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raysalmon · November 25th, 2003, 12:55

I took my son for his first flight when he was approx 3 months old and had no problem whatsoever. We just put his car seat in the airplane and my wife sat in the back with him. Shorlty after takeoff until cruise and then again from top of descent until just before landing, she fed him so that he would not get any discomfort from the change in pressure. He never cried once. The first time he flew we put little cotton balls in his ears and covered his ears with a hat to reduce the noise. This second trip we just put a had on him that covered his ears. He didn't seem to mind in the slightest.

The flight was in a Baron, and it lasted 3.5 hours. We returned 2 weeks later, again no problem. We flew again yesterday (same trip) and again, had no problem. He is 6 months old now. I had him sit on my lap during the cruise for a few minutes and he was fascinated with all the buttons and dials. He even grabbed the control yoke! His favorite was the GPS antenna wire though. He found that and it went straight into his mouth.

I made my climbs and descents 500fpm or less, and that, along with the sucking during climb and descent prevented any ear discomfort.

It is very likely different with different babies. Best I can suggest is to try it and see how it works for you!!

Ray

November 25th, 2003, 12:55	#9
raysalmon Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: CO Posts: 260	Re: Flying GA Aircraft with a Baby... I took my son for his first flight when he was approx 3 months old and had no problem whatsoever. We just put his car seat in the airplane and my wife sat in the back with him. Shorlty after takeoff until cruise and then again from top of descent until just before landing, she fed him so that he would not get any discomfort from the change in pressure. He never cried once. The first time he flew we put little cotton balls in his ears and covered his ears with a hat to reduce the noise. This second trip we just put a had on him that covered his ears. He didn't seem to mind in the slightest. The flight was in a Baron, and it lasted 3.5 hours. We returned 2 weeks later, again no problem. We flew again yesterday (same trip) and again, had no problem. He is 6 months old now. I had him sit on my lap during the cruise for a few minutes and he was fascinated with all the buttons and dials. He even grabbed the control yoke! His favorite was the GPS antenna wire though. He found that and it went straight into his mouth. I made my climbs and descents 500fpm or less, and that, along with the sucking during climb and descent prevented any ear discomfort. It is very likely different with different babies. Best I can suggest is to try it and see how it works for you!! Ray