baby backpack phil and teds image
Courtenayj
Just needing some tips on flying from Auckland to Bangkok direct with a very active 3 year old and a 14 month old that has to sit on my lap and always likes to get down and move and I am flying alone HELP!!!!!!!!!Please
Also needing to know I have a Phil and teds stroller( a little bit bulky) do you know if the airlines will let me take it through the gates as I have no help with the kids and are there any people at the airport to help??????????Is there anywhere for my younger boy to sleep he is quite big and last time my younger boy was only 9 months and small and he couldn't fit in there stink bassinette
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I've flown about the same distance when mine were about the same age. I've also done it with three, the two youngest about that age.
Yes, you can take the stroller. I used to see absolute monster strollers coming to the door of the aircraft and I've never heard of anyone being forced to check them. Can you fold it up and put it on the belt? That would be their only excuse to refuse it. It will be gate-checked, meaning that you'd leave it at the door of the plane and it will be there when you arrive (strollers are handled with the wheelchairs).
Don't mention it at check-in. If they do say something, point out that you're alone with two small children and ask nicely to have a supervisor brought over. I did this once when Air France was not going to give back my stroller for a connection. Taking it to the gate was NOT in question. It was changing planes in Paris that was. I had *three* small children (4 months, 2 & 4) and I had a supervisor brought over who then let me take it.
You can call the airline but often the story over the phone is different than the one at check-in... (experience speaking!)
I actually found it easier to use a single stroller and then have the baby in a carrier. I used a sling because it carries them up to age 2-3 and was much more comfortable and useful than those front packs that hung off my shoulders (ouch!) I could get through security eaiser. Sometimes the older one would walk, then the little one could go in the stroller or the stroller was used for bags.
For getting through customs, I would fold the stroller, throw it on the luggage cart with the bags, keep the baby in the carrier and make the older two (or one, before I had the third) walk.
No, don't count on getting any help at the airport. Basically, there are so many families flying, the ground staff has to prioritize the handicapped passengers first. When I was a F/A, I'd call to ask for help for families and was refused every time. No one to spare, they'd tell me. Once in awhile, I'd get them to take a family *with* a handicapped passenger (no, they weren't travelling together) but that's all I could ever manage. So you'd have to simply be lucky...and not hurry off the flight at arrival!
At 14 months, your younger baby is probably too big for the sky cot but do check with your airline. I was able to put my year-old son in a Lufthansa bassinet but initially had been told he'd be too big. He was at the limit. These cots are not standardized at all! They vary depending on the airline and aircraft.
The only way to fly safely with a baby is to have his own seat and to bring the car seat along. Commercial air travel in general is safe so babies are allowed in laps since the statistical risk of anything going wrong is so low.
You can also ask at check-in if it's possible to get a free seat next to you. Bringing the seat kind of solidifies your arguement and if you don't manage it, the seat can be gate checked with the stroller. I can tell you that the fuss of getting the car seat to the aircraft is worth the peace it gives me onboard. My children sleep much better in their familiar seat.
You have to check with your airline if your seat is approved to use onboard. A lot of it depends on the nationality of the carrier. Call the airline and see how full the flight is.
There are a lot of gizmos to get carseats to the gate, including one that you can wear like a backpack and some where the baby can ride in the carseat like a stroller (and then you can check the big one).
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
Decide what works for you. Some parents are able to bungee cord their car seats on to the stroller. I use a simple metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord. Try it at home first!
Just some other odd tips;
-Try to sit in the "bulkhead" seats, those with a wall in front, even if you can't use the bassinet.
-Bring about 1/3 more diapers than you think you'll need...at least! Put them in plastic bags, make at least two "packages" and wrap them with rubber bands to pack them more easily.
-Learn to change them standing up. Practice at home first! This will make it easier and faster, plus, you wont have to search around for baby changers. Toddlers hate to lie down in strange places and I use the handicapped lavs instead.
-Bring a change of clothes. Do the same trick with the plastic bags and rubber bands to save space in your bag.
-Bring a lot of snacks. Don't worry about security. If it's not allowed, they simply take it from you. I've never had this happen.
-Bring empty sippy cups to use onboard.
-If your younger baby still uses bottles, use the kind with disposable liners. Airplanes have bad sinks for washing bottles.
-Make sure the bottles don't have to be warmed. It's not necessary and pain to do while travelling in general.
-Consider ordering special meals. Kids usually hate the standard fare.
-Bring brand new toys to surprise them with onboard. These keep them occupied.
-If you opt to use a portable DVD player, make sure they're used to wearing the earphones, or can watch it without sound.
- Talk to your older child about security and that he has to put all his things on the belt. My kids are fine with flying but security can be intimitating for any child. This is an American site but you might still find it helpful;
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
-Please don't worry too much about ears. I rarely saw any problems when I worked and never had any with my own kids and I never did anything special.
Many flying tips say to make the child suck on something or drink during take-off and landing. This isn't accurate. ENT specialists say to have the child awake about an hour before landing (top of descent, landing or touch-down is too late). I can confirm that is when I saw problems at work. Take your children to the doctor in the last few days before you fly to make sure their ears are clear and infection-free. Heathy ears can handle pressurization changes.
If either or both of your childen fall asleep during take-off, there is no reason to wake them/him. Please don't worry!
About eight years ago I wrote an article for a local newsletter. This is entirely non-commercial information and I have both the practical and professional experience of working on board airplanes. I saw what worked and what didn't! My third child at 3 1/2 has just completed her 7ths transatlantic round trip and I've been alone with them on all of those, plus all but one of the trips with her older brother and sister.
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
I hope you're able to get to a beach in Thailand. Sooooo beautiful! Have a great time!
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I've flown about the same distance when mine were about the same age. I've also done it with three, the two youngest about that age.
Yes, you can take the stroller. I used to see absolute monster strollers coming to the door of the aircraft and I've never heard of anyone being forced to check them. Can you fold it up and put it on the belt? That would be their only excuse to refuse it. It will be gate-checked, meaning that you'd leave it at the door of the plane and it will be there when you arrive (strollers are handled with the wheelchairs).
Don't mention it at check-in. If they do say something, point out that you're alone with two small children and ask nicely to have a supervisor brought over. I did this once when Air France was not going to give back my stroller for a connection. Taking it to the gate was NOT in question. It was changing planes in Paris that was. I had *three* small children (4 months, 2 & 4) and I had a supervisor brought over who then let me take it.
You can call the airline but often the story over the phone is different than the one at check-in... (experience speaking!)
I actually found it easier to use a single stroller and then have the baby in a carrier. I used a sling because it carries them up to age 2-3 and was much more comfortable and useful than those front packs that hung off my shoulders (ouch!) I could get through security eaiser. Sometimes the older one would walk, then the little one could go in the stroller or the stroller was used for bags.
For getting through customs, I would fold the stroller, throw it on the luggage cart with the bags, keep the baby in the carrier and make the older two (or one, before I had the third) walk.
No, don't count on getting any help at the airport. Basically, there are so many families flying, the ground staff has to prioritize the handicapped passengers first. When I was a F/A, I'd call to ask for help for families and was refused every time. No one to spare, they'd tell me. Once in awhile, I'd get them to take a family *with* a handicapped passenger (no, they weren't travelling together) but that's all I could ever manage. So you'd have to simply be lucky...and not hurry off the flight at arrival!
At 14 months, your younger baby is probably too big for the sky cot but do check with your airline. I was able to put my year-old son in a Lufthansa bassinet but initially had been told he'd be too big. He was at the limit. These cots are not standardized at all! They vary depending on the airline and aircraft.
The only way to fly safely with a baby is to have his own seat and to bring the car seat along. Commercial air travel in general is safe so babies are allowed in laps since the statistical risk of anything going wrong is so low.
You can also ask at check-in if it's possible to get a free seat next to you. Bringing the seat kind of solidifies your arguement and if you don't manage it, the seat can be gate checked with the stroller. I can tell you that the fuss of getting the car seat to the aircraft is worth the peace it gives me onboard. My children sleep much better in their familiar seat.
You have to check with your airline if your seat is approved to use onboard. A lot of it depends on the nationality of the carrier. Call the airline and see how full the flight is.
There are a lot of gizmos to get carseats to the gate, including one that you can wear like a backpack and some where the baby can ride in the carseat like a stroller (and then you can check the big one).
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
Decide what works for you. Some parents are able to bungee cord their car seats on to the stroller. I use a simple metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord. Try it at home first!
Just some other odd tips;
-Try to sit in the "bulkhead" seats, those with a wall in front, even if you can't use the bassinet.
-Bring about 1/3 more diapers than you think you'll need...at least! Put them in plastic bags, make at least two "packages" and wrap them with rubber bands to pack them more easily.
-Learn to change them standing up. Practice at home first! This will make it easier and faster, plus, you wont have to search around for baby changers. Toddlers hate to lie down in strange places and I use the handicapped lavs instead.
-Bring a change of clothes. Do the same trick with the plastic bags and rubber bands to save space in your bag.
-Bring a lot of snacks. Don't worry about security. If it's not allowed, they simply take it from you. I've never had this happen.
-Bring empty sippy cups to use onboard.
-If your younger baby still uses bottles, use the kind with disposable liners. Airplanes have bad sinks for washing bottles.
-Make sure the bottles don't have to be warmed. It's not necessary and pain to do while travelling in general.
-Consider ordering special meals. Kids usually hate the standard fare.
-Bring brand new toys to surprise them with onboard. These keep them occupied.
-If you opt to use a portable DVD player, make sure they're used to wearing the earphones, or can watch it without sound.
- Talk to your older child about security and that he has to put all his things on the belt. My kids are fine with flying but security can be intimitating for any child. This is an American site but you might still find it helpful;
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
-Please don't worry too much about ears. I rarely saw any problems when I worked and never had any with my own kids and I never did anything special.
Many flying tips say to make the child suck on something or drink during take-off and landing. This isn't accurate. ENT specialists say to have the child awake about an hour before landing (top of descent, landing or touch-down is too late). I can confirm that is when I saw problems at work. Take your children to the doctor in the last few days before you fly to make sure their ears are clear and infection-free. Heathy ears can handle pressurization changes.
If either or both of your childen fall asleep during take-off, there is no reason to wake them/him. Please don't worry!
About eight years ago I wrote an article for a local newsletter. This is entirely non-commercial information and I have both the practical and professional experience of working on board airplanes. I saw what worked and what didn't! My third child at 3 1/2 has just completed her 7ths transatlantic round trip and I've been alone with them on all of those, plus all but one of the trips with her older brother and sister.
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
I hope you're able to get to a beach in Thailand. Sooooo beautiful! Have a great time!
what did you/do you plan to buy for second baby?
kc
My husband and I have an 18 month old right now, and are currently entertaining the idea of having a baby #2 in the near future, although we aren't 100% sure when due to our sons special needs that we want to first make sure we have addressed fully. Anyways, we were shopping off my friends registry for her shower, and we were wondering what all we would need if we were to have another child soon. We already know we need the crib, highchair, extra carseat, etc...but was there anything from your first baby that you wished you had but didn't?
We know we want one of those cradle swings that go both ways, as our first one didn't have one, and we'd want a double stroller. We have nearly all the basics, a plain play gym, bouncer, jumperoo...we went fairly minimal though.
We have our own ideas on what we'd change or get, but just for fun looking for ideas from others on what they did, plan to do differently.
I never had a glider, although I thought maybe I wish I would have, did you guys use yours or did it sit empty?
Are side by side strollers or the tandem ones easier? Side by side seem so wide, but front to back look hard to maneuver:) Having the older one walk isn't an option for us, as he he never developed the walking reflux. (dr.s say he WILL walk, but probably not til about 3-5 yrs old... but instead of just knowing how, he will have to be taught, like teaching someone to relearn kind of)
We have a 3 BR house, 2 BR upstairs, 1 Down. Do we go downstairs and have each baby with their own room (s/he'd be in our room the first 4 months probably) or have them share a room when baby slept through the night? I feel weird being on a different level!
Answer
I'm expecting baby 2 at the beginning of July. Baby 1 will be 15 months old. Here is what I am asking for:
- more cloth diapers (not for everyone, but I CD with BumGenius diapers)
- an Ergo baby carrier (I have another one- Kelty Kids-, but really want an Ergo. Think I can do two carriers - one back and one front- if I had one) (http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ )
- a hiking backpack carrier for Baby 1 - probably from MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop)
- a second crib (convertible) and dresser
- extra caddy attachments for my stroller
- some sort of sled that I can pull both babies in next winter
I'm also going to find out the sex with this baby. Baby 1 is a girl, so if baby 2 is a boy I may need a few clothes (though not many).
As for your question about strollers, I have the Phil and Ted's Sport stroller (http://philandteds.com/products/push/sport ) with the extra seat attachment (tandem). LOVE this stroller (it is so easy to maneuver), and I have heard nothing but good things about the second seat. I've attached the second seat to try it out and it seems just as easy as with only one seat attached.
One of my favorite things from Baby 1 was my diaper bag. I had a normal diaper bag at first, but hated it. Then I bought the Skip Hop Backpack diaper bag (http://www.skiphop.com/product/21010.html ) ...I can't imagine using another. It clips to your stroller if you don't want to carry it, which I think will be convenient with 2 babes.
Another thing I had for baby 1 and LOVE is my Pea Pod (http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5 ). It's great for when you're outdoors (eg park, beach). I might get a second one for baby 2, or put them both in the same pod.
For sleep, if both babies sleep fairly well through the night I don't see why they can't share a room. That's my plan...if I have to turn my office into a bedroom, so be it, but I really don't want to! : )
As for the glider, I didn't have one, but I've considered getting one. I found that I sat with baby 1 in a comfy chair near the window a lot, but didn't need to rock. Might be nice to have one, especially the ones with the foot rest/ottoman.
Everyone has different needs/likes though. (You can probably tell we spend a lot of time outdoors, so we need things for that.) You probably have the best idea of what you want and need based on your experience with your first child!
I'm expecting baby 2 at the beginning of July. Baby 1 will be 15 months old. Here is what I am asking for:
- more cloth diapers (not for everyone, but I CD with BumGenius diapers)
- an Ergo baby carrier (I have another one- Kelty Kids-, but really want an Ergo. Think I can do two carriers - one back and one front- if I had one) (http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ )
- a hiking backpack carrier for Baby 1 - probably from MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop)
- a second crib (convertible) and dresser
- extra caddy attachments for my stroller
- some sort of sled that I can pull both babies in next winter
I'm also going to find out the sex with this baby. Baby 1 is a girl, so if baby 2 is a boy I may need a few clothes (though not many).
As for your question about strollers, I have the Phil and Ted's Sport stroller (http://philandteds.com/products/push/sport ) with the extra seat attachment (tandem). LOVE this stroller (it is so easy to maneuver), and I have heard nothing but good things about the second seat. I've attached the second seat to try it out and it seems just as easy as with only one seat attached.
One of my favorite things from Baby 1 was my diaper bag. I had a normal diaper bag at first, but hated it. Then I bought the Skip Hop Backpack diaper bag (http://www.skiphop.com/product/21010.html ) ...I can't imagine using another. It clips to your stroller if you don't want to carry it, which I think will be convenient with 2 babes.
Another thing I had for baby 1 and LOVE is my Pea Pod (http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5 ). It's great for when you're outdoors (eg park, beach). I might get a second one for baby 2, or put them both in the same pod.
For sleep, if both babies sleep fairly well through the night I don't see why they can't share a room. That's my plan...if I have to turn my office into a bedroom, so be it, but I really don't want to! : )
As for the glider, I didn't have one, but I've considered getting one. I found that I sat with baby 1 in a comfy chair near the window a lot, but didn't need to rock. Might be nice to have one, especially the ones with the foot rest/ottoman.
Everyone has different needs/likes though. (You can probably tell we spend a lot of time outdoors, so we need things for that.) You probably have the best idea of what you want and need based on your experience with your first child!
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Title Post: Any tips on flying with a 3 year old and 14 month from Auckland-Bangkok?
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Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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