Help! Plane Travel with 21 Month Old & 2 Month Old

I've actually had a good experience renting carseats. They were clean, and just standard seats. It made such a difference to not have to uninstall 2 carseats in the early morning hours at the park n go, and then get them onto the bus, and then off of the bus, and checked in, and then grab them with the luggage, etc. But mostly for us it was nice because we returned at 11pm, in early January, and at that point I would have given any amount of money if it meant that I didn't have to reinstall 2 car seats with 2 cranky kids running around. But I have checked carseats when I was only checking one seat. (I have never flown with one convertable, and one infant seat though.) Anyway, long story short, look at what it will involve, times you are leaving and getting back, and think about if you REALLY want to reinstall the carseat at that time. But it sure was nice to not have 2 more large things to lug in addition to the 2 kids.

Hi, Am taking a 5 year old and a 20 month old on a plane!! It is my first time flying as well. SO i feel for poor DH. I dont think he knows what he has coming! I wanted to email you because i called delta the airlines we are flying thru, And they told me car seats and strollers are not considered luggage and there is no charge. I hope this helps. And please let me know if you hear anything for the 21 month old.

We took a number of plane trips with my daughter from the time she was 11 months to 22 months and once she got really mobile it definitely was tougher to keep her entertained. We took her favorite books plus a few new ones. A magna-doodle also kept her entertained because she could draw and we could also and have her guess what we were drawing. Once the seatbelt sign was off we didn let her get up and pace the aisles. The flight attendants were very nice and one time even took her into a place that only they get to go to show her something new. We also packed lots of snacks (small finger food type things) that we'd give her a little bit at a time or made a game of eating to help pass the time. Good luck and just remember the flight is only 2.5 hours and they will pass eventually!

About the carseat: I would bring carseats for both kids with you. We rented one with a rental car once and I was NOT impressed with the quality of the seat or its safety. One other thing about bringing it with you -- if the flight isn't full there is a chance you can use your son's seat on the plane and then he'd have a familiar place to sit and he wouldn't want to be up running as much. You can ask when you check in if the flight is full and if it is gate check the carseat, if not ask if they'd let you use it on the flight. Good luck!

I have heard horror stories about the rented car seats - they are filthy from other kids messes. Plus, you never know if they've been in an accident or dropped, etc. I suggest taking the car seat with you because when there are open seats on the plane they offer them to parents with lap kids, but you would have to have a car seat for it.

As for stuff for the flight, coloring books, crayons, new books. Do you have a laptop or portable dvd player you could use to keep the 21 month old occupied? Take advantage of the seatbelt light going off, walk the aisles to let him get his energy out.

In the end, don't stress about it. Many children fall asleep from the motion of the plane, and if they cry the whole time, know that they won't be the first to have done it. Just do your best to keep them settled.

When you check in, ask if it's a full flight. If it's not, most airlines will allow you to bring the kids' car seats on the plane even if you haven't purchased a seat.

While Rental Car Agencies usually have car seat rentals, I think they're kind of pricey. It may be easier just to carry the seat with you (unless the airline is going to charge you!). You may also want to contact the local DMV. The DMV in my town has a fabulous car seat safety program...and will lend out car seats when they are needed. Once, I called in a panic because my husband was at work 2 hours from home with the car seat. They offered to bring me a car seat!

I have done that myself, I have 3 boys ages 4, 3 & 2 now, but we did the same thing when the 2 year old was 3 weeks old! Advice for the newborn on the plane, feed her as you are taking off, a flight attendant told me, that causes their ears to pop (the sucking) and then she'll be ok on the flight. She said when babies scream on planes, their ears haven't popped and causes pain. Even if you have to delay feeding her until the plane is taking off, do it to avoid the ear pain! 2-1/2 hours of a crying baby is a lot longer than putting off feeding her a few minutes.

For the 21 month old, get a couple things to entertain him. Crayola makes those color wonder markers & books (markers only work on the book, so don't worry, the plane won't be all colored when you get off!). A book that makes sound or lift the flap is pretty entertaining. And lots of little snacks that take time for him to eat. Remember you can get up and take him to the bathroom as many times as you want, don't worry about people looking at you. It's fun for them to check out the tiny bathroom. Also, you never know, being on the plane may cause him to fall asleep! A little flashlight for him to hold could also be very fun for him (or annoying for you if it's in your face).

god bless, enjoy, and remember, you will most likely NEVER ever see the people on the plane again, so do what you gotta do to get thru the flight! :)

Best of luck with your trip! I won't lie to you -- I just got back from a flight with my 11 month old and 4 year old -- you will be exhausted when you get off that plane. But it's definitely doable.

One thing you might want to check, in advance, is to see if you and your husband can sit in the same row with two lap children; I seem to recall that you can't (only one extra oxygen mask on each side).

You will need to nurse the baby on takeoff and landing to help relieve the pressure in her ears. Likely (hopefully) she'll just sleep the entire flight; mine did when they were infants. So that leaves your husband dealing with your little boy. He too will need to either swallow (not sure if he still uses a bottle...and sippy cups don't encourage continuous drinking) or chew on takeoff and landing to help his ears; you'll be punished by his screams if his ears hurt...it's an awful experience. We get lots of treats for the girls -- things they don't normally get -- for flights....to help make it a novel experience. My older one gets gummy treats (those gummy fruit snacks...I think gerber makes a toddler version). My baby got several different varieties of Puffs (those disolving snacks). And stock up with little toys, preferrably ones he hasn't seen before (head to the dollar store or Target perhaps). Variety is the key -- for snacks and toys -- since they'll get bored quickly.

If he likes TV, consider a portable DVD player; we never fly w/o ours and noise cancelling headphones. My 4 year old will actually sit quietly and watch TV for most flights...when she was younger we brought Barney, Seasame Street, etc. DVDs. You can even check them out from the library.

Bring a change of clothes on the plane for each child. Between spills and blowout diapers (a result of change in air pressure), you'll be happy to have them.

And when you can, do walk the aisles with the toddler...let him stretch his legs when the seatbelt sign is off.

Finally, it's a HUGE pain to travel with carseats, but personally I don't trust the ones from the rental agencies...I've actually seen some recent press about terrible experiences. We just flew Air Tran and were pleased to find out that baby gear -- strollers, car seats, etc. -- can be checked under the plane and you won't be charged a baggage fee for them. We have a big padded bag, with straps that turn it in to a backpack, for our carseats. You can order them online. If you have a Buy Buy Baby near you, you can definitely but them there (about $40 I think). If not, Babies R Us may have them as well.

Good luck!!

Happy travels,
C.

I also took a 2 hour plane ride with a 23 month old and a 3 month old. It went a lot easier then I thought. I took the infant car seat and rented a carseat for my toddler. It was very clean. The only thing was I had to install it in the rental vehicle. They won't install for liability issues. I checked the infant seat and a stroller at the gate with no problem. If the airports you are using have a "family" security line then go through there because it was a little difficult and time consuming getting through the security line with a toddler (they have to take their shoes off too) and an infant carseat and stroller (both have to go through the xray). They will want the toddler to walk through on his own. My toddler was absolutely fine on the flight. He ate lunch (we bought it at the airport and took it on the plane) and then pretty much looked out the window the rest of the time. The novelty of being on an airplane was entertainment enough. I would definitely have the toddler in a window seat. My infant was fine too. He slept as I had fed him right before we left. I had a whole bag of toys including some new ones including the color wonder paper and some snacks and books. I never even opened the bag. One warning...we were sitting in a row with 3 seats and we couldn't have both lap children in the same row so I had to switch seats with someone in the row behind us. This was because there were only 4 oxygen masks. So we couldn't have 5 people with only 4 masks. Just a warning as it was definitely not something I had thought about. I had a pacifier for the toddler's ears but he never had a problem. Everything worked out a lot better then I had thought it would. Even the return flight was fine because my toddler was just so worn out from all the activities and changes in schedule that he slept the entire way back. One last bit of advice...make sure you leave for the airport extra early. We had one thing after another delay us on the way which was why we ended up eating lunch on the plane (we barely made it).

ok first...relax! Most airlines are kind enough to sit you near an empty seat so your child can have a free seat.I have flown with my daughter alone several times. if i were you i would take my own carseats. most airlines allow you to check them with baggage for free and they dont count as a bag. Taking your carseatsis also a plus if they sit you next to an open seat because they will let you use it on the plane. call the airline and ask aboutt heir carseat policy. I don't trust renatal seats at all.

Hi there, my 2 cents on the car seat rental is this...you don't know what kind of condition the seat is in, i mean under the surface so to say. Who knows how well cleaned and taken care of they are. I think you should bring his seat with and get a bag so it doesn't get damaged in cargo.
This way you know your son is in his clean seat!
Good luck and have fun!

I've flown over 10 times with my 2.5 year old (most recently in december) and she doesn't really feel the need to "run around" because she can clearly see there is no place to run around. Don't sit in the bulkhead where you have extra leg room--we made that mistake once and she was a little more antsy because she thought she could play on that floor space. She loves to watch a movie on my husband's laptop, and has also been interested in sticker books. I usually bring 1 or 2 new toys (matchbox cars are great) and a bunch of fun/new snacks. I'm not big on candy, but a lollipop works wonders because it takes a while to eat and is such a treat. If you're lucky, the flight attendants will allow you to use any empty seat as your son's seat at no charge. We were blessed more than once with free empty seats prior to my daughter turning 2. It makes for an easier ride--don't bring the carseat; let him sit in it with the belt. Or, we've used the empty seats as a play surface with her standing on the floor. Best of luck--it'll really be okay!

Hi T.,

My son has been traveling by plane since he was 3 mos old, and he is now 3 yrs old. As he has gotten older in addition to bring along toys, books, a juice box and snacks, we now travel with a portable DVD player with headphones that he can look at. Also, we usually just take our own car seat along, because as one of the other people said in the long run it is cheaper. I have a bag that it goes in and we just check it with our luggage. I have read that some of the car seats the rental companies use are the cheaper ones with safety issues, but I am sure that is not the case across the board. I just feel more comfortable using my own.

Your children might surprise you. I have flown with my 3 children (now 7,3 and 19 months) at various stages of their lives starting at age 2 months on a transatlantic flight with little difficulty. Be sure to pack snacks that the older child will enjoy (If the older child drinks milk etc from a sippy cup, you are allowed to take the sippy with you on the plane. Once you go through security you hand them the cup and they test the liquid, without touching it. You open and close the sippy yourself, so nodoby else touches the sippy. My 3 year old loves milk and most I always take 2 sippy's with me)
Please give yourself extra time to go through security. You will have to remove everybodies shoes, fold up the stroller etc and with 2 children it tends to take longer, but we haven't had any problems.
Any activities that keep the 21 month old occupied. I take a bag filled with favorite toys and snacks. You might consider buying something new such as a new coloring pad that will have the excitment factor. Mine loved the doodlepro at that stage and they make a small travel size. A favorite soft toy that you can make appear and disappear behind seats etc and play peekaboo. There are also these cool magnet games (they come in a tin with play scenes that the child can place on the tin and make different pictures. they are not small pieces and mine enjoyed [playing with those)I have eve seen those for sale at the dollar stores, but cracker barrel also carried those)
I would recommend taking the carseat for both children. We have always taken both carseats. If the airplane is not too full (call ahead and find out) you might have an extra seat to put the carseat into and then you can strap the 21 month old in. We have been lucky to fly on half full planes and had an extra seat for the little one. Once they are strapped to their seats, they sleep or play with ease. If there isn't an extra seat, they will put the seat in the cargo hold. We have taken my 19 month-olds VERY heavy britax convertible seat and placed it into the stroller (with him in the carseat) and wheeled him that way. (It wedged into the stroller perfectly).
I also always worried about the other passnegers around us, but my experience has been that most people are very kind to the children and have even helped to entertain the children.
Good luck and have a great trip! I hope this helps, I know its a little long, sorry!

ADDED: I have read some of the other replies and will be honest I have never experienced my little ones ahving earpain when flying and I have flown with a child for the last 7+ years, since she was 2 months old. At first with her I was obsessed about it and made sure she drank while we took off and landed, but I over the years it hasn't always worked that way and we haven't had difficulties. I did breastfeed all mine while flying without issue and di give the older children something to eat/drink, but it didn't need to be a continuos motion for it to have an affect. I didn't hold off feeding my infant, usually that would lead to crying and I didn't want a stressed child. Mine would often take small sips or comfort nurse even if they had nursed before.
Last year I flew for 20 hours with my then 6 year old, 2.5 year old and 6 month old on a transatlantic flight. I was exhausted as I was alone with the 3, but we made it just fine. We recently took a 2 hour flight with the 7, 3 and 19 month old ( my husband was along) without problem and we weren't tired at the end of the flight.
I agree with the other poster, if the airport has a family land at security, use it. (they will usually direct you to it though). Don't stress though.

By the time you pay to rent a car seat you could've bought a brand new one. You can bring his seat and the infant seat and put them both on the side cargo part of the plane. You put it with the stroller and just tag them with your name. They don't have to go with the luggage. And they are safer on the side of the plane.

The trip itself is short so your toddler probably won't get too fussy in the beginning. It'll be fun to look out the window and see what is going on. The toys/books you bring will be good. And if he does want to walk, once you are in the air it's ok. One of you hold the baby and the other can walk up and down the plane. Show your child everything then try sitting back down!

Good luck!

It has been a while since I traveled with little ones but one suggestion is giving them a decongestant before they get on the plane. It helps keep the ear pressure at bay. Also, something to suck on at take off. I worried with all three of mine each time we flew (the youngest went to Europe when he was two!!) and each time, it was fine. we had plenty of food and activities and lots of patience. usually, they will fall asleep for some portion of the flight. Also, most passengers are very tolerant if you are walking the aisles with your little one.

I've flown several times with my child at the ages you mentioned. If you're nursing, you'll probably be fine with the 2 month old. And most likely that child will sleep for a portion of the trip. But remember, you're 21 month old might want your attention, so you'll have to trade the kids around most likely.

As far as the 21 month old - if it's not too much of a pain, I would bring his car seat with you as well. First, ask if the flight is full. If it is, check the seat. If not, bring it onboard (even though you did not pay for an extra seat). I am not sure what airline you're flying, but if it's open seating, then you could secure the seat right next to you. I have done this several times, and the stewardesses have no problem (as long as the flight is NOT full). This was wonderful because it freed up a lap and he actually fell asleep in his own car seat. (Which, brings me to the point of bringing your own seat, as opposed to renting one when you get to your destination.) Your child will be more comfortable in his own seat. If he normally catches a nap in that seat, he will continue to do so. If it's new, he may be too interested in how different it is and that will keep him awake when traveling.

To help "carry" the seat around the airport, I hooked ours to the back of our stroller by connecting the tether straps together. Basically I put the seat facing me (while pushing the stroller) and connected the tether straps together over the handles. (kinda confusing, but try it out).

Now as far as entertainment on the flight - when reading online, people recommended buying a couple "new" toys. I went to the $1 store and found some cheap cars, squishy balls, etc. that really kept my child's interest. I also packed snacks that took a while to eat (goldfish, cheerios) and some favorite snacks like gummies (shaped like cars and tractors). I rarely give lolipops, but had some on hand just in case. (You may want to pack a bib for those.) In addition to this, I brought some old and new books that seemed to help.

Coloring books and stickers are an idea too, but I found they didn't keep my child interested as long as I hoped!

As a gift I received a Color Wonder book and marker that is awesome! It's 1 marker that turns the page all different colors when the marker hits it. It's awesome because you only have to worry about 1 marker and it will not work on anything other than Color Wonder paper, so you don't have to worry about it getting on anything. If you're child likes to color, this is the way to go!

Best wishes!

We survived a 4 hr flight with our daughter who was almost 2 yrs old at that time with sticker and coloring books and lots of snacks. She also liked pulling magazines in and out of the pocket and playing with the tray table. I had planned it to be at night so that she would sleep and she was sleepy but the lady across the aisle was drunk and talked loudly the WHOLE entire time.
My daughter did better sitting on our laps then sitting in her own seat. We weren't asked to use a car seat on the plane. I think they prefer for you to gate check the car seats and infant carriers but it might vary on different airlines. When we had an empty available seat next to us but when she was under two (this was on American Airlines, Southwest and United), I had to hold her on my lap during take off/landing. She's 2 now so she was required to sit on the chair during the last trip during take off and landing which she didn't like (this was on AirTran). Fortunately, even though she threw a tantrum, the other people around us didn't complain and her crying was mostly drowned out by the loud motor. We sat towards the back, which means we were in the plane longer at the end, but it was near the toilets and I think bothered less people when she was cranky. There was once the toilet became stinky (not by us). But it was cleaned quickly.
As for car seats, I have a Sit and Stroll which is a convertible car seat/stroller. This was actually recommended to me when I asked about car seats on Mamasource. I'm not sure if it is practical to buy one if you are bringing a double stroller. Maybe someone with 2 kids can address that better. But it IS nice not having to bring a car seat AND stroller. My 2 yr old ended up wanting to walk everywhere and we would leave the Sit and Stroll in the car/room and didn't use it as a stroller. But it was available if needed.
I also heard bad things about renting car seats so I've never rented personally.
There are also this things that you can put your car seat on to roll them around like a stroller.
Extra tip: Check the dimensions of your luggage and be prepared for check luggage fees. We just went on a trip in March on Air Tran who changed their luggage dimensions and ended up having to pay excess luggage size fees for EACH suitcase EACH way on top of the mandatory check baggage fee EACH way. We paid $216 round trip for 2 suitcases!!! Eek! On United (in January), the check baggage fee was for one way and the size wasn't a problem.