First time flying with 2 children

[kboo]

Even when the seat belt sign does go off, the captain will tell you it is smart to keep it on. Rough air can come out of nowhere.

I don't disagree; I was responding to the PP who suggested that you could/should never allow your 2.5 year old to get out of their seat or get unbuckled, and using driving in the car as an equivalent analogy. By that analogy, no one, whether a child or an adult, could ever get up to use the bathroom.

 

[chris31997]

Hi! This September we'll be heading down with our two children. This will be the first plane ride for them. Our daughter will be 6 by then and our son will be 2 1/2. Will our daughter need a carseat or not? I thought I've read that they don't need one at that age. I was planning on bringing a carseat for our son for safety and to keep him contained, but he does get antsy if strapped in too long. How have people dealt with the antsy child that wants out of the carseat? Any other advice would be great!

Depending on when your flight is, you might get the 2.5 to sleep on the flight. Maybe. Excitment might be too high. So keep that in mind. If an antsy kid is a worry, space is limited, with a car seat it will be more limited and chance that there will be a kicked seat. Which will not be fun for you(trying to prevent) and the person in front. Might be worth it to check the car seat(IF you need it in Orlando) otherwise, I would skip it or use the harnes system that others have mentioned.

I personally have not used anything. Once my kiddos were sitting in a seat, they used the buckle. Always buckled, but not always tight. It helped with DS who hated being confined.

 

[SeanTomorrow]

How have people dealt with the antsy child that wants out of the carseat?

I let them out!

On the plane, I'm pretty free range with my 2.5yo. She's definitely buckled when she's in the plane seat, but when the opportunity presents itself, I let her roam in the aisle (so far she'll only go a row or so away, scope out the people, then run back). I'd intervene at any indication that she's bugging people, but it's just smiles so far. I think it's nice for her to meet the neighbors. Once, a flight attendant brought her ice cream from first class.

Not too worried about unexpected severe turbulence or rough air. If that was a motivating concern, I'd be equally worried about her using an iPad (heavy metal/glass projectile), or putting coffee or soup on tray table (danger of scalding if spilled), or holding pencils (risk of eye injury due to sudden movement). I think most risks are mitigated if you buckle up when the seat belt light is on.

 

[maxiesmom]

I let them out!

On the plane, I'm pretty free range with my 2.5yo. She's definitely buckled when she's in the plane seat, but when the opportunity presents itself, I let her roam in the aisle (so far she'll only go a row or so away, scope out the people, then run back). I'd intervene at any indication that she's bugging people, but it's just smiles so far. I think it's nice for her to meet the neighbors. Once, a flight attendant brought her ice cream from first class.

Not too worried about unexpected severe turbulence or rough air. If that was a motivating concern, I'd be equally worried about her using an iPad (heavy metal/glass projectile), or putting coffee or soup on tray table (danger of scalding if spilled), or holding pencils (risk of eye injury due to sudden movement). I think most risks are mitigated if you buckle up when the seat belt light is on.

To be honest, I would smile at your child, but inside I would be thinking what a horrible idea it was to let your child run around on an airplane. I also think with a child that small, they don't understand why it is ok some of the time to be out of their seat, but other times it is not. Much easier on the parent to have a hard and fast rule that they stay buckled.

And yes, you should always be concerned that whatever you put on your tray table could go flying. Or be grabbed by little hands.

 

[SeanTomorrow]

Just keeping the conversation going:

inside I would be thinking what a horrible idea it was to let your child run around on an airplane

Why, is she going to get lost or kidnapped? We're talking about walking (she doesn't run much) within 4 feet of her parents, for minutes at a time

I also think with a child that small, they don't understand why it is ok some of the time to be out of their seat, but other times it is not.

She doesn't need to understand, fortunately, because she's obedient and buckles when her parents tell her too. I'm rather proud of that one

My only point is to expand the range of acceptable options for the OP. The risks an airplane seatbelt protects against are different than those in cars. It's OK to take a different approach to restraint if your child can handle it and it is within the airline rules.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

(reply to lost in cyberspace) The chances of encountering turbulence so strong that your child "becomes a projectile" are far lower than the chance of something like that happening in a car. But, it's all about your assessment of risk. If you (or the OP) are not comfortable with it, no one is telling you to unbuckle a child if you are uncomfortable with it. But I'm also saying that in my experience flying (30+ flights w DD and many many more without), I have never seen a young child sit in a seat, cares harness or not, and *never* need to get up and move around a bit. thats an unrealistic expectation and sets one up for failure for your first flight.

I'm not sure what you are talking about. I never said you shouldn't let a child get up and walk around or use the restroom. I said that when your child is in his/her seat (adults as well), the seat belt should be on. You never know when you will encounter sudden turbulence; I have been on a number of flights where we did and my husband was on this United Airlines Flight:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/20/united-flight-turbulence_n_653597.html

The only people injured were those who were unbelted.

 

[SeanTomorrow]

Hmmm, seems like that United flight was news precisely because it is was so unusual and rare. Quite literally a one in many millions occurrence.

The most severe turbulence I've ever encountered was of the "you might fall over" variety. Certainly scary! But a very different from a car crash in terms of how I'd approach risk.

Fortunately, I don't think anyone is really recommending that children NEVER be buckled (unless they're a lap child). Only about what risk you're actually subjecting your child to, whether they're up to use the bathroom or up to stretch their legs and do kid things.

 

[HCinKC]

I haven't read through all of these, so I apologize if this has been said...

We haven't used a car seat for my older son since he was about 2, as we have not needed one for a car upon arrival. He has just sat in the airplane seat with the belt. I've seen CARES, but I haven't felt the need for it. Start talking about it now, or as soon as you tell them you are going on a trip. Books are helpful, and explaining why safety is important and kindness towards other passengers (ie noise, kicking the seat back, etc). It is like the car. My son knows his buckles stay fastened until the car is turned off. He knows not to be loud because it is distracting and unkind in a small space. He needs reminding about the seat back, but I can't expect a "win" on everything lol.

Well planned potty breaks are good for stretching the legs. I would also invest in some kid headphones. We use ours a lot - car rides, airplanes, waiting in line, even at home for his music. I like the kids ones because they have fun designs and keep the volume at a safe level. We happen to have the KaZoo brand which look like frogs. Some brands also make plain ones that your kids might have fun decorating with stickers. I also have special things that are new for the plane. It depends on what your kids like and what you allow, but maybe a new coloring/activity book with a new box of crayons, a game or video on an iPad, hot wheels on a small magnetic try, etc. I am sure you could find tons of ideas on Pinterest (if that's your thing). Fun snacks are also good. They don't have to be sweets, just something out of the ordinary. And if you think ears popping might be an issue, you could try gum or a lollipop. (Lollipop is my choice since some kids tend to swallow gum or get it stuck to something. Lollis are easier to clean up if need be.)

Finally, know that people might get irritated. If you do have trouble with noise or kicking, etc, apologize to the folks around you, especially for seat back kicking. I also make sure to explain the rules again and why they are important (not yelling but loud enough for others to hear, so they know I am sincere). Some people just stay irritated, but short of tying the kid down and gagging them, I don't know what they expect. People sometimes seem to have forgotten that they were once a child and possibly have/had children of their own. We can only do our best!

Honestly, I bet your kids will be fine, even your antsy son. Aside from hurting ears which can be difficult to relieve, I've never been on a flight with "annoying" kids.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Hmmm, seems like that United flight was news precisely because it is was so unusual and rare. Quite literally a one in many millions occurrence.

.....

Quite the opposite! Not rare at all! Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to airline passengers and personnel.

http://news.yahoo.com/turbulence-in-flight--reasons-to-worry--and-not-to-worry-165623271.html

http://www.injuredonflight.com/?cat=9

https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_safe/turbulence/

You can find many, many other incidents using Google.

 

[SeanTomorrow]

Not rare at all! Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to airline passengers and personnel.

This is actually a really fascinating point -- turbulence can simultaneously be the leading cause of injuries AND be mind boggling-ly rare, because of math.

From the FAA link you posted:
"Each year, approximately 58 people in the United States are injured by turbulence while not wearing their seat belts."

From the Department of Transportation (http://www.transtats.bts.gov/):
659,000,000 passengers flew in 2014

So divide those numbers, you have a 1 in 11,362,069 chance of getting injured by turbulence. One in eleven million. That counts as pretty rare to me.

 

[Katie10]

If you are traveling with a toddler, you can bring snacks and drinks from home in moderation. My DS3 is very food motivated (he is normal weight, but, super active and loves to eat). When we fly in May, I plan to bring juice boxes, which he only gets on special occasions, for him. Also, snacks he loves will be packed. I am bringing my iPad, which he loves to play on, but again, it's only used for special occasions. My mother in law just bought him some kind of leap frog tablet, but, we are not giving him it until we get on the plane so he will be occupied with something new. Each kid is different, although he loves stickers, I could never get a sticker book because he would manage to have stickers all over the plane. If I gave him crayons, he still stickes them in his mouth and at times has bitten off chunks and ends up spitting it out into my hands! The first time I flew with him, he was 2 1/2 months. The flight attendant said is this his first flight? I think she knew I was nervous about him flying (or more like screaming through the whole flight). She said don't worry if he cries, you have to expect there to be crying kids on a plane to MCO! He ended up doing great! Hope this helped!

 

[DopeyDame]

If you are traveling with a toddler, you can bring snacks and drinks from home in moderation. My DS3 is very food motivated (he is normal weight, but, super active and loves to eat). When we fly in May, I plan to bring juice boxes, which he only gets on special occasions, for him. Also, snacks he loves will be packed. I am bringing my iPad, which he loves to play on, but again, it's only used for special occasions. My mother in law just bought him some kind of leap frog tablet, but, we are not giving him it until we get on the plane so he will be occupied with something new. Each kid is different, although he loves stickers, I could never get a sticker book because he would manage to have stickers all over the plane. If I gave him crayons, he still stickes them in his mouth and at times has bitten off chunks and ends up spitting it out into my hands! The first time I flew with him, he was 2 1/2 months. The flight attendant said is this his first flight? I think she knew I was nervous about him flying (or more like screaming through the whole flight). She said don't worry if he cries, you have to expect there to be crying kids on a plane to MCO! He ended up doing great! Hope this helped!

This is true, but also sort of "squishy" and up to the individual TSA agents. The exemption is for medically required liquids and food - which for "infants and small children" includes formula and baby food. You'll never have a problem bringing formula or breast milk on board, in virtually any quantity. But something like juice for a 3 year old... you might get lucky, and you also might have to dump it all out and buy juice boxes at the stores on the plane side of security.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children

 

[mcjaco]

For those of you that are putting movies on the iPad, how are you doing that? Is it through a particular app? Do you already own digital copies of movies or is this something you can get through iTunes?

Lots of software out there to convert DVDs to Apple happy formats. Best one is probably Handbrake with DVD43. Both are free.

We're travelling to Hawaii this July and the boys will be almost 3 1/2, and I really do not want to bring the car seats on the plane, but we'll be getting a rental car, so I'm not sure it's worth the hassle of checking them.....

 

[Katie10]

This is true, but also sort of "squishy" and up to the individual TSA agents. The exemption is for medically required liquids and food - which for "infants and small children" includes formula and baby food. You'll never have a problem bringing formula or breast milk on board, in virtually any quantity. But something like juice for a 3 year old... you might get lucky, and you also might have to dump it all out and buy juice boxes at the stores on the plane side of security.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children

Yes you are right. I guess I've always lucked out. My sister in law always takes juice boxes, snacks, eat and never has had any problems. She was the first one who gave me the idea. I'm still going to plan on bringing some juice boxes, if it's taken away, oh well. Unfortunately, my DS3 is allergic to milk and his stomach gets upset from certain juices so I'm still going to try to bring my own. Worse case is I just get waters after security.

 

[eeyoreali]

Thank you all for the responses! I'm definitely more concerned about my son. For those that have used the cares harness, does it come with a strap for between the legs? I wonder if he would slip under the belt or wiggle his way free.

Otherwise, I plan on bringing plenty if things to keep them both occupied. Good tip for getting my son used to headphones now - my daughter already uses them.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The Cares harness has no crotch strap.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This is actually a really fascinating point -- turbulence can simultaneously be the leading cause of injuries AND be mind boggling-ly rare, because of math.

.......

So divide those numbers, you have a 1 in 11,362,069 chance of getting injured by turbulence. One in eleven million. That counts as pretty rare to me.

You missed my point. Turbulence itself is not rare at all, certainly not "mind bogging-ly [sic] rare." I would say I've experienced turbulence on the majority of flights I took last year.

I think it's stupid not to keep your seat belt on at all times when seated, but others are free not to.

 

[SeanTomorrow]

@lost*in*cyberspace Oh, if all you were saying is that turbulence is common, then we can all agree! Turbulence happens frequently. It rarely causes injury (1 in 11 million chance, remember).

My only point being: Moms and Dads, it is perfectly safe to walk around the plane or let your child use the normal seat belt. Don't feel bad. There is enough pressure and fear in the world that you don't need any extra.

PS - Thanks for the "[sic]", but the typo actually belongs to you It's okay, here I will make a typoe for you

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It's unlikely TSA will let juice boxes through for a three year old. Plan on them being confiscated.

 

[maxiesmom]

@lost*in*cyberspace Oh, if all you were saying is that turbulence is common, then we can all agree! Turbulence happens frequently. It rarely causes injury (1 in 11 million chance, remember).

My only point being: Moms and Dads, it is perfectly safe to walk around the plane or let your child use the normal seat belt. Don't feel bad. There is enough pressure and fear in the world that you don't need any extra.

PS - Thanks for the "[sic]", but the typo actually belongs to you It's okay, here I will make a typoe for you

It rarely causes injury because most people are smart enough to stay seated with their seat belts fastened. It is ridiculous that you are guaranteeing their plane won't hit turbulence when they are out of their seat. I don't know how you can guarantee that. It is like telling a parent it is ok not to buckle their seat belt in a car. Odds are good you won't get in a crash, but none of us know for sure. Odds are good the plane won't hit turbulence, but none of us know that for sure. And would it be worth if to be proven wrong?