Hi,
We are thinking to visit my husband's parents in spring. At that time, our son will be around 6 months old. The flight is about 4 hrs. Is it still early for a child to fly? Also does a child need any paperwork to fly locally?
Thank you!
we started at 6 weeks, cross country. Paperwork is not required, but if you are flying solo, a birth certificate helps (and some airlines even suggest a note from the other parent, giving permission, because of parents fleeing with kids).
have fun!
Fly as soon as possible! It's WAY easier to fly with an infant who still either nurses or takes a bottle and who will just sleep most of the time. Once they hit about one, or sometimes a little before, it's much more challenging as they rarely sleep. I flew with both of my kids when they were 13 weeks' old. No problems whatsoever. You don't need any paperwork that I recall. Have fun!
L.
My daughter was 5 months old on her first plane trip. It was a total of 24 hours with lay-overs. It is possible! I agree with the last person, bring a birth certificate just in case and also a note from the other parent IF only one parent is going to be there (when we went on our trip, my husband only met us in Canada a week after my daughter and I got there, so I had a notarized note he wrote giving me "permission" to take our daughter out of the country!)
Good luck!
I started flying with my son when he was 3 months old and it was great. I did check with my doctor first and they said there was no problem with it as long as you have a bottle or pacifier so they have something that will releive the pressure from their ears. My son is 9 now and is a really great flier and I think it is because we started so early and are able to do it regularly.
There is no paper work required until they are 15, so that is great.
Good luck and have a safe trip
no thats not too early i flew with my daughter for the first time around 8 months. here are my suggestions for flying with a baby-
1. i find that its easiest to have your baby in their own seat.
2. only pack what you will need in the diaper bag - diapers, change of clothes, bottle (unmade), snacks, quiet toys, blanket, wipes, any meds they need to take.
3. its best to fly when they will be sleeping (like durring nap times or at night)
4. have your baby drink a bottle or suck on a paci when you take off and land (this will help their ears adjust).
5. pre board so you can be settled with your baby before people are pushing by you to get seated.
6. if you bring a stroller just have them store it on the plane so you can use it when you get off.
7. a copy of your sons birth certificate and his shot records could come in handy so its good to have. some air lines require you to bring a copy of the birth certificate.
these were very helpful for me my daughter flies very well she has flown to washington state (2 1/2hour flight) and has flown to michigan which was 7 hours total.
We took our first trip at 4 weeks old and now my son is 6 months and we will be taking our 5th trip. Like the other moms said, definitely not too early but be prepared and don't be afraid to fly with your son. He may wiggle about so try and get an isle seat and feel free to move about the airplane once the fasten seat belt sign is off. Bring toys and have a bottle or be prepared to breastfeed on the landing, it helps with the pressure on their ears. But remember even if he cries, he's just a baby so don't feel bad just try and make the trip as fun as possible for him. Have a great time on your trip!!! Good Luck!
Hi Y.!!
Not too young at all. As other posters have said, it is much easier to travel with a little one. My daughter was born Nov of 04, and we flew to Arizona for New Years'..she was around 6 weeks old. The Dr. said that infants are "grounded" until they have their first shots. After that, they can be airborne. You got some very good advise as far as what to take with you.
I highly recommend three items
1) Take your stroller with you. You never know when your flight might be delayed. Having your stroller with you will let the baby sleep in. If need be, you can even change a diaper in it.
2) Take your car seat. A lot of the times, if the flight is not full, the attendants at the gate will rearrange passengers who have not checked in yet, so you can have the seat next to you to put the car seat in. You have to ask them, and be sweet as pie when you do..*wink wink*
3) Take a copy of your child's birth certificate. We have never needed it, but you never know when you might.
Enjoy your trip!!
L.
