Air Travel - 1st time with 11 month DS. Tips?

[KenReeves]

Hi all

We will be flying out to California from Boston (eg. long flight) with our DS for the 1st time. He is almost 11 months old. Other than feeding him on takeoff and landing, any other suggestions on keeping him entertained and safety/health issues? I have been debating buying a portable DVD player. Thanks!

[arivecchi]

I flew with my then 11 month old to the Caribbean (a 5hr flight). My recs:

1) get a seat for the baby (you will be more comfortable and so will the baby)

2) bring the car seat on the plane (the child will be in a comfortable, familiar and safe environment)

3) bring new toys, drinks and snacks (we actually resorted to playing with napkins and other items that were new to DS on the plane - therefore fascinating to him)

4) I like to carry DS in a baby carrier (an Ergo) around the airport (easier for me to navigate the airport that way and DS loves it)

5) bring a change of clothes for the kiddo in case of accidents and plenty of dipes and wipes

6) bring a blanket for your DC

IMO, an 11 mo is too young for a DVD player. My 3yo uses one, but DS2 would have zero use for it.