My husband and I will be moving back to Italy late this summer. He would like to return in mid-July, whereas I would like to spend a little more time in the U.S. before making the big switchover. We originally didn't want to travel separately, but now I am considering it. But I would have my three month old daughter with me making such a long journey. I am a little nervous doing it by myself. Should I risk it or just go back with my hubby?? Any thoughts from any of you experienced moms? I appreciate it!

We made a lot of trips with our kids when they were babies back and forth to Italy. My wife never wanted to endure going by herself if that gives you a clue. All I can tell you that is really encouraging is that after 12 to 24 hours it's over. You can do it by yourself but having hubbby along if he's the type is a big help. Things you will stress over, ear aches with altitude changes, crying that disturbs other passengers, throwing up all over you and the seats, trying to carry your carry on, the diaper bag, bottles, etc all alone, plane changes, getting the stroller between flights, changing diapers in those little bathrooms, stinking up the whole airplane, how to keep baby quiet and entertained when she is not asleep and there are other passengers jambed in around you.

That's the bad and the ugly, the good, flight attendents will usually out of self defense go out of their way to help you, you can get a bulkhead seat and more leg room, you should be able to get on the plane first, if you nurse you don't have to worry about bottles, you can take the stroller right up to the door of the plane and they will store it for you and have it waiting when you get off. Other passengers will thank you if you are successful at keeping baby calm and quiet during the flight.

Suggestions, nurse or give bottle or pacifier to baby during altitude changes, demand the bulkhead seat you deserve it, if baby is restless get up and walk her around the plane helps her and you, try to fly during babies sleep times. Get plenty of rest before the trip, drink the free wine, it helps.

That was great advise jhelm, especially the nurse/bottle at take off and decent !

I did it when Gianna was 6 weeks old and it was easy. I pretty much just let her eat as much as she wanted. She never made a sound. As a matter of fact when we got off the plane in SFO people commented that they did not know a baby had been on board.

As jhelm said, nurse or bottle at take of and landing. Pacifier for the rest of the time if they want one (I was Gianna's pacifier ) Also, with the bulkhead, they will give you (upon request) a bassinet to hang in front of you for the baby. You should also bring a Baby Bjorn type holder for when you have to go to the bathroom although the flight attendants were very willing to hold G when I went to the bathroom.

Don't worry, if you are relaxed the baby will be relaxed.

I have travelled solo with my now 5 year old son since he was 4 months old. It was the easiest when he was tiny because his wants and needs were so basic (eat, sleep, clean diaper). He was a very calm and easy baby so nothing changed because we were travelling. Like Christina said, the bulkhead seat with bassinet was great. What really helped during our second trip was that he was able to sit in the bassinet at eye level and play, and I was not required to hold him 100% of the time. And he did sleep in it both years we used it. I think nursing was my saviour! If you do extended breastfeeding, I found that life was just that much easier with carting a little one around. As he got older, he continued to be the model traveller always receiving high praise from the other passengers on his remarkably good behaviour. This was true, but what they failed to take into consideration was the amount of time and energy I extended to keep him occupied and happy so he would not be a disturbance to those around. He was brilliant and I was more than exhausted. No regrets on my part, however. This last trip back to the States (he was 4 1/2) was easier and I'm sure it will continue to get easier as he will be better able to take advantage of entertainment provided by the plane. Organization is the key to smooth travelling. You know your child and yourself. If you have a high needs baby and dirty looks from fellow passengers is going to stress you to the max, I might wait until you have an extra pair of hands, if only for the sake of your sanity. Otherwise, go for it.

I've done it with 2 children and I think it mostly depends on the child's temperment. One of my children was so easy to travel with, she never made a peep, while the other I couldn't travel from the car to the airport alone, much less a transatlantic flight. The key is that you stay relaxed and just ignore the stares. Be very pushy about getting the bulkhead, because in my experience they never just offered it up, I had to ask over and over. The bassinet is great and I also always used one of those slings (I can't remember their official name) that comes in really handy while your nursing and when you want your hands free. I used to walk up and down the aisle with the baby in the sling until they would fall asleep. Just remeber that you'll more than likely never see the people on the plane again in case the baby screams for 8 hours, which my son did once. And definitely follow the advice of having a glass of wine!

This is bringing back memories, lots of good advice offered too. I suppose a word of encouragement is that we traveled with our two from the time they were born, now 6 and 4 once or twice a year to Italy, plus they went to Tahiti, and New Zealand, Seattle and Oregon. So, it's possible to do and survive. I enjoy having my kids along most of the time, and think it's very good for them even if they don't really remember much. Doesn't really apply to a baby but as they get older the will benefit from a parents willingness to take them along.

Some more tips for older kids, don't bother taking a ton of toys to keep them amused, on an 18 hour trip they will use them only a few minutes and you have to deal with the mess and carry them around the whole time. Just bring a favorite doll or toy. Airplanes, with in seat entertainment were sent by God, so try your best to use the airlines that have them. Tahiti Nui the best airline I've found for kids, let you go to the head of the line, bulkhead seats in seat tv etc. Too bad they don't fly to Italy. But they do fly Paris to LAX. For older kids the bulkhead seat may not be the best, my wife says no, as the arm rests don't fold up so it's harder for the kids to lay down and sleep. Take along, medicines you normally give them, antihistimine works wonders on some if it makes them sleep, but on others it just makes them more nervous, experiment at home, (drug them in other words), take along Afrin type nose spray not recommended for young kids but I've used on all my 5 kids mostly flying in private planes with no ill effects, if they are plugged up during altitude changes it can give them instent relief and save a lot of pain and crying.

We are taking the kids to San Diego end of May, one flight has in seat tv the other no, so I'm thinking about how best to keep them busy. Any ideas? They could watch movies on my laptop, but the battery barely makes it through one. No 12 volt outlets in stearage class. Will take a book of stories they like, but the noise level makes reading to them difficult. Writing this is helping me get my thoughts together. They are too young for game boys which I hate anyway, want to put that off as long as possible.

I have travelled loads of times on my own with two young children , but only to the UK so only 2 hours. All the above advice is good and it does depend on the child/babies character. My 3 year old is great and has been great since he was tiny, but my 1 1/2 year old is a bit of a 'primadonna' and so she loves kicking up a fuss!! However I always take a bag of sugar free treats as she loves her food and that helps with the ear popping as well. I say 'sugar free' as any real sugar will only make a bad sitution worse!! Give them plenty of water too! With a very small baby I always found it a lot easier as they will generally sleep most of the time with the noise of the plane, but keeping calm is very important coz they will pick up on any nervous tension from you...so yes a little wine...

BH
a three month old is fairly easy to handle, they fit in the bassinette so you can put them down, flight attendants are happy to watch a baby if you need the restroom. Just make sure the baby's ears are ok before you travel.

a safe trip

The other possible advantage is that you may be traveling with other Italians and you know how they feel about babies...It shouldn't be a problem at all.

Best wishes,

Kerry
www.apartmentvacationsitaly.com
www.tuscanywalking.com

Dear Cassi,
can I recommend you this article on my website? http://www.expatclic.com/eofi/article.php3?id_article=958
You'll find quite a number of suggestions and tips to travel long distances on a plane with babies.
I have personally travelled a lot on my own with my kids, from Italy to various destinations in Africa and from Italy to Central/Latin America.
A lot has to do with how you are: if you are a nervous and apprehensive mother, you'll probably find it difficult to maintain the necessary calm if your baby starts crying... whereas if you are relaxed and calm, you will take it more easily.... anyway, just think that lots of mothers have done that (travelling on their own with their babies) and they have all arrived at destinations!!!!

Good luck,