Flying with 21Mth Old for Fist Time

We flew to Utah when my oldest was about that age and it was a lot easier than I had anticipated. She was so excited about all the new stuff on the plane and looking out the window that we really didn't even have to get out much of the stuff that we had brought for her. I would recommend bringing along a few old favorite toys but also some new things that he hasn't ever seen before. We had great fun with a magnadoodle. Also, be aware of little parts and pieces that can easily be drop and lost. They are not easy to recover on a plane. I don't remember if we could bring snacks or not but I think it was ok. You could probably look it up on the airline's website. One thing to be aware of is his little ears. Most people don't have a big problem with ears popping but some do so it is good to be prepared for it. The best thing to do is to give him something to chew on or suck on while you are taking off and landing. So give him his sippy cup or something that he can and will knaw on while you are changing elevations. We didn't have any problems with motion sickness but you can get things to help prevent that as well if you think it will be a problem.

We just returned from two trips, one to Philly and the other to NYC. You can take anything on the plane for your child. This includes milk, juice, any type of snack (pudding, crackers, etc), and I even took it in his own special cup. It all just has to be for him. (Like you can't bring on a Pepsi and claim it's for him.) You can use an ice pack to keep items cool. The first trip, I used a separate lunch bag for all his snacks and drinks, with an ice pack. The second trip, I just threw it all in the backpack. You are also allowed 3 carry-ons. The rule is a carry-on and personal item, but since you have a youngster with you, it's a carry-on, personal item, and "diaper bag".

Some TSA agents asked if I had liquid items to "declare", and I would tell them about these items. Others just let it go through since my son was with me. I guess they just understood.

I had contacted the TSA personally to verify all the rules and have an e-mail from them if you would to see it. Let me know, and I can send you a personal message.

Also, to go through the machines, you have to take your child's shoes off too! Ha!

As far as entertainment, I just made sure we had lots of snacks and something for him to drink. I also took toys and puzzles that he had not seen before. There is a great Melissa and Doug puzzle that has hinged doors. When he opens the door, each one has another magnetic piece behind it (like a dog behind the doghouse door).

Good luck and stay positive. Tons of people travel with children. Don't let the negative travelers get to you!

Take care!

Make sure you have a copy of his birth certificate to show proof of age! You can brings all the snacks you want always keeps mine occupied. My daughter likes to color, so that keeps her contained to my lap pretty well.

You can take snacks on the plane. I agree with the backpack idea, load it up with things your child likes to do ~ colorbooks, reading books, etc. You can put the snacks in there so that you have it all together, including diapers/wipes. I always traveled with my children in their own seat (yes, I paid extra to have them in their carseats for additional safety) and found they slept some of the trip. And do watch for the ears - they need to yawn, chew, suck or something to pop their little ears. Hope your trip goes well.

My husband and I have flown many flights and have seen many families with small children flying with us. Usually they have brought books to read, coloring books, small age appropriate games, and DVD players. As for snacks, you can pretty much bring any kind of snack you'd like that is not a liquid or a gel (pudding or yogurt). Do bring some gum or have something he can suck on or drink that will cause him to swallow while ascending and descending. I have always had to chew gum to get my ears to pop, while my husband is okay with out it. Just put everything in a backpack that will fit under the seat, in case there isn't any room over head. I hope the trip is enjoyable for you. Good luck and God Bless.