Experience Taking Toddler on Plane?

My baby is 7 months old and we have flown with him on 2 seperate occasions. He doesn't mind the plane one bit. Sits in our lap just fine every time. Make sure you get the baby some wings from the flight attendant to put in your baby book. We have never given him any type of medication. We have fed him going up and down so his ears would pop - same concept as chewing gum for adults. Past that it has been an easy pain free experience would choose it over driving anytime!

I just flew this week with my 14 mo old. I bought a seat and carried on his car seat. Glad I did, as he did not squirm or scream to be let down. If he had been in my lap, he prob would have. With a few exceptions, he did not think of it too differently than a car ride, and he knows he can't move during those. If he still takes a bottle, bottles are good for take off and landing, although my son did fine without on one leg of the trip. Lastly, take a couple of new toys that he has not played with before. Lots of crackers too. Good luck.

There are so many tips to traveling with toddlers on planes. How long is the flight? And does it look like it will be a full flight?
I don't like to pay for an extra seat unless I have to. But I also don't like my squirmy toddler elbowing every tender spot on my person for longer than 2 hours. Every toddler is different and you'll have to decide based on your child AND your disposition. My older daughter.. I had few problems, I could bring some new library books and one new Barbie outfit and she would sit sedately. My younger daughter never stops moving, even when she is giving you a cuddle her leg is swinging. The only successful plane ride for her is one where she has her own seat and can play on the floor and sit on the seat. The first plane trip might be so exciting for your son you may have no need for other distractions but in case you want some backup here are a few things you might want to take onboard: an empty non-spill sippy cup, an iPod or other portable music player (with some of his favorite tunes), some books, small toddler puzzles or any fine motor skill toys.

Hi M.,

The best thing when traveling by plane is paying the extra money and get the child his own seat. We traveled to Florida when my son was 15 months old and got him his own seat. It was great as he had his own space. Also no one else was next to us so we didn't have to worry about a stranger sitting on the same line of seats and being bothered by our son. Again we traveled to Texas a few months ago,when he was 22 months, and again got him his own seat. Much easier than trying to keep him on our laps. My suggestion is if you have the money go for the seat.

Mom of a 25month old, and wife to a great man, thinking of relocating to Texas sometime next year.

We have had our daughter on a plane since she was 3 months old. Having your kiddo on your lap isn't too bad if the ride is shorter and they aren't squirmy. The decogestant will help. Also Similisan ear drops help. It numbs the ear and really helps. I still use it for my 4 year old. If possible when you check in see if there is anyone booked in your aisle. If not sometimes they will let you take the car seat on and use the extra seat at no extra cost. The kiddo will be able to sit next to the window and you will be comfortable! Good luck. Oh and also remember, when you travel with a kid you can usually board early. BONUS!!

My 2 year old has traveled four times by plane since 6 weeks old. We've purchased a seat every time except the first flight but were lucky to get to take her infant seat onboard and use a seat.

The only safety concern I can think of is if the plane hits turbulence. Just hold on to your son even when the flight seems to be going along fine. Planes can hit turbulence unexpectedly (it's happened to me on a few occasions) and people go flying in the aisles. If your son isn't secured in your lap, he, too, could get bounced around.

Even when purchasing a ticket, my daughter wants to sit in my lap on flights. I appreciate having the extra seat though so I can strap her in at least some of the flight. She wants to get down and run in the aisles, so it's difficult for me to keep her in my lap when she's ready to get down.

I've never heard about giving a toddler decongestant on a flight, but since your son has a history of ear problems, maybe that's why. My daughter hasn't had a problem so far (we're going again next weekend so I hope I don't jinx it!). We always have given her something to drink on take off and landing. I'm not sure how that will work now with carryon regulations, but we'll ask the flight attendant for something if we can't carry anything on-board. I think it's supposed to be worse on landing.

Good luck with your trip!!

if your child's ear tubes are functioning, he CAN'T experience ear pain during a flight. ear pain is caused by the pressure not being relieved during pressurization in the cabin. if the tubes are in and open, there will not be any change of pressure in his middle ear space and he won't experience any discomfort. if the tubes are not open, that is a different story. typically you just need to make sure that he drinks a lot on the way down. this opens the euastacian tube and allows the ear to pressurize.

as far as a seat, we have never purchased for our child but always told the person working the desk that we were flying with an infant. most of the time they were very helpful and put us in a row with an empty seat. the extra space is HEAVEN!

have fun on your trip!