I think that people traveling with babies sometimes become paranoid about what other people will think. The slightest glance from another passenger can be construed as a "dirty look". A lot of people actually like babies though, and that can be why eyes get drawn towards them.

Our one year old has been on 8 flights so far and taken them all in her stride. If any other passengers glanced at her as we walked by I'd make sure to turn towards them with her and wave her hand at them and smile. They'd always smile back.

I think the best preparation a parent can make is to breathe deeply and relax. Stressed parents = stressed baby.

We used our baby to "make friends" with those sitting around us, and it worked well. We had fun.

We do have a particularly gorgeous baby though…

Shannon –
My partner and I travel with our (currently) 16 month old twins all the time. And let me tell you, at Carter's age right now, it's as easy as can be! They're quiet (or can be made so w/ a binky!), they sleep a lot, and they're not so squirmy! This age is as easy as it gets (at least until they turm 18, I think)!

We're breaking the binky habit starting last week, which makes me a little nervous b/c we gearing up for a trip to Paris (was hoping to have the binkies to quiet them on the flight over – yikes!).

Anyway, don't forget that you can take a bottle of water thru security as long as its for the "baby" (wink). Have fun! That's one cute little stinker!

I saw signs everywhere on a trip I took last week that kids under a certain age now don't have to remove their shoes. So hopefully that helps your trip through security!

He's a cutie.

Shannon,

It will be a whole new world of travel. It is much harder than traveling by yourself, but it is also that much more rewarding. There may be a point on the trip that you say "why the f am I doing this, this is so not worth it", but that moment will pass and you will look back and be glad you made it through the hard parts. Or, maybe you will get lucky and it will all be easy. Either way, congrats for taking that big step. You picked a good age to start. If you ever want to brainstorm or just vent, just let me know.

Shannon,

Such a cutie! Thanks for sharing his pic!

I love all the previous comments – especially the first. If you are calm and enjoy the ride, your kids usually do, too. We have four and have flown – and driven – them all over. There have been a few frustrating moments, but generally not any more frustrating than being at home. And it seems people do love to help. On a transatlantic flight pregnant and alone with our 22 month old (we had to take one more trip before he turned 2!), I expected I would fall apart. The flight turned out great, though. My boy spent a great deal of time collecting trash and bringing it to the flight attendant (the other passengers were so kind!). I had also wrapped several hot wheels cars in paper and allowed him to open one every half an hour.

Carter is at a great age (I loved reading of his arrival – our forth was born just 3 days later)! I feel for the reader flying with 16 month old twins, but I don't think it stays difficult. Flying alone with my five-year two years ago was delightfully easy. We have a routine now – the kids know it and are proud when they pass through security without holding up the line.

Have a great time!!

Easy Victor- I am all for letting kids play and be exposed to the normal elements in order to boost their immunity although Carter is too young to have a flu shot and I will be trying to protect him from getting something that may hospitalize him etc. I also want to keep him healthy during our trip. Trust me he is in no bubble. – Shannon

Oh joy, now we have two "Mommy Points"!