Flying with my 10 month old overseas

[wong_watkins 1]

My husband and I have decided to fly back to my homeland Hong Kong China with our then will be 10month old daughter in Feb. We are flying with Korean Air, we read the reviews they seem to be a good airline. As February is approaching I'm just getting more concerned about flying with an infant, especially on a long flight(about 14 hours). Anybody has any experience on that and what would be your advice?

The airline is going to provide baby formula and baby food, but I plan to bring some of my own just in case my baby doesn't like their food. We'll have one lay-over in Korea so I do plan to take an umbrella stroller with me also, just so that I don't have to carry her the whole time while we're running all over the airport.

If anyone out here has done that before and can share your story, that would be great!

Thank you!

Carol

[MrsAmera 41]

I have flown internationally and domestically with both my boys (now 3 and 5) probably around 25 times each from they time they were about 2 months. When they were that age the biggest issue was keeping them busy and not squirming all over the place. The longest we had flown with them was about 8 hours, so I'm sure 14 hours will be a little more difficult.

If you can afford it purchase a child's seat for the infant. International flights are generally packed full and with a child that age, that is moving around- the extra seat will be a big help. Also request a bulkhead seat if possible. If you can't afford an extra seat, then ask when you check in if the plane is full and if not request an open seat next to you.

Try to keep the child on the schedule they will be going into timewise. If the flight is overnight then it will be easier because hopefully they will be able to sleep through a large chunk of the flight. If you're with your husband then take turns with the child so that you don't burn out. Don't be afraid to get up and walk around every now and then. Bring plenty of toys that your child likes to keep her/him (sorry!) busy.

Get plenty of rest and don't forget to eat too - it's going to be difficult because at that age they are no longer a baby who will sleep the whole time but not really old enough to stay occupied for any length of time either! Good luck - pm me if you have any questions.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

For everyone's sake, drug 'em.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I haven't flown with a small child, but I have flown on Korean Airlines a couple of times and I thought their service was outstanding. I remember there was at least a couple of mother with infants on the flight (LAX to HK). I'd recommend getting up and just strolling up and down the aisles with your infant when she's awake and try to let her stretch out a bit. It is a long flight but I don't remember hearing any of the infants on the flight being too fussy. Best wishes with your trip.

[jundp 191]

For everyone's sake, drug 'em.

Nice.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Nice.

Hopefully, Sofi will be visited by three ghosts tonight and by morning she'll be in the spirit of the season.

[Ban Hammer 14,117]

Nice.

she mighta been talking about the other passengers

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

We took Naomi to Ethiopia when she just a year old. Nani and Naomi actually travelled together a few weeks ahead of me and came back a few weeks after I did so i did not actually experience firsthand what that long flight (17-18 hours on the plane from D.C to Addis) was like. Nani told me, however, that Naomi was sleeping the majority of the time and didn't make any fuzz during the hours she was awake. We've taken Naomi on quite a few flights - the first one when she was just 8 months old - and she has never caused any problems or disturbed anyone. The last couple of times we flew with her this past summer and fall, she was so excited and enjoyed every minute of the trip. No noise or disturbance at all.

Nani hopes that she'll behave as well when we head back to Ethiopia next spring.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

she mighta been talking about the other passengers

Good grief, Charlie Brown.

[wong_watkins 1]

Thank you for your helpful responses!(Except a couple ones...lol)

The other thing is that I'm also worried about the air pressure on the plane...I remember one time when the plane was about to land the pressure on the plane was so high I thought my ear drums were about to break..I heard that you should give them something to eat or to drink but I wonder if that really helps.

[chri'stina 190]

We went to India last Feb with our son who had turned 1. We survived! *whew* And he was on our laps, to save $. I think it was exhausting for us that way but we managed. Definitely bring the umbrella stroller! I'm pretty sure most if not all airlines will let you take it right to the gate and it will be set aside with all the other strollers as you walk through the airbridge/walkthrough. We had a 2.5 hr flight to Newark then 14-15 hours straight to India. The long flight was overnight so our son slept a lot, although I didn't! So I was completely exhausted. We were able to change his diaper fine in the bathroom fold-down changing table, and could get warm milk if needed.

Another benefit which must annoy passengers without children, but oh well lol, is that family's with small children get to board the plane before the majority of the crowd. (First class, special classes go first though). That is very nice for being able to settle your things and put away your bags before it's crowded in the aisles.

On our next trip(probably the end of March) to India, he is getting his own seat and that will make it even better.

[chri'stina 190]

Thank you for your helpful responses!(Except a couple ones...lol)

The other thing is that I'm also worried about the air pressure on the plane...I remember one time when the plane was about to land the pressure on the plane was so high I thought my ear drums were about to break..I heard that you should give them something to eat or to drink but I wonder if that really helps.

Oh...actually on some take off and landings, Kavi did cry from what I believe was pain from the pressure. We had gotten over colds a week or so before traveling and that was the main reason I think. My own ears and jaws hurt pretty bad and I had bad ear clogging on one landing, the clogged ear feeling stayed for over a week. I don't know, prepare for some crying hehe but it will be ok. Hopefully that does not happen.

[Ban Hammer 14,117]

Thank you for your helpful responses!(Except a couple ones...lol)

The other thing is that I'm also worried about the air pressure on the plane...I remember one time when the plane was about to land the pressure on the plane was so high I thought my ear drums were about to break..I heard that you should give them something to eat or to drink but I wonder if that really helps.

that is true - for adults, chewing gum helps equalize the pressure too.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I have no experience with infants but Korean Airlines is the best....excellent service, I'm sure the flight attendants will be very helpful

[anya-D 8]

I was on Korean flight home in April this year and there was this baby (just started to walk i'd guess) running around the isle a lot (while the parents busy with nothing, really) and when the flight attendent asked the parents to control their child, the child just scream... the parents hold him for a few minutes then let the child go wondering around again.. in that case, i'd say, drug them, if you cant control them.

actually, on a long flight.. having those medicine might really come in handy. not that you have to use it btw. When I fly home with my future baby, I will definately have it just in case.