1.5 Hour Flight with a 12 Month Old

No - you're not crazy - it's important to be able to travel with little ones. I did quite a bit of air travel with my son when he was about that age and I had best luck when I picked a flight schedule that would disrupt baby's schedule the least, such as a mid-morning flight. I also had good luck with bringing some new, novel, toys and books, things my baby had never seen before, so he was extra interested in them. Successful snacks included cheese sticks, grapes, blueberries (no need to cut up fruit), bananas, and crackers. Extra changes of clothes and plenty of diapers also made the trip more comfortable. Good luck!

No you're not insane, I flew with an allmost 18 month old and 4 month old by myself. My daughter the all most 18 month is hyper active so I just brought stuff along to do. She didn't watch movies nor did we own a player at the time. I found it was best to keep her distracted playing with what was in her bag, toys books I don't remember what else. We had a longer flight than that. Trying not to be stressed myself helped out too. I don't know if this helps or not.

Just went on a couple flights with my 3 1/2 year old and 5 month old and brought "Boppy" along (carried in backpack in the airport). It left my hands free while the 5 month old could sleep or sit up or wiggle on my lap. I brought a couple toys and kept switching them around for him to play with. It went really well.

I read all of the info too before I flew with my 12 month old. I was really worried but he did great and it was a 3 1/2 hr flight. I brought some new toys and books (just stuff I picked up at the dollar store) and lots of little snacks. I brought some new snacks too. I would introduce one toy or book at a time and then if another was needed then I would get it out. Also I saved the new snacks for when he would start to get ansy or fussy. I also wrapped a few of the new toys in newspaper so he got to rip them open like a present. My son, at that age, wasn't into tv either so that wasn't an option for me. It takes some creativity to take drinks and stuff on now (with all of the "fun" rules) but we managed just fine. The only thing that was a struggle at all was the diaper changing fun -- with your shorter flight it might not be an issue as long as you change him right before you board. Oh and I took mine on my lap (if you happen to be flying SouthWest where you get to pick your seats and the flight isn't full, set him on the seat next to you while everyone is boarding and then you'll only have to have him on your lap if absolutely necessary -- if not don't panic -- it's not that bad.) And just remember to stay calm if he's a little fussy -- most people understand and it usually only lasts a minute. I hope that all makes sense and hope that it was somewhat helpful.

Hi C.,
Snacks and toys are the best thing at this age. Make sure you have snacks that have protein also and not just carbs or sugar. ____@____.com sandwiches are always good. I've been traveling with my son on planes since he was 6 weeks, at 12 months walking up and down the aisle a couple times is good also, I traveled with mine on my lap until he was 2 and it was fine, if he gets tired and its not a full flight find 2 seats together and lay him across one, keep his seat belt on.
Make sure you have something for him to drink or swallow when taking off and getting to altitude and when losing altitude for landing, this helps immensely with his ears adjusting to the altitude. Bring a book you can read to him, one with pictures you can talk about, crayons and paper that he can draw what he sees outside... Have fun!
S. M M

No you're not insane. I've made a similar journey with my girls at least 16 times. Bring a change of clothes for him in a carry on and a fresh shirt for yourself just in case. When you get to the gate to check in, let them know you don't have a seat for him. They will do what they can to find an extra seat so wait to check your car seat until the last minute. It's also smart to bring baby Tylenol.

Fill a sippy or bottle if you are not breast feeding when you get to the gate. Make sure he drinks on the way up and down to keep ears clear. As for toys, soft is better. That way when he pitches them no one will get wacked!

As long as you are feeling confident, the flight will be fine.
Have a great trip. I'm sure the planning will be worth it. It always is!

You'll be fine. You'll have everything you need. If you breast feed that will help. I have been flying with my 15 month old across the country, by myself, with him on my lap every four months since he was four months old. Hope and pray that you are seated around people who like children. These people will make your trip go much more smoothly. My son loved getting attention from those around us. My son has usually been pretty good for the first two hours of each trip. I've noticed that if I stay calm, regardless of how he is behaving, it helps. When I have allowed myself to get flustered it has escalated his behavior. When he was upset and would let me, I would hold him close and sing to him softly, this has helped to sooth him. If all else fails, take him to the bathroom and let him play with the faucet. I have found that it breaks up the boredom.
Good Luck and have fun with it.

You would be insane to buy a second seat because he will be on your lap anyway!! I traveled with my son by myself at 1 yr and 15 months and 20 months. I scheduled the flight for his nap time but brought along snacks that he didn't normally eat (animal crackers and dried fruit). Also, my husband found a toddler magnadoodle at Target that kept him entertained before and after the flight. I also pointed out objects in the in-flight magazines (dog, moon, watch...) which kept him entertained during take off.
Good Luck!!

I travelled with my son when he was 9 mo. old on a 5 hr flight with one layover. When you first get on the plane ask if there are any extra seats, if there are, the staff will usually move your seat, and you can keep him in a baby carrier on the seat next to you. Bring small toys, his comfort blankie, and make sure you have a bottle on hand to feed him if you need to. For a flight that short, you'll probably get lucky and he'll nap for most of it. Do make sure that when you take off, and the pressure changes you plug his ears, because he can't do it himself.
Good Luck!

No, I don't think you are insane, though it may not be the easiest thing you have ever done! I traveled by myself with my daughter on my lap when she was that age. I tried to have a couple of brand new toys that she had never seen before, so they would hold her interest longer than toys she was used to playing with. And of course, I also took her very favorites. At that age, the DVD player did not factor in. Like your child, she wouldn't have watched it if i brought it, so no point lugging it along. You have enough to juggle without taking things that won't be useful.

It was not uncommon for me to end up standing back in the back of the plane holding her for a lot of the flight, or letting her crawl around in the galley, but that's ok as long as the seatbelt sign is not on.

The other thing I did was I booked my seat in the VERY BACK of the plane. The reason is the back is the last part to fill up, so you have the best chance of an empty seat next to you, which makes things easier. I also tried to book at times that would not be heavy travel times, so again, I had more likelihood of an empty seat by me.

Good luck!

M.

I have traveled with my son since he was 4 months old. Take more than you think you will need. You just never know when a cancelled flight or delay might happen. At take off and landing I gave him a bottle, it helped his ears.

We flew to Australia and he had his own seat. I decided that it would be great to have his car seat, boy was I wrong! He could kick the seat in front of him and it quickly turned into more aggravation than it was worth.

Good Luck! It really is a fun adventure flying with the kids!

Just one tip. Take your son's car seat with you when you go to board the plane. Talk to the gate agents and ask if there are any empty seats on the plane & if you can get 2 together. Even though your son is not ticketed, they will give him a seat if one is available. If you get a seat, you can strap him in his car seat - at least you will have that option. If there are no seats available, they will check your car seat right at the gate & will bring it to you at the gate at your destination. Good luck!

I travelled with my 4 month old once on a 2 hour flight. May I recommend a product called Baby B'Air? It is a little vest that fits on the baby (a strap through the crotch and all, almost like a life vest but with no bulk of course) and then attaches to your seat belt. This product keeps baby in you arms if you should run into any serious turbulence. I felt much more comfortable knowing he couldn't fly about the cabin if there were problems like that. Check it out here;
http://www.go-baby.com/Products/babybair.html?gclid=CKiu3...
or just look it up online. Good Luck!

keep it simple! it's only 1.5 hours. if it's not a napping hour and your child will be fairly refreshed, just have a good number of his favorite books on hand and maybe a new one about "planes". if he's already started using crayons, just a couple will do, but don't introduce them for the first time on the trip. I've found that a simple sticker book can easily distract for nearly an hour. Snack can take up another 25 minutes easily. While it's important to have some diversion for children on an airplane, don't break your back hauling things they won't bother with - like an expensive, breakable DVD player. You'd be surprised how much time they'll spend just opening and closing the window shade. I've flown some pretty substantial distances with my now nearly 3-year daughter, including three legs of flight to Belize when she was 17 months - althugh Daddy was on board for that. If you travel smartly and give yourself plenty of extra time, you can really turn the trip into some super high quality time with your child. Think about it - it's awfully special for your son to have nearly two hours of your undivided attention. Also don't make "walking the aisle" with him an option because then it will be harder to contain him later - that will be invariably what he wants to do on the plane if you introduce the activity. Make the idea of sitting on your lap for all that time seem like a special treat or priviledge. If you're prepared to be in "cuddle mode" it will be a lot easier to have them there for that time frame.

Hi C.! My husband and I traveled to Texas (from Colorado, 2 hour flight) when she was 12 months old. We bought a bunch of little toys (a play phone from the Disney store, little books, a bead bracelet) that we never even showed her until we got on the plane. We also brought little snacks like fruit snacks, crackers, string cheese, and also milk and water. It helped. The first time, she played with the toys and also the stewardess gave her some bags of pretzels. She played with those too. On the way home, she slept. Your baby may just sleep. We didn't get a seat for her either. She sat in my lap the whole time. I did sit by the window, and she looked out for a while. Don't stress to much. It should be fine. Make sure to have your baby drink something during takeoff and landing to help with the pressure in the ears! Good luck!

I flew with my first when she was 11 months (3 hours of flying with one layover). Ask for an isle seat for ease of getting up and going to the bathroom. I had her walk as much as I could through the airport (wearing her out).I would not let her take her normal nap (again to make her tired). I gave her a bottle and her binkie as we took off for the air presure change (I also had the numbing oil for ear infections that I used) so her ears didn't hurt. I packed little snacks, new toys she had never seen, and extra diapers. The flight was fine.

When my second was 15 months we flew from Denver to DC. She was on my lap the whole time including diaper changes. The folks around me were great. They had small kids so they knew. I really think the isle seat is the key!

My little girl would have been a Premier member on United by the time she was one if I hadn't been carrying her on my lap. You'll be fine with a 12-month-old on your lap for that length flight.

Things I would emphasize:
1) You can check even a full-size stroller at the gate, and I'd definitely recommend doing that.
2) You can bring milk, formula and baby food through security. Just put it all in one place and tell them it's for the baby. Bring WAY more than you think you'll need. My baby stuffs herself to the gills when we're flying and you want to have a bottle left when you're landing and maybe even a bottle for the trip from the airport to wherever you're staying at the other end.
3) I always get sparkling water for my drink on the plane on the assumption that it WILL spill. My daughter likes to play with the ice and the lime, so I usually get those. Packs of pretzels are also a fun toy.
4) Don't take more than one toy on board that you can't bear to lose. You can probably keep track of one. Strap it to your bag if possible. More than that and it's very easy to lose the toy under the seat or someplace when you're trying to exit the plane. Disposable toys are a great idea. When my daughter was younger I would make rattles out of film canisters. Last trip I took plastic easter eggs with plastic bead necklaces inside that she could open and take out.
5) Beware of "accidents". Wetness escaping the diaper seems to happen more often when your child is twisting around on your lap during the flight. If possible, cover your lap with a waterproof cloth or an airline blanket under your child. Bring extra outfits for your child. (If you can fit an extra pair of pants for yourself, it's not a bad idea.)

BTW, some large planes have a fold-down diaper changing table in one or more restrooms. If your plane does not have this and you have a messy diaper, ask the airline attendants if you can use a bit of floor in the back of the plane. I've almost always been allowed to do this.

Good luck and have fun!

I don't think you're insane. We just took my 11 month old on a 1.5 flight (his first time on a plane) and he sat on my lap. The items you plan to bring should be a great help. Also be sure to have a binky or bottle or something the baby can suck during take-off and landing; some babies scream because it hurts their ears. We had a window seat, so it occupied my baby to look out. I also fed him baby food and a bottle. I think you'll be fine. Good luck!

I had to take 3 children under the age of 3 on a flight from NY to OR. Get him a little backpack that is only his. Put in it a couple of books, color book, writing paper, a couple of toys (things that he really likes to occupy his time). Put also a drink or something for him to snack on. Also I would take a dumdum sucker along unless he still takes a bottle. Have him suck on it or drink the bottle while the plane is going up into the air. This relieves the pressure in his ears and the sucker is so small that it doesn't give him alot of sugar. My 3 girls did really well. Maybe make one of his books about planes and read it to him before the day you leave to get him excited. I hope this helps. K

Just try to be relaxed about it because you son will feel what you are feeling. I flew with my 13 month old for 4 hours by myself once and was surprised to find that my son was lulled by the airplane white noise and enjoyed having so much time to sit on mama's lap. Snacks are fun like puffed rice, something that takes a long time to eat. Hope the best for you!

The way I survived when the kids were that age was to schedule the flight during nap time. Other tricks = lollipops (they last a while). I always put together a bag of new toys & books that are interactive. It's worth the investment to buy a few new things that will keep their interest for a while. Our favorites were those books with the little "doors/windows" that you open on every page. Other ideas = sticker books (keeps little hands busy), & floam. The most important thing is your attitude. I have a friend who said - "I just have to know I will be "on duty" until I get there. My parents know that the minute I we arrive I will get a glass of wine and a break."

I did the exact same thing, and I have two suggestions. One makes me sound like a terrible mother, but I asked my pediatritian for dosing instructions and gave her benedry. Worked like a charm, especially since the flight was during nap time. The second thing I would reccomend is getting a window seat if you can. That sounds dumb, I know, but my kid would wait until the guy next to us was asleep, then chuck a book at him. He was good natured about it (Said: "I'll wait untill you're alseep and then huck a pretzle at you), but I still felt terrible. If you're at the window, he might like looking out, and if he throws, it hits the wall. Good luck!

Hello, I can sympathize with your soon-to-be adventure on the airplane with an infant. I've flown with my daughter a few times, at 4 months, 12 months, and 18 months. She suprised me each time...we had an easier time than i imagined. But, I did give her a dose of tylenol before takeoff because I wanted to take the edge off if her ears were going to have trouble equalizing. I think my biggest stress was worrying about her getting fidgety and crying and upseting our flight neighbors, but people are generally more patient than we think they will be. Also, just buy a round of drinks for your neighbors if things don't go as well as planned. :) good luck..he will be fine!

I did almost the same trip. 1.5 hours to grandparents without dad and with an 11 month old active little boy. It was really hard! He didn't understand why he had to stay on my lap and not play with the computer of the guy next to us. He also had no interest in the toys I brought other than throwing them. Just stay calm and keep explaining to him why he can't get off your lap.

After I got back a friend of mine suggested a game/toy for that age. She said to clean out a parmesan cheese shaker, cut colorful straws different lengths and keep them in a baggy. On the plane take out the baggy of straws and let your son drop them in the holes of the container, look at the container, open it, take the straws out, put them back in the baggy and so on... Apparently it is fascinating for them.

Good luck!
M.

You are not insane to be traveling with your son on your lap. We did the math once and our daughter had been on 25 flights or so before age 2, and she was on my lap each time. Now that she needs her own seat, we travel with her less by plane since it's so expensive. Like a lot of the mamasource moms, I was never a big fan of the dvd player. If I were you, I would bring lots of little things like maybe a pretend telephone, small books so you can spend time quizzing him on words, the stacking plastic cups, any little toys that he likes at home, etc. My daughter liked this tiny bear toy, so I'd always bring that, and I had this little coin purse that she liked to play with too. The big thing for me at that age was to bring lots of snacks like cheerios, goldfish (if he eats those yet) and pretzel sticks to lick the salt off of, many wetwipes, a full change of clothes, and a bottle that had premeasured dry formula in it and a separate bottle of water for a quick mix. I think I had a separate bottle for juice or water as well. I brought along a sippy cup at that age, but she really didn't like sippy cups until she was 16 months or so. My daughter was really attached to her blanket, so that was a must as well. Someone mentioned in a previous post letting her child tear apart the in-flight magazine. I did that once too and just made sure to clean it up. No one really minds a baby who is happily playing making a mess, it's the screaming, crying baby that gets you those dirty looks of course. I'm sure you'll do fine. You just need to keep diverting his attention. Oh, and never let him start with opening and closing the window shade or playing with the lights and air system, or you'll never get him to stop wanting those "toys".

P.S. I agree with the mom who mentioned the umbrella stroller. That's a must! You can keep it with you and check it right before you board and then it's there for you right when you step off the plane. Also convert your baby bag to a small backpack, so you have two free hands. On the flight I liked the window seat so I could keep my baby contained. And often the flight attendants just give you an empty row in the back if the flight isn't full.

I flew with my daughter when she was 6 and 7 months on a 4 hour flight each time so i know how you feel. It sounds like you have everything you need for the flight. and having him in your lap is a good thing because you can have him face you so you can talk and sing to him. If your lucky you might not have a full plane and then you could have an extra seat so you can spread out a little (i had an extra seat on both flights) Plus I got up and walked my daughter up and down the plane for a while which helped. One good thing would be to get a few new toys and books that he hasn't seen so he will really be interested in them. But it sounds to me like you will be fine and are already well prepared.

I did the same - traveled alone with 11 month old on my lap. Tried a little benadryl to make her sleepy and that worked. Also, I let her wander up and down the aisle which didn't bug anyone - toys and snacks were okay but mainly she liked wandering and sleeping. It wasn't bad at all!

Marci

I've flown often with my son, starting when he was 5 months old. You should bring either a bottle, pacifier or two small dixie cups. You may need this during take-off and landing. Some babies have problems with their ears during those times. Many adults do too but they can chew gum. The bottle and or pacifier will only work if your baby will chew and/or suck h*** o* them. The two cups can be placed over his ears to help pressurize his ears. He may or may not need it, but it's nice to be prepared. Enjoy your trip.

I did the same thing with my daughter at 12 months old a year ago for a 2 hour flight. If you can get a window seat they can look out and that kept my daughter very entertained. You do want to make sure she is drinking a bottle or eating to keep the pressure off her ears. This might be too young for her but my daughter loves the colorwonder pages with the markers and they only work on that type of paper. Toys books and what you planning to take will probably work. I hope this works and have fun.

I have flown with just me and my kids a lot. I would just use snacks, toys and books. My kids don't even watch dvds for a six hour drive. I do not like them to watch tv when they can be paying attention to what is going on around them. My kids do really well traveling though. Good luck and enjoy your visit.

I have traveled more times then I can count, with an infant on my lap, a 2 year old and a newborn alone, my husband is active duty, they were transatlantic flights, 10 hours. You will be surprised how many people will offer to help you. If your son uses a pacifier, have him suck on it during take off and landing, it helps their ears. A lot of snacks and toys and things will go great. Try not to get nervous, it is not as bad as you think!!! Good luck!

Hi C.,

The best advice is to jst best relaxed. If you are stressed about it the baby will pick up on your stress. And make friends with the people in seats next to you! I have had great experiences flying alone and strangers helping me. Just keep it light and have a smile. Before you know it the flight will be over, between the time you take off getting snacks and landing.

C., it looks like you are taking everything you should to entertain your boy. The only suggestion i would make is to take your carseat incase the flight isn't full. Then you have a place to put him and still be comfortable. If there isn't room, then they can check your carseat at the plane.

I flew with my kids on my lap when they were little--why pay for the extra seat when they are going to want to cuddle with you anyway. I nursed them or gave them a bottle on take off and landing, and for you, that will be most of the flight. Your flight is so short; I'm sure you'll be fine with what you're planning on bringing.

I just finished my first trip by air, and my son is 11 months. He did great! I am still nursing, so I nursed during take off. He fell asleep and stayed asleep the first leg. The second leg, I nursed again, and he looked at his touch/feel books and "flirted" with a girl next to us. He ate one of his zwieback crackers and was fine. The way home I did the same. I tried to feed him right before going to the airport and then waited to nurse until right around take-off. He was screaming on the way home in the terminal, but once we got on board, he didn't make a peep. I think you will be fine. Books, toys, feed...he should be content. AND my son has been walking for a while now, and I thought he would be going crazy wanting to move around, but he was more curious about things he saw while seated and was fine! Good luck...they do better than we expect!

I bet he sleeps the entire flight! :)
Just maybe skip naptime if the flight is around that time. Don't worry about toys at his age as he will just want to sit, play with the tray table. Bring him something to suck on for take off and landing. My daughter slept on all short flights at that age, was asleep by the time we got up in the air! On your lap is fine, that may help him sleep. Don't worry, it is a super short flight and will be over in a flash.

Our son was 18 months when we first took him on a plane, and he slept the whole time. We tried to plan the timing of the flight to fall right about his nap time, and kept him busy ahead of time so that he would be good and tired when we got on the plane. I would save his bottle or whatever until you get on the plane and he should be ready to sleep by then. Then when he wakes up, he'll be hungry again and that should keep him busy until landing.

C.,

You will be fine...don't make a big deal out of it and he'll feel your calmness and be fine too! You're right about the DVD player--they are better for older kids, but while traveling alone with my 2 kids, I don't even bring it, b/c it's too much to carry. Snacks and a sippy cup are important (even if they make you dump out the liquid in security, you can fill up later--he'll need something to drink while coming down, that's when it hurts their ears the most). Make sure you bring a change of clothes for BOTH of you...you don't want to smell like puke for 2 hours, just in case! Don't be afraid to walk him around in the aisle...it helps to break up the flight. IF the flight isn't full, you can ask to be near an empty seat, that does help...but it's not unbearable to have him as a lapsit. We travel from CO to FL often, and that is a 3.5 hour trip...you can do anything for a short period of time (just keep telling yourself that)! GOOD LUCK and enjoy some time with your family!

Blessings,
A.

A small, soft photo album worked well occupying my daughter when she was that age. Nursing/bottle-feeding also helps during take-off and landing as the suction helps their ears pop. And try to schedule flights during nap time. I took my almost 2-year-old and 3-month-old kids on a plane from Denver to Hawaii (with one connection, no less), and they did great. I did, however, bring along Benadryl and a prescription sedative from their pediatrician just in case. If you decide to go the Benadryl route, try it out BEFORE your trip and it sometimes has a reverse effect and makes them more hyper instead of sleepy.

Nope, definitely not insane. I tried to travel as much as I could while I only had one child that I didn't have to pay for. I have another perspective on seating. If you get the bulk head seat (very first row), there is a little room for them to get out of the seat and play on the floor. That worked for me when my son the about 1 yr. Definitely have the snacks etc. If he's walking, I try to get to the gate with enough time for him to run around a little bit and play to kinda wear himself out, to increase the chance he might sleep. I wouldn't bother with a DVD, that would be more trouble than its worth. Not sure where you are going, but on future trips Frontier airlines has Direct TV on all its flights with at least 2 cartoon channels. Now what I'm doing is really insane, traveling alone with a 2 yr. and a 9 month old!

Good Luck,
A. R.

no your not crazy. i am doing a 2hr + flight with a 6.5. month old. I asked the pediatrician and he said two things... make sure tif your child has had a cold recently to get their ears checked because fliud in the ears will cause LOTS of pain and unhappy baby = bad flight. Two, if your baby is fussy before you even get on the plane a dose of benadryl is okay. is it to ease your baby's comfort.
Just make sure your toys aren't noisy... call ahead to the airline, see if they offer meet and assist, they will help you with luggage and baby and getting thropugh security all the way to the gate. I know Frontier does this and no cvost to you.
Baby on lap no porb I will be doing this as well. how often do you hold your baby at home? So this shoudl eb no problem. See if there open seats when you get there and try to be put in a row by yourself... no one to both then if your baby gets kicky.
You should be okay...moms acn do anything!
Just remember teh calmer you are the calmer baby is.
Good Luck and have fun with your family.. they will give you a break as soon as you get off the plane. You might even get ignored they be so excited to see baby.

One more thing, check with airlines, usually you can find this online, about new restrictions on juice containers and food containers. I know they are really strict... check first so you don't end up having to throw away juicve or food.

Hi C.,
My son was about 9 mos. old the first time we flew and no, you're not insane for having him on your lap. We did the same and actually it went well. I would suggest to get a lot of smaller, new toys that maybe he's never seen before. I do this every time we fly...and I call it My Bag of Tricks. The novelty of new toys (and even snacks) he's never seen will be a big help. You can probably count on him sleeping a bit....we didn't think he would but right as rain the white noise of the airplane engine will put them to sleep for a bit. Also, Magnadoodles are great too because they can draw and erase and draw some more.

I traveled last year with my 12 month old. We had an hour and a half flight then a 2 hour lay over then another hour flight....and we got in very late at night. I was SHOCKED at how well he did at that age. He was still using a bottle so I made sure I had plenty of milk with me as well as favorite snacks. He loves books so that was a huge help. By half way through the second flight he had fallen fast asleep in my lap and even slept through landing in tornado warning weather while half of the passengers and even some flight attendants were getting sick. I traveled the same route this year and it was an entirely different story. Two year olds DO NOT travel as well!! I'm sure you'll be fine, just make sure you're prepared for anything. GOOD LUCK!

I have been flying with my son since he was 10 weeks old. We are actually flying tomorrow to go house hunting and he is 11 months old. I fill his diaper bag to the brim with things to do. He really enjoys cloth books that make crinkle noices and textures to touch. I also sing to him quietly of course would hate to have them throw me out of the plane because of my voice. If he loves toys that make noice take a couple of his smaller quieter ones. My sister-in-law got Conor a cell phone and a remote control from Sesame Street. He loves them they are small and have volume control. They also weren't expensive. I know your son is a year old but if you have a sling I would take it. Set him in it. When and if he falls asleep he will be safe in it and you will have your two arms and be able to rest them. Hope you have a good trip.

Hi
I just traveled to disney world with my 6 mo. old, a 4 hour flight. Just give tylenol 20 min. before departing. It's just like a car ride to them, you will be suprised. Snacks, toys and magazines they can tear are great! Good luck and have a great trip.

Brittany G

Hi C., just a thought and not sure if someone has already suggested it but have you thought about bringing playdough for your son to play with? Let me know if you need a great and easy homemade receipe. Also too I might suggest bringing lacing cards not only are they a great fine motor building activity but it should keep your son entertained for a while. If you don't want to buy them you can always make homemade ones out of old cereal boxes buy punching holes through the portion of the box you cut out and lacing a shoe string through it. One more idea might be to bring a small dry erase board with pen and eraser in your bag, that way he can scribble and earse over and over again! :-) Hope that helps! Best of luck!
A.

Hi C.,

That's a great flight length and I think you'll be amazed at how fast it goes. I've flown a lot with our little guy on my lap and here are a few suggestions... If possible, schedule the flight for naptime. Or, sometimes just the hustle and bustle of getting to the airport, checking in, seeing all the commotion can wear a little one out and he may just fall asleep on the flight. I agree to make sure you have him drink at takeoff and landing to equalize the pressure for his ears. We've found it's helped to talk about all that he'll see at the airport and what to expect when you get there. Our little guy loves to know he gets to take the bus (since we park in the economy lot), then the "train" to get to our concourse and of course just watching the airplanes come and go get him excited for the flight. Travel magnadoodles are great and anything new. You can always gate check your stroller or backpack carrier (whatever you're using for him) so that's nice. Enjoy! Am sure it'll be great!

I have traveled with my son since he was 7 months and the main thing that I have found is to keep them occupied. Sitting on your lap at that age is difficult but I did it so hang in there. Snacks are very important so bring enough so if you get stuck in the airport(flight delay). I also have found that the airlines makes a difference. Some of the flight attendants are not always sympathetic. Take your time, make no apologies to anyone, and whatever your child enjoys bring it. Also, if you decide to give your child Benadryl or anything like that make sure you try it a couple nights before you leave to make sure the medication does not have an opposite effect on your child!!!

well i flew with my daughter when she was 3, 6, and 12months. each time it was a 4 hour flight or more witha lay over. the first 2 times i was still breastfeeding so those times it was easy just feed her to sleep and she slept the rest of the way. the 3rd time wasnt as easy. she refused to sleep but wasnt much trouble just curious wanting to look at everyone and everything. You know your child and what entertains him but i dont bring to much of one thing i havent seen a kid yet on a plane sitting peacefully playing with toys. Bring something for your child to suck on for take off and descent to pop his ears ie: binky, bottle, boob. Lastly when you check in at the air port see if there are any rows with two emty seats and see if you can be moved to it so he has a little more room to stretch his legs. that is what i did with mine because i was not paying for her own seat until i had to that time has come sson enough.
good luck
SINGLE PARENT, SAHM MOM, IN HOME DAY CARE, WITH A BEAUTIFUL 2 YEAR OLD GIRL

The secret....Relax!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are so uptight over how your son is behaving, he will sence it and it will turn ugly really quick. Go prepared with all kinds of different things for him to do and snack on. Keeping him on your lap may be best. Take an aisle seat if possible so you can go to the bathroom if he gets too loud. I'm pretty sure that the people beside you wouldn't mind if you explained it is an out if he gets too cranky. Let him know how fun it is going to be and I would buy him a toy airplane to play with. I would point out the planes before you leave so he knows what is going on to some degree and that it is special. Talk in a low voice with him and the other people will be talking low so he is most likely going to follow suit. In the very end it doesn't matter, you paid for your ticket the same as everyone else. The more nervous you are the more nervous he will be.

I did this quite frequently with my oldest son. He did pretty good.

C.,

Traveling with a child can be difficult at any age. The worst of it is that they cannot communicate to you what their needs are. So the best advice I can share is to just brace yourself for the possibility of a tough journey however, it may not be all that terrible.
Take a favorite toy, book, blanket. Keep it small since your sharing a seat. Music and noises are good solice but keep it as quiet as possible as to not irritate your traveling companions and yourself too much. Tire him out before your flight so he will sleep and you'll arrive without him even knowing any different.
My son is 4 now and traveling is much easier Thank God! We've had some rough ones and some smooth ones so it's all good!

C.,
I have traveled with my daughter on a 2.5 hr flight and she was fine. She was 10 months old at the time. I brought along her bottle ( w/o water bc of the rules) and two small toys that fit in her bag. You'll have to buy bottled water at the airport. I would also bring along a snack. The great thing is that with kids you get to board first! Thats a life saver. Sit where you feel your son will be most comfortable. I sat in the front by the window. And if someone sat next to me that was their choice. The hard part is enjoying the comp drink you get on your flight. heh. Well good luck! And I am sure he will fine. Just relax about it.
A.

I would invest in a few baby einsteins and a portable DVD player. I just did this 2 days ago with my 16 month old son on a 2 and 1/2 hour flight, on my lap, etc. I would highly suggest telling them at the gate that you are traveleing alone with a baby and ask if there is any seat open with an empty seat next to it and you will get switched which helps. I would bring a toy and a book he has never seen too to keep him more interested. you will survive, good luck!

Sounds like you have done a good bit of research. I have also flown a bit with my two. Just a couple of suggestions for you that I don't think were written yet, take your umbrella stroller for the security line. It is also great for when you get off the airplane and are tired. It is much easier to just put the little guy in and be able to focus on where you need to go next. Also great if you are behind and need to run to your plane. I would also suggest, only take a few toys and only toys that are one piece. It is maddening to try to make sure the little pieces don't fall on the floor or roll back where you can't reach them. You know your son. If he is laid back and pretty mellow, an hour and a half flight will be cake. Get toys that you think he will like. If he doesn't watch tv, don't bring it. Trust me, anything you don't have to bring your back will thank you. I always, found with my kids that they wanted to play with the plastic cups and silverware that the flight attendants brought around. I always saved mine and let them play with that too. The magna doodle is great. Everything is attached (at least on the travel ones) and easy to do over. My kids did great in the car seat because it was like a car to them and we never got out of the car seat. On my lap they just wanted to get down and run. I didn't have the laid back kids. But sounds like you will do fine. Have fun!

I have traveled with my son on my lap alone almost every month since he was 4 mos old. It actually got easier when he was about 12 months. I did bring the DVD player and we bought him a new Elmo DVD and a new Baby einstein. he had never really watched it before either but he was in a trance for most of the flight. It was great! Also I like to bring plenty of snacks. If your son is still taking a bottle or nursing I would plan to have one or the other ready for take off and landing. An hour and half is actually pretty short by the time you take off you will be about ready to land. Good Luck to you!

I travel w/ my now 20 month old all the time. I remember feeling the same anxiety towards flying on our first flight when he was around 12 months. I ended up taking snacks, books and a few toys and he ended up sitting on my lap and looking out the window most of the time. Take snacks that will keep him busy, and use your surroundings as distractions. Remember, the more calm you are, the more calm your child will be! Good Luck!

I flew with my son when he was about a year and a half and was very nervous about it since he was very active and when he didn't get his way he would scream a very high pitch scream. I had suckers (which were messy, but helpful), other food, wet wipes and books. Point things out to him. If you sit by a window have him look for colors and cars as you are on the run way. Point out bags and things that stand out. Hopefully he can take a nap too. That would be nice. My son actually did really well. He being in a new place helped keep him a little quiet at first too. Good luck!

When you check in ask the airline if they can put you in a seat with a vacant seat next to it. They are usually more than happy to accommodate because a happy baby makes for a happy flight for everyone. I did this when I took a 5 hours flight with my little one and they were always able to find me a seat next to a vacant seat. Bring some old toys and a blanket so that he can play on the floor a little bit. My little boy loved playing with cars on the plane.

I would suggest a travel size "Magna Doodle". He can scribble and erase to his heart's content. As long as you have snacks and a sippy cup and a couple of pop-up story books and maybe one toy , you will probably be fine for that short of a flight. Little guys are totally fasinated with airplanes anyway and there is a lot of activity taking place in and around the airplane so he will probably be more interested in that than anything you bring for him to do. Have the sippy cup ready when you take off and land so his ears can pop. Sometimes the movement of the plane in flight makes toddlers fall asleep anyway. Enjoy the trip!

You're not insane at all for keeping him on your lap - you're smart! I think it's ridiculous to pay for an entire extra seat when 99% of the time, they want to be with you anyway. That's at least how my little guy is when we fly. It sounds like you're prepared and should be fine. We walked around the plane a lot too once in flight and that helped keep him entertained. I was really surprised by how well he did on the plane - I'm sure you will be too! Good luck!

Good thing ya didn't pay for another seat, one year olds won't stay in them anyway!
I actually wore an ERGO baby carrier and when mine got tired strapped her to me, leaned back and caught a few winks after the meal---a 3 hour flight fr DFW to Sacramento.

My son is very similar. He is not interested in TV at all, which scared me since the DVD player was my saving grace with my daughter on flights. Bring LOTS of snacks. My son didn't stop eating the whole time and it is all that kept him busy. a 1.5 hour flight will go pretty quickly I would think. Just keep feeding him. This is sort of random but my son played with ice cubes in a cup on our flight. A little messy yes, but it kept him quiet. Just relax though, it will be fine, and most people on your flight have been through it before.

No, you are not crazy! We have traveled several times with our son, who is now two. We also flew with him around 1 year. He was fine. A little wigglier than before he could walk, but he actually slept most of the flight. (Our flights are always around 3 hours to see family.) Can you schedule the flight around naptime at all? Some ideas: books, crayons and paper, snacks, favorite stuffed animal...

Good luck! You will have fun. I always say....even if it is not ideal, three hours in a plane is a lot better than 20 in a car with a toddler!

You should be fine if you take enough snacks and toys. New toys are great for this or take away several of his current toys so that he just thinks they're "new". An hour and a half flight is pretty short and you aren't crazy to hold him on your lap. The thing I did was to try and time the flight right around naptime so my boys would sleep. Have fun.

I have 2 children, that I have had to take many flights w/o my hubby to visit my parents who are a 4 hr. flight away. You will be great w/ snack, toys and books... and the on the lap is not a problem, you may have an empty seat next to you so after take off your little one can be in the seat next to you. If the flight is not full you can ask the flight attendant if there are any open seats you can move to, to have more room for the little one to move around. Don't worry that you have to keep your little one on your lap the whole flight...you want it to be a good experience for both of you, so its okay even to take a stroll down the aisle while the seat belt sign is off or use the open seat next to you. The only time your little one HAS to be in your lap is take off and landing or when the seat belt sign is on due to turbulance. Your flight will go by fast... make sure to take a sippy cup(w/ favorite drink in it)so that when you take off and land to help equalize the pressure in the baby's ears. Your little one may fall asleep on the flight, so don't worry you both will do great!!!

Hope this helps!
:)T.

Hi Cathie-
You should be fine, just make sure you have a bottle or sippy cup for him for takeoff, and the pressure. I traveled with my son at 12 months, and it was easy.....now 18 months, that was a whole different ballgame!! no you are not insane, people do it all the time! good luck, take lots of snacks!

piece of cake dear! no worries! is he a binky baby still?? just have him suck on a binky/bottle/thumb on the take off and the landing so he can pop his ears. My son has never had any problems with flying. just point out all the new and interesting things in your surroundings, that makes up most of the entertainment for the flight for our son. try for a window seat so you can point out the clouds, stars, ground, or whatever can be seen. try to wear him out a bit in the airport before you take off so you can hope for sleep. Really you have nothing to worry about. We've traveled a lot with my son and he really seems to just think he's on a car ride where he doesn't have to sit in a car seat. I've never bought him his own ticket because he'd just want to be on my lap anyway, it'd be a waste of money. Really you'll be fine. (and as a heads up, people are usually really really willing to help out if you just mention you need any help what so ever. like a diaper change on the flight? ask the stewardess' and they'll point you in the right direction and sometimes even offer assistance.) good luck tell us how it goes!

C.,
I took my 11 month old daughter on a long flight from Denver to NY. She did great! She didn't really watch TV at the time either but I kept her busy with snacks, books and toys. I also had her on my lap and it went way better than I expected. I bet your little one will do just fine. Good luck!

I went on a flight with my 10 month old last summer and she did great but I did have my Family with me to help out. The one major thing I can suggest is that when you are taxying down the Runway make sure he has a sippy cup or bottle or a pacifier to such on it will help with his ears and another thing to do is try to befriend the people who you will be sitting by on the plane they might be willing to help you out if you ask for there assistance. You are not crazy for having him on your lap because the airlines will let children under the age of 3(I believe) will let that sit on your laps.

I hope that the information I have given you will be helpful and Have a safe trip.

A. M.