Recently I was asked about flying with a baby and you’ll be happy to know that it can be done! Actually, since the September 11th attacks it can be easier to travel with a nursing baby than one that is formula fed. While going through security even your baby’s bottles will be looked at and can be subject to ‘dumping’. Here is my response to the mama.
I flew with my son several times when he was an infant and he did great!
Book your seats so that you and your hubby have a window and an aisle. Then when you get to the airport, tell the gate agent that if there are any extra seats, if they could keep the one between you open for the carseat, that would be great. That way if there is an open seat, you will have one for your baby’s seat. I found that about 50% of the time, I could get an open seat next to me for my baby. If not, then you just move over and let the person assigned to the middle have the aisle or window so that you and your hubby can sit together.
You can gate check your stroller and your car seat (if the flight is full, you won’t be able to bring the car seat on). I recommend getting a bag to put the car seat in so that if you do have to gate check it, and it won’t get all dirty in the luggage compartment. I got one with wheels on it so that I could pull it through the airport. It made a world of difference! When you get to the the gate, ask for gate check tags for your stroller and car seat if necessary.As far as purchasing a seat goes, you do not have to pay for a seat for your baby, but you also won’t be guaranteed that he will have one if you don’t. So if you want him to guarantee that you have a seat for his carseat, then buy him a seat. If you don’t, then he is free, but he will have to sit on your lap or be held in your arms.
My son never really seemed to be affected by the changes in air pressure, and would usually just fall asleep on the plane. I always nursed him on the way up and down so that the pressure changes wouldn’t hurt his ears. Don’t plan to bring books or lots of carry-on’s as you will be completely occupied holding or taking care of your son, so the less you have to carry the better. Most planes have changing tables in the bathrooms too!
Have you flown with your nursing child before? What trick did you learn that worked to keep your baby happy and content throughout the flight?
We went to Chicago when my daughter was about 30 months and she did fine. Even though she was still young enough that we didn’t have to buy her a seat my husband bought her one. They ticked me off because she was sound asleep in my arms and nursing and they made me put her in a seat for the landing. If we hadn’t bought her a seat they would have let me hold her so I don’t know what the big deal was. Oh well she did fine on the plane and didn’t seem to be bothered with the changes in pressure.
I’m just noticing this post now, but thought I would pass along a link to my series of posts that I did on breastfeeding on an airplane. Includes info on airline breastfeeding policies, incidents where women have been harassed, and a lengthy post with tips for breastfeeding on an airplane (I’ve done it dozens of times)!
Here is the link: http://www.phdinparenting.com/2008/09/13/breastfeeding-on-an-airplane-the-collection/
Thanks for the links Annie! I flew with my son from the time he was 5 months old as well. I was lucky in that I never had any incidents or encounters. My son always nursed on the plane – and he was always a quiet, well behaved baby! That is what nursing does for planes – gives them quiet, content babies! – Judy
[…] or buses). I have written several articles on breastfeeding and traveling which can be seen here, here and here. Yesterday I was contacted by a mom who was doing just that – traveling with her baby and […]