https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 02 May 2026 09:21:01 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689172 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:53:41 +0000 78h2o 1689172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO did really well flying at that age. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. I didn't use a boppy or anything...I just crossed my legs and used my knee for support. I guess it depends on what position you use though. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689165 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:47:23 +0000 lady grey 1689165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBeluga: We got a travel nursing pillow for the plane, I think the regular boppy would have been too big. I ended up using the travel pillow a lot after the trip, especially as LO got bigger and I just needed a little arm support. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689163 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:46:54 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 1689163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second the changing pack that @Foodnerd81: suggested. We have a JJ cole wristlet that we used. It's a changing pad and holds 3-4 diapers and wipes. (I use it a lot if we are just running a quick errand and I don't want to carry my entire diaper bag.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689150 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:44:01 +0000 travellingbee 1689150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If there are any seats available, they will let you bring the carseat on which is AWESOME. That has always worked the best. You just have to ask as you are boarding. If not, bring a travel boppy for baby to sleep on, on your lap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689147 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:42:36 +0000 lady grey 1689147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hither &amp; Tither does a nice post on this:<br /> <a href="http://www.hitherandthither.net/2012/12/flying-with-a-baby-or-toddler.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.hitherandthither.net/2012/12/flying-with-a-baby-or-toddler.html</a></p> <p>We flew 5 hours with my LO when he was 3.5 months. He just nursed and slept the whole time, so it was pretty smooth. Definitely harder now that his older. Bring some zip lock bags for any dirty baby clothes, ect. And bring an extra shirt for you and DH in your carry on in case of spit ups. We also gave tylenol to help with ear pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689127 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:35:31 +0000 Ree723 1689127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've flown some mega long distance flights with our babies at various ages and 4 months is ideal! I'd go for an aisle and window seat on the plane, unless it is a completely sold out flight, as that middle seat will be the last to fill. You definitely want an aisle seat though, give up the window if need be.</p> <p>As for changing your baby on the seat - no, just no. Use the bathroom - their change tables are fine for a baby that age (it's trickier with a tall 18 month old!) and you will have what you need there (a bin to dispose of the diaper, sink to wash your hands etc). </p> <p>Other tips: bring antibacterial wipes and wipe down all the surfaces your baby will come in contact with - the arm rests, tray table, and window area if you do have the window seat. Nurse/feed/pacifier on take off and landing to alleviate the ear pressure. Bring a little mirror as that entertains babies that age for ages and is easy to pack. Have a little medicine bag with you as you never know when baby may spike a fever. And multiple changes of clothes for the baby and at least one for both you and your DH - babies have a knack for having leaky nappies or massive spit ups at the most inconvenient times!</p> <p>Other than that, it should be fine. That age is ideal to travel as they are so easy at that age and not yet mobile! Also, go in with the mindset that you don't give a toss what others think. If your baby cries, so be it. If she screeches or is noisy, so be it. If you have to walk up and down the aisles the whole time, so be it. Just as long as you're doing what you can to keep your baby happy, and not just sitting back with ear plugs in letting your baby scream, most people are pretty understanding and helpful. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689089 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:18:02 +0000 Foodnerd81 1689089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We flew with C when she was between 4 and 5 months and it wasn't that bad. I also had a travel boppy and found it really helped my arms not get so tired! I nursed as often as I could. At the time she was OK with a nursing cover, so I would put that over her for privacy, but more so to keep it nice and dim for her to sleep. </p> <p>One tip that really helped was to have a separate changing pack-- so a changing pad, two diapers, wipes-- ready to go and put that in the seat back pocket when you sit down. That way if you do have to change the baby, you don't need to get out the whole diaper bag, just the changing pack. </p> <p>I agree with trying to get the aisle and window seats and hope the flight isn't full. Southwest will let you board first, I think. If it is full, personally I preferred the window at the time-- I hardly got up at all, but it was nice to have the extra privacy of being next to the window, and if she was sleeping I didn't have to get up for anyone. </p> <p>I bet it won't be as bad as you are fearing! Tiring, yes, but doable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689066 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:01:11 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 1689066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Extra diapers and clothes for LO and you. We took LO on a trip at 5 months and she had blowouts on 3 of the 4 flights and DH needed to change his clothes once. We took our normal boppy and she nursed/slept on it most of the time. </p> <p>We also took a small stroller that we could gate check and our carrier, so we could switch her back and forth as needed. When we had her in the carrier, we used the stroller to hold the diaper bag and boppy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1689016 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:30:12 +0000 MrsBeluga 1689016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone for your support!</p> <p>I will be nursing her nonstop, and one the way up and down. </p> <p>Is there a big difference between the travel boppy vs a regular boppy? Was planning to take the regular and avoid buying another. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688975 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:12:05 +0000 tysonja 1688975@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>you got some great advice! </p> <p>just wanted to encourage you to say that I've flown with my babies at different ages, and 4 months was the easiest by far! you'll do great and so will baby :)</p> <p>have a great trip! :) p.s. I think the airline bathroom is ok. just try not to touch too much and bring your own change pad :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688907 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 11:35:40 +0000 Ctran 1688907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with Irene about the travel boppy. My husband inflated the pillow quite easily once we were in our seats. I nursed our two month old on takeoff and he slept on the boppy the entire flight (3.5 hrs). Even if you don't bf, the pillow is great for the baby to sleep on and saves your arms...I also brought a carrier in case I needed to wear him during the flight.<br /> Have a safe flight! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688866 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 11:21:50 +0000 irene 1688866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmm, we changed LO in the bathroom... DH insisted on it even though other travelers told him to change him in his seat! (LO made a poopy diaper but the bathroom was constantly occupied, and DH afraid it would stink up the whole plane if he changed in his seat).</p> <p>Other than that, if you are breastfeeding, I thought the boppy travel pillow was a lifesaver. I would buy one if you are planning on future trips with LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688789 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:55:13 +0000 danda 1688789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took a nonstop 5 hour flight at 3.5 months and my daughter was great. We had her in my lap one direction and brought the car seat in for free because there was a seat available on the way back. My daughter behaved great and just wanted to sleep in mommy's arms. I agree on nursing during take off and landing. </p> <p>The changing table in the bathroom on the United Airlines flights was great. I changed her in the airport right before we boarded but changed her diaper at least once in the air because it was needed. It was a big table that folded down over top of where the toilet seat was. I can't imagine changing her in the seat itself if there isn't a spare seat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688757 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:48:39 +0000 Maysprout 1688757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just had a long flight and it was all good, we had aisle and middle. On the way back she was teething so I did get up a few times to just move her around a bit (it was a 10 hr flight though so they were pretty understanding about people getting up). I did change her a couple times on the bathroom changing table, just brought a changing pad with me in my carry on. </p> <p>If you can get her to nap during the flight it should go by quickly hopefully. My most stressful time was when the meal came one time when my 7 month old was very awake and alert and she kept trying to smash all the food on my tray. DH and I took turns eating but next time I might ask if one of us can get our tray after the other one, not sure if they'd do that or not but it would have been helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688738 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:43:02 +0000 Rubies 1688738@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBeluga: We had a 5-hour non-stop flight and it was tiring but do-able. Your baby might love you enough to sleep through half the trip! But I'd get at least one aisle seat - it's just a tad bit roomier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688729 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:41:13 +0000 lawbee11 1688729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is your LO breastfed? We flew with LO at 3.5 months and I nursed her at takeoff and landing. Also anytime she got fussy I just plopped her on the boob, so the flight was easy peasy! </p> <p>Agree with PP that an overnight diaper would be helpful, too. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688717 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:37:41 +0000 MrsBeluga 1688717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good advice about sitting in the back! I called Southwest to discuss infant fares (which were more expensive than the wanna get away fare) and I added her as a lap child, they mentioned that if there was one unsold ticket that she would get the spot (which makes sense as no one should want to sit right next to us). </p> <p>Hopefully we avoid a poo diaper! I am going to check out the diaper changing table after we board but before we take off and try to get more comfortable about it. DH has never even been in a plane bathroom! He has never flown for more than 6 hours so always just held it!! No help there:( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688713 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:36:26 +0000 looch 1688713@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can use an overnight diaper, they're a little more absorbent and you can probably get by without a change unless there is a bowel movement, rather than change on the seat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688688 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:27:59 +0000 ShootingStar 1688688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you know if the flight's sold out? If there's even ONE left, you need to try to get that one in between you and DH. What we did that worked was to go all the way to the back of the plane. We sat in the 2nd to last row so it would still recline. Then DH sat on the aisle and I sat in the window seat. We figured if someone came all the way to the back and asked if the seat was taken, then DH would move. But luckily no one asked and we had the extra room. </p> <p>We did not do that on the way to our destination and we were miserable. I highly doubt you could possibly change a diaper in the seat while LO is on your laps. We could barely hold the baby and do anything else. Trying to get something from one of our bags, or to watch a movie with the tray table down was a nightmare. </p> <p>IDK about your baby, but mine doesn't poop all that often. So we changed him as soon before the flight as we could, and then again when we got off the plane. 4 hours of pee was no big deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688684 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:26:19 +0000 MamaMoose 1688684@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Try to take an aisle and window in the same row. Chances are as long as the flight isn't completely full you'll get the whole row to yourself. No one really wants to sit with a baby so they'll avoid you. Are you nursing? If so you'll probably have a pretty easy time of it with LO being so young. I would always nurse on take off and LO would sleep for the majority of the flight. Your LO probably won't sleep the whole time because of how long to flight is but I bet she'll sleep for a while. If you get an empty seat between you changing LO shouldn't be a problem. If you don't have an empty seat I would honestly try to just avoid changing her unless she poops in which case you'll have to decide in the moment what seems like the easier option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-flying-with-a-4-month-old-lap-baby#post-1688672 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:20:51 +0000 MrsBeluga 1688672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any tips?? We have a 4 hour nonstop flight this Saturday, and my anxiety is starting to build. DH and I both have seats, and figured we would take turns holding LO.</p> <p>Also as we are flying Southwest, what seats should we try to get? Aisle and a middle? Two aisles? </p> <p>Also any tips on changing LO in the seat? My pediatrician said to forgo the airplane bathroom and change her in the seat if it felt more comfortable/doable to us...suppose we will have to be ready for the dirty looks and comments:(</p> <p>I am sure by Friday my stress level is going to be through the roof! </p>