Times for Flying

Athena0809

Flying with a toddler surely has to be way different. We flew once when DS was 6 months and it was a breeze, he slept fine and the boob was haven sent! But I'm concerned now that the two of us have to fly that it will be difficult (traveling in two weeks.) He's always on the go, wants to see and touch everything and God forbid I make him sit for two minutes.

Have any of you flown recently? Please share your wisdom. I plan on only using my Beco for the airport and we are not bringing a stroller/car seat. I'm really curious to hear others' input regarding the times, do I schedule the flights for meals/nap time in hopes eating will keep him occupied and that he'll nap on the plane, or should it be the other way around?  TIA

fancynewbeesly

We are flying tomorrow. I seriously packed enough snacks for weeks--I filled her lunchbox! 

It is the AM--at 8am to be exact--and she normally doesn't nap now until lunch time so she will be awake the entire time.

 

On the way home it is a 9:30pm flight (WAY past her bedtime). I hope that one she just passes out. 

kelly321

We just flew last week. We flew with DD internationally over xmas, and it wasn't fun, but it wasn't horrible. But this time, oh my lord was it an awful trip, but only part of that was due to DD. We had a 1.5 hour flight and then a 7 hour international flight, and I had exactly the same thoughts as you - I can't get her to sit still on my lap for 2 minutes to read a book. How will I get her to sit still on the plane? Honestly, we couldn't. I mean, we distracted her for a bit, but DH and I walked up and down the aisle behind her when there was no turbulence, and she cried quite a bit and fidgeted some. It wasn't fun, but the 1.5 hour flight was totally manageable. She fell asleep while we were landing.

The international flight took off at 6pm, so before her bedtime, but we had reserved bulkhead seats with a bassinet (I think only available on international flights), and that was in United's Economy Plus section, so there was actually a nice little space for DD to walk around in, sit, play, etc. She still cried some on take off and didn't fall asleep until way past her bedtime, but she did eventually fall asleep and slept until we landed.

Tips (most of which didn't work for us but might for you):

- Get some new toys so your LO will be distracted by them

- Wrap all toys in wrapping paper so your LO has the additional fun (and time) of unwrapping them

- Have lots of snacks that take time to eat and try to save them for when you're in the plane

Edit: And on scheduling, honestly I think you should just book according to what works best for you getting to and from the airports. The whole experience is so new and exciting that it's highly unlikely they'll keep to their regular naptimes anyway. Personally, I don't think I'd want to fly with a toddler who would usually be napping at that time but can't because it's too exciting. Then they're not only annoyed about the restraints, they're also exhausted but can't sleep. Not a fun combination, in my book.

LovelyLou23

I haven't posted in forever, but we just flew recently, so I figured I'd throw in my two cents  

As for schedule, we went with mid-morning, and she ended up getting sleepy, but not too fussy, and then eventually fell asleep in my arms. I think of lot of that has to do with the temperament of your kid, though. 

I didn't buy DD new toys/books, because that could have been hit/miss. Instead, a few days before our trip, I went ahead and packed up her favorites in our bag so that when she saw them again, she'd be excited.

Lots of snacks, drinks, like the others have said.

Another thing I would really suggest is to try to be the last one to board the plane. We did this on every flight, and it was awesome. That way the kid can get some energy out (let them run all around the waiting area!) and you literally walk on the plane, sit down, and they're about ready for take off. It was so perfect (if you're able to time it like that).

I also carried DD, but I was a complete ding-dong and took my ring sling, which set off the metal detector. So I ended up having to take her out anyway, which kind of ruined the convenience of it. But it is SO nice not having to deal with a stroller/carseat.

Last thing that I'll chime in..... Make sure to check your bags before you go. I used our regular diaper bag (oversized purse) as our carry-on, and forgot to check the inside pocket. Security definitely found the KNIFE that I carry around to cut up DD's food. I could hardly believe it! 

 

Athena0809

Thanks girls for all the great suggestions! I really appreciate them!

Kelly, I think I have no right to complain about a 1:15 (x2 with our change of plane) flight when you had to do a 7 hr international! Woman, you deserve a medal!

Lovely, a knife??? It's funny but it's not, how did you ever get through TSA???