Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

Okay ladies we leave next week for Florida with the babies...we are taking an airplane with the babies on our laps. Any advice on what to do when you are up in the air that will keep them calm. I am dreading that they start going crazy on the flight.

Someone told me to make sure I give them a bottle when we are taking off because of the air pressure. Any truth to that?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Also, I can take formula on the plane i assume.

This should be FUN!

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

I have not gone on a plane with them yet but a friend told me to make sure you put cotton in their ears during take off / landing also.

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

I have not done this myself yet, but just wanted to say I think you can definitely bring formula, but check with the airline's rules, now there are rules about bringing liquids onto a plane. If you use the powdered formula I would suggest bringing the powder then asking for water when you get on the plane (but I'm not sure if they will give any to you before take-off, so you may want to see if you can bring one bottle for take-off and the rest in powder). I think the idea is that the sucking helps release the pressure in the ear during take-off, sort of like chewing gum.

Other than that, make sure you bring their favorite toys (ones that don't play sound) and books, and that you have some sort of pillow or something and any lovey they might have so if they take a nap they can be comfortable.

Good luck!

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

I tried to feed DD on takeoff and landing, but sometimes the timing didn't work or she was sleeping. She was fine with the pacifier in her mouth. I think one time she slept right through landing and I couldn't get the paci in her mouth without waking her. She was fine. As for formula, I brought the powder and bought bottled water after we got through security. I think you're fine with RTF formula too.

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

If they won't eat due to the timing of take off and landing, make sure to use a pacifier even if they don't normally like them. My DD doesn't ever use one but once her ears started bothering her, she su cked on it like no tomorrow.

I don't know if you use a baby bjorn but that was a life saver. I took the baby in the back of the plane near the bathroom and just walked around.

Other than that- be prepared that they eat more than usual- I have no idea why but my DD finished 3 4 oz bottles plus she also breast-feed. Her usual DAY of food in 5 hours

The airlines were really lax with me about the baby's liquids- I had so much stuff they just wanted to get me through. I ended up not even taking out the bottle or bag with all her liquids. They didn't care.

Oh, I would bring powdered formula and plenty of clean bottles. Water is easy to get but you don't want to wash the bottles in the sink in the bathroom- it says its just for washing, not drinking- I don't want that water NEAR my DD bottles.

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

We just got back from our 2nd plane trip with our DD and will be taking our third in a couple of weeks.

My DD does eat more on the plane. Very strange, maybe it's the dehydrating air?

Security is not consistent on liquids. The rule is that you can bring formula or BM on but you need to present it to them just like other liquids/gels/pastes. I don't want to hold anyone up so I always put the formula in the clear plastic zipper bag and put it in its own bin with going through security. It's easier to do it that way right away than it is to dig through your bags for the culprit bottle or can while on line if they happen to ask for it.

Wear easy on/off shoes. You need to put them in the bins at security. Tie shoes are hard to do when holding a baby.

You also need to take the baby out of the stroller at security. They'll ask that you break down the stroller and put it on the belt. If it's too big, they'll wand it on the side.

(The Bjorn is great for the above.)

I just found out today that most airlines will only allow one lap baby per aisle.

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

I would try to bring ready-to-feed formula in the original container for sure, that way there is no disputing what it is. You can dump it in a bottle once you are on the plane. I know they like confiscating water at security (though you are free to buy a $4 bottle after walking through security) even if it's sealed still so I wouldn't risk it. Also, with powdered formula, if it's not "sealed" they might take it as well. Sad, but true.

as for ON the plane, how they will fare will depend on the individual and the sep. instances. My daughter has never had a problem flying, but I've been on flights where babies have screamed the entire time. my advice is try any and all methods of those who have BTDT.

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

we did this in April with our (then) 6mo old DD - and i agree with everything babymakes3 suggests. Feed take off & landing, or have something for them to suck on for their ears. Be prepared to change diapers on your lap (they may not have a changing table in the bathroom, our plane didn't).

I second the baby bjorn - it was a great way to carry DD through the airport.

Happy travels!

Re: Traveling via Airplane with Baby on Lap

I'm flying for the first time on Friday...I will let you know how it goes