airplane ride at 7 months

Hi all,

Soon we'll be travelling from Canada to North Carolina to my sisters house for a month, and I've started making lists of what to pack etc. I've jotted down items that I need to pack for the plane and in the diaper bag (will actually be buying a 2nd diaper bag as well), so for those that have travelled with your babies on planes before, I've listed the items that I'll be taking, and wanted you input as to whether I've missed anything? There isn't a direct flight for us, so we have a long day, almost 6 hrs of flying with a 2 hr layover as well.

-12 diapers
-wipes
-washclothes
-spit up blankets
-tylenol
-soothers
-2 changes of clothes
-diaper cream
-12 cans of ready to serve formula
-mum-mums
-2 blankets
-plastic bags for dirty diaper
-bag of toys/books

Have I missed anything? Our flights are early in the morning so that our arrival into North Carolina is roughly later in the day, so am hoping the ride goes okay for the little ones.

 

im glad you posted this! we'll be flying from GA to PA (not such a long flight) in dec, the babies will be 6 months corrected and im a lil nervous! did you get an extra seat? i cant decide if its worth it or not.

 

QUOTE(cottoncandysky @ Aug 26 2008, 11:08 AM) [snapback]948263[/snapback]
im glad you posted this! we'll be flying from GA to PA (not such a long flight) in dec, the babies will be 6 months corrected and im a lil nervous! did you get an extra seat? i cant decide if its worth it or not.

we didnt get the extra seat, we're using my husbands points for the tickets, and we figured we could manage holding them for the flight, we'll see how the flight down goes, we may end up buying one on the way back...gl on your trip!

 

I've done 2 flights so far with my girls and have another in 2 weeks.

Bring a change of clothing for you and DH Especially a shirt!! Just in case they throw up all over you- that happened to my sister and unfortunately she had to wear it the whole flight (we did have a change of clothes for the baby though)

gate check your stroller and car seats ESPECIALLY the car seats- you can ask if there is an extra open seat- they sometimes will let you change around seats to bring on the carseat and have a child sit in it. Its worth asking- trust me!! Its wise to do the 2 diaper bag thing for that very reason.

are they into toys or books yet? I would bring one or 2 of their favorites for the plane or even crib toys that they have normally at home. I ended up buying 2 new toys for them to play with on the plane (new was a nice distraction) but brought the crib toys b/c they would be sleeping in a new place in a new crib and it helped.

plastic bag for dirty clothes too. you just never know.

feel free to ask any other ?s!

 

Sounds like you have a good list. It really wasn't as bad as it seems like it might be!

I second the change of clothes/shirt for you and DH. Watch it when they bring you a drink - DH and DS1 ended up covered in coke. Also the pacifier clips helped alot - I had one paci go rolling towards the back of the plane. Split the toys, bottles etc between two bags in case you and DH don't get to sit close together. Definitely ask about an open seat. We didn't get one, but it can't hurt to ask.

We didn't have any issues holding them except on one return trip. DS1 was very wiggly - we just took turns with him though. My arms were tired though from holding heavy sleepy babies!

 

Take some antibacterial wipes and purell as well because you'll want to clean the airplane tables & armrests (the babies will touch everything) and everybody's hands. The wipes are also good for the many dropped toys. If you have pacifier holders, those are handy to keep pacifiers off the floor.

I don't see bottles on the list but I assume you're not forgetting those. And little snacks, like Gerber puffs, can buy lots of quiet time so I'd introduce a couple of those before you leave as long as the babies are already trying solids.

Definitely take the stroller and gate check it. And bring some tylenol for you too.

 

At that age I would bring a sling or 2.

They are great when your little one is sleeping - you can sling them laying down or facing your chest. They can "sit" facing out on your lap when they are awake - again leaving you with your hands free.

Easier to carry them on and off the plane.

 

Haven't flown with my two yet, but we're flying home to New Zealand (what a fun 12 hours that will be!) in a couple of weeks, so its good to check my list next to yours!
The only couple things I have are booger suckers (or nasal aspirators, depending on how polite you are) because I know that for some reason, whenever I fly my nose runs (sorry TMI), so am guessing my bubs will do the same. That may be a function of a long overnight flight though. I also have infant tylenol on my list. Not that I could tell if they had a headache or something, but hey, good to have.

Good luck! Have a wonderful time on your vacation

 

I've heard several grocery bags better than those small disposable throw away bags for diapers especially in such small room in those bathrooms. Use the wheelchair bathrooms -- larger.

Buy some extra of those "pacifier holders" to secure toys. This way the toys dont' fall on the floor or get lost. Bring only clip on toys that you can clip to each diaper bag. Eg. those linking rings. You will likely buy new toys while you are there. Have some quiet toys for more quiet times on the plane.

Easy sleepers might be better than nice looking tops and bottom outfits. Plus if they spit up you simply put a new sleeper on. Put bibs on them from the beginning to reduce spit ups on their clothes.

Wear no belts in your pants (including your dh) and slip on shoes for when going through security. A metal free bra might make things quicker too.

I'd bring more than 2 blankets. Sometimes it is good to cover them up a bit when boarding and unboarding the plane so people dont' touch them as easily. If you and dh walk a bit separately people might be less "twin struck" and try to stop you especially if they don't match.

I'd bring more than 12 diapers especially with a layover. Bring extra baby food if they are up to that stage.

I wouldn't bring too many books -- instead just buy some when you get there. They just eat them. If you purchase some things while there you might find it cheaper to ship from the U.S. the postage is cheaper than Canada. (make sure it says "gift" or you get charged tax)....

bring something "gummy" to chew on if they are teething -- and teething gel X 2 !!!!

what about a stroller cover -- with the toys on it. Just a small one I think those luggage carts have a spot for babies to sit right ? or will you have the stroller then I guess.... Get a stroller mesh cover if you don't have one for privacy I have this one.. http://www.greatbabyproducts.com/ProductDe...00&CartID=0 and it has a mesh and a block out if they are sleeping. It keeps adult hands out. A very large blanket might block out if they need to sleep during the lay-over.

Hope that helps, all the best for your trip !!!

Heather

 

I agree with the pp who suggested a sling. When we traveled with the girls around that age we brought the Bjorns along with a stroller (for the layover). What are mum-mums?

The only other things I would suggest (which you probably have, but didn't mention), two sets of bottles, nipples and caps along with a bottle brush (munchkin makes a good one that has a nipple brush included). Oh and extra shirts for you and DH. GL and have fun!