Has anyone flown with an infant?

[Capt-D]

I found out yesterday that we need to fly From BWI to Ft Meyers beach on Friday for a memorial service for my wife's grandfather. We will be taking our 5 week old boy with us and need some tips to make it more comfortable for him (as well as fellow passengers).

THANKS

-D

[Glenn W]

benedryl--- a dad's best friend with an infant

[Squidnation]

Nyquil for the kid, Vodka for the parent and Valum for the four folks around you.

[Double D]

I think there are some ear drops for numbing the pain caused by pressure changes. Ask you doctor. I'll also ask my wife when she gets home.

The descent always seems to be the worst for them. A pacifier may help too

I just googled "flying with a baby" (you got me curious), there's a ton of info. A sample:

To prevent aerotitis media (ear pain) caused by a change of air pressure in the eustachian tube," says Dr. Neal M. Kotin, "encourage swallowing during ascent and, more importantly, during descent." Nursing, sipping and chewing all work for toddlers better than holding their nose and blowing out.

Avoid the 'Stewardess Cure' -- holding a cup filled with steam over each ear -- as this technique can force moisture into the ear canal which may become infected. Many parents swear by Ear Planes (see review in FTF Shop), a small ear plug designed to equalize pressure changes in the inner ear. Dr. Sears recommends keeping infants comfortable by administering a saline nasal spray every hour to prevent a dry, itchy nose. Only wake sleeping children on descent if they have a history of ear pain.

[barnacle bills marine]

Just be sure to purchase a ticket for him also and take your car seat. Otherwise he needs to sit on your lap. My wife flew with our twin boys when they were 6 weeks old from NJ to Fla for a week and back again. No problems at all.

[Talbot29]

I've flown with infants. They are usually in the seat behind me and their parents either didn't do the research you are or it didn't work. God bless and good luck. I've always heard the nursing/drinking thing works well with infants. Couple that with the benedryll/triaminic and you should be set. If it doesn't work, be a pal and order me a vodka, I'll be the guy in the seat in front of you with the Ipod turned all the way up.

[flatbottom]

I am from the old school and never tried it because of the reasons above with pressure changes. Sorry I could not help ya here capt.d

[Deep C]

Pacifier, nursing, bottle... Keep em swallowing and working the jaw on the way up and down. Hopefully the baby sleeps between... Traveled with Mini extensively and she was never a problem...