Flying alone with 2!

[Cumberland]

Yikes! Any advice?

I have a funeral to go to, and was going to leave DD1 at home with a sitter and DH on the weekend, but my family really wanted her to come (read: Mom offered to pay for her ticket 8) ).

It is two short flights, a 45 minute layover on the way there and a 3 hour layover on the way back. I am thinking, should I bring the stroller for DD1 and baby bjorn DD2, or should I bring the snap n go stroller base so I can put the car seat on it? Should I use the portable car seat ( little tiny thing) or drag an infant carseat and a Britax? I want to bring my laptop so she can watch movies on the plane and while we are there, but that is one more big heavy thing to carry.

On another note, DH has worked five weekends in a row ( we have a six week old), is off this weekend but his parents are coming in town, works next weekend, and then is off when I will be gone with the kids. Maybe sometime in August we can see each other :|

I didn't fly with both kids that young but have flown with my kids at the age of your oldest. I think those layovers can be put to good use if you can either find a play area or an area of the airport where she can do some laps without running into anyone.

One thing that helped (I think?) was to read a book about flying, putting on the seatbelt, staying in the seat, etc. We read it every night and went over what would happen and be expected. I also pack a small amount of new crayons or markers, a new book, and some snacks including a few things she wouldn't normally get (gummy fruit things, juice box). And then just remember that you will never see any of the other passengers again in your life.

Bringing a car seat on the plane didn't help a whole lot so I gave up on that and have them use the regular belt. I would bring the baby Bjorn, and a stroller that you can gate check, and whatever car seat option you choose. If you bring the laptop, you could still put that in a diaper bag you carry on your back. I'm tired just thinking about it. But you'll do fine.

[rainbabies]

I flew with a 5 week old and a 1 year old once from Boston to Puerto Rico, then Puerto Rico to Dominica(near Martinique)

I wore the baby in a front pack and strapped the 1 year old in. I brought one of those cheep-O umbrella strollers for ds. The flight attendant can take it from you at the last minute, then have it waiting for you when you get to the door to exit. I put about 6 or 7 favorite toys away for a week or so ahead of the trip (so they would be "new" again), packed LOTS of finger foods and books. Also, my ds who was the 1 year old at the time LOVED it when I chewed gum and blew bubbles. He would sit for 20 minutes at a time in awe. So I packed pleanty of gum for myself. Also, not sure if you're bf or formula feeding....if formula feeding....make up enough bottles and bring room temp. bottled water with you to mix. Prepare yourself for fussing, crying, screaming because of ear problems and people giving you dirty looks that could kill....and the annoying people that will give you advice. When you check in, right before boarding ask if there are any empty seats. I did that for the flight from Dominica to Puerto Rico to Boston...I was 8 months preggers (HUGE) and had my 11 month old ds. I ended up in the very last row with three seats to myself. That way ds could take a rest.

Also, one other thing. When they announce the boarding for wheelchair people and people with kids...DO NOT get on first. Get on at the very end. Yes, you may get dirty looks when you shuffle thru and ask people to move....BUT your 2 y.o. will not have to sit as long and you will be thanking your lucky stars.

Good luck!

p.s. MOST people will be sympathetic to you....but of course there is that random asshole.

I agree that the early boarding with kids is just not worth it because it is that much more time for them to sit still. Unless you need room in one of the overhead bins. Everyone else can just deal.

[houseelf]

Agree with everything said here. I'm flying alone with two in two weeks (although my oldest is a pro and much older than yours).

Here are a few of my tactics.

Ask for a seat in the back near the engine to drown out the noise. Also, if things get really bad, you can hole up in the bathroom with a screaming baby if you must. (Yes, I have done this before).

Do curb side check in and send the oldest child's car seat as baggage. It doesn't count as a bag because it is considered safety gear. Make sure it is clearly marked and placed inside a plastic bag so the straps don't get caught in any of the conveyor belts.

No matter how bad things get, keep in mind it will only last for a couple of hours. Keep reminding yourself this if all hell breaks loose.

Take a backpack and pack it with diapers, snacks, sippies, and small books or quiet toys. Don't take anymore carryons than this because your hands will be full.

Pay the extra money for the direct flight if it is available.

I also recommend one of those child leashes if you have a toddler prone to running. An airport is a busy, busy place where the adults often get preoccupied with ticketing agents and the like.

Hope this helps.

Kelly

[DCJenn]

We flew from Perm to Moscow, Moscow to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to DC (that'd be Nikolai and I- daddy was waiting for us at the airport). If either of them are using formula, that pre-measured formula that comes in tubes is the greatest thing ever invented. (Enfamil makes it) Each tube makes 4 oz. and you just add water. I had the flight attendents bring me a bottle of water and then I could make it as we needed it.

Nikolai had not a clue as to who I was so I suppose that helped, but what also helped is every so often I'd bring out a toy that he hadn't seen before.

I have one of those Sit N' Stroll stroller/car seat/airplane seat things which is great. My diaper bag is a back pack (Land's End) and I used those hiking clippy things to attach all of the other misc. stuff to the bag (i.e. camera bag, toys with rings, etc.) I also had a briefcase full of our documents so I attached that to the stroller handles so I had my hands free at all times.

I also highly recommend the beer at the Red Carpet Clubs. Especially the ones in Europe where it's all free.

Jenn

[rainbabies]

My diaper bag is a back pack (Land's End)

Yes...a back pack. I have a great one from LL Bean. Hands free, side zipper (very helpful) and you can pack that sucker. Definitly USE a back pack!

I agree with Nellie about the car seat on the plane. I just used the seat belts (the carseat makes them the PERFECT height to kick the seatback in front of them).

Little "surprises" like everyone else suggested. Movies are fabulous - if your laptop is too big, you may just want to buy a portable DVD player (we got ours for $80!). Also, some airports rent them ... may want to check that ahead of time.

Don't be afraid to ask for help at the airport. Will you be flying out of Atlanta?? That place is huge!

[Sheherezade]

:!

I'm never flying again. Ever. I really hope I like it here.

My thoughts exactly.

I agree about the car seats. I've never used them on the plane. I'd check them through. You could go with a full sized stroller if you'd like. I think they check either kind at the gate and you would be able to jam all the junk in the bottom of the stroller for the layovers and walking through the airport.

Since Luanne hasn't checked in....I'll bring up the Benadryl. [/code]