Need help! Flying and can't lift son

[set81616]

Due to 4 compressed vertebrae I can't lift my 6 mth DS unless I'm wearing my brace. (Not easy to get on and off with him in lap) I'm flying to VA with him in 3 weeks and I need advise. He'll be in my lap for the flight (He was fine with this in Dec but had DH and just a bad back not breaks). Will the flight attendants be able to help me? DO I need med records for security? What's the minumum I need to take. My mom has a pack in play he can sleep in and she will have a car seat. I know I can get diapers there but I know I will have to have a few things on board with me. I would like to take only 1 large bag for both of us. Since I have an injury can my hubby accompny me to the gate or do I have to use the stroller (I'm not supposed to take him out of the stroller on my own).
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Shannon

[Lynnie]

I would call the airline and see how much help you can expect, and if you can arrange for assistance beforehand. I have found that I usually get the most help from the flight attendants when I don't need it. Once when I was very uncomfortably pregnant, and could really have used the help, they wouldn't help me lift a carry on bag because of some regulation. I had to ask a passenger for help. But when I havent' needed the help, they are often great and help alot. go figure.
Maybe you can arrange for a wheelchair to take you and DS up to the gate, and that way everything can be checked when you first arrive, and he'll be in your lap the whole time.

[KrisM]

Can you buy him a seat so that you can wear your brace?

I agree with the PP about calling the airline and seeing what they can do for you. Arrange as much as you can before you get to the airport and I bet you can get a good amount of help.

If you can't get help, I would just speak up to a nice looking passenger :). I know if you asked me for help, I'd do whatever I could. I'm sure there are grouches out there that won't help, but most people would.