I have flown with my DD (5) many times, and at least 3 of those trips was when she was between 7 months and 18 months. I'll be doing the opposite of you in a few weeks (flying down with DH, seeing WDW and flying home alone with the kiddies - DD and DS (18 months).)
Couple of things to try/be aware of /think about:
- If someone is dropping you off at the airport (whether it be a friend or a park-n-fly driver) it may be worth it to tip them the extra couple of dollars to have them carry your bag(s) to the skycap and check in curbside. However, it's amazing how much stuff you can actually load "in" the stroller - I usually carry the car seat on the stroller (with my carryon either in the seat or hooked on the handles of the stroller!) and carry my DD/DS and push the stroller through the airport.
- most airport security personnel are very helpful these days when it comes to assisting parents through security. You will need to remove her from her stroller (assume you're bringing one to gate check in the airport) but in most instances, they will help you either fold up the stroller & put it on the conveyor or roll it through/around the scanner for you. Some airports (don't know about Chicago) even have special lines for families traveling with children.
- If she has a special "lovey" (my DD has a baby doll), be aware that it will need to go on the conveyor as well. I had my DD help me put the doll on the conveyor telling her that she was "going for a ride" and we'd meet her on the other side. I always carried DD through the scanner until she was old enough to understand to wait for me on the other side.
- Sounds like you plan on bringing her car seat. Did you buy a ticket for her on the plane? When my DD was little, I found it easier to buckle her in and treat it like a car ride. Airline policy is that you can put a car seat in the seat next to you (if you didn't buy a ticket for her) as long as it is not occupied by the time of takeoff (otherwise, they'll have to gate check it for you). Also, most airlines no longer allow parents to board early with their kids. IMO, I'd almost rather wait until close to the end to board!!! Shortest time being restricted on the plane as possible!
- Bring plenty of snacks!! Bring a sippy of water/milk/juice, whatever you know she will drink. I can recall one flight where all we did was keep feeding my DD to keep her occupied! Seriously, though - the sippy will help on takeoff and descent (ears popping) as will chewing food.
- Talk to your pediatrician on this next one. My pediatrician recommended that we give my DD Tylenol a 1/2 hour before takeoff to help with any ear pain. I've heard of other people giving their kids Benadryl (never done that so I can't speak to it). The Tylenol actually made my daughter sleep (it helped that we tried to fly during nap times). Motrin would work as well.
- Bring small thing she likes to play with. I always stuffed my diaper bag (to the gills!) and brought along pop up books, lift the flap books, a travel size magnadoodle (LOVE those!), and this trip I'm thinking of getting some Color Wonder markers and paper (the kind that only work on Color Wonder paper and don't write on anything else!).
- As far as a stop to pick stuff up in Orlando, like the other poster said, I'd either arrange to have it delivered to my hotel (a lot of people have recommended
www.wegoshop.com) OR ship stuff to your hubby's attention at the hotel. This trip I'm going to ship diapers down (so I don't have to buy a whole package and figure out how to get the extras home!), some snacks for the parks and anything else that I don't "need" as soon as we land. For wipes, I just grab a bunch from my "wipe container" at home, pack them in a gallon size Ziploc baggie and pack that in my diaper bag.
PHEW! Just came up for air on this reply - sorry it's so long! I just think it's really important to share as much information as I possibly can to try to help others in this situation. I know how it goes......!
If you have any questions, or if I can provide further information for you, let me know.
Enjoy your trip!
Lynne
