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Esyn and others who have flown with babies
We are taking Jack to Italy in September. He'll be 9 months. It's an 8.5 hour flight over, 10 hours back. Questions:
1. Tell me about the bulkhead bassinets and if you used them.
Our plane has 2 seats on the left and right side and 4 seats in the middle (where I believe the bassinets are located). Currently we are seated in the row of 2 seats. I figured this would be good because we wouldn't have anyone sitting next to us and I could breastfeed with a bit of privacy. And I figured he would sleep in the Ergo - do you know if this is allowed?
Then I heard about the bassinets so I put in a request for one (I know I may not get it). But then I wondered about sitting next to two other people (it's a row of 4) and what if they have a kid that keeps my kid up? And when I'm nursing with the cover on, Jack likes to flip it up so I'd definitely flash the person next to me or the aisle next to me. Later, I heard there are weight limits so I'm not even sure it's worth taking the chance.
2. Please give me your other helpful tips for flying with a baby.
We are flying at night on the way over so I'm hoping he sleeps. I'm more worried about keeping him occupied on the 10 hour flight home in the morning/afternoon. I've started to acquire new small toys that will hopefully hold his interest.
#1 12.11.11
#2 10.23.13 EDD
Re: Esyn and others who have flown with babies
So, for reasons no one could explain to be to my satisfaction, they can be in the Ergo, but you have to take the staps off of your shoulders. It is a total bullshit rule that makes zero sense, but I encountered this on all four flights on two different airlines.
At 13 months, I was still able to get away with sticking him on the boob when he made any sort of peep, and it would knock him out. By 16 months, that wasn't flying anymore and it was a total nightmare. I have no expertise cue with the bulkhead bassinet, but I think it would be helpful. We definitely should have booked DS his own seat at 16 months.
Thanks kross, I just remembered! No worries, we aren't leaving for another month.
Amy, that does sound stupid re: straps. Did they make you put the infant lap belt on him too?
#1 12.11.11
#2 10.23.13 EDD
I flew with Brooks by myself when he was about that age, and yeah I had to have the Ergo straps down during take off and landing. I didn't use a bassinet and held him. I also lucked out and there was an empty seat next to me. Hopefully the same will happen for you.
When my friend flew to Seoul with her 11 month alone, she ended up holding him for 15 hours because he wouldn't fall asleep in the bassinet or he was too big, I can't remember but I knew my 90 lbs friend held her 25lbs kid for 15 HOURS!!!!
I don't know how you feel about this, but the ipad is our saviour when he starts getting squirmy. Then I would do lots of walks up and down the aisle as needed. Take his favorite foods too. And just like you're doing stow away favorite toys now so they'll be a surprise later. I also got him some new books that he had never seen before. I was so over prepared and didn't use half of it.
Thanks MZ. I suppose I should call the airline and find out about the weight/height limit. But the more I think about it, I might skip the bassinet only because I'd rather have the privacy.
I also forgot to mention that my parents and my FIL and his wife will also be on the plane with us so there will be 6 people available to entertain him.
#1 12.11.11
#2 10.23.13 EDD
Ditto the iPad. I have zero shame when it comes to flying with the kid -- I use any parental crutch available.
You only have to have the straps on the carrier down for take off and landing, other than that it is wonderful to have the kiddo sleep in there and catch some zzzzzzzzz's yourself.
At 9 months I think your DS will be too big for the bassinet, but I would call to make sure that is true.
We love getting the 2 seats together because with the arm up it is big enough for the 3 of us. You guys aren't fill the airplane seat kind of folks so I imagine it would be the same for you.
The only thing I would caution about the bulk head is the placement of the televisions. We usually try to fly airlines where you have your own tv on the back of the seat (Continental, Virgin, Luftansa, and some others depending on the plane) and the placement can be odd in the bulkhead. I usually turn on some kids movies and let DS chill out for a bit with those.
Baby food in pouches is your friend. That is amazing for traveling in general but especially awesome on the plane.
Let him walk up and down the aisle if needed and hang out in the back where the flight attendants/food is if they will let you. The change of scenery is nice and it may occupy DS for a bit.
Erin, we are flying USAirways (god I hate them but they were are only choice).
And yes, I've been spying the baby food pouches!
#1 12.11.11
#2 10.23.13 EDD
Squeezie pouches will change your life! DS hasn't really eaten purees since maybe 9 or 10 months, and has always been great about eating regular fruits and veggies.
But he will still shotgun those suckers as a "treat". I always have a few in my bag for meltdowns or when food options might be limited.
BRU runs specials a lot when you can get 20 for $20.
Trader Joe's fruit crushers are a bit smaller, but are now our go-to for "treat". AND they are like....75 cents each I think. (they come in 4 packs)
Sorry I'm just responding now. We were in the UK visiting DH's family for a couple of weeks!
We used the bassinet when Oliver was 3 months and then again when he was 11 months. At 11 mo., he was was too heavy for the bassinet to be attached to the wall so we just put it on the floor at our feet. We had less leg room but it was a lifesaver b/c we could just watch movies when he slept since he wasn't on our lap! It can't hurt to reserve the bassinet and then not use it. We use US Airways too (it's our only option) and they are always really great with kids. I don't know anything about the Ergo...we didn't use ours on the plane.
The way over will be a breeze. He'll sleep most of the way. Oliver is 2 now, and he even slept the whole way to England on this trip. I even carried him off the plane when he was still sleeping. You can nurse during takeoff/landing to help their ears.
You'll be fine for the way back, too. Some things that we take...
- extra clothes (2 sets), diapers, wipes, face/hand wipes
- snacks!!
- sticker book (you stick them on his fingers one-by-one and he can play with them)
- new toy(s)
- we don't have an ipad but my kindlefire was a lifesaver on this trip. I downloaded lots of games and Yo Gabba Gabba episodes.
Any other questions feel free to ask! You'll have a great time in Italy --- where are you going exactly?