Traveling with a 5 month old?

Hello Everyone,

Hope you are all doing well.  I will be taking a trip in a couple of weeks from Maui to Palm Springs.  Being a first time mom, I have no experience traveling with a baby. 

Any tips on what is a MUST to take on the trip for baby?  For example: do I take diapers or just purchase them when I get there? 

I personally would take all things needed for baby if you have the luggage to spare....mostly to keep your cost down (buying last minutes and in unfamiliar places are more expensive).   Plus you will need most of these things on the flight (diapers, wet ones, burp clothes, extra change of clothes, formula or baby food (if he uses either yet).  How long is the flight?  I would ask for a bulk head seat so you have more room and they often have small bassinets you can put baby in to sleep (this is especially nice if the flight is long).  So yeah, if you have the room, pack as much as you can....if you don't have the room and don't mind spending extra then take what you need for the flight and purchase what you need when you get there.  Also, when you take off and land it might be beneficial for the baby to suck on something (nuk, bottle or breast) to help with his ears.  Good luck and have fun!

Thanks for replying.  First flight is about 5 hours and the other ones are about an hour. It is a pretty short trip so we should be able to get away with packing very little for us and more the baby.
Never thought I would say that, it was always pack little for my husband and more for me lol.....

I am SOOO glad you posted this! I am taking Liam on a flight in Nov. A few coworkers have given me the advice to drug him with benadryl but to test it first to ensure it doesnt have the reverse effect. I am going to Liam's 4 month check up tomorrow and plan to ask the Dr what he suggests. I'll update then!

Do not listen to your coworkers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats insane, you should never give medication to a baby that is not prescribed by a doctor. I took my oldest doaughter to Europe for 3 weeks when she was 3 months old and she did great. The best time to travel is when they are infants. Whe the plane is taking off nurse your baby or give him a bottle the same when you are landing, that will keep his ear from plugging.

Norma

Where are you going?  Hope it's pleasure.

First off, this is the easiest it will ever be to travel with your child, so enjoy it! :)  Most airplanes don't have changing stations in their bathrooms, so make sure you change the baby just prior to boarding.  If your baby is prone to "blowouts" consider layering a larger 2nd diaper outside the normal one to help keep their clothing (and you) clean.  Nursing (or a bottle) during take off will help keep their ears from popping and probably make the baby more likely to sleep on the flight.  As far as things for when you're there, bring what you have space for and plan to rent/borrow anything you can't bring.  For example I'd make sure you bring at least a few days worth of diapers so you're not trying to find a store right away.  Anything that is crucial to your baby's comfort (ie. favorite blankie, paci's, or a CD at bed time) are more important than anything else you'll be bringing... put them in your carry on!  Most importantly, relax!  If traveling makes you stressed out, the baby will pick up on it and be stressed out too.  Give yourself plenty of extra time in the airports and if the baby is crying on the plane, just remind yourself that you'll never have to see these people again, the more relaxed you stay, the better experience it will be for everyone.  Have a great trip!

Never thought about no changing table on the plane.  Thanks!

Agree with everything posted above.  I've flown MANY times from here to the US (9 hours).  Biggest and most important thing is having a bottle, breast or pacifier on hand during take off and landing to help with the ears  Although, your child may not fuss.  My daughter always fussed during take off and landing, but son never did.  Bring at least 2 extra outfits on the plane, and one for you as well in case there is major puking.  (I've lived this one, and let me tell you it wasn't pleasant!  Wasn't pleasant for the person next to me either!).

Pack all the essentials rather than worrying about buying them, and if no one offers help, ask for it!  Most airport personel are helpful when they see a mom with a baby, but others are rude as can be.

Have a great flight and a good time!

Thank you. We are hoping to get away with just carry-ons so will have extra cloths on plane lol