best place to sit on a plane with an infant and a 4 yrs old

[PinayArmyWife 2]

Hi VJ members, has anyone travelled with an infant before? i wanna asks on some inputs on where is the best place to sit back or front? Plus any tips to make this travel somehow easy and pleasant for me and my daughters will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Edited March 8, 2011 by PinayArmyWife

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Above the wings is least turbulence and being directly behind the bulkhead you can get a "bassinet" for the infant to sleep in. Here: http://wherenextwithmeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/baby_1-round1.jpg

When you call to book the tickets let them know you have an infant and need a bassinet. They actually usually reserve that section for parents for the bassinet reason... so just let them know.

Read this link: http://wherenextwithmeg.com/2010/10/21/traveling-with-a-tiny-the-family-row/ which actually is where I got the pic from. She explains it.

Edited March 8, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

How old is the infant- will you have a seat for them (if you can afford it, it's well worth it! Makes travel so much easier!)? Generally, I would recommend the front, so you can get off quickly. If infant is very young, request a bulkhead seat with a bassinette, so the baby can lay in there.

If the baby doesn't have its own seat, and the plane has three seats in a row, reserve the window and aisle seats for you and the older child; if the plane isn't full, it is unlikely the middle seat will be taken and you'll have a free seat for baby- if it is full, the passenger in the middle seat will be glad to move.

Check the stroller- if you even bring one- and carry infant in a baby carrier, it is easier to maneuver around airports and run if you are late.

Breastfeed baby on take-off and landing if you can, else bottle or pacifier. Buy some new toys for the older child, hide them away until the trip.

[shaester 0]

I traveled when my son was a infant and toddler to and from overseas on several occasions.

These are my recommendations.

--Try to get a bulk head seat (usually 1st row behind first class). The seat doesn't go as far back as other rows but the pay off it comes with extra leg room. I was able to allow my then 12 month old to stand up in the small area and play with this toy truck on the floor. It helped because he wasn't going to stay still for long periods.

--For the infant, the usual baby items such as diapers, wipes, baby food/formula, pacifer (to suck when going up and landing it helps with pressure on their ears). Don't overpack (I've made this mistake) it's hell carrying baby, overpacked baby bag, hand holding of 4 year old from on end to another of an airport, possible having to ride the tram from one terminal to another. Trust me it is easier to purchase any items in the airport if you run out.

**Not sure if your infant is breastfeed or uses formula. My son was both but when traveling for convenience, I purchased the individual/singles packages of powdered baby formula it was easier and less messier than trying to scoop out of a plastic baggie. I always had a 2 pre-made bottles: one with dry formula only, the other with dry formula and cereal. I could purchase water in airport or ask flight attendent for bottled water.

** Any medicines for children. I always packed baby tylenol (it mets the 2 oz size liquid requirement).

--Stroller. I don't check my stroller until I get to the gate of the plane. Easier to manuever through airport security, bathrooms, etc with baby and toddler. (reference to above advice)

-- For the 4 four old, bring snacks (a boxed juice, crackers, etc) for plane ride and toys (coloring book, small stuff animal/blanket), extra pair of undies/clothes. I prefer light weight clothes that if she has an accident they can be washed in airport sink and dried underneathe the hand dryer. Oh, a lightweight sweater for the plane in case she gets cold. Put her things in a small suitcase that rolls or backpack she can carry. It makes it easier on you when she is able to get the items she wants with little assistance from you.

-- If your 4 year old is a "wanderer", invest in those kid safety leash things that won't let her stray too far.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Shaestar reminded me of something: spare clothes! 2 sets for baby, one for you. You don't want to sit on the plane for hours with a puked upon shirt or peed on pants....

[PinayArmyWife 2]

How old is the infant- will you have a seat for them (if you can afford it, it's well worth it! Makes travel so much easier!)? Generally, I would recommend the front, so you can get off quickly. If infant is very young, request a bulkhead seat with a bassinette, so the baby can lay in there.

If the baby doesn't have its own seat, and the plane has three seats in a row, reserve the window and aisle seats for you and the older child; if the plane isn't full, it is unlikely the middle seat will be taken and you'll have a free seat for baby- if it is full, the passenger in the middle seat will be glad to move.

Check the stroller- if you even bring one- and carry infant in a baby carrier, it is easier to maneuver around airports and run if you are late.

Breastfeed baby on take-off and landing if you can, else bottle or pacifier. Buy some new toys for the older child, hide them away until the trip.

my baby is 7 months old...she would be on my lap, can't afford to buy a ticket for her to have a seat.

thank you for the tip.

[PinayArmyWife 2]

I don't plan on bringing a stroller, ours is too bulky. I will put her on a sling (moby wrap) will this be a problem? And oh, she's purely breastfeed.

[shaester 0]

I don't plan on bringing a stroller, ours is too bulky. I will put her on a sling (moby wrap) will this be a problem? And oh, she's purely breastfeed.

No, moby wrap is fine. The flight attendant had to hold my son facing me when the plane took off. I guess for safety issue. Pack a few clear plastic bags in case you need to do a quick diaper change on the plane or in airport (trashcan is too far at the moment) or put dirty clothes in.

Oh, I also ended up purchasing a small pkg of the overnight diapers just for plane trips because they hold more liquids. Especially if your little one loves liquids.

Good Luck with your trip. You'll do fine.

Edited March 8, 2011 by shaester

[PinayArmyWife 2]

Thank you all for your wonderful tips. God bless

[Ban Hammer 13,334]

some airlines require a child under a certain age to have the window seat. as for where to sit, the wings are the best choice. and on the bright side, you should be able to board first.

[Sergi9 110]

Hi VJ members, has anyone travelled with an infant before? i wanna asks on some inputs on where is the best place to sit back or front? Plus any tips to make this travel somehow easy and pleasant for me and my daughters will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

The best place for anyone traveling with small children is as far away from me as possible.

[nane1104 146]

The best place for anyone traveling with small children is as far away from me as possible.

I will keep that in mind when I travel with my 2 year old. THe last thing a parent on an overseas trip needs is nasty looks from people who are not in their situation/never traveled with a child.

[^_^ 5,021]

:dead: :dead:

:mellow: :mellow:

:crying: :crying:

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

The last thing a parent on an overseas trip needs is nasty looks from people who are not in their situation/never traveled with a child.

As a parent travelling with a small child should be just a mindful of the other passengers. Being considerate is not a one-way street.

I had to spend 16 hours on a flight with an inconsiderate Mom & Grandma in my row. I was at the window, kindly asked if they would switch so I could be at the isle as I'm claustrophobic and they acted like I was asking them to murder the baby. It was rude of them to pin me in like that especially when Grandma slept the who flight. I was just trying to get out of their way and the flight was full so I had no other options.

[nane1104 146]

I think that lady would have been rude with or without having a child with her...at least the way you describe her sounds like she was just rude. That has nothing to do with trying to travel with a toddler who is screaming and crying and whatever you do, nothing seems to work to calm him down....last thing you need are nasty looks and rude comments from fellow travelers.

And yes, I have been on airplanes with kids behind me, kicking my seat nonstop and the parents didn't give two sh** about it.

But that was not the kind of situation I was talking about in my initial reply.