Traveling with a 9 month old.

My son and I will be flying from Phoenix to northern Maine at the end of August. It will be about a 13 hour trip, with an additional hour once we land to drive to our final destination. We will have two plane changes. I will be alone, as my husband has to stay behind and move all of our stuff and travel with our pets.

My question is, have any of you traveled with a child under a year? How were they on the plane? Did the cabin pressure cause discomfort, and if so, what can you give them to help? A pacifier? He'll be sitting on my lap, and he is mainly breastfed, although I plan on bringing a few snack items and a blanket to cover myself up to keep him happy. He hates sitting still, though, and I'm worried sick I'm going to have some sort of catastrophe on my hands, and everyone on the plane will hate me.

I guess what I really need is some empowering speeches or something to reassure me that everything will be fine! I am definitely not looking forward to this trip!

Thanks in advance!
-Raen

I have never took any of my kids on an airplane (or been on a passenger jet myself lol) yet so I really can't help you...but as far as driving long distances with kids...I am a master at that!!!

Have a good trip!!  

Oh my goodness.. we drove a 10 hour drive last month with our son, and two dogs and it was HELL. I can't really blame Rion for crying, though. I didn't want to be stuck in the car that long either.

All I can say is - thank God for portable DVD players and Baby Einsten/Pooh Bear!

-Raen

OMG! He is BEAUTIFUL! soo cute!

Im also flying in 8 days from Phoenix to albuquerque which is only like an hour long flight but still im worried about the flight.. I havent flown in about 10 years and I will be flying with my husband there, but since im staying for a week with my parents my husband is coming back before me and I will fly back by myself.

I also breastfeed but give him formula when we are in public because he will not eat with a blanket over his head. Hes very hyper and since hes teething hes very irratable too. Im also wondering about if I am allowed to bring my travel system on the plane. It will be alot easier to just have him in the stroller while we are waiting for the plane. Am I allowed to bring it on the plane and is it easier to hold your baby or have him sitting next to you on the seat in his carseat? My son doesnt do well in his carseat for long periods of time....

I think some airlines allow you to bring a stroller on with you... but it would have to fit in the overhead compartments. What they MIGHT be able to do is, when you start to board the plane, then take it underneat. I know everytime I fly, there are people who end up not being able to fit their carry-on stuff in the overhead compartments, and end up having to have those bags checked. I'd call the airport/airline and ask.

I chose not to take the carseat on the flight with me because I don't have the money to pay for two seats, and my son will probably want me to hold him instead of being trapped in the carseat for that long, anyways.

The Phoenix to Albuquerque flight won't be too bad! I used to live in Phoenix, but I live in Alamogordo, New Mexico now. We're about 6 (or 8..?) hours south of Albuquerque. I'm flying from Phoenix though because that is where my best friend lives, and she wants to see me and the baby before we move to Maine.

Oh! And THANK YOU!! I think he's pretty darn cute, myself. hehe Yours is adorable, too!  

I hope you have a safe and nice trip!

-Raen