Flying with toddlers??? tips wanted. :)

[alikat99]

Ok, we just flew from Tampa to Chicago last week with an almost 4yo and a 1yo. On the way up, they let us bring both carseats on the plane, but on the return flight they said that my oldest DDs carseat was not approved for airline use. So, make sure that your carseat is approved, otherwise, they may not let it on the plane.

Also, my other big suggestion would be an extra set of clothes for you. My DH's boss traveled on a plane when her DD was young and the DD got sick all over mom. Mom had to sit through the entire flight with nasty clothes. We now always travel with an extra set of clothes for EVERYONE!!

 

[Zoesmama03]

The flight is booked so no changing it and it will be 8:35 am when plane takes off which means we will need to be at airport about 6am to 6:30am. Maybe the earlier than normal wake up time will prompt her to nap on the plane. I think she will handle it fine she is always good in cars she doesn't usually mind being in her seat she doesn't always want to get in it but once shes in it she is good.

I measured her Cosco Alpha Omega seat today it was over 16" which is what the airline says is max so I dunno if it will fit. I have to measure her other one yet and see how wide it is since it is narrower. I think dh is gonna set it up so it straps to the carryon I will be pulling. I will have diaper bag/purse(backpack style) and dd. I think I might be crazy and hold her and pull the carry on w/carseat strapped. I have a stroller but was planning on getting rid of it as it is huge but I may look into a smaller cheap one.


I do know both our seats are FAA approved.

 

[lezammer]

My DD was 13 months old when we traveled. I was a nervous wreck b/c it was my first airplane ride with her and DH was not with me. She sat on my lap in my Baby Bjorn carrier as I wasn't about to buy that baby life vest thing just for this trip. Anyway, I know this will sound awful but I gave her a decongestant so she would get drowsy and sleep and also so her ears wouldnt pop. It worked wonders as she slept the whole trip! As far as the diaper bag, I just made sure I had lots of diapers, formula, extra clothes (3 sets), light jacket, and some books for her. I kinda overstuffed my diaper bag just in case my luggage got lost for whatever reason, at least I would have what I needed for her. Good luck. Hope this helps!

 

[Deesknee]

Our peditricians recommended that we give the toddlers dimetapp for 2 days before flight. they told us it would help with their ears. We have 7 times as well as taking it ourselves have only had ear problems once.

I believe the size of the restroom depends on the airline. DH is apprx 6' 270lbs, and had to squeeze in the restroom of Song in order to change DD.

We took keychain etch/sketch, books, we used the headset supplied on the plane & held it gently & softly to her head with music playing.

Our car seat is old but has the FAA approved sticker on it. The empoyee at the departing Boston gate checked for it, in Orlando they did not.

I didn't use a diaper bag (but it is only a 3hr flight) I used a combination carry on & my purse. I also allowed my DD to use her pacifer (usually only a bedtime treat) this I believe helps her ears. Also, her peditrician suggested juice box, as the pressure that can build up in them helps with the ears. She drank one on the take off & landing (when the pressure started), but didn't want anything to do with it on the return flight.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Alright!!!!!!! I just thought of this but my brother has a laptop with dvd player so I can ask if we can take it on plane for dd(2) to watch Mickey(her fave) or Elmo dvds.

He is going too so he can bring it back with him since we won't be coming back its a one way trip for us.

 

[huey duey & luey]

When we went in Nov I packed a samll back pack (disney of course) for my kids. This is what was in each stickers, and a small notepad, colorforms, coloring book and washable markers, a travel size magna doodle, small chalkboard, chalk and eraser, pocketsize disney books. I also had indvividual packages of goldfich, fruit snakes and teddy grahams, as well as the little bottles of waters. HTh
have a great trip
Tara

 

[belle_of_the_ball]

bring some lollipops, suckers whatever you call them when you get ear pressure suck on the lollipop..the motion helps relive the pressure but you have to suck you cant lick other wise it doesnt work

 

[Zoesmama03]

hey I've be racking my brain trying to decide if I should buy a umbrella stroller to push my dd through airport in.

I also have a sling and could carry her that way. She is 27 lbs so not to bad to carry. Then I'd have a backpack style diaperbag.

I looked into the carseat bags at Walmart the one that has wheels would be nice too. I wonder if I could loop the straps of my non-wheeled carryon and just curb check the small rolling carryon with the others. We are looking forward to the opprutunity to get as many clothes in our suitcases as possible instead of jammed in the car and trailer my dh and brother will be drivng.

Oh decisions decisions. I think I'll do a test of her in sling me with backpack on and such. But I think the rolling carseat bag and my non-wheeled carryon might be best since I can pull that with one hand.


Oh and I like that it reverses to a carseat sunshade. We TOTALLY need there here in Arizona and it will get use in Florida too.