[tyiakoum]

Does anyone know about flying w/a newborn? I have serious reservations about flying w/a baby because of the germs and also all the TSA hassles... plus the altitude changes on the plane etc. However, at some point we are going to have to use an airline (I think) to bring our baby home (whenever that may be).

does anyone have advice/experience in this area?

Thanks,

[loveajax]

You know what's strange, Tammy....I have flown several times (domestically) with DD (not as a newborn though, but at around 4 mos). I have never been asked to show her birth certificate or anything and she just stays in my arms. Believe it or not, babies are pretty good flyers...(wait til they are toddlers)...for the altitude change, I just have DD suck on a bottle or pacifier.

Now, germs is a different matter....I always get sick after I have been on a plane. But babies are these weirdly resistant creatures!

In any event, I wouldn't "rule out" flying...I think if I could drive within 4-6 hours, i would prefer to do that (but believe me, babies can be nightmares in cars!!).

GOOD LUCK!

[mommy3]

We drove home (5 hours) with of our newborns and they did really well because the car usually lulls them to sleep at that age. You do need to plan to take 1/3 longer for feedings, but that's about it in a car. I'd also worry about the close proximity to so many other people in the winter on a plane and would personally opt to drive unless that concept was not feasible, give a several state or cross-country trip. The main thing about altitude is take-offs and landings, so you make sure you have the baby suck on a bottle then. For that reason, babies love planes 'cause they get extra feedings in there! I have heard that people plan to have birth certs with them but don't know if that's a precaution a reality. Still, with all the time we wait in adoption, having to work out how to get home is such a wonderful problem! Best of luck! susan

[Lovebug]

We flew non-stop home with our son when he was 11 days old. Didn't have one problem and are planning to do it again with babe number 2.

--Renee

[SchmennaLeigh]

I've also not been asked for Nick's birth certificate, nor has D who has flown more than me since the Munchkin's birth.

Actually, the times that I've flown with Nicholas have been LESS of a hassle than without him. People have actually, SHOCKER, treated me with compassion! WOO!

[jaenelle]

We picked up our daughter about 800 miles from our home and we drove. We really didn't like the idea of being in an unfamiliar city without a car. We live almost 200 miles from the nearest airport, so knowing we could be 1/4 of the way there before we even got to the airport was a major influence on our decision to drive.

But then again, I am used to long trips to visit family and so is DH -- his idea of a routine car trip is from South Carolina to Washington state!

If you don't travel well in a car, then flying may be the best option. I much prefer to be able to stop when I want to, get out of the car and walk around for a while, and if we see something neat, to stop and look at it.

[nycfsa]

We flew from Phoenix to Newark with our son when he was 10 days old. He was fine, didn't get sick and slept pretty much the whole way (5 hours). No one asked us for any documentation on Continental.

We flew with him in 2003, so there were no carry-on luggage restrictions like there are now. If I were going to fly with an infant now, I would just be sure to keep up-to-date on what you can take onboard in terms of liquid vs. powdered formula, etc. It would just be miserable not to have all the food and other baby supplies that you need.

[Sun8]

Check with specific airlines. I was looking at one airline the other day (the kids flying and infants) and they said no one under 2 weeks of age. I dont remeber if it was continental or american airlines but you may want to check out the flying with children and infants frequently asked questions.

[sadiegirl]

Chiming in...never flew with a newborn but with my (then) 15 mo old. I have to agree with Jenna; everyone was SUPER nice and this was RIGHT after the liquid fiasco. On the trip home, the flight attendant got me some apple juice pronto before take off b/c she knew of the hassle thru security and that DS would need it for his ears.

Honestly, my only concern with a newborn would be the germs!

[traceyk]

We had a note from the Dr. stating she could fly (she was preemie)and her placement handy in case. I kept her in the sling around people so they wouldn't be in her face. As far as the altitude, I nursed her the whole time and she had no problems.

[bagletkt]

I flew when DS was 10 days. The airport was a nightmare. It was pouring, the rental car place had no shuttle, so I was trying to carry luggage. car seat and DS in the sling. I dropped everything in sheer exhaustion when I got to the ticket counter. The women behind the counter looked at me (soaking wet, holding a newborn) and asked, "How flexible are you with your travel plans?" I looked at her in dis belief, "Does it look like I am flexible?" They were trying to bump me.

So the airport was a pain with no help, DH had to leave two days earlier. The plane ride was alot easier. A women who had eight kids sat next to me and helped me. DS had no problems.

[christyrana]

I also flew with DS when he was less that 2 weeks old. No problems. I would suggest a contour pillow, the ones that are for adults to support the neck. My mom gave me her's and we took it on the plane. It was a great place to lay DS right on the tray table to give our arms a break. I used a sling to carry him around the airports. I would say the most difficult part was making sure his bottles were warm enough.

[jennyg1982]

Keep in mind this was 19 years ago. (my baby is all grown up) But I flew from Hawaii, where our son was born, to Florida where we live. Our son was only 2 days old. We had no problems, he slept most of the time. I did keep him in a snuggle type carrier so no one could get too close. I did get the ped. in Hawaii to sign a paper saying he was ok to fly. I was just wanted to get home so bad. My husband had to leave the day before our son was born so I was alone. We had waited 3 weeks for him to be born. Birthmom went into labor right after my husband left! Hope this helps.
Jenny

[agvelas]

We fly with the kids all the time it was no problem. When one was 6 month old and the other was 3 day old we toke the girls to show the family for the first time. Now we fly every 4 months and it is a liece of cake kids really not bad to fly with. Just keep the baby close to your chest so nobody is all up in your face but it is like being in the mall I would do the same thing in the mall.


Mom of 3 bio kids in there 20 and two adopted girls 3 yrs old now

[2manyks]

i like the baby carrier idea. i put the baby towards me and put a hat and those little mits on her hands. people always want to touch heads and hands. i worry about SARS and RSV during the winter months. so putting the baby towards your stomach keeps a buffer from strangers. check all your bags including the carseat so you wont have too much to carry. i also use a backpack rather then a diaper bag. it stays on easier and nothing can fall out. the only bummer is that you have to take the baby out of the sling and put through the xray (the sling, not the baby lol). i hate putting my baby stuff in those bins where everyone has put their shoes and junk. not sure there is much we can do about that! you can take formula - 2 bottles. but hubby can take 2 bottles also. so you should be fine