6 hour flight to Oahu... how will DD nap?

[Mia's Mommy]

Hello, my DD is a preemie, 20.5 wks actual, 16 wks adjusted. We're working thru a couple of issues; 45 naps and breast supply after mastitis. On top of this, we're flying to Oahu this Saturday to visit family. It's a 6 hour flight there and 5.5 hours back.

Advice on how to swaddle on my DH's lap? How to block out stimuli (passengers, passengers' conversations, lights, noise, etc) to nap? Any other advise on how to make it through plane ride?

I bought 3 different kinds of pacifiers to keep her calm. She doesn't normally take a paci, but I'm trying to cover all my bases. I plan to feed her at take off, mid-way thru flight, and landing to help keep tummy full and to help her ears with air pressure. I bought 2 new rattles, one doesn't make any noise, and the other barely makes any sound, to keep her interested. I'm packing her favorite picture book.

[Shiv52]

I'd say you are very organised already! 

I'd say if you feed her, hopefully she'll fall asleep after that.  will she ever fall asleep nursing?  In which case I'd put a blanket over her to keep it nice and dim and just let her fall asleep nursing and hope she stays asleep for a while. 

I'd say she'll probably like looking around her for a bit.  We're on a flight in a few weeks (only 2.5 hours though) and I plan to just feed DD and hope she sleeps.  If not i think she'll be easily entertained (finger crossed!).  She is just 5 months. 

[Mia's Mommy]

Hi Shiv52, thanks for your comment!

Mia doesn't sleep after feeds as we've been on EASY since she was 5 wks old, so she's pretty awake. The only times she goes right to bed is after her last feed, DF, and middle of nite feeds. Thankfully when she is awake, she has a pretty calm disposition. But she gets pretty cranky when tired. So I plan to swaddle her in our Halo swaddle on my DH's lap, and like you suggested, try to cover the surroundings by blankets.

6 hours is quite a long time on the plane... I'm excited to see family, but pretty anxious about the plane ride. My DH isn't too worried though (I'm the worry wart in the family...) he thinks we'll be okay since there are two of us with her to entertain, to soothe, and to feed. Keep your fingers crossed for me too!

[rachelusc]

My DD was pretty similar and totally surprised me by sleeping on me for the first time ever on a plane ride!  I think plane rides are one of those few times when you have to do whatever kind of AP works!  For us, I walked her round and round in the stroller in the airport, then fed her during takeoff.  She was tired enough that she fell asleep in my arms without much fuss.  Remember that when we're calm, they're calm.  Good luck!

[Shiv52]

I think plane rides are one of those few times when you have to do whatever kind of AP works!

Totally agree!

[Mia's Mommy]

Thanks so much ladies! The support is great here. I'm so glad to find this website.

Yes, my husband and I agree that AP is the way to go on the plane/airport. It's a lot to ask for from a baby so we'll do whatever needs to happen to help her through the day.

[Colin Macs Mom]

Hello from Washington too!

You know what you should do? Bring me too!!!!

[Mia's Mommy]

Hey Colin's Mom! OMG, we're so excited to be flying home! If the baggage fees weren't ridiculously outrageous, I'd sneak you in our luggage .

[nona]

i remember flying around that time with my then 3 mo - i was stressed about everything  - germs, sleeping, etc, etc...it all worked out. i don't remember if DS slept or not but he adjusted fine. i think flying at that age is easier when they are older. we flew to spain when DS was 10 months and it was a fairly miserable experience!

we'll be going to honolulu next month!