Please share your best tips for flying with a "lap child"

[camdensmom]

We always bought a seat on the plane for DS, but with twins and having to travel school vacation week (translation $$$$$$$$$$$), we have decided to take the (then) 7.5 month olds as lap sitters. It will be just DH and I with our 4 year old son and the girls.

So....

What's your best advice?

Because of the oxygen masks one of us with one twin will need to sit in a separate row. I am a bit anxious about that since the babies will be unpredictable and I don't want to make the flight miserable for others.

 

[aksunshine]

We will be flying our next trip with a lap sitter. Just one though! Curious to hear others experiences.

PS- Love your layouts!

 

[Zeebs]

Firstly prepare for the fact you will get some very unhelpful answers of "how could you etc"

How long is your flight?

at that age they probably won't be eating much finger food, but some bits they can grasp onto and gum to death will fill in some time.

Mine have always had a sleep on me, at some point.

Some non noisy toys, we always found straws and plastic cups very popular for some reason also toys that are not too big (like they always target for that age) those little people animals are good as they can grasp on and chew.

Have a great flight, don't stress you stress they stress.

Kirsten

 

[aksunshine]

Kirsten- Just saw that you are 24 weeks and a day, I am 24 weeks today! I'm having a boy though...Happy pregnancy!

 

[2DisPrincesses]

When we flew in November, my youngest was almost 11 months and she flew on our laps. Her favorite blanket and her bottle were lifesavers for us. On the flight home she even went to sleep Sucking on a bottle or pacifier will help to aleviate any preasure in their ears. We also brought some small toys. I would recommend new toys though. She couldn't have cared less about her "favorite toys" that we brought. If they are eating Puffs, those are great too!

 

[Zeebs]

Kirsten- Just saw that you are 24 weeks and a day, I am 24 weeks today! I'm having a boy though...Happy pregnancy!

You too I just saw on another thread you were pregnant, I love the name you have chosen, it was on our list before we found out we were having a girl.

Kirsten

 

[aksunshine]

Thanks Kirsten! What are you going to name your princess?

 

[brergnat]

Um, that's going to be tough. Honestly. I'd strongly consider buying at LEAST one extra seat, so that you can be guaranteed your own row, and bring one infant seat for that seat. You should think about the convenience of being able to put one baby down to free your hands, should you need them for something else. For example, if you or your son needs to use the bathroom, it will be VERY difficult for you to do so while holding an infant, and your dh will have a hard time holding two of them at once in a cramped airplane seat. Just something to think about.

We flew with our son when he was 6 months old. He screamed and thrashed around the WHOLE time, and during descent, spit up ALL over the place. It was extremely stressful for us, and it was just me, DH, and the baby. That trip was only an hour...LONGEST hour of my LIFE!!!

To be really honest, you have to prepare for the worst, and think about how you might handle it. Keeping the babies occupied at that age is not what you should be worried about. Keeping your FOUR year old occupied so you can tend to the babies is more of an issue.

I'm not going to judge you, but I would NEVER attempt what you are thinking of doing. There are so many ways that can go really badly (and I'm not referring to safety issues, just practicality wise). Babies are very unpredictable...I'd personally buy them each a seat.

 

[treehugnmama]

I took my 18 month old on my lap while I was 4 months pregnant. I had a belly and a lap wittler and the guy ahead of me put his seat back as far as it would go ( I never do that) so it was a rough trip there in comfort wise.....doable though. On the way back there were extra seats but she sat on my lap anyways.

Good luck

 

[maxiesmom]

Um, that's going to be tough. Honestly. I'd strongly consider buying at LEAST one extra seat, so that you can be guaranteed your own row, and bring one infant seat for that seat. You should think about the convenience of being able to put one baby down to free your hands, should you need them for something else. For example, if you or your son needs to use the bathroom, it will be VERY difficult for you to do so while holding an infant, and your dh will have a hard time holding two of them at once in a cramped airplane seat. Just something to think about.

You may not want to hear this, but I have to agree with the above. How will you see to your 4yr olds needs when both you and your husband are holding onto a little one? He may need help with his seatbelt, or with his snack, or with using the bathroom. Or what if he is cranky or doesn't feel good?

Otherwise the only advice I can offer is for you to buy your seats so that one parent and child is sitting directly in front of the other parent and child. That way you won't have to worry about the person in front of you reclining their seat.

 

[Iggipolka]

I've flown by myself, three times with Lil on my lap and my wife and I are flying again with her next month when she'll be 9 months old. It's a challenge, but anytime you travel with kids, it's a challenge.

I second the idea to bring new toys as well as a couple old favorites. Feeding finger foods (puffs, cheerios) will help pass the time. Lil likes to stand on my lap, so I'm sure that's going to happen. Last time, I spent much of the four hour plane ride, walking up and down the aisle. She was happiest when I was in motion and I think she just liked checking out the other pax. I got my exercise on that trip!

Diaper changes are a challenge. Ask the flight attendant which bathroom has the diaper changing station in it. Not all bathrooms do. Bring a big bag packed with diapers/wipes etc and if you have to change a diaper on the plane, just bring one diaper and a handful of wipes in a small plastic bag with you to the bathroom. There's no room for the big bag and the plastic bag can be zipped shut before disposing of the dirty diaper in the trash. Other pax will thank you for that.

I also wore Lillian in a Moby Wrap and now that she's too big for that wrap, I'm planning on wearing her in a Mei Tai to get to the plane and bringing the Ergo for the parks.

For saftey in flight, I put her in the Baby B'air Flight Vest http://www.babybair.com/ that basically buckles her into my seat belt and keeps her safe if there is turbulence.

The best advice my mom gave me, don't worry about what other people are thinking. We've all been on flights where there's a screaming, unhappy baby and glaring at the parents, or sighing in frustration, certainly doesn't help the situation. My mom reminded me to keep things in perspective. Our time with the other pax is a short period of time in their lives. If Lil is crabby, it may not be a pleasant time for those around, but they'll get through it and then have a story to tell when they get off of the plane.

Try not to stress, because the kids will feel that stress and be more likely to act up. If you are chill, there's a better chance that they will be chill. Good luck!

 

[aksunshine]

Thanks for your perspective Iggi!

 

[msmama]

If the flight is around nap time - GREAT.

If you can, try to tire them out a little bit before the flight. If they'll sleep, it'll make your life much easier. It might break your arms, lol, but it'll be easier. That's what I tried to do when my DS was a lap child.

It's hard to put your tray table down with a lap child so keep that in mind.

Bring their pacifiers or bottle or something to help with take off and landing. I always nursed my DS - that and the movement of the plane and he'd be out. May not last long, but anything to make the flight shorter was worth it.

I've been on flights with lots of babies where flight attendants have layed out blankets in the front of the cabin for diaper changes. That's certiantly not the official way to do it, but...

Have a great trip!

 

[SkinsFan76]

My wife flew with our son several times by herself between 9 months and 18 months. Everytime she would just ask for an empty row if available, and the ticket agents would help her out. They even moved one passenger so my wife had an extra seat. If the flight is full, that won't be an option though. Never hurts to ask.

 

[DrummerBoy523]

give the babies a shot of motrin or tylenol about 30 mins prior to the flight so that it is in their bloodstream at takeoff time. also - if they are bottle drinkers, have that ready at takeoff also.

Baby Bjorn or similar carriers work great on planes and free up your hands - plus our sons both would fall asleep in the baby bjorn on the plane because they keep the kids close to your body heat.

good luck - I'd never attempt to fly with two but don't mean that in any judgemental way - you do whatever you feel the need to do!

 

[2shortpeopleruleme]

We flew with both of our Daughter's as lap children (not at the same time, and not as young...you are brave! ) Not in the same situation, but it helped us to sit all the way in the back of the plane. We rode on Southwest and just went straight to the back, close to the bathroom. More people sat in the front. Bring lots of toys. I make airplane bags, simple things that are new to them to help pass the time. The idea of the bottle, or paci for take off and landing really helps too!

 

[aksunshine]

Never thought about getting seats in the back. Great idea!

 

[shaylahc1]

I'm not sure if the rules have changed but back when mine were babies you could buy an extra seat for a child under 2 for half the price of an adult.

I only flew once with a baby on my lap and it was miserable. The guy in front of me reclined his seat all the way and the baby was practically pinned to my chest Also every time we went through turbulence all I could think about was what would happen if she flew out of my arms? She was an active squirmy 6 month old then. It was NOT fun.

I swore I'd never do it again. For 1/2 the cost of an adult ticket ($50-100?) it's worth the peace of mind and comfort to get baby his/her own seat. JMHO.

 

[annette20071]

I think a lot of people answer these type of questions based on what they want you to do for "their" comfort if they were on a flight with you instead of what is best for your family . . .

Have you considered slings? Many people babywear nowadays and it is great for leaving your hands free for other things. If not a sling then perhaps one of the other types of wearable baby carriers. If you nurse, great definitely try nursing on take off and landing. If not, then have a paci or bottle ready for those times. I agree with the person who said it would be great if the kids slept during the ride, but you don't want them so overtired that they just cry the whole trip. You might consider a portable DVD player for your 4 year old loaded with a favorite show or a handheld game to keep him entertained. Good luck!

 

[la79al]

Don't let the people in this thread scare you. You are (or will be) used to life with 2 babies and your DS will be used to being a big brother. You guys will do fine. First of all, don't count on any of your kiddos sleeping. Even if you get them up at 3 am and run them around the airport for 3 hours. They may not sleep. Or, they may fall asleep for no reason 2 hours before you expect them to and sleep the entire way. Just don't go into it thinking 'oh naptime, they'll sleep'. Don't worry about any of your kids screaming. You are going to Orlando, with lots of other families with little kids, during a time when a lot of families go. If your kids make noise, they will not be the only ones and even if they are, you won't be traveling with a bunch of business people who don't understand. Check the seating arrangements on your flight, some are 2 seats across and some are 3. Look into how your airline does family boarding. If you have to get seats in 2 rows, get rows across from each other, not one in front of the other. It is really difficult to turn around and talk to someone with a baby in your lap. Make sure you do potty breaks and diaper changes before you leave the airport. Maybe try to limit your sons drinking? I hate to say this but maybe consider a portable DVD player or handheld game for your son. I agree with snacks for the babies (and your son) and bottles and pacifiers if they use them. Make sure you take extra pacis, because believe me, you don't want to have to wake the guy up that is sitting behind you to ask for the pacifier that fell on his lap . I don't remember DD really playing with too many toys at 7 months but maybe take some books or a baby mirror and something for them to chew on. Above all, remember that people travel with babies all the time, just because you may have a few more doesn't mean it can't be done. Don't stress, it will make at least your DS act crazy. Just think about all the happy memories you will be making after a short plane ride. Oh, and in my experience, all kids under about age 12 sleep on the way home. Don't count on it but maybe it will give you some comfort.