Flying with a 17 Month Old.....

The first time I flew with my son, I bought a ticket for him. I now it is more money but I was able to put his carseat in the seat gave him some toys and also broght the portable dvd player. He slep on hte way to IL, but on the way back he was up the entire trip but he did really well with the toys and dvd player. I know a few people who had thier young ones on htier lap for the flight, me I didn't feel comfortable and to be on the safe side I got him a seat and it worked out wonderfully.

Good luck; My son's first flying experience was when he was 14 months; on the way up, he was great; however, on the way back, he cried for half the trip. Be thankful, you are only going to GA; We flew to Boston. Next month, we are going to LA. All he did was want to run around. Some times, you can get up with them, but other times, you can't. I was with him alone; so, that was hard. This time, my hubby is coming with, so, I'm happy about that. Ethan is now 20 months. The key is to keep them busy. My experience is a little different because I am still nursing; I had to get up and go to the restroom on the way back to FLA. On the way up, I didn't have to nurse at all. Weaning is another issue. I truly sympathize with you, but you will do fine. If they let you get up, great, if not, I sometimes stood Ethan in my seat and tried to keep in occupied. Today is so different than my mother's day as Flight attendants would not help me with him because they are liable if anything happens to him. You know how small those bathrooms are. He was good. He actually stood in front of me when I had to go really really badly.

My eldest brother as a new baby flew from Germany and the flight attendants helped my mother but this one person, was very rude to me. I thought he was rude but I had to see it from their side as at this age, they get into things.

It will be okay. Like you said, it's only a two hour flight, and they'll be two of you to distract and entertain him. When I fly with my two, I always pack a backpack with coloring books, stacking toys, stickers, etc...I don't let them open the backpack until take off. Get to the airport early, and let him run around the terminal until he wears himself out. Try to ignore the stares and comments of the other passengers if your son does act up. We've all been there. Have a GREAT vacation!

Food? Have him very hungry, bring little nibbles and things that won't fill him up quickly. Does he have any favorite thing that will grab his attention? Books? Coloring? Finger play songs *ie. "The itsy bitsy spider?" I understand your worries. Perspective is a big deal as well...you will get through it and so will all of the other people on the plane. It is only a couple ours in your entire life. Pray, make practical plans and then try not to imagine what it will be like.

Don't be nervous! Tons of people fly with children and you know what? If he cries...he cries. I've never flown with any of my children but plenty of my mommy friends have so this is what I can share: Don't waste your money buying "new" toys. Pack a small bag of small toys, some crayons and paper, a chuncky book, cheerios and other little crackers/snacks (of course, with the new airline restrictions, I'm not sure what is safe to take on board...check with the airlines ) but in any case, DO take some snacks. If he wants to get down, let him get down. It's always nice to take a stroll on the airplane with him...who knows, you might meet another mom who is feeling just as anxious as you are. People have no choice but to understand. Parents have to travel with children and if anyone dares to say anything....just let it roll off your shoulders. I have 3 children and I've been in "public" places where my children have made noise that was not desirable for others. Life happens. So does the noise our children make. Take a deep breath and enjoy your flight. Good luck and be safe.

You have given your son a beautiful name and i am sure you are enjoying your energetic toddler.It seems you are on the right track in terms of planning ahead with the dvd player .new toy etc. Sometimes the experience of flying now that he is older and more aware maybe overwhelming and scary for a 17 mth old.He may be clinging to you when he sees all the strangers and hustle and bustle of a busy airport. Pack alot of patience because traveling by itself requires standing in lines and security and once on the plane who knows he may just enjoy the ride....Have a great Easter!!!

-Make a long cheerio necklace (long yarn/string and 'bead' cherrioes on it) he'll have fun eating them off!
- Empty and clean out a PLASTIC peanut butter jar and put various safe objects "wrinkly wrappers, little plastic animals etc) he can shake this jar and at some point he'll probably figure the top comes off and will have fun digging thru it
-put funny glue on eyes from the craft store on a pair of his socks, then put his socks on his hands and he'll probably love to 'pick' at the googly eyes
-bring lots of finger food snacks and fun drinks!

I have three little toddlers and flying really can be fun! Keep in mind it does not matter what the other people think, or what you might imagine they may be thinking if your baby gets a little 'busy' or cries! Enjoy the time, one day you'll probably miss the day he couldn't sit still thru a flight!

The only problem that usually occurs is their ears hurting. So make sure he drinks or chews on take off. Bring some new little toys to keep him entertained. The flight is short so i don't think you should worry so much.
Have a good time.

We've been flying with our 23 month old since he was 8 weeks old, including two trans-Atlantic trips. Our strategy since he was about 14 months old is to try to schedule take off to be just after or during a usual naptime. If we can't then we try to alter his schedule to make him sleepy when we take off. We ALWAYS pre-board so that we have a drink (sippy cup) and snack ready for take-off, as well as some toys. Let him stand by the seat or on a seat while everyone else boards. Robbie says hello to everyone as they board and waves to them. Then when we sit down, he stands on my legs and faces the back of the plane so that he can see everyone. He thinks he is on stage and behaves very well. When it is time to actually take off, he has to sit in my lap but that is when we break out the sippy and special snack. IF we are lucky, by the time it is okay to get up again, he is asleep.

We always bring his favorite blankie and his favorite doll, Elmo! We also have had him fly in footed pajamas up until now so that he is plenty warm and comfortable. We leave next week to go on our last trip before he turns two.

Other things to try, finger puppets and games, like 10 Little Monkeys, WHeels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spider, WHere is THumpkin, etc. Think positive too, because they pick up on it if you are nervous. Just tell him that the captain said he has to sit, show him the seatbelt sign, etc. As long as you are trying, the flight attendants are super nice.

Good luck!!!

We have flown with our daughter 3 separate trips with two planes per destination. EVERY time I worry how she will behave since she can go from Angel to horror in a flash, LOL. *Knock on wood* she has been very good on the planes. These trips were between the ages of 9 months - 18 months. In my opinion, she was alright sitting still for the following reasons;
* All the other passengers were sitting - she saw it was "code".
* We brought her car seat - associates with having to sit in it anyway.
* snacks, drinks, and "occupy-ables" (Coloring books, books, flash cards, etc)

GOOD LUCK! Remember to bring a stroller...makes it so much easier going to pick up the luggage and get to your ride.

When I fly with my toddlers, I always try to bring a big bag of goodies. Things like stickers, crayons, new coloring books, play-doh, finger puppets, little cars, some of their favorite snacks. Just about anything! I don't make mine buckle up until we are getting ready to take off, that seems to help them feel like they aren't being strapped down for so long. You never know your son maybe perfect, I always think one of my toddlers is going to act up but they always suprise me and are very good and I have a very active son also! Good Luck!!

I agree with the new toys and I think as long as you get maybe a few new DVD's he might want to watch, the DVD player you are bringing might help too. Bring loads of snacks and a some juice (but you can't bring juice through the security check point so just buy it when you get past security before you get on the plane).

I always get worried when I travel with Leah because I don't want to bother anyone- it's such a stress because I know if I were on their end I'd be angry at having to listen to a crying kid. But it is hard to control such a young child so don't be too hard on yourself. If anyone gives you an attitude, they obviously aren't a parent and they can switch seats if they have an issue.

Just make sure he's well rested- or on the contrary, try to fly when it's his nap time so he will sleep. And don't let him kick the back of the seat in front of him LOL.

I know you didn't ask for this type of advice but the other ladies have helped you w/ your question.

I wanted to let you know that if you can take his carseat in the plane w/ you. It is safer for children to be in their carseats while flying. If unfortunately you can do that, do not send your carseat w/ your bags, gate check it. It takes less tumbles this way.

If he's "all boy" like you say he is, then I think the trick is to get him to be so crazy about airplanes that he can't wait to try it himself. Take him to an airport to watch the planes take off, get him a balsa toy plane to go sailing through the air, then "play airplane" like we used to do when we were kids. We would line up the dining room chairs one behind the other and then put a tray table in front of it and serve refreshments. Have him pack a backpack for the plane ride and give him a teddy bear to hold on his lap to share the refreshments with. Maybe he would like a "magic coloring card" with special water-based markers that turn colors when you scribble on the cards.

when I read your posting it was as if were describing my 18 mo. son. What can you do!! they are very active, but dont get so nervous about it...luckily flight attendants can also be very helpful and most carriers assign you seats where you don't have anybody in the front. You can request it upfront, I belive they are called bulk head. I have taken 3 hour and 5 1/2 hrs. trips to so. america and we were assigned those seats by initiative (I didnt even request it), what is more, they also gave us an extra seat for more space. Also, to our son loves electronic devices and we kept him entertained with an old cell. Dont get that concerned and enjoy your trip. If somebody doesnt like it that is their problem.

Hello K.~

I just wanted to recommend Crayola Color Wonders. A good friend said it was amazing she never showed her son them before the trip so it was his first introduction to finger paints (he was 11 months old @ the time). There is no mess just a little bit of water needs to be added to them. And she said it was better than a car or other toys because he had to sit on her lap in order to do them. She had played with crayons prior to the trip so he had a clue how the paper can have colors but colorless finger painting she said you would have thought it was like magic to him....hope this helps. I plan to try it out in July when we drive to NY. If you try it can you let me know how it goes for you? She also said they pack nicely and are great pics to hand out to passengers….

Spend the extra money, get his OWN seat, and use his car seat. It's the only safe way to go...just like in car.

When we flew with our DD at this age, even though we still could have had her fly for free, we paid for a seat and brought her carseat with us. She behaved like she did in the car except this was better because she had Mommy and Daddy to entertain her!

Wanted to know how your flight experience was I have an 18 month old boy as well. I was considering visiting family but nervous. www.DiscoveryToysLink.com/LisaRyan
LisaM