Question:
>And the great nd sayeth: >$ you forgot engorgment and crazy hormones 
>$ > Right. She will have had major surgery, sutures, a big sore hole >$ > in her belly, and the stress of a newborn — no sweat. >$ > >$ > k >And don’t forget about the lochia and the sleep deprivation… >Lisa
Have you checked with your agent or the airline about their policy on letting such a new newborn fly? I think there might be an age limit ( FAA regulations.) -Kristin
Response:
> > We try to get seats in the > bulkhead and ALWAYS board last. The flight attendants are usually > quite > helpful, as well (especially the older ones). > Hm, we always board FIRST. That means we can settle ourselves in before > the people start coming on, and have lots of room to stow our stuff. We > do deplane last, though. I agree about the bulkhead, especially in > Boeing planes that don’t have changing tables!
Hi! I think this depends on your baby and your amount of carry-on luggage. I have a toddler who likes to run, and all our carry-on fits under the seat. Hence, we board at the very last minute (around 5-7 minutes before take-off unless the whole plane seems to have boarded very early, in which case we board 10 minutes before take-off). Usually, there is no wait to get to our seats at that point. If we do need the overhead space and I’m travelling with another adult, I send them ahead earlier, so they can load all our stuff and get Panda’s car seat ready. And then Panda and I still wait until the last minute. (Or I load stuff, and my husband stays with Panda.) What helps the most is that we try to schedule flights around naptime (or bedtime would work), so Panda sleeps at least part of the trip. Good luck! Diane, mom to Pandora, aka the Panda bear (6/6/96)
Response:
> And the great Abby Hoffmann sayeth: > $ which university are you at?? Surely they would be understanding and > $ give you time off !! If you have exams, then you can put in a case for > $ extenuating circumstances and sit them another time. > It seems like you could/should talk to the professors of your classes and > explain the situation? I know even when I was an irresponsible young > college student, most professors would let you take a make-up final if > you accidentally slept through it as long as you showed up within a > reasonable amount of time. Surely if you informed them weeks ahead of > time you should be able to work something out. It is worth a try anyway.
Universities are not as ‘relaxed’ in the UK as they sound in the US, unfortunately. You certainly wouldn’t get a chance to do exams if you didn’t turn up at the right time: you’d have to do them as a re-sit. In the case of illness or family reasons such as bereavement, if you miss more than a few weeks you would have to re-do that year again. A friend of mine lost his wife just days before sitting his finals: he failed, and had to just re-do the final year again – but he was able to wait a year or two until his children were older – and now he’s passed with flying colours. At school age, certainly, a term means a child stays behind and does the whole year again. It is also totally amazing how as little as a week or two’s illness can put a student at serious disadvantage on their course: my husband works with students at a university and its these students he sometimes has to instruct separately. We also are unable to take our babies into classes with us. I can see Doug’s dilemma all too well: and I hope their health stands up to it. Sincerely, Chris – Mrs. Chris McMillan. Tel. 0118 926 5450. e-mail:
Response:
Thanks for your concerns. >A mum recovering from a C-section flying at 3 days post-partum? I wouldn’t >have thought it would have been viable myself. Surely one is kept in >hospital for several days still?
From what I’ve heard 3 days in hospital is about the average. Is she to be carrying luggage and baby to the plane or have you looked into the logistics of getting her through the airport using a disabled facility? She won’t be carrying anything. It’s Canada, so the the airports are very good, getting her through it with a wheel-chair or a motor cart will be no problem. She has delivered 3 children before this one and deals with pain extremely well. If not: phone your airline immediately >and explain the circumstances so that she gets priority seating/ >transport.
Did that when I booked the tickets 3 months ago. >Why is she having a planned c-section anyway?
After complications with her last 3 deliveries (forcepts, one needed to be resussitated, one 3wks late) she has decided to have a c-section. Will she be fit to be released from hospital – or the baby for that matter? Both her obstetricians say 3 days in hospital should be fine. Babies are usually released after 8hrs at the hospital we’re using. Can’t you delay this a few weeks? Not unless we both wan to flunk are years at university. Sincerely, Douglas
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for your concerns. >A mum recovering from a C-section flying at 3 days post-partum? I wouldn’t >have thought it would have been viable myself. Surely one is kept in >hospital for several days still? > From what I’ve heard 3 days in hospital is about the average. > Is she to be carrying luggage and baby to the plane or have you looked into > the logistics of getting her through the airport using a disabled facility? > She won’t be carrying anything. It’s Canada, so the the airports are very > good, getting her through it with a wheel-chair or a motor cart will be no > problem. She has delivered 3 children before this one and deals with pain > extremely well. > If not: phone your airline immediately >and explain the circumstances so that she gets priority seating/ >transport. > Did that when I booked the tickets 3 months ago. >Why is she having a planned c-section anyway? > After complications with her last 3 deliveries (forcepts, one needed to be > resussitated, one 3wks late) she has decided to have a c-section. > Will she be fit to be released from hospital – or the baby for that matter? > Both her obstetricians say 3 days in hospital should be fine. Babies are > usually released after 8hrs at the hospital we’re using. > Can’t you delay this a few weeks? > Not unless we both wan to flunk are years at university. > Sincerely, > Douglas
which university are you at?? Surely they would be understanding and give you time off !! If you have exams, then you can put in a case for extenuating circumstances and sit them another time. This does seem a little strange to me, most universities in UK are v understanding of parental responsibilities, and will give as much time to people with children as possible (My own experience at a London Uni here) Best wishes Abby Hoffmann
Response:
I had to have emergency c-section and thought I recovered really well from the operation. But, I really wouldnt want to move around too much only 3 days afterwards. I had the c-section at 8:30 in the morning after being in labour all night – had a spinal block anaesthetic. This meant I had to lay flat in bed for 24 hours afterwards so at about 9:00 the next morning I got up for my shower and walked around (VERRRY slowly) for a bit. I was a lot better the third day but could only walk for a short while and was in a lot of pain. Getting up to breastfeed baby (who was in humidicrib for a few days) was about all the exercise I could manage and it wasnt comfortable sitting for long periods. My stitches were taken out on the afternoon of the 6th day and left hospital the next day. A caesarian section is major surgery and shouldnt be taken too lightly. I recovered really well from mine because I think I was fairly sensible about it – tried walking around frequently to get back into action but not overdoing it. My husband was really good about lifting things for me and helping a lot for the first month. I would really consider talking to the university about your schedule. Even 4-5 days would make a difference in how your wife will feel. Day 3 for me would have been a nightmare but by day 7 I could probably manage what you are suggesting. Obviously everybody will react differently but thought my experience might be useful. cheers Leah Lane BTW there has been some work in Australia suggesting that very early release from hospital is not always the best option and is not necessarily cheaper for the health system. Experienced parents probably dont need the extra hospital support though. As a first time Mum and with a few unexpected problems, I aapreciated my week in hospital. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for your concerns. >A mum recovering from a C-section flying at 3 days post-partum? I wouldn’t >have thought it would have been viable myself. Surely one is kept in >hospital for several days still? > From what I’ve heard 3 days in hospital is about the average. > Is she to be carrying luggage and baby to the plane or have you looked into > the logistics of getting her through the airport using a disabled facility? > She won’t be carrying anything. It’s Canada, so the the airports are very > good, getting her through it with a wheel-chair or a motor cart will be no > problem. She has delivered 3 children before this one and deals with pain > extremely well. > If not: phone your airline immediately >and explain the circumstances so that she gets priority seating/ >transport. > Did that when I booked the tickets 3 months ago. >Why is she having a planned c-section anyway? > After complications with her last 3 deliveries (forcepts, one needed to be > resussitated, one 3wks late) she has decided to have a c-section. > Will she be fit to be released from hospital – or the baby for that matter? > Both her obstetricians say 3 days in hospital should be fine. Babies are > usually released after 8hrs at the hospital we’re using. > Can’t you delay this a few weeks? > Not unless we both wan to flunk are years at university. > Sincerely, > Douglas
Response:
> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after > birth. I’ve often noticed that mothers who sit right at the front of the > section of the plane, get a crib which is attached to the front wall. I’ve > requested that for my flight.
A mum recovering from a C-section flying at 3 days post-partum? I wouldn’t have thought it would have been viable myself. Surely one is kept in hospital for several days still? Is she to be carrying luggage and baby to the plane or have you looked into the logistics of getting her through the airport using a disabled facility? If not: phone your airline immediately and explain the circumstances so that she gets priority seating/ transport. Why is she having a planned c-section anyway? Will she be fit to be released from hospital – or the baby for that matter? Can’t you delay this a few weeks? I know my SIL wasn’t able to fly until six weeks after birth when they emigrated to Canada in 1980: it was barely six weeks post-partum too, though I don’t know (if I ever did know) whether the baby had arrived at term, late or a day or two early (didn’t actually care much at that time, not even thinking of having my own then). Sincerely, Chris – Mrs. Chris McMillan. Tel. 0118 926 5450. e-mail:
Response:
Many people say that day three is the worst day after giving birth, even without a c-section. Your hormones are going crazy. Furthermore, your partner’s milk may just be coming in on that day. Some women experience engorgement, I wouldn’t want to go through that on an airplane! I realize that you both want to continue with your studies, could you travel before the birth and deliver in the UK? You are taking quite a risk of infection, etc so soon after birth. Nuala – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after > birth. I’ve often noticed that mothers who sit right at the front of the > section of the plane, get a crib which is attached to the front wall. I’ve > requested that for my flight. > My partner has agreed to breast-feed during the flight; although I’m not > sure if she’ll be able to as she will be recovering from a c-section and may > want to spend most of her time sleeping. I still worry that the flight > might be scary for him though. > Sincerely, > Douglas
Response:
I doubt the flight will be scary for your child – he’ll probably spend the majority of the time sleeping. As for travelling 3 days after a c-section, be prepared for your partner to be very uncomfortable! Best piece of advice I could give you is make sure your tickets are refundable in case she’s not up to it. Heather – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after > birth. I’ve often noticed that mothers who sit right at the front of the > section of the plane, get a crib which is attached to the front wall. I’ve > requested that for my flight. > My partner has agreed to breast-feed during the flight; although I’m not > sure if she’ll be able to as she will be recovering from a c-section and may > want to spend most of her time sleeping. I still worry that the flight > might be scary for him though. > Sincerely, > Douglas
Response:
> Thanks for your replies. > Yes she does have to travel that early. Because we’re both students and > there is no way that at such a crucial time in both of our degrees(mere > weeks before the final exams) that we can spare any further time. She was > the one who pressed the most to leave this quickly. Many mothers have made > it clear that it’s generally the first couple of days which are the worst > after a c-section. She won’t be doing much more than sitting during the > flight and will be eager to get back home. > Sincerely, > Douglas
Right. She will have had major surgery, sutures, a big sore hole in her belly, and the stress of a newborn — no sweat. k
Response:
Thanks for your replies. Yes she does have to travel that early. Because we’re both students and there is no way that at such a crucial time in both of our degrees(mere weeks before the final exams) that we can spare any further time. She was the one who pressed the most to leave this quickly. Many mothers have made it clear that it’s generally the first couple of days which are the worst after a c-section. She won’t be doing much more than sitting during the flight and will be eager to get back home. Sincerely, Douglas – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I agree, it’s a bit early to travel, especially for your partner, as she is >having a C-section. Is it really necessary? Can it wait a few weeks? >> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after >birth. >My goodness, that is early. Do you really have to fly that soon?
Response:
you forgot engorgment and crazy hormones – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Right. She will have had major surgery, sutures, a big sore hole > in her belly, and the stress of a newborn — no sweat. > k
Response:
> you forgot engorgment and crazy hormones > Right. She will have had major surgery, sutures, a big sore hole > in her belly, and the stress of a newborn — no sweat. > k
Right. I forgot that. I remember not wanting to have anything on my body above the waist for a few days right around that time because my breasts were so tender from the milk coming in and I was a total incompetent at managing nursing [as was my infant] Nursing is not easy for many people at first and trying to manage it on a plane full of people [in coach] will be no picnic. [and if she decides not to nurse, managing engorgement will be even worse at that stage]
Response:
>I doubt the flight will be scary for your child – he’ll probably spend >the majority of the time sleeping. >As for travelling 3 days after a c-section, be prepared for your partner >to be very uncomfortable! Best piece of advice I could give you is make >sure your tickets are refundable in case she’s not up to it. >Heather
I agree! 3 days after my c-section I was still in considerable pain, plus adjusting to life with a baby. All I can say is, good luck! Is this your first child? Also, my baby’s doctor advised not exposing her to lots of people for the first 2 weeks…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after > birth. I’ve often noticed that mothers who sit right at the front of the > section of the plane, get a crib which is attached to the front wall. I’ve > requested that for my flight. > My partner has agreed to breast-feed during the flight; although I’m not > sure if she’ll be able to as she will be recovering from a c-section and may > want to spend most of her time sleeping. I still worry that the flight > might be scary for him though. > Sincerely, > Douglas
Response:
>Hi, >I will be traveling next Monday via an airplane with my 6 1/2 month old >daughter. I am quite anxious about this as she does not like to sit long. >My first flight is on a small prop plane from panama city to memphis (2 >hours). And the second is from memphis to columbus ms (1 more hour). I was >also told I couldn’t nurse her upon take off or descent, that i had to have >her over my shoulder supporting her neck and spine. Is this true?? Any >helpful hints on traveling with her are appreciated. Also how do I keep >close to her eating napping schedule?? >Thanks, >Julie >Mom to Casey
My ped told us to nurse on take off and landing, as did my lactation consultant…I don’t know about small planes, but I have never heard anything about protecting baby’s spine. I travel alot on commercial airlines w/my 7 month old. Her first flight was when she was 5 weeks old. The thing that concerned me the most was making sure her carseat was locked down and that we kept her buckled in as much as possible. I worry about air pockets. Most of the time she sleeps, and I bring lots of toys along. –Erica
Response:
> What we -have- had trouble with is upset tummies on small planes > (never > on larger jets).
We’ve been lucky that the one time we had a really turbulent time on a small airplane,it was half empty and Rafi was in his carseat. He didn’t get sick and he really enjoyed the bouncing. The rest of us didn’t, though! > We’ve flown enough with them now that we -really- try to avoid small > planes whenever possible, even though it almost always means paying > more > if you aren’t planning several weeks ahead.
If they have their own seats, tying them in a carseat may help. Maybe we were just lucky. > We try to get seats in the > bulkhead and ALWAYS board last. The flight attendants are usually > quite > helpful, as well (especially the older ones).
Hm, we always board FIRST. That means we can settle ourselves in before the people start coming on, and have lots of room to stow our stuff. We do deplane last, though. I agree about the bulkhead, especially in Boeing planes that don’t have changing tables! Be well, Hadass, Ima to Rafi, 22 months. — Dr. Hadass Eviatar (XX) National Research Council of Canada Phone: (204) 984 – 4535 Institute for Biodiagnostics Fax: (204) 984 – 5472 435 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1Y6 http://www.ibd.nrc.ca/~eviatar Obliglatory disclaimer: NRC wouldn’t dream of saying a thing like that.
Response:
Hi – If you’re flying on a turbo-prop (or even on big jet, actually) then it’s much safer for the baby to be held securely over the shoulder or against your chest (depending upon the baby’s size) for the first couple of minutes of takeoff and the last couple of minutes of landing. This is because it’s the most likely time during a flight for there to be bumpings and such that would be hard on a baby’s spinal cord. (Think about the pull forward you get during any landing while the airplane slows down abruptly. You get the same feel in a car during a sudden stop.) However, it should be find to nurse during the bulk of the ascent and descent and whenever during flight that you wish. We found that the easiest place to keep our baby at that age was in a car seat. So we always asked on check-in if their might be spare seats so we could board with it. If not, you can always gate-check the car seat. A car seat is also the safest place in case of unexpected turbulence. And the baby can’t get out! OUr babies were used to the car seat so didn’t fuss about being kept still. On the loose, they fussed a LOT if we wouldn’t let them move around. Good luck with the flights. I hope they go smoothly. –Beth Kevles http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html — a page for the milk-allergic
Response:
My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after birth. I’ve often noticed that mothers who sit right at the front of the section of the plane, get a crib which is attached to the front wall. I’ve requested that for my flight. My partner has agreed to breast-feed during the flight; although I’m not sure if she’ll be able to as she will be recovering from a c-section and may want to spend most of her time sleeping. I still worry that the flight might be scary for him though. Sincerely, Douglas
Response:
> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days > after > birth.
My goodness, that is early. Do you really have to fly that soon? Exposing such a young child to a planeful of sniffly people is really *not* a good idea, if you can avoid it. > I’ve often noticed that mothers who sit right at the front of the > section of the plane, get a crib which is attached to the front wall. > I’ve > requested that for my flight.
That’s correct. It’s called a bulkhead seat, and the crib is usually called a skycot. > My partner has agreed to breast-feed during the flight; although I’m > not > sure if she’ll be able to as she will be recovering from a c-section > and may > want to spend most of her time sleeping. I still worry that the > flight > might be scary for him though.
You expect her to be out of hospital and flying that distance 3 days after a C-section???I was in the hospital for five days, and I was recovering extremely well. Have you considered the possibility that she may not yet have been discharged then? Be well, Hadass, Ima to Rafi, 22 months — Dr. Hadass Eviatar (XX) National Research Council of Canada Phone: (204) 984 – 4535 Institute for Biodiagnostics Fax: (204) 984 – 5472 435 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1Y6 http://www.ibd.nrc.ca/~eviatar Obliglatory disclaimer: NRC wouldn’t dream of saying a thing like that.
Response:
I agree, it’s a bit early to travel, especially for your partner, as she is having a C-section. Is it really necessary? Can it wait a few weeks? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after birth. >My goodness, that is early. Do you really have to fly that soon?
Response:
> My child will be traveling back to the UK from Canada about 3days after > birth. I’ve often noticed that mothers who sit right at the front of the > section of the plane, get a crib which is attached to the front wall. I’ve > requested that for my flight. > My partner has agreed to breast-feed during the flight; although I’m not > sure if she’ll be able to as she will be recovering from a c-section and may > want to spend most of her time sleeping. I still worry that the flight > might be scary for him though. > Sincerely, > Douglas
Don’t worry about it. A child this young is not conscious of ‘flying’; he is only conscious of his immediate situation — which involves being cuddled, fed, kept warm and dry and sleeping — which is pretty much the same on the ground, in a car, in the air etc. We traveled all the time from the times our kids were about a month old and the very easiest time for travel is when they are infants. There is nothing on a plane for a week old infant to be ‘afraid’ of. If your SO is planning to breast feed the child then of course she will be doing it on the flight — it isn’t really an optional activity if you decide that is the way to go. With any luck both she and the baby will spend most of their time sleeping. Toddlers on the other hand are something else. And fear is not the problem.
Response:
Hi, I will be traveling next Monday via an airplane with my 6 1/2 month old daughter. I am quite anxious about this as she does not like to sit long. My first flight is on a small prop plane from panama city to memphis (2 hours). And the second is from memphis to columbus ms (1 more hour). I was also told I couldn’t nurse her upon take off or descent, that i had to have her over my shoulder supporting her neck and spine. Is this true?? Any helpful hints on traveling with her are appreciated. Also how do I keep close to her eating napping schedule?? Thanks, Julie Mom to Casey
Response:
> Hi, > I will be traveling next Monday via an airplane with my 6 1/2 month > old > daughter. I am quite anxious about this as she does not like to sit > long. > My first flight is on a small prop plane from panama city to memphis > (2 > hours).
Try and get a window seat, maybe she would like to look out? You may have to walk with her a bit, but I’ve done a lot of flying with my baby (starting at nine months – believe me, it is easier when they can’t walk yet!). It’s not so bad. > And the second is from memphis to columbus ms (1 more hour). I was > also told I couldn’t nurse her upon take off or descent, that i had to > have > her over my shoulder supporting her neck and spine. Is this true??
Not over your shoulder, but sitting on your lap facing you, with her feet on either side of you, and your hands supporting her neck and head. There’s no reason why she shouldn’t be able to nurse in that position – mine still did at 22 months! Be well, Hadass, Ima to Rafi, 22 months. — Dr. Hadass Eviatar (XX) National Research Council of Canada Phone: (204) 984 – 4535 Institute for Biodiagnostics Fax: (204) 984 – 5472 435 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1Y6 http://www.ibd.nrc.ca/~eviatar Obliglatory disclaimer: NRC wouldn’t dream of saying a thing like that.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I will be traveling next Monday via an airplane with my 6 1/2 month > old > daughter. I am quite anxious about this as she does not like to sit > long. > My first flight is on a small prop plane from panama city to memphis > (2 > hours). And the second is from memphis to columbus ms (1 more hour). > I was > also told I couldn’t nurse her upon take off or descent, that i had to > have > her over my shoulder supporting her neck and spine. Is this true?? > Any > helpful hints on traveling with her are appreciated. Also how do I > keep > close to her eating napping schedule??
Julie, We’ve traveled with both boys since they were three months old. We were never told about having to keep them over our shoulder during take off and descent. We usually cradled them close to us. The nursing warning doesn’t sound right, either. We seldom have a flight that is less than two hours and I can’t imagine what kind of terror we would have encountered had the boys not been able to nurse! Now, I -could- be wrong, but a quick yell to a couple of peds didn’t produce any warnings like those you mentioned. What we -have- had trouble with is upset tummies on small planes (never on larger jets). Because smaller planes are soooooooo much more effected by the effects of turbulance, we’ve learned to be -very- careful before as well as during such flights. Specifically, we keep their diet light beginning a couple of days before the trip, eliminating heavy meats and concentrating on vegies. We use vitamin supplements where necessary (though there really isn’t anything they can’t get if we’ve planned well). When they were nursing, my wife also adjusted her diet in a similar fashion. I wouldn’t have expected it to make any difference, but it did. The day of the trip, we try to adjust their eating schedule so that they don’t have full tummies during the flight. With infants, that really took some doing! My wife would nurse them a couple of hours before take off, then during the flight give them just enough to keep ‘em from screaming. We weren’t prepared the first time and as a result we all arrived looking and smelling putrid! When they were little, we had little trouble getting them to sleep during the flight as long as it was smooth. The drone of the engines was perfect to lull them. When turbulance hits, though, there really isn’t much you can do but hold them close and help them to feel safe. We’ve flown enough with them now that we -really- try to avoid small planes whenever possible, even though it almost always means paying more if you aren’t planning several weeks ahead. We try to get seats in the bulkhead and ALWAYS board last. The flight attendants are usually quite helpful, as well (especially the older ones). Good luck! — Charles I. Letbetter, Editor CATCH Online Magazine http://www.pagebrothers.com A new way of looking at parenting
Response:
Julie, My baby had flown 25 times by the time he was 8 months old, both commercial and on private jet (Gulfstream). While I didn’t nurse him (I’m sure you’ll get lots of wonderful tips on the acrobatics of this from those who have experience with this!), I put a bottle or pacifier in his mouth for takeoff and landing. He’s never had an ear problem. Your flights are relatively short, which is in your favour. Here are a couple of tips for making the flight easier on both of you: 1. Take an umbrella stroller with you. When you change planes, not only will you have a place for your baby to sit, but you’ll also have a place to put the diaper bag! You can wheel the baby right onto the plane if you like – I have yet to travel where the flight attendants won’t put the stroller in the airplane closet. 2. Take advantage of preboarding. You’ll need a little extra time to get you, baby and assorted carry-on luggage settled. 3. Pre-book your seats, if possible. Make sure the travel agent knows you will be flying with a baby. The seat beside you will be one of the last ones filled. If you’re flying with someone else, book the window and the aisle seat – the middle one will again be the last one filled. 4. Call the airline the day before you travel. Recheck your seats, and again let them know you’ll be travelling with a baby. Ask them for any tips they might have (honestly, they’re very helpful!). 5. Bring your carseat, whether you have a seat booked for her or not. You just might get an available seat at the airport! Plunk your baby on the check-in counter, and let her make cute faces at the check-in clerk. If you do have to check your carseat, most airlines don’t consider it extra luggage (same goes with a playpen if you’re taking one). They have plastic bags at the counter to wrap the carseat in. On one flight we took, I was in a wild panic because the carseat didn’t come off of the conveyor belt. After asking the airline representative, I found that the things like carseats are often considered "special luggage" and come off of a different conveyor belt for that purpose. 6. Change her into a dry diaper before you board the plane. It will be much easier doing this in a washroom that has more space and a changing table! 7. Bring lots of diapers, toys, and food, if she’s eating solids (crackers amuse them for a few minutes!). Also bring at least one outfit change for her. This way, if you encounter any delays you won’t be in a wild panic! (This has happened to me, and I was soooo grateful for the extra bottles, crackers, diapers and change of clothing!) And if you’ve got any room left in your diaper bag, bring along a clean t-shirt for yourself! 8. Take advantage of any help that’s offered. There’s something about having a baby with you that brings out the best in people! 9. Re eating and napping schedule. Just do your best. You can’t make her do anything she doesn’t want to do (but you already know that!), and if she misses her nap, she’ll be back to normal within a day or two. 10. Enjoy. If you’re lucky, the motion of the plane will put her to sleep. If not, it’s a new experience with lots to see and explore – she’ll probably enjoy all the extra attention and sights! If you have any more questions that I could answer for you, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line. Have a great trip! Heather
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.