Traveling solo with kid; help me think this through

[jpeka65844]

Okay, our next 2 vacays, DH will be going down early. I'm a teacher so I have less flexibility in my schedule than him.

Scenario 1: I will be flying down in January with my DS 4. Can I successfully manage an airport with a toddler, a suitcase (we'll combine), a stroller, and a backpack?

Scenario 2: I will be flying down November, 2010 with (hopefully!) an infant who (hopefully) will be 6-7 mos at the time. DS, who will be turning 5 on our trip, and DH, who will be turning 37 on our trip, will already be there. Again, I'm a teacher, can't get the time off work. Can I successfully manage an airport with an INFANT, a suitcase, a stroller, and a backpack?

I'd like to drive myself to the airport b/c we have such ridiculously early flights but it seems like getting to the terminal from the parking lot will be a nightmare both times.

What could DH take with HIM that would make this process easier???

 

[MNdisneymom]

Personally, I'd rather travel with a 4 year old than an infant. I went alone with my DS when he was 3.5, and he was able to pull his own little backpack into the airport (yes, we parked there--but our airport also has park and fly lots--don't know if that's an option for you but that's nice too...) while I pulled our suitcase (we only used one) and used the stroller for my own carry on.

 

[Bren's Mom]

First, is your dh going to be away on business or something there? Just curious why he'd go alone first and leave you to deal with the kids alone.

Anyway, if it must happen that way:

I would have your dh take as much as possible with him as far as luggage. Ideal would be if you only had a backpack for yourself and one for ds, a stroller and ds.

You can have 1 change of clothes for you and ds in your backpack along with any necessary 'purse' stuff. (I never carry a separate purse on the plane, I pack the essentials in the backpack/carryon and then pack the actual purse itself in a suitcase, empty.)

I'd pack a small suitcase for ds with toys, games, small blankie, etc. for him to carry. Gate check the stroller. All you have to deal with on the plane is 2 backpacks and ds.

As for with an infant, buy him/her a seat. Bring them in their infant carrier with the carrier in the stroller. Gate check the stroller. Again try to have just a backpack, or maybe that plus 1 diaper bag you can hang on the stroller. Have ds carry his own backpack as well.

 

[traveljunkie2]

Your biggest challenge during either trip will be getting through security.
I've flown with my kids since oldest was 8 months, and security is always the hardest part!

Scenario 1: Make sure DS wears shoes that she can take off/put on himself. If possible, check the suitcase. If not possible, make sure it's a rolling kind. Once through security, put the suitcase on the stroller. Wear the backpack. Gate check stroller. What about DS's carseat? Will you need one once you get there? If so, send it with DH.

Scenario 2: Send as much with DH as possible. It's worth the extra cost to check a suitcase in this instance! Bring with you: baby carrier (like a baby bjorn) and backpack. Send stroller with DH and DS (unless you are bringing a carseat). You will have to take baby out of carrier at security, but this will make it easier to get to your seat on the plane since you will have the baby on the front and a backpack on your back. My DS outgrew his infant carrier be 7 months, so don't know if that is an option. If you are bringing a carseat, bring the stroller also and put the carseat in the stroller, have baby in carrier and backpack on back. Make sure you have an extra shirt for you and extra outfit for the baby, plus plenty of diapers in case the flight is delayed (heaven forbid!).

 

[adventure_woman]

Piece of cake - in both scenarios. I have traveled alone with my DD at 8 weeks and also at almost 2. Both times she sat on my lap as a lap baby (didn't have money to buy her a seat). I would say to add a 5 yr old to the mix would be okay too - provided it was a well behaved child.

The keys are:
- Take your time and don't get frustrated. Going through security, just don't worry about everyone behind you.
- Use magical express. That way you won't have to worry about your luggage at all - only your carryon stuff. I gate checked our stroller, then on the plane I brought her diaper bag, a rolled carry-on (this held all our extra stuff in case luggage got lost for one day) and then a purse/backpack type bag. I nursed, so when she was a baby I didn't have to worry about formula. I did have a bottle of pumped milk in case.
- Just make sure to allow yourself plenty of time so you aren't worried about being late.
- Accept help if someone offers it. They won't always, but I know I got kind people on my last flight who carried all my stuff off the airplane so I didn't have to wake my sleeping baby in my arms. BUT, I was prepared to wake her up if I needed to.

(I did the parks for 9 days all by myself w/ an almost 2 yr old...so don't be afraid! You can do it!)

 

[PrincessTiffany]

You shouldn't have a problem. I traveled/flew alone with my kids when they were small. The first time I flew alone with the kids they were 1, 2, 3 and 6 and I did it all by myself. Just take it slow and the flight attendants were always super nice to us.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Sorry, double post.

 

[jpeka65844]

Wow! All excellent suggestions!

Yes, not my first choice of how to travel, but one trip was already planned with DH and his friends for the marathon. When we found out some friends from Atlanta were also running and bringing their kids, I decided to take DS. There will be 16 of us total! YIKES!!

As for the 2nd scenario, DH and DS's birthdays fall over the 2010 T'giving holiday. I'm a teacher and can't get the whole week off work. Besides, DH and DS will love the time just the two of them! We'd thought about leaving Baby #2 at home with G'ma and G'pa but I couldn't bear the thought of celebrating birthdays and T'giving without all of our family

I never had a Baby Bjorn (or similar) with DS, but I think it's worth investing in one for this reason alone! That will be a future purchase for Baby #2!