Flying with toddlers

musicalsilver · September 2014

I know this gets brought up periodically, so I hope you don't mind me bringing this up again!

LO and I are flying out for a five day trip, so I'm working on getting everything together for the ultimate baby distraction package. I have a little bag full of tissue paper wrapped little toys, a couple new board books as well as some old favorites, and a ton of cheerios/goldfish/raisins/graham crackers to hopefully keep LO happy.

As a last resort, I'm trying to load up my old iPad 1 with some fun things. I'm limited in the apps I can download due to its age (OS won't update beyond 5.1.1, current OS is 7), but I'd love suggestions if you have them!

Also - shows? We don't have much experience with this beyond watching little home movies of himself (which he loves, so I'm definitely loading up those) - but I have no ideas what shows he might like, or really what's out there these days.

I have a little rolly cart to schlep his carseat and our stuff (we're not checking bags hopefully) around the airport, and plan on wearing him in the Ergo. Any tips for getting through security with a bag full of laptop/iPad/all this baby stuff and *not* driving everyone behind me in line insane?

TIA ladies!

Lizzybizzy80 · September 2014

Following

we're flying to California on Saturday. I love the idea of wrapping things in tissue paper. I'm bringing a couple of magazines for him to rip. He loves YouTube videos of dogs so we'll be watching some of those.

needanustart · September 2014

We love the iPad in the apptivity case for plane rides. We downloaded episodes of Thomas and super why so we had some shorter options and we always have one full length Pixar movie on our phone or iPad as backup. Snacks, the iPad and a few books are our only real tricks and they have worked for us so far!

To get thru security (I've done it with both boys solo!) I push an umbrella stroller and stick him in it while I take off shoes (slip on clogs with socks), and load all stuff on belt. Then I take him out, fold down stroller and stick it on the belt last. Go through and set up stroller first and reverse. I have everything to board paper and document wise in my pockets or the ergo pocket. I also use a big gate check bag for the umbrella stroller and push right to the plane because even if I wear him I use it to push my diaper bag and purse.

Lizzybizzy80 · September 2014

Does anyone bring their LO's birth certificate when traveling? I'm not sure what I would need it for but I feel strange not bringing any identification.

Can you take milk through security or do you just buy it in the airport/on the plane?

If you can't tell, this is my first plane trip with a child. Elevators freak Beckett out and I'm so hoping the plane doesn't.

needanustart · September 2014

Lizzybizzy80 said:
Does anyone bring their LO's birth certificate when traveling?
I always bring copies of both boys and keep them in my pocket.

Can you take milk through security or do you just buy it in the airport/on the plane?
You can take milk through with no oz limit, you just need to have it scanned by an extra machine after going through.

If you can't tell, this is my first plane trip with a child. Elevators freak Beckett out and I'm so hoping the plane doesn't.

Good luck!

needanustart · September 2014

Warning: it is not a given you can walk thru wearing kiddo in the ergo. I had to take it off twice, once when I was alone and Lo was 8 weeks old. I put a receiving blanket in a gray bin and laid him in it. Jerks.

Eta: just to be clear I put him in the bin just to get the ergo and my shoes off, not like I put him thru the machine!

numbersgirl08 · September 2014

We're flying tomorrow. Unfortunately without many toys because we already sent most of them with MH who is driving today.

We bought a new carseat just for travel and we bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074JKQ0Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to carry it in. She's going to sit in the car seat while I roll her through the airport! I also have my carrier if she gets tired of that.

I'll be pulling that through the airport, with a back pack on, and her diaper bag. I also have a lap top in the back pack. I've flown with her alone many times and end up relying on other people's help and kindness and it's never failed me. There's always someone in the security line who has kids and has done this before who takes pity and helps me get everything through.

bumpuser7846882 · September 2014

Lizzybizzy80 said:
Does anyone bring their LO's birth certificate when traveling? I'm not sure what I would need it for but I feel strange not bringing any identification.

Can you take milk through security or do you just buy it in the airport/on the plane?

If you can't tell, this is my first plane trip with a child. Elevators freak Beckett out and I'm so hoping the plane doesn't.

We got a child ID card at the DMV for Benjamin. Adorable and good for 5 years. It's probably late for that now, but for future reference, that's a thing.

You can take milk, but it will slow you down at security because they'll have to test it. We got milk at one of the coffee shops near the gate.

daffy2k · September 2014

I'm so happy you posted this! Even though I have flown with M many times, October will be the first time I'm doing it alone. It will also be the first time flying since she's weaned, and I think that's what terrifies me the most. I used to be able to nurse her if she was having a meltdown or was just super tired and could get her to sleep. Not having that in my back pocket anymore I need lots of distraction ideas for when she's pissed about sitting still.

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