Amelia likes to play with her ears. It used to worry me because everyone tells you that when babies pull on their ears it’s because they have an ear infection. Several months ago, though, I called our pediatrician’s office to talk to the triage nurse because it was starting to freak me out. She told me as long as baby is nursing and sleeping well, she is probably fine, since sucking and laying down would put pressure on a sore ear. With those words of wisdom in mind, I haven’t given it much thought since, even though she still does it pretty often.
But then her nose was stuffy. And last night she started coughing. And the ear-playing increased. And because we are flying to Chicago in four days, I started panicking that she was getting a cold and an ear infection and we were terrible parents to even consider taking her on an airplane to a cold, wet, windy place because she was going to end up in the hospital with burst eardrums and RSV.
Anyway, I called the pediatrician this morning as soon as they were open, and within an hour an a half we had driven to Mesa, seen the doctor, been reassured that Amelia looks healthy but that if we needed to we could come back before Sunday to be sure, and come home for a snack and a nap.
The peace of mind was totally worth the $30 copay. If only my concerns about public transportation and staying warm were so easily assuaged…
I’m not usually this paranoid, I promise, but for some reason this trip has got me extra nervous about everything. I’m open to traveling-with-a-baby advice and/or reassurance that all shall be well if anyone’s got any.
Amelia’s first foray into solids about six weeks ago. Don’t worry. She has since gotten a much-needed haircut.
Things will be fine. 🙂 The biggest thing you'll probably have to worry about is Amelia getting bored on the flight, and with both of you there to entertain her, she will probably do just fine.
My only travel advice–have you started her on finger foods yet like those tiny puffs or Cheerios? Those are fabulous for traveling. When Luke is fussy I can sit him in his highchair and he will happily chase Cheerios around for half an hour; when we're in the car and he gets really mad I can pop a couple in his mouth and it keeps him entertained (he can feed himself in the high chair but not in the car).
I flew with Rigby at 6 months and he did wonderful. During take-off and landing, he had a bottle (breast feeding is the same) or pacifier. The sucking helped with the change in air pressure and reduced the chances of an unhappy baby. I would like to echo what Rachael said about cereal puffs or cheerios – they are life savers when in a pinch and need to keep a baby occupied.
I read in a baby magazine recently that the ear tugging is not considered an indicator of an ear infection if it's not paired with any other symptoms and that it's likely they just like playing with their ears. After those other symptoms showed up I would have been worried too though! It could just be her way of comforting herself. My nephew and niece used to stroke their mother's eyelashes, and I know lots of kids that twirl their hair.
I second what Lydia said about making sure she's sucking on something during take-off and landing! A baby in front of me on a recent flight was fine during most of the flight, but screamed during take-off and landing (and he wasn't sucking on anything).
My friend Jenna posted some tips for flying with a baby here – http://thatwifeblog.com/2010/07/flying-with-baby/ (I don't necessarily agree with every little thing she has to say, but it's good advice and probably lots more advice in the comments).
Oh, and in case no one mentioned this, maybe a new toy or a few new toys to rotate when she gets bored with one?
Rach: We haven't tried anything like that yet, but she does like gnawing on apple slices so maybe I'll bring some of those. Or we can get some of those puffs and see how they go the next couple days and, if they're a hit, bring them. Good idea.
Lydia: I've heard that sucking during takeoff/landing helps but you're the first person I know who has actually done it and said it works. I'll definitely keep it in mind. Thanks.
Kelli: You're probably right about the boredom. I'll have to stock my bag with some new toys and old favorites. And thanks for the link. There were some good points there too.
So glad someone mentioned the sucking during takeoff/landing because I totally forgot about that. Definitely do it!!!! I've noticed that it makes a big difference.
Don't feel like a bad mom. Hannah was sick – I took her on a 3 1/2 week trip anyway. She was sick the whole time. We came home. Took her in for her 18 month check up. Found out she has a double ear infection. Oops. She's now on her second round of medicine because it got so bad over time that it's not clearing up. I agree though that it's nice to have a doctor tell you their fine because otherwise you always wonder. Have fun on your trip!
Poor Hannah! Hope she's feeling better soon. Also, hi! And congrats…I hear #2 is on the way!
Just stay relaxed because it will help keep Mila relaxed, and focus on what Mila wants/needs. Don't worry about your normal schedule. Also, check in at the counter by the gate just so they know you have a baby, normally they'll shift you around to a more open row or the front row.
And chocolate. For you, not Mila. Definitely chocolate.
I really really hope we get to see you guys in Chicago. That would be so great. Good luck!