Flying with a Baby--a message to my sister

Don't worry, I'm not planning on having another baby anytime soon.  I just decided to post this e-mail message to my sister, because I've been asked this question a few times and thought it would be nice to have it all in one place.

Here's the largely un-edited e-mail....

Pack for the plane:

-lots of pacis

-2 blankets (one to keep as back-up in case other gets dirty. love the Aidan & Anais blankets for this)

-nursing cover (if you don't want to use a blanket)

-burp cloths (include extra in case of droppage)

-diapers & wipes.  Do NOT skimp, bring a lot more than you think you'll need just in case.  I usually packed a diaper-changer w/ what I thought I'd use, then had a ziplock w/ back-ups in the bottom of my back pack.  You just never know when you may get stranded in Dallas for 2 days w/ only one days worth of supplies.

-also in the bottom of backpack, pack an extra shirt for yourself and extra clothes for baby.  Would bring 2 outfits for her (one being warm jammies)

-favorite toys, preferably stuff that doesn't make noise for the sake of your other passengers

-surprise items, which can be totally random like a straw from Starbucks or the plastic cups

-lots of snacks for you, things you can eat w/ one hand.  Again, that time I got semi-stranded in Dallas I was soooo happy for food.  Nursing momma needs calories.

-water bottle(s) to fill once through security.  Remember, nursing momma also needs hydration :)

-hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes.  You can buy little packets of hand sanitizing wipes which are also good to wipe down the tray, etc on the plane

-tylenol for baby, and her antibiotics (don't put in suitcase, want to make sure you have it in case luggage gets lost)

-any meds you might want for yourself (had to pay $6 for 2 ibuprofen during my Dallas stint but so happy to have it)

-chapstick

-little tube of diaper cream (in original package, don't bring the stuff we make b/c you may have to throw it out). lather her up when changing dipe, even if no rash, just in case she has to go long w/o a change

-disposable changing pads.  I cut the big ones in half.

-bags for dirty dipes and trash.  Ziplocks for things like pacis (including an extra for the "dirty" stuff you'll when to wash after the flight)

-breast pads if you are prone to leaking

When you pack your carry-on(s) try to keep stuff you'll need (toys, wipes, pacis, blanket) on the plane on top, or put it in a smaller bag that you can pull out of your back pack and put in easy reach.  

Remember when going thru security that even children are required to take off shoes.  Although she has lots of cute clothes, I'd go w/ the easiest for diaper changes :) Use the "family" line at security if they have it.  There is no restriction on liquids for kids, so you can pack a cooler w/ a freezer pack and milk or whatever else (when they are older I packed juice boxes, food, etc in the cooler).  You'll still need to put the cooler and/or liquids bag in a separate bin on the security line (can't leave it in your backpack).  You will likely need to put the car seat and stroller on the scanner so be prepared for that.  I recommend wearing her in your mei tai or bjorn if you are comfortable so you can have your hands free to get thru security.  You won't have to take her off.  You WILL have to take her off on the plane, though.  Hubby can get a gate pass when you check in at the airport, just needs to show his ID.  When you check in, ask if they can "block" an empty seat next to you.  Quite unlikely on this trip since it's fall break and very busy, but still worth asking.  Don't be offended if the airline people are snippy, it definitely happens but the flight attendants are usually pretty nice.  

When you get to the gate, ask them for the tags to gate check the stroller and car seat.  Make sure you already have them labeled w/ your name and cell phone number (get those tags at check-in).  When you board, you'll leave the stuff right at the entrance to the plane (after you've walked down the ramp).  You'll hopefully get to board early, although some airlines don't do that anymore.  

Wearing something easy to nurse in, pee while holding a baby, etc.  If you need to pee on the plane, a flight attendant will usually be happy to hold baby, unless they are busy handing out beverages, etc.  I always made sure to pee before getting on the plane, just in case.  I also changed baby then to avoid changing on the plane.  Some planes have a changing table in one of the bathrooms, just a little thing above the seat that folds down.  Often, I had to change baby on the seat.  Now is the time to use your most effective dipes.  If you use disposables (which are definitely easier when flying) I often put a cloth cover over top just in case of pesky blow out (maybe W isn't as prone to poopie up the back? hated that).

Nurse her during take-off, or give a paci.  Same for landing, unless she's sleeping, then I wouldn't wake her.  I sometimes gave Tylenol before the flight to presumably help w/ ear pain, but have stopped doing that b/c I don't know if it would really make a difference.  My kids have never had a problem and usually fall asleep during descent.

Remember that her favorite toy is you, so play peak-a-boo, tickle-bugs, zerberts etc when she seems fussy.  Get up and walk around if you can.  If any passenger gives you a hard time, remember they were once a baby, too, and probably a pretty crabby one.  Kill them w/ kindness (and W's cuteness).   I know it sounds crazy, but I get this zen-like calmness w/ flying w/ the kids, and when they sense that you are calm, it makes it a lot easier for them.  Remember that it is only a few hours of your life and theirs, so if something goes wrong, roll w/ it.

Wow!  That's a really long post, but now I won't have to ever retype it again!