby and are intending to lap sit the child, I would attempt to bring the car seat on anyway in case there is an extra seat on the plane. If there is not, you can just check it at the gate with the stroller. Its funny, I never traveled with Andrew when he was in the infant seat, he outgrew that and was in his Marathon by 4 months old. Therefore, I just checked the car seat at the check-in (I also used the Eddie Bauer canvas bag for it). I used a lightweight stroller that I would keep him in until we got the the plane entrance and I would check it.

I don't think the Baby Bjorn is approved for use on the plane, but I could be wrong. Truth is, if you hit turbulence, yes, the only thing will be you holding your baby. It would be safest to have the baby in a car seat.

Now, I can barely fit myself into an airplane bathroom, so I never wanted to attempt to change a diaper in there. We just changed him before boarding. Thankfully we only have taken at most a 3-hour flight.

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

Posted by dree

She is still in the infant carrier. Did you mean I could install the infant carrier without the base? I'd love one less thing to carry

Message edited 3/3/2006 11:27:02 PM.

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by dree

She is still in the infant carrier. Did you mean I could install the infant carrier without the base? I'd love one less thing to carry

Absolultely. THe base is only so it makes it easier taking her in & out of the car. You use the seatbelts. Directions should be on the car seat itself.

eta. I would only bring the car seat & the snap'n'go.

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

the rest of the ladies covered all the topics. so I guess I get the bathroom topic

If you are traveling inside the US for the most part they don't have changing tables in the bathroom. So, I changed Patrick at my seat. (The people in front of me LOVED when he pooped. (blame Delta Airlines )

Aer Lingus had a changing table that is above the toilet & you just snap it down. As Patrick got older this was getting harder & harder!

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

Posted by IrishTracy

the rest of the ladies covered all the topics. so I guess I get the bathroom topic

If you are traveling inside the US for the most part they don't have changing tables in the bathroom. So, I changed Patrick at my seat. (The people in front of me LOVED when he pooped. (blame Delta Airlines )

Aer Lingus had a changing table that is above the toilet & you just snap it down. As Patrick got older this was getting harder & harder!

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

I must of had an old plane then. VERY COMFORTING!!!

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

We flew w/ Sami at 13 months, I just brought my peg perego venezia and checked it at the gate, we did a lot of walking on the trip and she slept alot in the stroller so I wanted my good one.

I did not bring her car seat, she sat/slept on my lap the whole time, was about an hr and slept the other three hours of the trip. Bring lots of snacks and my dr. recommended a bottle on take off and landing and 15 min before take off giving some pedicare for the ears and stuffy nose.

SHe was fine and had fun in the plane, she liked the tv's on jet blue but if you dont fly jet blue bring some toys/snacks, something for entertainment :)

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

Just an FYI about Baby Bjorns, Baby B'Air, and any other device that essentially connects your child to you.... They are not approved for use during take-off and landing (or any movement on the ground-i.e. taxi to the runway).

The only answer I've gotten is that it could slow down an emergency evacuation (possibilities of entanglement). I guess they also give a false sense of security; but don't actually provide any true restraint for the child (and would likely injure both mom and baby in the event of a hard stop).

As a flight attendant who's lobbied for years to the FAA to require infants be placed in approved carriers (no more lap-babies),I have to say, the safest place for babies is in their own seat. I will never understand why the FAA requires me to harass people to make sure their laptops are stowed "all the way under the seat in front of you" but allow precious babies to sit, unrestrained on a parent's lap, with nothing restraining them but mom or dad's arms. It's because of the airlines and FAA's complacency on this issue ($$$) that gives parents a false sense that their child is completely safe on their lap.

Please bring your child's carseat just in case there are empty seats. Make sure it is approved for aircraft use- there will be a sticker in red print that will tell you if it is approved. Approved carseats have to have a hard back (no fold down, no boosters) and shoulder straps. If there are no seats available, hold your child tightly for take-off and landing. Don't put the belt around both of you (in the event of a hard stop, your body weight will be forced against them).

Most newer aircraft are being fitted with fold down changing tables. If they are not, check with the flight attendant as to where they think your best option would be. Me? I usually lay a blanket on the floor in the back galley and allow mom to change baby there, but some f/as feel it's gross considering the galley is where the food/drinks are (but the restrooms are right there, as well as everyones gas from eating Fart McMuffins and coffee- so what's the difference?). Otherwise changing at your seat is your next best bet. You do what you have to do.

Hope this info was helpful.

Amy
ETA: Bring the carseat and the stroller to the gate- it will be checked right in the jetway and will be brought up to the jetway at your destination. This way, you won't have to schlepp all the way to baggage claim carrying your baby. Make sure you ask if there is a possibility for you to bring your carseat on.

Message edited 3/6/2006 10:23:20 AM.

Re: Tips for flying with baby.....

BUMP