Freaking out about flying alone with LO

Re: Freaking out about flying alone with LO

• oboechick7

  January 2011

  who are you flying with? Most people will let you gate check your stroller, so try that. Also use a rolling suitcase as your  carry one, then you can just pull it.
  

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• emiliemadison member

  January 2011

  I've flown dozens of times with my kids and the anticipation is always worse than the trip itself  

  1) He probably wont sit still the entire flight, but that's ok. Your profile says you're in PA, so you'll have a pretty quick flight. Buy a few new books, some snacks, a new toy or two and he'll be fine. If you have an ipod or iphone, download a few kids shows. If he bother's others, that's unfortunate, but if they expected a completely peaceful and quiet flight then they should have booked a private jet. They paid to get from point A to point B, and that didnt guarantee peace and quiet.
  

  2) Let him run around the gate area. Wear him out

  3) Just bring a rolling carry on suitcase, a backpack and your stroller. Attach your car seat to the rolling bag and pull it behind you while you push the stroller and carry the backpack. You wont need a lot of stuff, pack less than you think you need. And ask for help if you need it! Find an airport employee and let them know you're having a hard time and see if they can help you get to your gate.

  Really, it's going to be easier than you imagine  

  Where are you going in VT? It doesnt take more than about 4 hours to get from Boston to norther VT, so you definitely wont be in the car for 6 hours (even with stops). Boston to Stowe (for example) is only about 3.5 hour. Have fun!
  

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• acia member

  January 2011

  I've flown alone with DD a few times, most recently when she was 15 months. If you're worried about a 1.5 hour flight, try doing a 10 hour flight from Europe alone!!! It wasn't ideal, but we got through it - and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. To address your concerns:

  -You're right - your DS will probably not be too happy about sitting the whole flight, so you'll have to pack a bag of things to keep him occupied. For DD, I bought her a couple new books (one that had buttons to press to make noises, so it was like a toy & book all in one), a travel sized Magna doodle thingy, and a bunch of stickers. Before you leave, take a trip with DS to ToysRUs or the dollar store and figure out a few easy to pack things that he's interested in, then hide them until you're on the plane. Yummy snacks are also a great way to keep them entertained in your lap, as are movies (if they have them on the back of the headrest - or if you have a portable DVD player or laptop). Also, once the seatbelt sign is off, take him for a walk up and down the aisle to stretch his legs (I always make sure I hold one of DD's hands in case of sudden turbulents or if she loses balance). She usually loves saying hi to every single person she sees, and if there are other kids on the plane we usually make a little pitstop and play for a couple minutes. And don't worry about bothering anyone on the plane - most people understand that it's hard travelling with a toddler, and if they don't, they can suck it up because you're just doing the best you can!

  -I find the waiting for the flight part to be the easiest - airports are so fun for LOs to play in. Lots of new things, open space to run around, new people to watch and say hi to, etc. I usually find a little corner with one of those kids activity centers (most airports have them), and set up there. I don't usually board until the last minute (even though they invite you to board before everyone else) because I know DD hates sitting still and the longer I can keep her "free," the longer she'll be content on the plane.
  

  -As for carrying everything, make sure you check everything you possibly can, and take only the bare minimum with you on board. A backback is good so you have your hands free. If you're taking a stroller then you'll have no problem, but without a stroller is a bit trickier (though totally do-able because I did it last time). You could also use a carrier (like the Ergo) if your DS is used to that and not too big or heavy.

  I found that people were very helpful and friendly, especially when they saw that I was travelling alone. People (flight attendants and just random strangers!) opened doors for me, held my bags, and were generally more patient and understanding that usual. And if they're not, make sure you ask for help if you need it!

  Good luck!
  

   

  

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• CTJourney

  January 2011

  Are you going to have DS on your lap or will he have his own seat? 

  We just got back from vacation, and granted I was not alone with LO, but I think I could've managed on my own.  DS actually did awesome on the flight and he seemed to really enjoy it.  One thing I read beforehand is to NOT let your LO out of his seat once you are on the plane.  Once he thinks he can roam the aisles that is all he will want to do. 

  When I got on the plane I asked the flight attendant for a small carton of milk.  For take off I gave DS goldfish crackers (his favorite!) and the milk I poured into an empty sippy cup I had.  I did the same for the landing, and he never seemed to have problems with his ears.  

  I wore DS in the Ergo Carrier when going through the airport, but I did let him get down and exert energy while waiting at the gate before boarding.  

   On the flight we had crayons, a few new books, and all of his favorite snacks.  

  I know it is easier said then done, but try not to stress if your DS gets loud on the plane.  Most people will understand, and those that don't are just not nice people.  As long as you are doing your best to calm him, then you are doing all that you can, and sometimes it is just out of your control.  Also, if he cries or screams, I was told that this is the best way for a child to alleviate the pressure in the ears, so maybe after a couple good screams he will feel better and be happy the rest of the flight. 

  I hope it all goes well for you!  
  

  

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• lynne114

  January 2011

  I actually just got home from flying with DD alone(she is 17months). I checked her carseat so we had it at our destination. Security was pretty smooth. Remember you can take food/drinks for your LO as long as you let security know before it goes thru the machine. I would suggest taking food that is something that LO rarely gets. Give the food/drinks during takeoff and landing, try not to give too much food before the flight so LO eats on the plane. Pushing DD in the stroller and pulling my 2 carry ons was pretty easy(call your airline and see if they allow a lap child to have a carry on/"diaper bag" and if you can gate check the stroller). Most airports have a kids play area if you need to kill time. Make sure your LO gets to run around bit before the flight to get some energy out. I got DD a travel magna doodle and the FP cd player. Those occupied her for most of the hour flight. I also brought along crayons and a new coloring book. Make sure you change LOs diaper before the flight since its super hard to change it in the air. I was definitely more stressed than I really needed to be. You will be fine. Oh, if LO gets ansy people near you will probably try to help entertain....I had people behind us playing peek a boo and a lady across the way just started talking to DD.

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