Traveling with 2 Y/o- Advice Please...

First of all, CALM DOWN! He will feel your anxiety. Get a good backpack to use for a carry on so your hands are free. Take a stroller. Personally, I would get the traveling done as quickly as possible, train or no train. If you have lay overs, make sure they are more than 30 mins but less than 1hr if possible. You will need time to go potty and get to your next terminal. Ask the doctor about the tubes affecting him on the flight so you know what to expect. When you have a layover, encourage him to walk instead of using the stroller so he can get extra energy out. I always carried a small foam ball too for layovers - we could sometimes find an out of the way area to play a quick game of catch and if the foam ball got out of control, it couldn't hurt anyone!! Invest in a portable DVD player if you don't already have one and don't let him watch it at all until you are on the plane. One movie per plane ride should get you there and the batteries usually last for 4 hrs. Buy some cheepy toys and again, don't let him see them until the plane ride, maybe even wrap them up like presents to open after take off. Take lots of snacks. You will have to buy drinks after security clearance, but take his sippy cup to fill up later after clearance. If you take the DVD player, you will have to remove it from your bag during security, so have it easy access. You will also have to remove your shoes, so again plan for easy on and off. Good luck. Feel free to message me with anymore questions. I live in Michigan and have family in South Texas. I've been flying alone with my kids since my son was 3mo old - They are now 8 and almost 6 and we fly at least once a year!!

I would say Non stop flight as opposed to stops - the extra going up and down with pressure changes could cause more ear problems, if your plane is late out and arriving you could miss connections - its not fun , the shorter and simpler the better in my experience. I flew with both mine aged 2 and 4 from Chicago to Sydney Australia in Feb - it wasn't fun but we made it! Take some Tylenol in case his ears flare up they cannot provide it on the plane.( I am ex cabin crew!)Sipping water or chewing on something with lots of swallowing like an apple on take off and final approach ( when seatbelt signs come on for landing) helps equalise the pressure changes in the ears, a portable DVD player with childrens headphones is a must! Goodluck!

Both of my kids love playing with a Magna Doodle board. It keeps them occupied for quite a while. Consider taking a portable DVD player so he can watch a new or favorite movie to pass the time. Make sure your son has something to drink as the plane takes off and lands to help equalize the pressure in his hears. Have a great trip!

The utmost most important thing to bring is his carseat on the plane. I have traveled many times on planes with my 4 kids (and times with all by myslef) and the toddlers just are so much easier when they are in a car seat. Its like they know they have to stay seated when strapped in. Now if you have a big convertable car seat that you say 'no way would I lug that through the airport' there is a $45 car seat that works well you could buy (I will put link at bottom.

A portable DVD is a great idea....magnadoodle...snacks.....and a new toy or two. Have his own backpack full of things just for him. And relax.....it will be OK.

Don't give benadryl to make him sleepy unless you know it works that way (makes my third son wild). You could try to make the flight during nap time....but that depends on your son and if he falls asleep easlily in other places.

Good luck!
Cosco Convertible Car Seat - Scenera (target stores, walmart are cheapest)
http://www.target.com/Cosco-Convertible-Car-Seat-Scenera/...

I hate flying too!!! I think I would try to find a direct flight period! Do you really want to get your luggage, and all that goes with that, to load it on a train, then get it again, then load it on a plane to get it yet again when you get off? Plus trying to chase a two year old? Just a thought......

The train will be noisy..........but it would be an adventure!!!

As for the baby, take toys, and definitely take snacks!!! Lots of snacks.....healthy ones if possible. He will probably fall asleep if you can time it right..........as for the flying and his ears, ask your doctor about that.........

I'm sure the 9 year old will be of assistance as well...........if he has a DS game system he can play that and maybe you can use an old cell phone or something for the two year old to play with...........I would give the 2 year old little gifts on the way......just cheap little things that if he breaks is no big deal, but will hold his attention for a bit.........you can't wrap them I don't think since you will be on a plane.........you might be able to let him up and run a bit down the aisle........but depends on the size of the plane.

Good Luck and I'm sure that things won't be as bad as you think it will be!!

Take care.