How crazy is traveling with 2u2?

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

FIL is going to visit his family on the West Coast next month, and we are tempted to go with him. DD#1 will be one week shy of being 2, meaning we wouldn't have to get her her own seat (money is a little tight so we'd rather not spend a few extra 100's of dollars on a seat for her if we can avoid it.). Question: are we insane for even thinking about travelling through 3 time zones with a toddler and a less than two month old?

firsttogo

It will probably be easier in some ways with the baby being so little. We flew with a 2 YO, 8 month old, and I was 7 months pregnant, and I will. not. do. it. again. 

BUT, if I did, I would:

Pack all cary-on items into a backpack. Just one bag, much easier.

Also we bought what we needed like diapers and formula when we got there, and did not bring them with... less to pack!

I say do it! It will only get harder! 

CaitlinJ22

it will only get harder, Do it now. We drove 12 hours with a 21 month old and 3 month old and it was easy compared to doing it when she was 8 months and he was 26 months when we did it again. She was so litle she slept a lot at 3 months and was starting to sleep great at night too. We havent flown with them both yet, but it wouldve been easier if DD was still a newborn. I would wear a carrier to hold baby close and bring snacks galore for the toddler. Once your LO is over 6 months, you will be happy you went now. Oh and having both of you there will be very helpful. 

ak1234

Yes, but it can be done.  Here is my advice:

1) Check everything but the essentials.

2) Buy diapers/wipes/etc when you get there.  We literally don't take ANYTHING toiletry related for our children.  We just stop somewhere and buy diapers/wipes/lotion/body wash etc.  Just a lot easier.  My mom is good at pre-buying for us.

3) Know that your older daughter is going to get on your nerves since she has to sit in your lap for hours.  Just FYI.  Your little one will be a breeze.  A nearly two year old in someone's lap?  OMG.  Just bring a ton of cheap new toys and pull them out one at a time.  If you are lucky and the flight isn't full, there may be an empty seat nearby she can sit in.

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

Thanks for the input ladies - We still haven't made up our minds yet, but I can see how it's only going to get harder as they get older, so this might be our best chance. And thanks for suggesting buying diapers when we get there. That is a brilliant idea!

kattyleigh

I ditto the previous poster that suggested asking the gate agent for any extra seats if available. With DD I have gotten lucky and scored free seats a bunch of times. Keep in mind, you can't have two lap infants in the same row due to oxygen mask/safety equipment, so you and DH would be seated in different rows, each with a child. Good luck!

mari_gold

I haven't traveled with two myself, but taking DS to a different time zone a year ago was a nightmare. I'm not going to try that again for several years.

And congrats on No. 2! I didn't realize you'd had her already.