Traveling with a One Year Old by Myself, Help!

Fly with a little one can be an adventure. I flew a lot with my daughter the first couple of years after she was born. My best advise is travel as light as you can. If you have the stroller, and car seat at the end dont bring one. I dont know with all the new added rules to flying, but if you can curb side check in is so worth the tip. I used a snugglie baby carrier to haul my daughter through the airport. I also liked using a backpack as my carry on/diaper bag, it kept my hands free. Depending on your little girl I loved using a dvd player and we would watch Baby Einstein towards the end of the flight. I couldn't use headphones, but we listened to it very low and had no complaints. ( I figured classical music over screaming was preferable) Bring a small lovey if your daughter likes one, a favorite book or two, lots of finger snacks and a new toy or two. ( Can you believe I fit this all in one backpack) Forgive me if this is too redundant I didnt read all the other posts. I'm sure it was mentioned to try to offer up a bottle on take off and landings, to help with the ears. Also both of you wear shoes that are easy to take on and off. I even would just carry my daughters shoes in the pack till I would get through the gate. You will encounter every kind of passenger, those that will be very helpful and kind and then the ones that glare at you. Just do your best to keep your little one happy and most people give you kudos for trying, ignore the others. If you think your bag will fit in front of you its kind of a pain, but I would wait till the last to board because my daughter hated the confined space, but if your little girl is ok with hanging on your lap and if you have need for overhead storage board the plane when they call for people with kids. Most of all relax as much as you can, your daughter will cue off you. Good luck and have a great trip.

Sounds like you are getting most of my ideas, new toys, new snacks.
One thing. Don't stress. Your child will feel it and feed off of it. You won't see these people again, so don't worry about what they think. Flight attendants, in my experience are really pretty good with kids. I just flew with my 4 yr and 5 month old. Security isn't too bad. Just know, if you take a stroller, you have to take the kid out and send it through the xray machine. Ha ha, stroller, not kid!
I borrowed a car seat at my destination. So much easier. I took the stroller and I prefer having it in the airport, easier for me. Just check it at the gate.
Also I learned a tip this last trip. Can't promise it will work but here goes. Have your husband or someone get a security pass to get through security to help you to the gate. My hubby got one and it saved me. Coming home they gave my dad one to help me. Just ask at the ticket counter when you check your luggage.
Good luck! I love Michigan. Your child will love the colored light walkway in the airport.

I take the stroller for the stuff and carry the baby in a baby carrier. We take one new toy that hasn't been seen before. Usually the magazine in the pocket in front is enough entertainment. We have a few toys, usually favorites that fit in the diaper bag. I have gone without the stroller and do prefer it if I have the others with me, but it seems to be easier if it's just me and the baby. I don't take the car seat unless they can tell me I have a really good chance at getting it on the plane. If you play it right, they "reserve" a seat for the baby. Don't plan on it, though. You can get ear numbing drops if your little one has a history of ear infections. Food has always made the best entertainment for us, especially if you take a special treat. GL! It's not as bad as expected after you do it once or twice, so next time will be much easier!

Sorry, I can't read all the other responses, but here is my advice:
Put the baby in a front/back carrier through the airport. I always use the Ergo because there is no metal and I don't have to take him off through security. DON'T bother with the stroller through the airport if you have one where you are going. Check as much as possible, hope you have someone that can help you at the airport both ways? Strollers, carseats do not count as extra baggage charge-wise. For carry on - diaper bags don't count for the number of carryon you have, but if you can limit it to just the diaper bag, all the better.
Try to have it be time for a nap when you are flying, so much easier to deal with a passed out baby! :) Also, have a bottle ready (you can have liquids for babies through security, just tell them it is in there) for take off and landing, just in case the pressure gets to her. My son hasn't reacted, but I know that some do. Try easy snacks, crumby more than mushy - I take crackers, Mum-Mums, just finger type stuff. Toys are okay, but remember that they will get tossed down, so don't bring the unreplacable toy out. A new fun toy that she hasn't seen before could be good, the magazine in the front pocket or a newspaper is what my son always wants - to rip up. I let him because it keeps him happy and quiet.
I tend to have my son sit facing me, as if he was still in the carrier, I can interact with him and if he gets drowsy, I just hold him in that position - just watch the leg in the aisle. I hope this helps, and good luck!

Hi L.,

I have traveled 4 times with my infant daughter on my lap (3 of those times by myself). She is now one and we just flew 2 weeks ago. The best bet is to bring an umbrella stoller that you can take right up to the gate and then they ticket it there and you have right when you get off the plane too. I would recommend snacks that are easy for your child to eat and can be packaged separately. Window seats are the best. If you need formula or water in bottles store them in separate containers. The security will test the water/liquids when you get through. You have to tell them about the baby bottles. Change of clothes is always good for your diaper bag. My daughter loved a few books, coloring, and the magazines that are on the plane.

Hope this helps a little. You will have a great flight, but it is exhausting.

Good Luck,

A.

Relax.
I have traveled many times with my little ones by myself-
A few NEW toys- small quiet things are great (Dollar Tree)-color wonder has some small mini coloring books. A book or two
I also get paper cup and plastic spoons/ straws to keep the little ones busy along the way- playing with a cup and piece of ice can take up a good 20 min on the airplane.
I have always used my regular stroller up to the gate-
I have done both checked car seat as luggage- DD hated her car seat and checked it as luggage. With DS he like being in a car seat so I checked it at the gate. I have also rented/ borrowed a car seat depending on where I was going and how much stuff I had to take.
A baby bonjor(SP?) can go through security with the kid in it:)
*Know where you pack everything so you can feel into you bag and grab the wipes, the Ziploc bag with apple/cheese slices, the lollypop for landing-something to suck on to pop the ears, etc.. (*lolly pops just made me sticky-my DD would like it then touch me, try sticking it up my nose, into my hair etc.. and my kids crunched through them- as my DS got older carrots worked better)
*Waiting for the plane ask if they have a kid play area- many airports do DIA has one on the second floor by the sport bar/restaurant
*Keep you Little one moving burn up the energy- play jumping games- jump over the straw, etc...
*I always pack in two bags a second pack of wipes and an extra diaper and a extra shirt for me in the diaper bag (I have been barfed on and it was so nice to be able to change when you still have 6 hours left of flying) (CO-NY)
*Make some fruit loops and cheerio necklace (on dental floss) to snack on that will not get spilled.
*When you get on the plane I have found it a great help to ask the person in front of you or behind you to please carry a bag on to the plane- the asiles are so narrow getting a purse, diaper bag and a toddler help is nice.
*When you get on you can ask for a bottle of water/ apple juice to fill the sippy cup/bottle before taking off (I just ask when I go by for when they get a chance to bring it to me)
Lately I have traveled with a double stroller (back seat bags and 2 car seat) front seat toddler and infant in the front pack and my preschool has to walk, and with the 'free' hand I can pull the rolling luggage with a carseat strapped on top. I hate getting on and off the bus to the car rental place!!

L.,

We travel all the time and have since our kids were just a couple of month old. Bring some toys that she likes, but aren't too noisey - and bring something new, that way it'll keep her attention for a longer time. My kids usually slept a bit and liked to eat snacks.

I am opposite of most on here in that I didn't ever bring a stroller. They were cumbersome (even the umbrellas) and always in my way or someone elses. I WOULD, however, highly recommend a hip-carrier. It was a lifesaver for me and my 1 yr old when I traveled alone with her. I have my hands free, she is close to me and not under foot or wandering off. She can see everyrhing and it folds up like a fanny pack when she's not in it. It worked great at the airport, mall, where-ever! We even used it when we went to home shows and stuff here in Denver so as not to have a stroller.

Enjoy your trip - she'll be fine! OH, we sang quite a bit when we went too - I didn't think anyone could hear me over the airplane noise until we reached our destination (NY) and the guy behind me complimented me on our songs! LOL

God Bless-
C.

You can do this! My hubby is a soldier & has yet to fly anywhere with us & I've gotten quite accomplished at solo w/kids travel.
Take your stroller! Unless there's not space in the vehicle that's picking you up. I've traveled before w/an infant & a 2 year old & the stroller saved my life (& when my wheel fell off, the strangers from my flight saved it even more!). Even if you carry your daughter, you can throw the diaper bag in the stroller & wheel that. The less you've got to carry yourself, the better off you are. My boys are travelin' fools-they've already logged more flight hours (10+) at 8 & 5 than I had by 21. I'm not sure how they do formula now-if you've got to take powder & get water from them or what, but I've always packed all of my trip's bottles (usually a day was 8 or so depending on Baby's age) in the diaper bag just in case our luggage got lost. I had several pacifiers on hand just in case I lost one. Pack her a meal, plus a snack an hour (all just in case). Take whatever drinks they'll let you take for her. I always flew to family & they always either had a Mom's car carseat & Dad's car carseat or Grandma had one for her house so I didn't bother taking a carseat (just another thing to haul). I had 2 changes of clothes (I took the industrial-sized diaper bag, can ya tell?), toys to last for hours-some new ones from the dollar store for variety & to combat boredom, 2 travel containers of wipes, at least 10 diapers (again, never know what you'll run into), blankets to cover him/them up with, blankets to wipe funk with. Take fruity snacks, cracker snacks-a variety. Don't forget snacks for mom & some colored chapstick or lipgloss, plus some face color (foundation or powder) so you don't feel like you look like you spent 3 hours flying w/a baby yourself-you can psyche yourself into feeling better w/some lipcolor & face cover (or skip the face & just do the lipcolor & some scented lotion-tiny travel bottles)
Are you talking about taking the infant carrier carseat? Don't if you can help it, or take the stroller too. I tried that once & just had somebody find me a carseat to borrow at my destination after that. It was too much to haul by myself.
You can do this! Go early & take cash. Give yourself enough time to get through security-take her in socks & wear slip-on shoes yourself because of security checkpoints. Don't forget to call the night before to check flight status & remind them that you're traveling w/an infant (check procedures & guidelines one last time too-what you can/can't bring, just in case). Stuff everything in the diaper bag so that you don't have to empty pockets-you can put it all back in your pockets after you go through security. Go right away to the gate counter so you can check in & get your stroller/carseat gate check ticket. After you're done, go wander the concourse, get a drink & meal (that's where the cash comes in-easier than keeping track of credit cards) & breathe. You can do it!

If you have a car seat/stroller combo, I have found those to work really well in the airport. Then I put my diaper bag or purse under in the basket. Airlines will check both car seats and strollers at the gate and give them back to you at the gate at your destination. The best trick I ever learned was that even though you haven't paid for a seat for your baby, if the plane is not full, they will let you use a seat for your baby if they can arrange two empty seats next to each other. Go to the gate a little early and ask if they have any open seats as you are travelling with an unticketed baby. If they have an open seat, definitely bring the car seat on the plane with you. My kids do much better when they're in their car seats. If you don't have a travel system, I would still bring a stroller for the airport & check it at the gate. Then I would look into carriers for your car seat - they have some that you zip the car seat into and then there's a strap to help you carry it through the airport. If there are no extra seats on the plane, you can just check it at the gate. Good luck!

L. M,

My name is C. and I have seven kids and just recently took a trip. So I will tell you what worked for me and what didn't. I brougt a little unbrella stroller at my husbands request and I am so glad I did. It folds up tiny and you can use it up to the time you climb the steps to the plane. They will tag it for you and pack it in the storage area of that same plane, so you will have it when you get off. About her sitting in your lap, you can go to onestepahead .com and get a baby buckle that straps her to your lap if you want. I didn't I just played with Emma and held her an really enjoyed the time with her. There was quite a bit of turbulance on the way home but it didn't bother her. You could use a belly pack also instead I think that would work the same. About snacks and toy. they let you bring a diaper bag, but all the baby food needs to be in a see through zip lock. Most important though is during take off and desent. you need to have a bottle ready. My baby had trouble with her ears adjusting, as long as she was nursing during these times she was fine. For toys I would bring bright colored toys that will fit in the diaper bag, and probably not noisy one, alot of people do business while they fly. If she needs entertainment, well that would be you lol. With you and her a baby bag and a carry on that shouldn't be to much for you I hope. And good news all the fights I took let mom's go first on the plan so they could get set down and organized. Enjoy this trip and really enjoy the time with your baby.

Mommy of 7
Colorado

I've traveled tons of times by myself with my kids who are now 1 1/2 and 3. I would get an umbrella stroller, it's a lifesaver. WalMart has one that about 20 bucks and it has basket underneath, folds really flat. If you take formula, mix it first and carry an insulated bag. TSA is pretty good about letting you take in liquids for babies/toddlers, but they did make me throw away a bottle of water and I had to buy more to mix my son's formula. Allow plenty of time going through security and just ask the agents to help if you decide to get the umbrella stroller, they are really good about it. Southwest WILL NOT let you board first, hope you're not flying them. They wouldn't let me on early with 2 little kids and a stroller. Something to drink on take off and landing really important. I also pack a new little toy or book that I give them when we get on the plane. Definitely have a change of clothes, and maybe even an extra shirt for yourself. One trip my son puked all over my husband, which was hilarious to me, because he finally got a taste of what I go through. I also used my baby sling to just wrap around them so they were secure on my lap. Hopefully she'll sleep most of the time. Last thing, usually we are going to visit grandparents and both sets purchased a car seat, so once the kids were out of the infant carrier, we don't have to bring that which helps tremendously. Finally try to stay relaxed and go with the flow, don't worry about making people wait who are behind you. I say it's only a lot of trouble if you think its trouble. Have a great trip!

My son, now 3, has traveled many times to MI from CO by plane. Once it was just him and I, when he was just under 2yo. Here are my thoughts:

* YES, bring a stroller. Just get a cheap umbrella one if you don't want the extra bulk. You will be glad you did.
* Travel around naptime if at all possible. Most times my son would fall asleep in the plane, although we have had a 3 hour leg when he didn't.
* We brought a portable DVD player, although your daughter may be a little young for it. If she pays attention to videos at home, bring it.
* Crayons and a brand new coloring book. Just a couple colors and a thin book should do at her age.
* a couple of books to read.
* Stickers are GREAT!
* one favorite stuffed animal and a thin, small blanket.
* snacks that she LOVES (even if they aren't the kind you would normally serve)
* juice boxes and water. (yes, you can bring these. go through the "family" check in security line at DIA)
* Tylenol just in case - you don't want to get stuck on a 3 hr ride and need it and not have it. Make sure it is new and sealed so you can travel with it.
* are there any small toys your daughter would enjoy that she normally can't play with cuz she is too little? for my son it was matchbox cars. We brought those knowing he would be on my lap the whole time. He loved them.
* Pull up diapers - much easier to change in an airplane bathroom.

We actually traveled a couple of days before his 2nd bday and he was on my lap. It was harder for me, because he was so big at that point, but it really wan't too bad. It is a fairly short flight. You will be tired at the end of it....contstant talking and entertaining, unless she falls asleep...but, trust me, it is a lot easier than doing that drive with a 1 yo! :o) You will do well. :o)

I just got back from a trip by myself with my 2 1/2 year old daughter, and did some travelling around the 1 year point. Here's what I like: Stroller - can use it to toss bags and carseat in when moving around the airport. We actually use our big jogging stroller with the free front wheel and they just hand check it through security (which means no folding!). Kid - I used a pocket sling for the baby until she was big enough to walk well on her own. If it doesn't have buckles, you can wear her through security, though you will have to take off her shoes! I even kept her on for bathroom stops. Plus people think it's so cute - and that helps you get more help! Water - you can take water for the baby through security!! And you can take an empty water bottle to fill at a water fountain. Snacks - bring lots. Toys - I bought a couple of new things at Target, but made sure they were quiet things. (Big hit this time - Matchbox cars) I'm guessing you've heard the sucking at take off and landing trick to help their ears. If I need it, I often ask the flight attendant to fill up whatever bottle or cup I have before we even take off. Good luck and safe travels!

We have 2 babies, ages 11 months and 28 months. We have travelled several times with them and it is never fun. . . sorry! What I have found is that what works one trip doesn't work the next due to the fact that they change so quickly. If I had one child at age one, I would definitely get a child carrier backpack. Kelty makes a great one (we bought it for $15 on Craigslist). The backpack we bought has no metal parts so you can wear your child through security. Also, it has a "stand" that pops out so that the you can take the back pack off and just "stand" the child in the backpack while you use the restroom or whatever. You have two hands free for luggage. As long as you have a stroller at destination, this should work well for you. Good luck!

L.-
I don't know if this is really helpful but I travel quite often with my children (3 boys), I have family out of state and visit them probably once a year without my husband. This is what I do but I know it is not for everyone.
I am a minimalist and try to travel light. There is nothing worse than trying to chase a one year old with all of your luggage plus a bag of toys! There are songs and hand games that don't require "stuff"!
The stuff I do take are favorite books (Mother Goose is good with lots of stories in one), a ball or car (the rolling game is fun), a magna-doodle or other neat drawing thing, and any other favorite toy. I also like to have a couple of snacks, crackers, fruit, something special if they are really good. I try to keep it to things that can fit in the diaper bag we are already carrying. In the airport there are so many great distractions, I try to keep things (except the ball/car) in the bag until we are sitting in the plane. We use the ball when we are waiting to board and have to wait in the seating area.
For formula, if it is a powder, I would put it in the bottle and just add water whenever it is needed. The TSA seems more understanding of little ones and shouldn't make you toss everything, you may call ahead of time or check online as regulations are constantly changing.
I say go without the stroller and just use the carrier, I get there early and let the kids walk, they are happiest doing this anyway. They like to look around and check stuff out, this is a big adventure for them. When you check your luggage they will take your car seat and bag it for you.
Another thing that some airlines will let you do is have whoever is picking you up get a pass (at the ticketing desk) that will allow them through security. That way, when you are ready to collapse at the end there is someone to help you. Really you can do this leaving too, if someone could walk you to the gate it is wonderful. This person just needs a Drivers License, as far as I remember.
Finally, I think be prepared. At some point you are going to get frustrated, it is hard. Most people are pretty understanding and just keep that in mind and give yourself a break. Kids are kids and you can't control it all.
Best of luck, I hope it can be a fun adventure for you both!
A.

I flew a lot with my daughter in her first year of life. There were always people who were patient and willing to help regardless of where we were which was a huge relief. During one flight I was nursing my daughter and she kept kicking the man sitting next to me. I was embarrased and apologized, he just smiled and told me he had 3 kids at home.

I loved travelling with my stroller, I've seen many people take carriers and umbrella strollers but you have to take off the carrier (and your child's shoes) at security so it's a challenge either way but at least with the larger stroller you can stuff all your carry-ons in it. With many airlines, even if you haven't paid for an extra seat for your child you can ask them to reserve the seat next to you if the flight isn't very full and take the carseat on board(just ask when you check-in if you will be able to bring your child's carseat aboard, if they are unsure yet then you can take your carseat down to the gate and have them gate-check it with your stroller if there isn't room). This is a lifesaver for older, more active infants such as your daughter probably is now. Your carseat must be approved for airtravel though and it will tell you on the carseat if it is.

You can take any foods your daughter will eat and any liquids/formula that you will need through the duration of the flight. You have to take all those out of your bag to declare them at the security check point. Also, any diaper rash ointment, baby lotions, etc. must meet security standards with regards to size and be packaged in a ziplock and taken out of your diaper bag at the checkpoint in order to declare it.

Try to stick to your regular schedule with regards to feedings and diaperings. Travelling can make your daughter a bit dehydrated so be sure to buy water just past the checkpoint or ask the flight attendant for extra water for your daughter. My daughter always ended up sleeping much more than I'd expected which was also good for a peaceful flight. Be aware that taking off and landing (the decent as well) will be tough of your daughter's ears...make sure she is either drinking something she really likes (watered down juice, formula, breast milk) or snacking on something she can chew at these times so that her ears will adjust without pain for her.

12 month olds don't need a lot of planned activities..just the adventure of flying on a plane and what happens there is pretty fun...also playing with the loud peanut bags, or you reading to her will be fun. Aside from that, make sure you have a favorite stuffed animal and/or blanket and you
will be just fine. Ask the flight attendants for any help you might need...like watching her briefly while you use the bathroom on the plane. Don't be afraid to ask for help or take it when it's offerred (if you feel you can trust them). I once had someone offer to hold my daughter for me...not comfortable with that I asked them if they could grab my stroller and carseat down from the gate-check cart instead. Good luck and have fun!

P.S. Don't forget to take your daughter's Birth Certificate with you. THey don't always ask for it but you don't want to be without it in case they do. I had a lady with the airline tell me my daughter looked too big to be only 12 months old (which was really ironic seeing as she was always in the 3rd percentile as in infant/toddler).

first? take a deep breath- You'll be fine! people are very aware of how hard it is to travel with a little one all by yourself so you'll find that a lot of people will offer to help you as they see you struggling to get through the check point. That being said- if your carseat fits into your stroller I'd do both. You can check both at the gate of the flight- just get tags from the flight personel at the counter where you're flying out of. that way you'll have the carseat while you're out of town, and your stroller for the both airports (the trip out and back) pushing a stroller and pulling luggage gets tough, but if you can check everything (at curbside check in- it's totally worth it, just tip them a couple bucks) but a back pack for a carry on you'll be fine! I do think having your little one in a stroller is best for the airport because then they can't run away while you're juggling everything else. just make sure you've got enough formula for: the time before the flight while you're waiting in the airport, enough for the flight itself, and the amount you'll need until you arrive at your final destination, and extra if you have any layover that a flight might be delayed on. A pacifier works well (if she likes one) for helping her equalize her ear pressure during take off and landing. If she's not a pacifier baby do the bottle during those times. Also you can yawn in hopes that she will yawn as well. When I flew with my little one by myself several times, I noticed that he was just as happy as I acted, if I started getting worried/stressed, they'll notice and reciprocate your emotions. He loved the take off and landing because I was telling him what was going on ex: "it's going to be bumpy are you hanging on tight??" things like that get them siked for it. And just bring what ever other munchies your little one likes. I also suggest buying maybe one little book and one little toy that you don't let her see until you're flying. (if she forgets things you could let her pick these out at the store a week or two before just hide them well until you leave) Bringing one favorite blanket/stuffed animal will help her sleep too :) hope this helps- email me if you've got questions- ____@____.com
You'll be fine- no worries :)

obviously don't bring liquids, but formula in a clear bottle should be okay, I hope.

This site has a lot of advice from an experienced flier wtih kids:

http://www.trekaroo.com/traveltips/tip/baby-travel-in-the...