Flying with a Toddler, Advice?

[The_Polly_Roger]

So in May the "family plan" is to take our 18M old daughter (who will be 22Ms old by the time of the trip)from San Francisco Bay Area to Maine.

There are two options for the flight:

Fly directly from the Bay Area to Boston and then drive more than two hours to Maine.

or

One stopover and fly into Portland Maine and then drive less than an hour to Kennebunkport.

So my questions are as follows:

Which flight choice is better?

Do we fly during her nap time or red eye it during her normal sleep time?

Any airlines notoriously good or bad for flying with toddlers?

Any Bay Area airport better than another for this?

Car seat or not?

Own seat or not?

How to deal with new TSA rules for liquids and pastes (i.e. milk & diaper cream)?

Any experience/advice with/for a jet lagged toddler?

We have a portable DVD player so will probably bring that for the flight/drive.

Any advice or experiences welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[sunseeker]

After all the hoopla surrounding the family that got kicked off the plane because of their 3yo's temper tantrum, an expert appeared on one of the news stations to give advice...

1. They definitley said fly WITH the car seat. The child would feel more familar in it and would feel like they were in their car.

2. She definitley said invest in some children's liquid benedryl...to make them drowsy..you may want to ask you doctor about children's a motion sickness med as well...


I'll see if I can find a link to the article...

[buffettbride]

Sedatives and liquor.

My daughter was a GREAT flyer. I never strapped her in the car seat and she always stayed buckled in her seat when she needed to be. I would buy stuff for a special "travel pack" with new coloring books, crayons, snacks, books, and quiet toys and she always did great. It didn't matter if we were flying direct or had a layover somewhere. I'd kinda explain to her what was going to happen on our trip and she seemed fine with it.

My son was a horribler flyer. Keeping him strapped in the car seat while on the plane seemed like a good idea to keep him confined, but that gave his legs length to kick the seat in front of him. And he did. It is also bulky and takes up a lot of room on already too-small seats. He was on the brink of an ear infection during landing on the back-home trip and screamed for the entire decent. We were that family and I was mortified.

As for the TSA restrictions, we didn't bring any liquids and only the approved travel-size toiletries in the quart-size back. No sippy cups for milk and get travel-size diaper creme.

The portable DVD players are great I've heard. Get her a movie she's never seen before. Her schedule is gonna be all messed up anyway, so it doesn't matter when you fly really. I always preferred getting started early in the morning since that's when kiddos tend to be less-tired. I've only flown United, Northwest, and Frontier with the kids. All of them were fine. Did I mention bringing extra snacks? The good kind that you normally say "no" to are GREAT special treats and good for bribing in exchange for good behavior.

I really liked being able to gate-check an umbrella stroller. It made it easier to move in/around airports. I also like those luggage carts with seats made for kids, especially for the layover times. And again, if you feel your kiddo will stay buckled in the airplane seat belt, check that car seat instead of battling with it on the plane. I can't remember if your little one is over/under 2, but if under 2, get the extra seat anyway. You won't regret it. I think I flew ONCE with Victoria on my lap. She still was a great traveler but it's not just uncomfortable for you, but everyone on your row. I know you will want to be prepared, but the less you have to bring on the plane with you, the better.

The one thing I will swear by from now on, too, is a dose of decongestant before takeoff to help relieve the pressure (or if your kiddo still uses a pacifier, that still works, too).

[buffettbride]

After all the hoopla surrounding the family that got kicked off the plane because of their 3yo's temper tantrum, an expert appeared on one of the news stations to give advice...

1. They definitley said fly WITH the car seat. The child would feel more familar in it and would feel like they were in their car.

2. She definitley said invest in some children's liquid benedryl...to make them drowsy..you may want to ask you doctor about children's a motion sickness med as well...


I'll see if I can find a link to the article...

1. I don't think I'd EVVVVVER fly with the car seat again. I thought the same thing as the "expert" and it was a load of crap. Never again. Plus, if he goes the route of connecting flights, you have to haul that stupid car seat with you everywhere, and they aren't exactly fun to carry.

2. ABSOLUTELY!!! 1/2 tsp would be about the right dosage for children's benadryl for a toddler. it definitely wouldn't hurt and would likely take the edge off (the toddler and mom and dad ). I don't think they make motion sickness medication for ones that little, but I certainly have been wrong before.

[shakerofsalt]

After all the hoopla surrounding the family that got kicked off the plane because of their 3yo's temper tantrum, an expert appeared on one of the news stations to give advice...

1. They definitley said fly WITH the car seat. The child would feel more familar in it and would feel like they were in their car.

2. She definitley said invest in some children's liquid benedryl...to make them drowsy..you may want to ask you doctor about children's a motion sickness med as well...


I'll see if I can find a link to the article...

1. I don't think I'd EVVVVVER fly with the car seat again. I thought the same thing as the "expert" and it was a load of crap. Never again. Plus, if he goes the route of connecting flights, you have to haul that stupid car seat with you everywhere, and they aren't exactly fun to carry.

2. ABSOLUTELY!!! 1/2 tsp would be about the right dosage for children's benadryl for a toddler. it definitely wouldn't hurt and would likely take the edge off (the toddler and mom and dad ). I don't think they make motion sickness medication for ones that little, but I certainly have been wrong before.

Children's Dramamine- I have 2 pukers.

[buffettbride]

I don't think they make motion sickness medication for ones that little, but I certainly have been wrong before.

Children's Dramamine- I have 2 pukers.

Ahh. I've just never seen/looked for it before. If you have it handy, can you share the age/weight information?

Now that you mention it, I remember taking it once as a kid. I can see how it would be infinitely useful to help expedite a much-needed nap when traveling with a little one.

Victoria isn't a puker, but I'll be damned if Tony won't probably be one.

[land_shark3]

From a business traveler who often gets stuck next to that toddler, please at least listen to my suggestion.

Take a short flight somewhere... anywhere. Most cities have a region jet that goes to an airport that is only a few hours drive. Typically these puddle jumpers will be as low as $50.

If the toddler can handle the short flight, great. If the toddler cannot handle the flight, you are close enough to drive home.

Next, please keep a leash on that kid or some business traveler a few rows up may accidentally trip the child as they go running up and down the aisle.

[green1]

The only piece I can speak to is the seat portion.

Not sure if JetBlue flys from San Fran to Boston or Portland, but they reserve the first three or four rows for customers with issues. Issues being children, wheelchair, whatever.

If they have not booked solid and yo uask for it they can, and in our case have, given us an entire row.

I would go for their own seat. With the car seat. Their own space where they can sleep.

[land_shark3]

As for the TSA restrictions, we didn't bring any liquids and only the approved travel-size toiletries in the quart-size back. No sippy cups for milk and get travel-size diaper creme.

3.4 ounces or smaller...

My toiletry kit has gone from products I like to products that are made in containers of less than 3.4 ounces.

[buffettbride]

The only piece I can speak to is the seat portion.

Not sure if JetBlue flys from San Fran to Boston or Portland, but they reserve the first three or four rows for customers with issues. Issues being children, wheelchair, whatever.

If they have not booked solid and yo uask for it they can, and in our case have, given us an entire row.

I would go for their own seat. With the car seat. Their own space where they can sleep.

Haha. "Issues" That says it all 'cause that is exactly what my son is. I wish more airlines did that. It would make life sooo much easier.

[jeepgirl]

John I just flew with Gianna and definitely fly with a car seat. She is still under 2 so she doesn't need to pay. If there is an open seat next to you you can put the car seat in the seat at no extra charge. If there is not room they will take the car seat at the jet way, check it and then when you get off the plane, it there for you. Corey wasn't with me and I was fine.

[BilltheLizard]

1) I whole heartedly agree with taking a car seat.

2) I completely agree with BB's suggestion of making a special new items care package to entertain during the flight. However, I recommend making it an absolute suprise. Great for distraction.

3) Don't know if you are nursing, but be prepared to deal with pressurization. If nursing, nurse during decent as best as possible, otherwise have water or something to eat/chew on during decent.

We have never had much problem flying with either of our keets and we took them from Florida to California to China and back at ages 2 and 5. Domestic flights we went with the car seat, international we went without. All flights the keets always had their own seats.

[sonofabeach]

duct tape!!!

[land_shark3]

Has anyone but me noticed....

Other than BB, no parent ever has trouble with their child flying. Only the rest of us passengers who don't have children seem to have issues with the little noisemakers. I guess love for your own child truly does have no bounds.

[Lightning Bolt]

wLS3s

small kids should be stored in pet carriers below deck until they're old enough to sit quietly and hold my Jack/rocks while dial in my iPod

[buffettbride]

My son is the reason why some people decide never to have children.

[Lightning Bolt]

My son is the reason why some people decide never to have children.

I'm sure he's gonna be a real go-getter, Mal.
I'd prefer my kid to have some life in him rather that sit around all silent and non-expressive.

As far as flying goes, my Dad worked in the travel industry, and he promised
that if could show him that we could ACT like adults on one of our long car trips up to L.A. to see my aunt & uncle, then they'd consider taking us along
on one their annual vacation trips.
It took us about 3 years to settle down enough to even CARE enough about wanting to travel to New York or Europe.
In a way, and looking back, I think he was right.
Why haul along small kids who can't APPECIATE the trip they're going on at all?

[SchoolGirlHeart]

Which flight choice is better?
I'd fly direct. WAY less hassle, less dragging her through airports, one less descent to worry about her ears. The extra hour in the car is nothing compared to making a connection....

Do we fly during her nap time or red eye it during her normal sleep time?
tough call.... I'd lean toward the redeye

Car seat or not?
Car seat! She'll be more comfortable in semi-familiar surroundings

Own seat or not?
Own seat, absolutely, on a flight that long.

How to deal with new TSA rules for liquids and pastes (i.e. milk & diaper cream)?
Buy the small (less than three oz) diaper cream. Milk, juice, etc, can be purchased once inside the security area of the airport.

Any experience/advice with/for a jet lagged toddler?
She'll recover faster than you.... try to get her back on a schedule as fast as possible.

We have a portable DVD player so will probably bring that for the flight/drive.
Yes! But please bring headphones, so your fellow passengers don't have to listen to 2 year old entertainment.

Any advice or experiences welcome.
Benadryl. But test it out ahead of time. One of my sons was allergic to Benadryl and instead of making him chill out it make him completely hyperactive.

Thanks in advance.

[Dutch Harbor PH]

Truley it should be wifeypoo who should respond to this but...here goes:
All 3 of our kids (son now 13 YO and Twin Daughters at 11) were born and grew up early while we lived in Dutch harbor, Alaska (for you folks who are interested, it is on the island of Unalaska. The 3rd large island to the left from the Alaska Penninsula in the Aleutian island chain). All 3 had earned their MVP status with Alaska Airlines by the time they were 2yo.Each of their first flights being when they were 2 to 3 weeks old. Our/wifepoo's methods:
- Don't have great expectations about having an easy flight, nor let the prospect of a difficult flight daunt you.
- Be preparred to Punt is the basic game plan isn't working (Have some back-up ideas)
- On Assent (Going up) and Decent (going down) be preppared to have an unhappy camper. This stemms from the fact that young children (and some adults) cannot clear (or "Pop" ) their ears. Generally it is not as much of a problem going up as down. For young children, it is easiest to give them a bottle, the sucking action and the tounge against the roof of the mouth helps them to "clear" their ears. When they are old enough, gum works. You can also "blow" in their face...most kids will look into this and open their mouth...which helps clear their ears. WHATEVER you choose to do, do it EARLY...when the FA starts to get the cabin ready....or you feel the decent get the bottle, etc going...PRONTO!!!
- Don't wrap yourself around the schedule too much....kids have a way of undoing the best laid plans....be prepared to entertain your kid and keep them occupied/distracted...if you are with other family memebrs, trade off....this can be a full time job and everybody needs a break now and again! If you think that by taking a redeye that your kid will sleep and so will you....don't be surprised when your kid doesn't sleep and you wind up going 24 without sleep..!!!!
- Each of my kids enjoyed (when the aisle is clear) to walk up and down the aisle to "visit" with everone on the plane...you can ussually tell who is open to a "visit" and who is not...needless to say...don't disturb the ones who are not...
- With my son, he liked to be held by dad...while standing....so I would hang out in the galley area, somewhat out of the way, by the door and "bounce" him.
in any case, enjoy it because you will turn around one day and discover that they will be entertaining you on some long flight cross country.....

[photogal]

I was afraid of a big comotion so we went to Disney with the kids when they were 5, 8 and 11. Anything younger than 5 is iffy. And ALLLL the way across country. You are brave. Be prepared for people to hate you if things dont go well.

And make sure you get yourself a cocktail or 2...