16 mo old on a plane - are we crazy?

[dudspizza]

are we crazy?





We don't know your kid but your post doesn't sound encouraging. Yes, some parents are crazy bringing their kids on an airplane. You have to decide if your child is too young to fly. I wouldn't suggest a connecting flight. Take off and landing can be an issue (ear pain) even for adults.

Don't even think of bringing a DVD player without headphones. It's rude and many airlines have rules against it.

DW and I were talking last night. There is NO WAY we would have taken our first daughter on a flight. She was loud and hard to keep quiet. We were laughing how we had to only take her to restaurants like Chuck E Cheese or similar that had lots of background noise. A 3 hour flight would have been horrible and frustrating for us, let alone everyone else. Now, if we HAD to do it due to a funeral or something we would have done so.

Our second daughter is the total opposite so we dared take her when she was 2 months shy of 3. That put the oldest at 5 1/2. We were told we were crazy at that point. The almost 3 year old was great on the flight down. She was wide eyed and excited.... she even pulled on the FA's skirt while on the way to the bathroom and said, "I want some juice, I am sitting back there". It was so cute........ well, the flight home was a flip. She was tired and she could not sleep. She tossed, kicked, and could not get comfortable in her own car seat. It was right there that we decided we would never use a car seat on the plane again and just have her sit in her own seat, which she did the next year. We have had nothing but perfect travels since.

That said, our kids have always been taught how to act on a airplane and how to act in public. You can't reason with them when they are under 2, so it makes it very difficult to travel with them.

That said, there was a family on the aircraft on my last flight home from Las Vegas. You would have not even known there was a baby in the moms arms 1 row behind us... the baby slept the entire trip and it was surprisingly pleasant....

Travel safe everyone...

Duds

 

[waltskids]

We have flown with lap babies many times, but never a lap toddler. Once they start to walk, we get them their own seat. I can't imagine trying to keep them occupied on mine or DH's lap. But since you said no seat, then bring lots of snacks, special treats like lollipops, a favorite 'lovey', stickers and paper, and even a DVD player with headphones. BTW, we have been on flights where children try not to use headphones and the FA's have told the parents to shut the player off or turn the sound off. It may be a good idea to show your child how the headphones work ahead of time. Also, a nonstop flight would be less stressful than boarding and taking off and landing twice.

 

[momtolots]

I agree with pp regarding that every child is different. We have flown from Ottawa to Orlando with a high spirited 17mos. who did not have her own seat, as well as to Montego Bay from Ottawa. We had no problems. We arrived at the boarding gate with lots of time to spare so she could run around for awhile. We also bought those colouring books with the special marker that only shows up on that paper, but otherwise it is clear looking. Those were great, as well as stickers, munchies and other "goodies" If you are relaxed about it, she/he will feel more comfortable. Good luck.

 

[pilotwife_02]

Any advice as to how to keep a very active 16 mo old occupied on a plane for 3 hours?

I think you answered your own question

Seriously though, I have a very energetic 2 1/2 year old and he NEEDED to be in his car seat on the plane ever since we started flying with him (which was at 4 months old). To him car seat = sitting still and behaving during the flight. He knew while in the car and in the car seat he had to stay in it and didn't fuss and try to squirm or "cause trouble" and since he was acted that way in the car seat in the car he hoped he would do the same on a plane and we knew it was the best solution for the plane. And it was.

Of course that meant getting him his own seat, but for safety reasons AND sanity reasons that's how we did it. And every flight we took him on (which has been a lot) he would play on our lap while everyone boarded and as soon as the doors closed we would strap him into the car seat and he knew that it was time to sit and he behaved just like he was in the car and it was a car ride.

 

[JennSaint]

I don't think you are crazy but you know the child. I watch a 17 month old 5 days a week and he would be perfectly fine on a plane. He has such a great easy going personality though. And I agree with everyone else I would never do it unless he had his own seat. At this age they really start having a mind of their own and like some independence so please purchase a seat for this child! You will appreciate the extra space! It will be much easier to keep this child entertained with a seat!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Just got back from a trip to Charlotte and in my four flights, I had at least one lap baby, and not one of them would stay on their parent's lap, one kicked the seat in front of them, one yelled the whole time "down", another the parent's just let wander the aisle instead of holding them...

Again besides the child and parents comfort, the whole safety and comfort of the passengers becomes a big issue.

Yeah, needless to say, I wasn't a fan (actually I'm a big advocate for FAA and airlines to create and enforce a no-lap child policy) before and I'm definately not one now.

 

[GrammyJudy]

My 16mos old grandson has had reoccuring ear infections for 2 months so we have cancelled our trip for Jan 2010 and planning for Jan 2011. He will be 21/2 then and easier to handle I am sure. Also he will enjoy it more. His mom went for her first time when she was just 3 and loved it...but was afraid of the pirates as she thought they were real. So another year of planning ahead for us...but I love that.

 

[syudelson]

We've flown with our 3 kids since they were infants (now 20mo., 5, and 8) and always bought seats for them and unless something has changed since we last flew, you can get a seat for under two at half price. It was familiar to the kids, more comfortable for us and the safest way to go(plus it allows you another checked bag and another carry-on). With all the runway accidents that occur, I never wanted to have to regret that I wouldn't spring the extra $100 or so for their own seat. As for keeping them entertained I always fill their carry-on with surprises - lots of snacks, their favorite treats, a new movie or two, new pack markers/crayons and some $1 type toys. We've always had great luck with this keeping them busy and usually receive compliments from others on their good behavior. Hope this helps.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just got back from a trip to Charlotte and in my four flights, I had at least one lap baby, and not one of them would stay on their parent's lap, one kicked the seat in front of them, one yelled the whole time "down", another the parent's just let wander the aisle instead of holding them...

Agreeing with the majority strongly advising getting the child her/his own seat; however, if the OP chooses to ignore this repeated recommendation, at least please put one member of your party directly in front of the seat in which the lap child will be located.

 

[aimlyles]

We are heading to Disney in Feb and chose not to get my youngest his own seat, he'll be 23 months. We were able to get a non-stop flight and will be flying during his usual nap time so we are hoping he'll nap. We flew last Feb to New Orleans and purchased him a seat and he was on our lap the whole time, granted he was only 11 months at the time so this time around may be different.

Between my DH, DS(8), myself and snacks and quiet activities I think we'll be fine. Luckily he LOVES to draw so crayons and paper and a small magna doodle may be our life saver

Good Luck.

 

[frkymcky]

We traveled when our DD was 2 with my DB, DSIL and their children. We DID get a seat for our DD, they did not get a seat for their DS (who was about 1 1/2). My daughter understood once we are buckled in there is NO getting out endless she needed to use the restroom. We have a VERY pleasant flight, she stayed in her seat and played with her toys, colored etc. My nephew was not happy....he did not want to sit on anyones lap, he wanted to sit on his own and move around. Everytime I looked over my DB and DSIL were not happy.

It definetly depends on the family as a whole. The seats are very tiny, not much space for one let alone to have a child on your lap for the flight. I understand finances can play a part into the decision, however I would suggest you also look at the safety of having their own seat. We had severe turbulence on our return flight, which lifted some adults out of their seats, if your child is on your lap during something like this, the possibility is there for one to be injured.


All just my opinion, you are the parent and know your situation and child best. Good luck!!!

 

[Glencora]

Agreeing with the majority strongly advising getting the child her/his own seat; however, if the OP chooses to ignore this repeated recommendation, at least please put one member of your party directly in front of the seat in which the lap child will be located.

PLEASE do this! I had the unfortunate experience of sitting in front of a "lap child" who refused to stay in his mother's lap and spent the whole flight in front of her, banging into the back of my seat. I can't begin to describe how unpleasant it was.

For possible ear problem, Ear Planes come in infant sizes. They're specially designed ear plugs that prevent pressure from building up in the ear. Many in my family who have a problem with this swear by them.

 

[jessica29]

On our last disney trip my nephew was this age and he is a "good child". He did have an incidence with ear not popping so be prepared for that suckers etc. I know some Dr.s suggest benedryl to make them tired, not that this is my opinion to do it. but some feel it is more fair for the child to sleep through the pain of having to sit still for 3 hours.

We had first class down and on the way back coach. Lets put it this way. My sister in law said never again she would pay the 200.00 for his own ticket 10 times over. Our flight was only 2 hours. I believe take off was the worst trying to get him to stay still on her lap till they reached the sky and could get out toys etc. and the land was the same. In the air it was somewhat better. But mom looked afully stressed and almost started crying from frustration when she could not get him calmed down at various times of the flight.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Yes you are crazy.

But more because you are not doing the safest thing for your child - putting him in his own seat.

It can be exhausting to entertain a toddler.

 

[super_troop]

We took a 20 month old on a 2.5 hour plane ride adn put them in their own seat. In my opinion this is the only way to go, no matter the expense. My daughter sat in her car seat, was asleep before take off, and awake before descent. Even during the extremely rough and bumpy descent, my daughter was laughing and wide-eyed at the experience. The only time we had a problem was on the return flight after landing when she became grumpy. Several of the passengers said that the did not even realize there were any small children on board, and they were appreciative that I had gotten my daughter a seat, even though it was not required.

 

[Dowellfam]

We have travelled from Seattle to Orlando twice with our older son when he was 9 months and 18 months. We will be flying again with our youngest, 13 month old in May. We did not purchase them an extra seat and we had no issues at all. It might be because we had to be at the airport at 4 AM to catch our 6 AM flight, so he may have been extra tired. Both legs of the trip, we had to switch planes. He actually slept most of the way. I think the key is to bring all his comfort toys/foods to keep them occupied. In addition, purchasing a new toy/book and not introducing it until your on the flight may help A LOT! Good luck!

 

[perkinsrose]

I flew 2 weeks after Sept 11 (more scary for my family than me) when I was pregant AND with my toddler to meet up with DH and inlaws who drove to a wedding many states away. Flight was 2hours or so.

DS is an active little boy but very well behaved. I think we took one walk to the bathroom(tight squeeze with a toddler AND a pregnant person!).

I brought snacks, books, sticker books, paper & markers, and a few little plastic animal toys but I needed less than I thought. He was excited to be there.

I think its good to bring new things that are novel & exciting and ration them out to make them last over the flight. I wouldn't show them everything and let them pick. I'd bring out something and let them use it until obvious need for something new & stimulating.

We didn't have issues on the flight or return. He loved take off & landing. ( I brought sippy cup for drinking for ear issues--major ear infection problems but he did fine). After we accelerated on runway & took off, he said "Mommy, do it again!" So cute!


PS
Though it was very much a financial stretch at the time, we bought him his own seat (1/2 price I think) --a necessity since I was so pregnant but I imagine it would have been uncomfortable for the 2 other people I happened to sit with in my row had I not.

 

[perkinsrose]

You may want to try posting on FAMILIES forum for more ideas on air travel with little ones..

 

[Kira G.]

Only you can say if you are crazy or not, because only you know your own child well enough.

I flew roundtrip to Europe by myself with my 16-month old daughter (she is now almost 18!), and she did GREAT. No problems whatsoever. I also went cross-country with her (PHL-SF) more than once when she was a toddler. This was before ipods, portable dvds or anything like that. I brought books & toys, and lots of snacks. Teddy Grahams were particular favorites - you can eat them AND play with them! Also don't forget a change of clothes (or 2), even for a short trip - maybe you can guess why I'm making that suggestion!

However, some of my other children would have been a real handful as toddlers, and we stopped doing a lot of traveling when we had 4 young ones.

I do recommend getting a seat if you can; however, you know your child best, and if you think you will be fine without it, use your best judgment. And have a great trip!