Flying with a toddler

[DCJenn]

I have done this way too many times now, including today. I'm glad you got him his own seat because I honestly can't imagine trying to manhandle your own stuff, his stuff and him. Besides, getting him his own seat means that one more carry-on can go underneath a seat in front of you.

1) Buy some books and toys he's never seen before. Cheap board books are always good.

2) Definitely bring your own snacks because even if he doesn't eat them, someone will.

3) bring an empty sippy cup/bottle and fill it past security. If he's using formula, I found some awesome stuff that came in a tube that you mixed with water in the bottle. Got me through Russia and the whole trip back.
(I think enfamil makes it)

4) dress him in jammies and to hell with what everyone else thinks. bring at least two more sets of jammies.

5) We've never needed the portable DVD player but I know it comes in handy for some. My personal opinion was that I didn't need one more peice of equipment to schlep through the airports of the nation.

6) We raise the bar between the seats and he invariably will just put his head down on my lap and nap for at least an hour and a half. May the nap gods be as kind to you.

Jenn

[diggitydot]

2.) Pack your own snacks/drinks, if possible. Depending on the airline, they may not be that great about helping out with the kids. Although, once on Southwest when I was traveling with all three kids by myself, the flight attendants were spectacular at helping out and giving the three stooges extra snacks and drinks. Kudos to SWAir.

All good suggestions, Wendy, but just remember that you can't bring on more than one ziploc bag full of gells/liquids.

I haven't flown since the implementation of that fun one, but I thought you could still take things that were purchased after going through the security lines. If not, then the airlines sure as hell had better be giving people, particularly those with kids, some extra leeway with their onboard service.

[MissCrabette]

You can go through security with formula or breast milk for an infant or toddler if you're travelling with one. Any other food in liquid or gel form would fall under the 3-1-1 rule, which means it has to be under 3 ounces and fit in a single 1 quart bag. Powders are fine and Jenn's idea about mixing your own Enfamil formula past the screening area is very good.

Getting water and maybe even some snacks after the security check point shouldn't be a problem in most airports, but I wouldn't count on anything more than water. I had a transfer in Vienna this weekend and the security line lead straight into the gate waiting area. The stores and the food court were all outside and they seemed to be available to all other passengers except those travelling to the US (DC and New York). Weird, I know.

Jane, Here's a good car seat carrier from One Step Ahead....



Your DH can carry the car seat on his back without this, though....just turn the car seat around so it is facing the other direction and his arms should fit through the straps.

Another tip.....make sure you and DS are the last ones on the plane! DH always boards first so he can get the carseat in place and bags put away while DS and I wait till the final call before we board. The less time on the plane, the better!

I'm sure your DS will do great on the flight. He has his grandparents to keep him occupied and the flight attendants will be oohing and ahhing over him, too!

[DCJenn]

I have a carseat that turns into a stoller. Best travel investment I've ever made.

Jenn

[ellie]

Ooh Jenn, would you share the kind of carseat you have? Definitely sounds like a worthwhile investment, especially if you travel a lot.

[Flynn]

I'm skimming -- sorry if you have already touched on this!!!

If you have a Britax -- this fits any Britax and it's AWESOME! You check it like a stroller and CHECK your stroller with the big luggage. This avoids lugging a carseat and a stroller through the airport.


http://www.theportablebaby.com/gogokidz.html


I can't tell you how many parents come up to me as we pull both kids through the airports. I had little cards made and just handed them out on our last trip.

[DCJenn]

Here's the stroller/car seat we have. in fact, we still use it as the primary car seat in Rick's car.

http://babyproducts.about.com/od/travel ... stroll.htm

I bought mine on eBay- brand new, in the box for about 50 bucks off retail.

Jenn