Flight advice with 14 month old???!!

Question

So I'm planning on flying from CA to CT when my baby's 14 months, there is a 3 hour time zone difference and the total travel time will be about 8 hours. just wondering if taking a red eye would be easier? She could just sleep in my lap the whole time? Or in your experience is it easier to go during the day so as to not disrupt their schedule ?? She's only 10 months now, so I have no idea how she'll be when she's older.

Answer

I have flown three times with my daughter (so six flights total with return) so I have learned a few things. She is two now but her first flight was at 17 months. This really all depends on your child, but I'll share my wisdom. 
Like someone mentioned earlier, try to get her drinking a bottle/sippy cup (or nurse if you're still breastfeeding) during takeoff and landing. The swallowing motion helps their ears pop and helps relieve pressure. I will purposefully keep her bottle away from her until we're taking off to make sure she drinks the whole takeoff. 
I would also suggest a midday flight as opposed to a red eye. It would be awesome if she slept the whole time, but if she doesn't, misery for everyone will be certain. The worst flight we took with her was delayed for two hours so we were flying really late and there were all of these rowdy college students on board so she couldn't sleep and it was completely miserable. It'll be easier to keep her happy in the morning if you fly then. And hopefully she will nap on the plane. Having said that, she basically put herself to bed during our most recent flight. She had already turned two so she had her own seat. She played for a few minutes and then laid down next to me and slept the whole way home. It was a later flight, but not red eye. Only you can know how your baby will likely react sleepwise.
Things to bring: Sticky notes. Just let her go nuts. They come right off. Reusable stickers. Melissa and Doug have these puffy ones my daughter loves. I get them on Amazon. I got one of those sectioned formula containers and filled them with small snacks like goldfish, Cheerios and yogurt melts. Nothing perishable and nothing messy. I loved it because she could only get out one snack at a time so it kept her busy and clean. If she has a favorite toy, try taking it away a few weeks before so it feels like new before the flight. Or you could actually get her something new. I also bring books and other things that won't roll if dropped. I would recommend attaching her bottle or sippy cup to her or you. If dropped, those things will be at the pilot's feet in seconds.
Lastly, I'm sure you already know this but you can check her car seat and stroller for free as baby items. A lesser known fact is that every airline I have ever flown on has also let us check our pack n play for free also. That's what she sleeps in when we travel. You can also check your stroller at the gate so you can have it with you in the airport to help keep her contained going through security and such.
Sorry this got so long! Good luck and safe travels!

Answer

I just recently went on a flight with my 17 month old. I was thinking of doing a red eye but decided against it because if she didn't sleep then not only would she be miserable for not sleeping but I would be too. I suggest taking an early flight and cross your fingers for a nap during the flights. My little slept a good hour and a half our first flight, during our layover I ran her to get her tired, then our last flight she slept the entire flight.
I suggest having a bottle or sippy cup ready for take off and landings to help with ears. We also offered those Gerber Grabbers. Anything that allows them to suck while the air pressure adjusts. Good luck!

Answer

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Flight advice with 14 month old???!!

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