Flying with a 2 Year Old!

We just got back from vacation and on the flight out I flew by myself with my 4 year old, 14 month old who does not like to sit still for one minute, all while being 6 months pregnant. Two good things 1) Most people will take pity on you and try to be as helpful as possible 2) Most of the time you envision your child being far worse than they actually will be.
My advice:
1) Buy some new books, toys, games etc and don't let him play with them until you get on the plane
2) Bring a variety and a lot of snacks
3) Bring some Benadryl and a plastic grocery store bag in case of motion sickness. Im not a fan of Benadryl just to make mine sleep but my pediatrician said it works for motion sickness. The plastic bag is in case they do get sick, good luck trying to get a 2 year old to throw up in the small bags on the plane. Also limit his drinks and change him or make him use the potty right before you board. Trying to go with a little one in the tight bathrooms is no fun at all.
4) Let them run like crazy in the terminal, maybe they will run off some energy and may be ready to nap for some of the plane ride
5) Take your stroller with you to the gate and have them gate check it so that it arrives at the gate for you
6) Dont be in a rush to get to baggage claim. It sometimes takes so long for the bags to show up and the kids get bored and ansy just sitting and waiting
7)Check out some kids books on airplanes or let him watch the Jay Jay the Jet Plane cartoon on PBS so that he gets excited about the plane ride and has something to relate it too and explain to him what it will be like on the plane (sitting in our seat etc)
8) If its a long flight (2+ hours) consider paying the extra money to change the ticket and have a short (1 1/2 hour layover) That will give him a chance to stretch his legs and run off some more energy and then take the 2nd leg of the flight.
9)Pack plenty of carryons for him (diapers, change of clothes etc) because you never know when there might be flight delays.

Good luck. Mine have thankfully always been really good and enjoyed our trips.

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We too have the Sit and Stroll stroller, as someone had previously mentioned. It is extremely handy to have a car seat that converts into a stroller, all in one. I highly recommend it.
We just got back from a long trip and I received a bit of advice that worked like a charm for our two-year-old. For the most part he was really good, but at the end of the trip he started to get a little cranky. We had some secret presents squirreled away. We had a couple of books and then just some cheap toys that you could get at the dollar store. They were each individually wrapped with tissue paper. He was happy as a clam opening his presents and being able to play with new things. It wouldn't have mattered if they cost $1 or $100, he was just happy to have something to unwrap and that was new. It kept him occupied for a very long time.

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Hi T. C.
I am actully a flight attendant for a major carrier. There is no need to bring your childs booster on the plane he will sit in a seat just like you. However if you do need it for the car ride after you get to your destination check it with the rest of your luggage. You may want to call the carrier that you are flying and they can help you with any of your questions. Just food for thought pack some extra snack foods for ya'll and bring some small toys. I try to get something new for the plane ride that they have never seen or played with. Bring an extra change of clothes for your two year old and maybe a change for you ( accidents) it is always good to be prepared. Just keep in mind that most kids will be very excited with the trip and its natural, you and your child will be just fine. Stay cool and your child will more than likely follow your lead. Hve a great time and be sure and get a picture with your Captain and baby for the baby book. L. J

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Hi T.,

My advice may be a bit different from the others, but my son is 2.5 (3 at Thanksgiving) and he's flown on about 10 trips now (my hubby works for SWA). We have always taken his carseat with us, but we use a gogoKidz travelmate cart and it stays attached to his carseat always (even strapped into the car, though they say not to do that- don't know why). Here's the url for the cart...http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html. We always take it because we always need it wherever we're traveling to- the cart makes the carseat double as a stroller, so it works out great. (If you get one, just don't forget to ask for a "seatbelt extender" when you get on the plane- can't really attach it w/out). One other reason we've always used the seat is so he knows that he has to stay seated and strapped in at all times (just like in the car). We've never let him out of the seat on the plane, unless we just had to change the diaper because it was so full, but then he's right back in it- straps and all. He's come to know that that's the way it is on the plane- everyone stays seated- so he doesn't fuss about it because that's all he knows. There's no where for them to go, so why let him out? If we have a layover I let him out to run then (always have his monkey harness, with the tail leash for running in the airport, so he doesn't get hurt- you can get those at Wal-Mart).

We always bring him a juice cup and a milk cup- they sometimes ask what's in his cup when we go through security and we tell him it's juice- they're happy with that explanation (it's a 10 oz cup, by the way). We've never had them tell us to throw it away and we've gone through several different airports- San Fran, Dallas (both) Philadelphia, Albuquerque, etc). We also take the milk boxes as extra (he drinks a lot of milk, esp. when it's a long travel day). They're like juice boxes, but they're milk (Horizon and Organic Valley make 'em).

We always take his portable DVD player and he usually watches movies if he's not sleeping. It cost less than $70 at Best Buy or somewhere like that. I like the headphones that slip around the back of the ear for him best. (It's too loud on the plane not to have headphones because if you turn it up all the way it bothers everyone around you- I've had flight attendants tell me to turn it down, but then he can't hear it). I take this because he really doesn't have space to play with stuff, so he doesn't. He's usually very on the go or has lots of toys and there's never room in his bag for lots of toys.

I also usually give him some antihistamine (or Benadryl) before we get on the flight. Some people say it's bad to give them this to make them sleepy, but seriously, how often is it done and why not? He often sleeps for hours on the flight and we're both much happier that way. I take Dramamine to make me comfortable and sleepy, why not something to help calm them down? I think it's kinda cruel to put a child who's normally very active strapped in a plane for hours without helping them get some sleep. Don't try Dramamine for him, though, whatever you do. For some reason, at this age, and I don't know if it's that I can't get the dosing right or what, but it just makes him real cranky and does not put him to sleep. Won't be doing that again!

Also, if he does have a problem with his ears on the first flight, some advice I got was to give them a decongestant at least an hour before landing (if you can give it to him when you get on, if the flight is less than four hours because that's when it wears off). This makes their ears fine- no pain or popping. I've tried everything- drinking, eating, chewing gum- on the way down, but if his ears are hurting him he won't do any of it! Ahhhh! Plus, he just swallows the gum.

Just remember to try your best to stay calm, because, I'm sure you already know, but if you get worried, frantic (if he's crying or something), half of his reaction will be because of yours. Kids react to what their parents are feeling, so the calmer you can be (maybe take some Dramamine yourself? (though it can make me cranky, even though I'm calm) the better.

This probably sounds bad too, but if my child screamed on the flight, I would simply cover his mouth with my hand- it actually makes them stop quicker. If he's crying, I let him cry, but mine tends to scream when very mad or cranky or whatever and I feel so bad for the people around us when he does that. He's gotten much, much better about not screaming since I started the covering the mouth thing. He doesn't like it, so he stops.

Sorry this was so long, but you asked, and we have a lot of experience. Going to Cali at the end of the month and I'm not nearly as apprehensive about flying with him as I used to be, now that we've gotten the kinks out.

Hope this helps- let us all know how it went!
A.

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Check with the airline about booster seat requirements. They will not provide anything.
As far as getting through the flight, be sure you have a bag of tricks and snacks. Give him benadryl if you think it will help.
They should have milk, water, juice and sprite/7-up on the plane -- you can just bring an empty sippy cup. Pack snack bags of his favorite snacks, and maybe some new ones that he will think are fun (Keebler graham cracker bugs, fruit snacks, etc.)
A portable DVD player is really the way to go for in-flight entertainment. And bring a couple new shows that he hasn't seen before.
If the flight is long, or that won't hold his attention long, some new toys are in order. Definitely bring any sort of lovey or favorite toy, but pick up a few new toys that you can bring out on the plane one at a time. I took a toddler on a plane ride and window clings ended up being sooooo fun. They stick to the seat backs and to the plane window. If he will color, definitely find a small pad of paper or coloring book and a few crayons.

Be sure to board early, and let him look at everything. He'll want to poke into seat back pockets (in fact, he may think it's cool to put his own books in there), push buttons, flip switches, etc. Give him a chance to do all of that at first to get it out of his system. After that, tell him the rules of the plane -- when seat belts should be buckled (show him the seatbelt light), tell him that good passengers stay in their seat to help the flight attendants. Tell him all the things to expect -- the food cart, safety demo, etc.

Good luck

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The FAA has recently approved a harness type child safety device - CARES (child aviation restraint system). Cares weighs 1 pound and fits in a 6" sack. The restraint attaches directly to the airplane seat and is safe for children at least 1 yr of age and 22-44lbs. Further information can be found at http://www.kidsflysafe.com One of the girls in my mothers of multiples group has raved about these straps for traveling with her two. Apparently they come in a small travel bag...small, easy to carry, and attach to the airline seats....best of all airline/FAA approved.

When we traveled with our twins last Christmas we bought TravelMate wheel attachements for the kids Brittax Marathon carseats (with telescoping handle like a suitcase would have). You can wheel the kids through the airport in their car seat this way...and then you can use the car seats in the airplane. I found that because my twins are accustommed to their car seats that this worked well. The only thing is that I found I was able to wheel them all the way down the first class aisle, but then I had to pick up and carry to our seat/child through coach because our car seats were too wide to wheel down the coach aisle. That was the only pain really. For our next trip we are going to check the car seats instead and try the CARES straps that I mentioned above.

The other big travel tips: You can take a small umbrella stroller to wheel him through the airport and check it at the gate if he is easier to manage in a stroller. Some kids are prefer to walk and are happier walking. We also have "backpack harnesses" for the kids that look like puppy dogs and if you are concerned about him wiggling away from you in the airport you can hold on to him with the puppy dog "tail" part of the harness. For your carry-on try a backpack for yourself and check your other bags. Easier to walk/carry your child down the aisle with a backback on - that way you can have both hands free. In your carry-on backpack be sure to pack toys (new preferably and/or some favorites), snacks he loves, and the biggest life saver on this last trip for us was a portable DVD player with a collection of favorite DVDs.

Wish you luck on your trip. I can dig up the site we purchased the TravelMate from if you want it. Just let me know.

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We'll be taking our 2 yr old son on a plane trip for Christmas. We have flown with him before, however, he was only a year old at that time & was relatively content sitting on our lap. He's very active now and we will be taking his car seat on the plane with us. You'll definitely need his car seat, especially if you'll be riding in cars at your destination. The airline doesn't provide a booster seat or anything for children.

I just recently purchased a wheeled carrier at OneStepAhead that my car seat attaches to. This way, I can wheel him through the airport like a piece of luggage without needing a stroller! haha! Here's the link to view the product: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId.... Our son is very active, so we hope he'll be content if he's strapped into his car seat on the plane (he rides very well in the car for long trips).

Other tips - fill a bag with lots of books, small toys & plenty of snacks to keep him occupied during the flight. Before a long trip (car or plane) I usually buy a few inexpensive toys or coloring books & save them for the trip, so he has something new to capture his attention. If you are worried about his ears hurting during take off & landing, have him drink out of a sippy cup or you can purchase earplugs at Walgreens (or other drug stores) which will help with the pressure changes. Just be patient & don't panic. I'm sure your flight will go fine! Good luck!

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Hi there, I have three kids, 9, 5, nearly 2 and have travelled alot with them on planes, and firstly it all depends on how long the flight is, and what time of the day. I always avoid early morning flights where I have to wake them to get to the airport, or late night flights and avoid flying around my little one's sleep time. Not so bad if I'm getting on the plane when it would be sleep time, as he'd fall asleep soon after.
And using some homeopathic calming remedy always helps, and definitely take a few special toys, books, blanket, drink, snacks etc. Even buy a few new little toys or books especially for the plane. Basically take as much a you can fit in his and your hand luggage.
He won't be given anything to sit on, that's up to you to take something, but you won't need anything.
Hope this helps, good luck with the trip. That's the thing with flying the first time, you never really know how they're going to react ah.

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We traveled 2 weeks ago with our 2 ½ and 1 year old sons. The little guy was a challenge since we held him on our lap and he likes to be free. Our 2 ½ year old was an angel, here are some of the things we did to prepare him:

We talked the trip up… how much fun we were going to have and all of the great things we were going to do.

We talked up the FIRST airplane ride. We practiced chewing special “Airplane Chewing Gum” and we created a special “Airplane Voice” and practiced this whisper for about 3 weeks.

After getting on the plane, we explained what he could expect. This seems to take some of the fear and uncertainty out of what might be a very new and strange experience. We showed how to work the seat belts, the tray table and, pointed out the bathroom.

We explain that the cabin attendants will conduct a safety lecture and to keep the airplane voice and listening ears ready!

At times the A/C hisses when it first pops on. Sometimes our kids got scared, thinking something was broken. The series of dull thumps you’ll hear is baggage being loaded, followed by a loud THUMP that means the baggage compartment doors are being shut.

As the pilot fires up the engines and the plane begins taxiing toward take off, items can shift and the mechanical surfaces of the aircraft make creaking and clunking noises. The A/C may shut off as all power is applied to the engines. Preparing your child for these noises makes them less scary.

A confident tone explaining these strange noises (“Mom knew what was gonna happen before it happened!”) can take away a lot of the scariness

Car seat… We took both of ours (checked one and carried one) only because we were getting a rental car and didn’t want to rent shabby car seats. They are VERY bulky to carry on but my son felt comfy, secure and could see out of the window better. They will NOT provide you with anything special. Some do not even have milk aboard.

Don’t book an Exit Seat… Children (or adults with children) under the age of 15 may not be seated in an exit seat.

They will put you in the back of the plane with other families so chances are, the people around you will understand unexpected hollering… if not then they can just GET OVER IT!

Have fun and Good Luck!
E.

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Hi T., The best thing to keep my 2 yr old occupied is her portable DVD player and lots of movies. As long as you keep the volume reasonable, they dont have to have earphones. You also do not need to have a booster seat, only if you want one. The airline will not provide anything. I dont take the carseat b/c its just one more thing to get through security, by the way, you will have to take their shoes off too, so wear something easy!! Make sure they have something to suck on during takeoff/landing so their ears won't hurt!
I am about to make my first flight alone with a 2 yr old AND a 3 mos old... YIKES!
C.

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Hi-
I've been flying with my son since he was 5 months old (he is now 5 years old). And, like you, I travel by myself as my hubby hates to fly.
Here are some things that I have done that have helped...
1. Take your own snacks- LOTS, and a sippy cup with a STRAW for sucking. That will help his ears. I even took a bottle just in case the sippy cup didn't work.
2. I took lots of little "toys"- stickers are awesome. They can stick on the back of the seat in front of you and they come right off. They are also good for sticking on you or the your son. I always turn in to "sticker mommy".
3. Puppets- these have been the absolute best thing ever! I purchased the Little Einstein bath puppets and take 3-4 of them with us. He loves it. I just pop them on my hand and I talk to my son with the puppets. The other passengers enjoy the show, as well. :)
4. Little books to read, the coloring books with the markers that only write on the special paper, and little tiny bubbles (the kind you get at weddings) are also great.

The airline company does not supply you with anything for your child to sit on. I use a "Sit-n-Stroll" which is a car seat that turns into a stroller and it can fit on the plane. They are a bit expensive, but well worth the cost if you plan to travel much.

Something to think about... make sure that you have a car seat ready for where ever you are going.

Also, I recommend taking a stroller with you to the airport. You can roll it right up to the airplane door and they will check it for you right there and then have it waiting for you when you arrive.

Finally, some airlines DO NOT let you board early if you have a child. So just hang in there. People will just have to wait and it is too bad if they get impatient. Most people are very helpful and friendly.

Good luck,
R.

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We've flown with my daughter (who just turned 3) several times. It sounds like you've already gotten good advice about activities and the booster seat (we tried it once and my husband worked up a sweat trying to get the seat belt buckle to fit through the back!) Only thing to add is that you can take liquids through security as long as they are 3 oz. or less and fit into a quart-sized ziploc bag per passenger. When my daughter was younger, I just used both my bag and hers for her drinks, yogurt, etc. so that we had enough space for her things. I'm always a little nervous that we're not going to have enough to keep her occupied dring the flight, but she has always done fine and typically falls asleep.

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