Flying with a toddler

shooshoosquash

My husband, my daughter and myself will be flying to FL in a few days. I've flown many times but never with a baby. Any advice in what to bring like snacks, toys or technology? I also have to bring her car seat. Do I check it in with my bags or put it to the side before boarding so they can bring back to us every plane change? Any advice will be helpful.

Merlotmomma

Do you have a seat reserved to your daughter, or will she be sitting in your lap?

shooshoosquash

We didn't book the tickets but she's only 19 months so I'm assuming she will be on my lap.

Merlotmomma

shooshoosquash:

We didn't book the tickets but she's only 19 months so I'm assuming she will be on my lap.

I would definitely check the car seat then. There's no need to haul it through the airport if you aren't using it on the actual flight.

I flew with DS a couple of weeks ago. I recommend an iPad or your phone, loaded with videos or kid-friendly apps. I brought a lot of snacks that he could eat easily- Goldfish, yogurt melts, fruit snacks, granola bars. I fed him one bite at a time, and it kept him occupied for a while. Also recommend something for your DD to suck on during takeoff and landing- paci if she still uses one, or a sippy cup of milk or water.

I also bought a bunch of new small toys and books. We played with one at a time until DS got bored, then switched to another. Hope that helps!

jssica1013

I've gone from west to east coast 3x with my DS who just turned a year old. I don't know how long your flight is but we scheduled the day to have him nap for part of it, which was nice. We brought a lot of snacks and quiet toys (we bought new toys, so they were something different then what he was use to). We also sat in a window seat (if you get a choice), he really enjoyed looking out when we were taking off and landing. Also being organized was a huge help, if you have one of those changing pads to go- it's nice so you don't have to take your whole diaper bag up and down the aisle for any diaper changes. We also brought ear plugs to offer out to people near by if needed.

It definitely wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Good luck!

Kitten80

Car seat: Check the carseat to save yourself the hassle of hauling it through the airport.  Make sure you have your name on it somewhere and they will have you buckle all the belts and stuff.  Most airlines bag them, but some don't so if you want it bagged check with the airline - you can purchase a bag beforehand if they don't provide one.

Activity wise: Technology is your friend on a flight - portable dvd player, ipad, your phone - anything that they can watch/play with.  I always get a few new things from the dollar store.  You can also wrap them for increased time & "surprise" factor.  Coloring books and triangle crayons (so they don't roll) - although be aware the tray may not sit flat with her on your lap.  Books (favorites, ones with lots of pictures, lift flap or textured ones are all good at that age), flashcards, little figures, lovey. And don't give her any activities (other than maybe lovey) until you get going - normally the plane and the inserts/people will be interesting for the first little while.

Snacks: Bring a water bottle or cup to fill up after you get through security. Make sure you have plenty for her to drink on ascent and descent to help her ears pop. I have heard lollipops work for some kids for this purpose - I had them with but we used othe rthings because I didn't want two sets of sticky hands and faces.  Gummie/fruit snacks s or something she will have to really chew could help with the ear popping if water doesn't work (as can getting her to yawn).  We normally bring a variety of snacks (how long is your flight? time of day? keep that in mind and pack a little extra in case of delays).  Ideas: goldfish, raisins, puffs, cheerios, grahams/scooby snacks/wheat thins, cereal bars, string cheese, apples, bananas(just make sure it isn't somewhere it will get smooshed), cutie oranges, grapes or berries cut up, peanut butter and jelly,  peanut butter or cheese filled cracker packs.  I also make sure I have some napkins or paper towels, wipes, sanitizer all handy in the carry on for under the seat.

I use lots of different size baggies to help me keep things organized/protected and easy to grab.  One big one may have the activities, one diaper supplies, one extra clothes, one snacks, and so on.

Bring extra clothes for her, and layer her clothes for the flight.  The temperature can really vary on the plane.  If you have room, you may want to include a little blanket (or a jacket for you that you can use as a blanket for her).  I always make sure that I also have an extra change of clothes in the carry on for me - one time, and only one time, I let DH take them out so there was more room in the carry on - my son was still a lap rider at that time and I ended up with ice cold water and then a contents of aleaky diaper all over me. It was also the one time we were diverted and spent 3 extra hours circling/on another airport's tarmac.  I was freezing, soaked, and uncomfortable (and mad at DH, ha).

I just re-read and saw you have plane changes - how many?  If it is a lot, and the connections are close, you may want to keep the carseat until the gate since DH will be with you.  It probably wont be an issue though, so I wouldn't worry too much about checking it at the check in unless you are changing planes a crazy number of times.

Good Luck!

dragon_chica

Just to add onto what others have said:

 - fruit pouches are great for the takeoff and landing, if you so please.  I only did it for takeoff and we were fine with landing.  

- Store everything in large ziploc bags for easy access

- DS had a difficulty time sleeping in our arms or even laid out over a couple seats.  We ended up laying a blanket on the floor and other items to make a bed for him.  It worked like a charm.  I wish we had thought of this when we flew DD back from Hawaii.  It was helll for all of us having an overtired child struggling in your arms while you're 4 months PG.