I still remember the flight. I was in college and there was a woman across the aisle from me with a baby. A baby who was crying. And screaming. And being incredibly difficult to control. You could tell the mother was doing everything she could to calm her baby, but to no avail.
And the guy sitting in front of me kept turning around and glaring at her. Just really obviously glaring. And making some comments. Eventually I said something to him – don’t remember what – and tried to be super nice to the mom who was obviously struggling.
Now…there have been other times when I’ve cringed when the screaming baby and mother have taken their seat behind me, so I’m no saint.
But…as Sarah and I prep for our first flight with Caleb in a little under one month, we are both slightly terrified about what the adventure will involve.
We are flying from Medford, OR to Salt Lake, and then on to O’Hare. Luckily the flights aren’t too long, but we didn’t pay for a seat for Caleb, so I’ll be holding him the whole time.
We’ve been reading around, asking for advice on Facebook, but also wanted to pose the question here: what works best when traveling with a 6-month? What keeps you sane when traveling with a baby?
If there are certain toys, gadgets, drugs(!), or anything else that helps, please share your wisdom with us. Thanks!
Sarah Erickson says
Adam- I chimed in before and thought of one more thing (yes, I suggested benadryl & a bottle/pacifier, and your infant painkiller/fever reducer of choice b/c his ears might hurt). Try not to be anxious. Our children – esp. when little – can tell when we are anxious/worried. So – as the saying goes, at least try to “fear not.” Same goes for when they are fussy/crying/working things our for themselves/overtired/cranky. Hard, I know. But try. And enjoy the ride. Really.
Jennifer says
If your baby was 1 year old, or older I’d say give a teasoon of Benadryl and he’d be out for hours. But its not good to give it to such a little one. Besides the obvious stuff of comfort objects, paci, etc, there isnt a ton you can do at this age. Be well rested and fed yourselves and stock up on patience and humor – those are your best defense!
Karen F says
I have no insight hence I have no baby.
BUT, I am very curious about just when you will be at O’Hare because I too will be there in roughly a month and how cool would it be if it’s at the same time…
Adam says
Karen – we arrive on July 11th at 9pm. And we fly out of O’Hare on July 15 at 6:15pm. What about you?
Karen F says
Blast! Same weekend, very different times. I arrive July 13 at 9:30pm and leave July 16th at 5pm.
Jerilyn says
I usually tried to nurse during takeoff and landings, just to help with the ears. Also, putting him in your favorite baby wearing device would be good, so that he’s all tucked in and snuggling – I actually thought flying with boys when they were younger was easier than when they got older and wanted to move around a lot. If he doesn’t want to nurse, try a pacifier. Sure you’ll all be fine!