[shoshanna]

Can any of you give me tips for how to travel by air with a 7 month old? We'll be picking up our adopted son soon, and I'm a little nervous about the trip home. What should I bring?

[heritagemom]

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!! We can't wait to hear about this adventure and to hear how things went!!

I'm hoping that they will be giving you a list or ideas for him and what he's used to, but you can always wing it. I would take a warm, soft blanket and some kind of soft but small stuffed toy for him to hold onto for comfort and security. But something what would travel easily (meaning it can get stuffed into a pocket without worry). Probably a couple of sets of clothing (some kids get "motion sick" when they fly) and you can never have enough dry clothes in your CARRYON. (There's a hideous story here about getting snow delayed in Chicago with a VERY puking baby myself and washing them in the sink in the airport and drying them with the blow dryer! ACK) Diapers in his size (I would just estimate by his age etc), a package of handi wipes (travel pack size) and if you live in a cold climate, a snuggly suit of some kind. You might also consider traveling with an "umbrella stroller" which you can find in any Wal-Mart type store for like $15.00. They fold up very easily and small, and if you have to walk through long airport terminals etc, it can be hard to carry a child for long periods (even when you are USED to it). And if he doesn't want to sit in it, you can push all the OTHER stuff while you hold him! You may want to talk to a pediatrician about what kind of formula would be the best for him etc since he may or may not be on a bottle of some kind...

Just cover the basics...food, clothing/warmth, and security for him. I'd also take along a good disposable camera (or two) so you can take lots of pictures but not have to worry about keeping an eye on an expensive camera amid the chaos etc. If there is any way to talk to someone who has adopted a child through the same agency/orphanage, I would find out what is allowed and not allowed and if they have any hints....

Good luck! Just remember you can't "break" them and that the most important thing is love and food and more love!

[heritagemom]

OOPPPPS...the most important thing I was going to tell you, is that if he takes a bottle or a pacifier, to make sure he's sucking on it during take off and landing. Kids don't have a way to pressurize their ears like we do, and the sucking will help him pop his ears etc and keep the crying to a minimum. Little ones don't like the pressure up OR down!

[byokids]

HI congratulations
I am sure you are soooo excited!!! Just thought I would mention that you can get earplugs for flying they depressurise as you take off and land. You can get them for children but I think it may be 1 year up. I will look into it a little more and see if I can find any for 7months. If I find any I will add another post. I have a couple of articles on my family travel website about flying with kids. You may find them helpful. Just check out the articles section on www.byokids.com.au there is also a product review on the earplugs for flying
Cheers leah

[Lovemyboy]

I would also suggest taking a bottle with water so that he could drink that during landing and take off. Also, since flying can dehydrate people, this would be helpful. I have found that board books help pass the time, rattles and things that make some noise might help too.

Congrats on your little one!

[shoshanna]

Thanks so much guys! I was beginning to worry that I wouldn't get a response to this post! We won't be traveling until April, but I want to start preparing. Your tips were wonderful!

[MaliaMom]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am thrilled for you and your new addition. My daughter was almost seven months when I flew from Wisconsin to Hawaii with her (solo). We spent about 14 hours on various planes (we changed planes three times).

While, I agree with the previous tips posted by others, my greatest tip for you is to find out what type of aircraft you will be flying for the majority of your flight (for example we were on a 767 from Chicago to Honolulu about 9.5 hours). This is especially important if you are not buying a ticket for your baby and you plan to have him considered a "lapchild" (that's airline lingo for a child under two years traveling without a ticket). Ask the airline representative what the seating configuration is on that particular aircraft (for example on a 767, it's two seats, three seats, two seats). If you are traveling with a partner, then request the two aisle seats in the middle row. It is rare that someone will request a middle seat and you will almost always be gauranteed the middle seat to be empty, providing you with extra room to let the baby stretch out or a place to spread out toys, etc. Basically, you get three seats for the price of two and even if it is a booked flight, chances are the person holding the middle seat will be more than happy to switch so that you can sit next to your traveling partner and the baby can share time on both of your laps.

Another tip: bring colorful board books. At seven months, my daughter loved looking a the bright colorful pictures and she loved chewing on the pages. I would also recommend bringing teething toys. My daughter loved the ones shaped like car keys. Also, don't skimp on the handi-wipes. You will be changing a lot of diapers on your flight and the water pressure in airplane bathrooms are poor at best.
Good luck!
Michele