rcarolyn28
My father is willing to pay a vacation to be with him in his home in the Carribean. It is a 4 hour plane ride and I would have to go alone with my 1 year old son and 2 year old daughter. I can't get an idea how I would do that. My 1 year old does not walk and my 2 year old is too small to just follow along with me perfectly. I would need a carseat for the 1 year old and perhaps put the 2 year old with the child belts on the seat. Or should I carseat both of them? How could I even get the carseat/seats and the babies and a diaper bag onto the plane? Do airports provide any help? Stories and tips from people who have actually done this or who at least have useful ideas. No wise remarks thank you. Will be staying with my dad for nearly a month.
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three kids. I've been making trips alone between Europe and California about twice a year since each was 4 months old.
First of all, is your dad willing to buy a ticket for the little one? If he is, this will make your journey a whole lot easier. Children are not only not safe on laps but it's a really uncomfortable way to fly, especially alone with more than one. Some airlines have bassinets which attach to the wall in front of you but you have to be in certain seats and they are no replacement for safety that a car seat provides.
You can bring two car seats but this might be tricky alone with two children. The car seats are not required on board but never check them as luggage. Can your father get one reliable car seat where he is? Can your youngest still ride in his infant bucket? (if you ever used one!) These are easier to travel with.
One option would be to buy a cheap seat, like a Cosco Scenera, often only $40-50. This will fit either child and keep the original packaging. You can check the seat this way. Never check a car seat in as luggage but this is marginally better and the airlines wont cover them insurance-wise unless they are in this packaging (sometimes they stipulate that it has to be unopened, so check).
Take the other car seat on board. I actually found it easiest to either check my stroller or arrange to borrow one at my destination. I then strapped my car seat to a metal luggage cart and used this as a "stroller". If you have a travel system and your younger one can still ride in the car seat, you can do that.
Also, people successfully use their strollers to cart car seats but it depends on the design of both. Experiment at home with some bungee cords, either attaching it to the back (be wary of tumbling over) or wedging the car seat in the seat section. This can and has worked.
There are also gizmos sold which make the car seat into a backpack. This would allow you to push the stroller, wear the car seat and hang the carry-ons over the handles.
I should add that if you have a double stroller, you can bring it. Yes, the airlines say they like "umbrella" strollers but they accept other types. Bring the stroller you need at your destination and in which your children are comfortable.
So play with the equipment you already have and decide what is the best way to get it the gate.
Some airports do allow someone to accompany you. While the airlines wont provide anyone (all their resources are usually tied up with handicapped passengers), you may be able to bring someone with you to the gate. Try to find out if this is possible out of your airport (not necessarily the airline). If so, consider having them help you get both car seats to the door of the aircraft.
Please note that many airlines have suspended preboarding for families. I've tried simply being near the gate and looking "ready" with my kids and they've taken me. Once, the agents started to walk away with the unaccompanied minors and handicapped passengers when this man, with whom I had not exchanged a *word*, shouted out "Hey, you forgot this mother flying alone with her three small children!" and of course, they had to let us go with them then ;)
Absolutely have a good baby carrier. Both of your children are too big for fiddly front packs like the Bjorn. I had a sling and I could carry my children up to age 3 in it. Very convenient as they wont always sit still in strollers or have the energy to walk long distances. A wrap, pouch, sling, Mei Tai or a front/back carrier is good, like an Ergo or Becco. All of these can carry toddlers. You'll be glad if she falls asleep on landing!
Please don't worry about their ears. It's a myth that they need to suck on take-off and landing. If you are concerned, see your doctor before leaving and make sure their ears are healthy and infection-free. As a Flight Attendant, I rarely saw anyone, children or adults, with ear problems and as a mom, who never did anything, we never had any problems either on our countless flights. The AAP only recommends that children be awake not on landing (which is too late) but at the TOP of descent, about 40 minutes to an hour before.
http://www.aap.org/patiented/flyingbaby.htm
For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed. I go more into details on what to bring, feeding and diapering tips. My contact info is at the end if you have further questions;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
Good luck and trust me, you can manage this! I have with three on even longer flights...
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three kids. I've been making trips alone between Europe and California about twice a year since each was 4 months old.
First of all, is your dad willing to buy a ticket for the little one? If he is, this will make your journey a whole lot easier. Children are not only not safe on laps but it's a really uncomfortable way to fly, especially alone with more than one. Some airlines have bassinets which attach to the wall in front of you but you have to be in certain seats and they are no replacement for safety that a car seat provides.
You can bring two car seats but this might be tricky alone with two children. The car seats are not required on board but never check them as luggage. Can your father get one reliable car seat where he is? Can your youngest still ride in his infant bucket? (if you ever used one!) These are easier to travel with.
One option would be to buy a cheap seat, like a Cosco Scenera, often only $40-50. This will fit either child and keep the original packaging. You can check the seat this way. Never check a car seat in as luggage but this is marginally better and the airlines wont cover them insurance-wise unless they are in this packaging (sometimes they stipulate that it has to be unopened, so check).
Take the other car seat on board. I actually found it easiest to either check my stroller or arrange to borrow one at my destination. I then strapped my car seat to a metal luggage cart and used this as a "stroller". If you have a travel system and your younger one can still ride in the car seat, you can do that.
Also, people successfully use their strollers to cart car seats but it depends on the design of both. Experiment at home with some bungee cords, either attaching it to the back (be wary of tumbling over) or wedging the car seat in the seat section. This can and has worked.
There are also gizmos sold which make the car seat into a backpack. This would allow you to push the stroller, wear the car seat and hang the carry-ons over the handles.
I should add that if you have a double stroller, you can bring it. Yes, the airlines say they like "umbrella" strollers but they accept other types. Bring the stroller you need at your destination and in which your children are comfortable.
So play with the equipment you already have and decide what is the best way to get it the gate.
Some airports do allow someone to accompany you. While the airlines wont provide anyone (all their resources are usually tied up with handicapped passengers), you may be able to bring someone with you to the gate. Try to find out if this is possible out of your airport (not necessarily the airline). If so, consider having them help you get both car seats to the door of the aircraft.
Please note that many airlines have suspended preboarding for families. I've tried simply being near the gate and looking "ready" with my kids and they've taken me. Once, the agents started to walk away with the unaccompanied minors and handicapped passengers when this man, with whom I had not exchanged a *word*, shouted out "Hey, you forgot this mother flying alone with her three small children!" and of course, they had to let us go with them then ;)
Absolutely have a good baby carrier. Both of your children are too big for fiddly front packs like the Bjorn. I had a sling and I could carry my children up to age 3 in it. Very convenient as they wont always sit still in strollers or have the energy to walk long distances. A wrap, pouch, sling, Mei Tai or a front/back carrier is good, like an Ergo or Becco. All of these can carry toddlers. You'll be glad if she falls asleep on landing!
Please don't worry about their ears. It's a myth that they need to suck on take-off and landing. If you are concerned, see your doctor before leaving and make sure their ears are healthy and infection-free. As a Flight Attendant, I rarely saw anyone, children or adults, with ear problems and as a mom, who never did anything, we never had any problems either on our countless flights. The AAP only recommends that children be awake not on landing (which is too late) but at the TOP of descent, about 40 minutes to an hour before.
http://www.aap.org/patiented/flyingbaby.htm
For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed. I go more into details on what to bring, feeding and diapering tips. My contact info is at the end if you have further questions;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
Good luck and trust me, you can manage this! I have with three on even longer flights...
Traveling with my 2 1/2 year old ... (airplane)?
Q. Does he need a car seat??
I'm buying him a seat, but does he need a carseat?.. i'm traveling alone and dragging a him, luggage, diaper bag and a car seat doesn't sound easy! :)
Is there a place to change his diaper on the airplane??
What are the rules with liquid like juice and milk??
are their any rules about snacks?
thanks for any help!
I'm buying him a seat, but does he need a carseat?.. i'm traveling alone and dragging a him, luggage, diaper bag and a car seat doesn't sound easy! :)
Is there a place to change his diaper on the airplane??
What are the rules with liquid like juice and milk??
are their any rules about snacks?
thanks for any help!
Answer
Will you have a car seat at your destination for him to use? If not, then you should bring his car seat. Car seats can be used on the plane as long as they are approved for air travel. Look at the bottom of the seat, if it is approved for air travel there will be a stamp or sticker saying so. Technically, he does not need the car seat while on the plane, however, it is safer for him to use it. He'll also be more comfortable in it as it is familiar to him.
If you don't want to use the seat on the plane, but will need to use it at your destination you could check the car seat with your luggage. The airline will usually place the seat in a large plastic bag to keep it clean.
Try to curb check your luggage when you get to the airport so you have less to carry. Consider using a backpack as a diaper bag so you can have your hands free. You can also use your stroller in the airport and gate check it right before you board the plane. The stroller will be waiting for you outside the plane when you arrive at your destination.
Changing his diaper on the plane can be a challenge as the bathrooms are small. Some of the larger planes are equipped with handicapped accessible lavatories which are larger and sometimes have fold down changing tables. If possible, try changing him while he's standing (if he's only wet). You'll need to practice this at home before you go, but it will be much easier to have him stand on the toilet in the restroom while you pull off the wet diaper and put on a new one (pull ups are good for this, no tabs to deal with). Poopy diapers will still require him to lay down which will be a challenge. The flight attendants can often recommend the best place to change your child.
You'll want to bring extra diapers, wipes and clothes in the diaper bag/carry on as you never know when your plane may be delayed. Some kids have major 'blowout' diapers when they fly due to the unfamiliar surroundings and noises. You should also carry zip top bags to put the dirty diapers or soiled clothes in as no one wants to smell poo for hours on end.
For rules regarding liquids you should visit the TSA website http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm You are allowed to bring milk in larger quantities but you must declare the items to the TSA screener. The website will give you all the info you need.
Most airlines offer apple, orange, cranberry and tomato juices on the air plane as well as some milk. You may want to purchase a bottle of juice after you clear security before you get on the plane as the beverage service usually doesn't start until 30 minutes or so after takeoff.
You can bring snacks from home (a great idea actually). Stick to foods your child is familiar with, don't require refrigeration or re heating and that pack well and come in individual servings. Some good ideas are individual packages/boxes of dry cereal (Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Life, Chex, etc), granola or Nurtigrain bars, string cheese, peanut butter sandwich crackers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (in disposable plastic containers so they don't get smushed), baby carrots, apple slices, small packages of cookies or crackers, '100 Calorie' packs, M&Ms, and other finger foods.
Foods that are a liquid, gel or paste consistency must be in containers of 3.4oz/100ml or less and must fit into one 1qt zip top bag. This would include items such as applesauce, jello, pudding, yogurt, soup, etc. If you want to take yogurt I suggest GoGurt or Trix yogurt which comes in tubes. Simply snip off the top and suck the yogurt out, no spoon needed.
Make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check your bags, clear security and find your gate. Take advantage of pre boarding so you can get settled before everyone else begins boarding. If you are taking the car seat you may want to review the owner's manual before your trip to familiarize yourself with how to install it in the air plane seat. (If you can't find the owner's manual, go to the manufacturerâs website and download or request a new one)
Will you have a car seat at your destination for him to use? If not, then you should bring his car seat. Car seats can be used on the plane as long as they are approved for air travel. Look at the bottom of the seat, if it is approved for air travel there will be a stamp or sticker saying so. Technically, he does not need the car seat while on the plane, however, it is safer for him to use it. He'll also be more comfortable in it as it is familiar to him.
If you don't want to use the seat on the plane, but will need to use it at your destination you could check the car seat with your luggage. The airline will usually place the seat in a large plastic bag to keep it clean.
Try to curb check your luggage when you get to the airport so you have less to carry. Consider using a backpack as a diaper bag so you can have your hands free. You can also use your stroller in the airport and gate check it right before you board the plane. The stroller will be waiting for you outside the plane when you arrive at your destination.
Changing his diaper on the plane can be a challenge as the bathrooms are small. Some of the larger planes are equipped with handicapped accessible lavatories which are larger and sometimes have fold down changing tables. If possible, try changing him while he's standing (if he's only wet). You'll need to practice this at home before you go, but it will be much easier to have him stand on the toilet in the restroom while you pull off the wet diaper and put on a new one (pull ups are good for this, no tabs to deal with). Poopy diapers will still require him to lay down which will be a challenge. The flight attendants can often recommend the best place to change your child.
You'll want to bring extra diapers, wipes and clothes in the diaper bag/carry on as you never know when your plane may be delayed. Some kids have major 'blowout' diapers when they fly due to the unfamiliar surroundings and noises. You should also carry zip top bags to put the dirty diapers or soiled clothes in as no one wants to smell poo for hours on end.
For rules regarding liquids you should visit the TSA website http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm You are allowed to bring milk in larger quantities but you must declare the items to the TSA screener. The website will give you all the info you need.
Most airlines offer apple, orange, cranberry and tomato juices on the air plane as well as some milk. You may want to purchase a bottle of juice after you clear security before you get on the plane as the beverage service usually doesn't start until 30 minutes or so after takeoff.
You can bring snacks from home (a great idea actually). Stick to foods your child is familiar with, don't require refrigeration or re heating and that pack well and come in individual servings. Some good ideas are individual packages/boxes of dry cereal (Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Life, Chex, etc), granola or Nurtigrain bars, string cheese, peanut butter sandwich crackers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (in disposable plastic containers so they don't get smushed), baby carrots, apple slices, small packages of cookies or crackers, '100 Calorie' packs, M&Ms, and other finger foods.
Foods that are a liquid, gel or paste consistency must be in containers of 3.4oz/100ml or less and must fit into one 1qt zip top bag. This would include items such as applesauce, jello, pudding, yogurt, soup, etc. If you want to take yogurt I suggest GoGurt or Trix yogurt which comes in tubes. Simply snip off the top and suck the yogurt out, no spoon needed.
Make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check your bags, clear security and find your gate. Take advantage of pre boarding so you can get settled before everyone else begins boarding. If you are taking the car seat you may want to review the owner's manual before your trip to familiarize yourself with how to install it in the air plane seat. (If you can't find the owner's manual, go to the manufacturerâs website and download or request a new one)
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Title Post: Anyone travel with 1 year old and a 2 year old alone on a plane? How did you manage? Any tips, ideas?
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