plane ride

Brandi - posted on 07/09/2010

I thought this was funny advice but bring cash...if your toddler decides to kick up a ruckus you can buy cocktails for those around you as a goodwill gesture. LOL.
Not all planes have a changing table so bring something to lay on the toilet in the lavatory. its a balancing act that is not fun...especially with a poopy diaper. Having your daughter in a dress and not shorts or pants will help with the ease of plane diaper changing as well.
Also, stuff to keep the littleone occupied snacks, books, portable dvd player etc.

Liz - posted on 07/02/2010

Oh, and to Noel and the question about the soy milk. I know that travellers can take larger liquids through with a doc's cert (ie, in this case, one that says your child is allergic to milk so requires the soy, almost as a medicinal thing) but make some calls to the airports you'll be travelling through to see what they say. Most we went through seemed reasonable when it came to children and their needs. Again, they may ask that you or your child drink some of the liquid, to prove it isn't anything nasty. Make some calls about it and then let yourself relax and sleep at night :)

Liz - posted on 07/02/2010

We've not long completed the longhaul from Australia to the UK and back (we've been back a week), which is 22 hrs (an 8 hr leg and then a 14 hr leg) on the actual plane, with 2-3 hour stopover in Dubai.

We did choose flights at night so he slept well for the first leg of the journey and bought a few cheap and small toys for the flight so that he would have something new to play with.

If your toddler is into reading, a couple of little chunky books are really good to have at hand. I kept a couple of them in my handbag and, if he seemed to be getting ratty when we were in the airport, I pulled them out and distracted him that way. I also got a cheap bag of plastic animals, that he loved.

Honestly, we spend $100's on all these amazing toys and he's just as intrigued (maybe moreso!) with a $2 bag of badly formed African animals! lol We also took a small pack of pencils and a small notepad, as he loves to draw/scribble.

Yes to lots of snacks - we put corn cakes and crackers in a small plastic container, that didn't take up too much room, to stop them being squashed to bits, Sultanas or raisins are good, if he likes them.

We had no trouble taking a larger rubber straw type sippy cup through for him but we had to drink from it, in front of security staff. I have a feeling the regs might be more strict in the US though so you might want to ring and ask about this before you go.

Fin has a dummy (pacifier) at sleeptime so we took that as a cue for sleep and also for him to suck on at take off and landing, to keep his ears clear. If your little one does have a dummy, make sure you take half a dozen for the trip and have them stored in an easy to open external pouch on your bags, as you don't want to be trying to wash 1 or 2 of them, after they bite the dust on a grotty airport or plane floor.

Re the sedative, if you are going to use something you haven't used before, make SURE you test it out before you go. I have heard stories of children that have the opposite reaction to sedative medication and get super hyper, which you really don't need on a flight. We got through the flights without needing to use any but I did get some from the chemist before we went and tried it with Fin a week or so before we left, so I knew we had it there if required. Just make sure the bottle they give it to you in is 100mls or less too, due to regs.

You can check if the airline provides strollers. Ours did (Emirates) so we didn't have to fold it down and put it through the scanner but we also took a really small travel stroller for during our stay in the UK.

Agree with the no belt thing and, if you wear a shoe with any kind of heel, prepare to have to take them off. Trainers (sandshoes/sports shoes) or thongs (flip flops) are easier and more comfortable. Trainers, for practicality, I'd say, but it depends on what you're used to and what the regs in the US are. If you're going to have to take them off at security, def go with something slide on.

Do sing out to the Flight Attendants when you need to - don't feel you are putting them out as they were always really happy to help out with us on our flight and most of them seemed to absolutely adore kids, which was really lovely.

Recommend you take a change of clothes (make it something really simple - even an all in one growsuit as an emergency) for bub, in case of an ill timed poo-through and a change of top/t-shirt for you.

Lordy, sounds like a lot, doesn't it? Good planning will make the trip much more relaxing and enjoyable though so think of all the things you'd need if you were spending the day out with your son and arrange it in your bags so that it is easy to reach, when you need it.

After all that...........have a wonderful, wonderful time and enjoy your time together as a family. The trip will be worth it :)

Robyn - posted on 07/01/2010

I love the question and the replies are all so helpful thank you!

Elisabeth - posted on 07/01/2010

I've traveled often with my son since he was born. We have had to travel cross country quite often. I recommend that you travel during times when your child is asleep. When we travel cross country, we take a red-eye flight. Make sure that your child is eating or drinking something during take off and landing so his/her ears don't pop.

Melissa - posted on 06/30/2010

As a former flight attendant let me give you the biggest piece of advice there is, don't let your nervousness come through to her. Remember she can sense your joy as well as your fear. You are safer in an airplane than you are in a car. Just breathe deep and sit back and enjoy your daughters company. Also, be sure to have a change of clothes for each of you in your carry on. Parents were always prepared with things for the kids but if they throw up or something on you.....
Try to have something for her to suck on during take off and landing, this is the most likely time for ears to pop and it can be painful.

Good luck!!! And have a wonderful flight!

Noel - posted on 06/30/2010

my daughter who will be 2 when we take 1st flight, is allergic to regular Milk and my concern is that security will not allow me to bring her soy milk through security, and that they will make me throw it out. I can't always find soy milk and I'm worried the post security shops will not carry it ?? :( This literally keeps me up at night!

Iliana - posted on 06/28/2010

A definite YES on a new/unseen toy. That entertained my son the most on our flight about 2 weeks ago. Good luck with it! Ours was about 9.5 hours and then another 5 hours, so it was a pretty LONG day.

Heather - posted on 06/26/2010

i just went through the same thing with my 18 month old. just make sure you have plenty of drinks and books and snacks. i was lucky and my daughter slept through most of the plane rides.

Faye - posted on 06/24/2010

I have flown many times with my boys the 1st is now 7. Make sure you bring enough toys with you, new are good & some low noise is okay. things that work for us are party blowers (without noisemakers) kids think it is so funny to see them go in & out. play doo works too & is easy to pack, new toys are always good. food is no longer served so make sure you bring everything you need. I usually go through security then buy extra water / milk and meal for long flight. pack snacks & empty sippy cup. Security you will have to take off her shoes too, so make sure they come off easily, stroller or car seats taken need to go on the belt too, & often no one helps, so try to bring an easy to fold stroller & already have everything you need in a bag not loose. change baby & use bathroom before boarding. not all airplanes have changing tables (if not I have changed babies in flight attending work area on a pad of blanket). Bring light blanket or sweater as planes often get chilly especially if she is napping. change of clothes (1-2) & I bring extra shirt for me (after getting a soda spilt on me or spit up on). If she has own seat car seat often best (understand sitting in it / lap belt try to escape). lap baby - when no seatbelt sign on let her stand on your lap look around / take for walks / play on floor by your feet. peek a book /finger games good (itsy bitsy spider, piggy to market, patty cake, books. people do not mind a loud laugh or talk as much as scream. relax it will be over in a couple hours no matter how good/bad it goes.

Karen - posted on 06/23/2010

we always bring a new, or unseen toy for my daughter. So it's something more interesting for her, and keeps her attention a bit longer. Also, if your child ever watches cartoons/videos liek baby einstein or something, a tiny portable DVD player helps us. Also see when you are assigned a seat if they can block the seat next to you (is the flight in not completely full) so you will both have more room

Justine - posted on 06/22/2010

Thank you everyone. I am taking a carry-on and my diaper bag just because I don't want to have to check bags in anywhere... so I am trying not to pack a lot just to save the carrying everything down but its kinda hard. we leave on Thursday in the morning so we arrive over there at 10 so we have that day plus Friday, Saturday, Sunday and leave Monday.

Donna - posted on 06/22/2010

I've flown about 4 times alone with my son. A stroller is definitely good. If it doesn't have a basket, carry a backpack. It fits easily under the seat and will be easily accessible. I would limit what you carry on so you aren't carrying so much. Diapers, wipes, change of clothes, something to entertain, drink and a snack. Drinks will be tested at security. I like to take dumdums and crackers for my son. He also likes to draw so I take a notepad and pen.

Sarah - posted on 06/22/2010

first of all- don't stress! It'll be ok! :) lol Traveling with the baby isn't as hard as it seems.

If your baby does a paci (my son does his at night still) bring that so she can suck on it-the comfort will help. Same with 1 favorite lovey (stuffed animal, blanket-we bring both. lol).

Toys are helpful-something that makes noise for any kind of layover, but maybe books (or something else quiet) for the plane ride. But don't bring so many toys that you feel overwhelmed with the amount of stuff!

We are flying out Saturday l which will be my son's 3rd plane trip. Good news is that you don't need to bring bottles and formula at this age! But, you can have enough juice/cup snacks for her for the trip on the plane...So, you can bring unopened containers of juice or milk for her (over 3oz) through security because it is something that she needs.

Most airlines will let you check 2 baby items for free (so the carseat (don't forget to put your name on it) and a pack-and-play, etc). But I agree with the other Mom who posted to bring your stroller and gate check it! You will have to put it through the x-ray machine at security (and carry your daughter through the metal detector with you), but it is worth it to have the stroller in the airport!

Speaking of security….wear flip-flops (you will be taking your shoes off), don't wear a belt. Don't forget a complete change of clothes for her (and extra diapers) because you never know with planes and airports. Have her wear clothes that are easy to get at the diaper to change at the airport -a little sweatshirt is good for the plane.

The paci and/ or the cup for her to drink will really help her out with her ears with the pressure changes for the take-off and landing! If you think that you will need extra time to get settled, make sure that you board first when they call for families. But if you are trying to limit the time that your daughter will spend on the plane, be at the gate and tell the agent that you want to board towards the end! And when it comes to getting off the plane just sit and wait! Wait for the rest of the plane to get off before you try to get her off. You will have to go wait at the luggage carousel anyhow and will be much happier trying to get off the plane alone!

My son hasn't had any problems with being motion sick, but we bring tylonol sometimes incase his ears start hurting… Sorry that my advice was so LONG! Lol Not trying to tell you what to do :) I got a lot of advice for flying the first time that I took my son, but my son is getting to be a pro now! Lol :) Hope that some of it helps you out! Have a great time this weekend!!!

Justine - posted on 06/22/2010

Thank you so much. When she goes to her doctor tomorrow I am going to ask her what I can give my baby to help her. I know I am glad I am flying rather than driving because the base he is on right now is 14 hours away I would rather not drive that by myself with just her. Again thank you very much for the advice.

Shalom - posted on 06/21/2010

I'm an avid traveller and i've been on about a dozen planes with my girlie; the first time was at 4 months. To be honest, the actual flight is the easiest part of the journey!

My best advice would be to bring a little travel stroller and ask to "gate check" it. That means you can keep the stroller right up until you're walking into the plane itself. Then you leave it at the door of the plane and they put it in a special compartment and bring it back out the moment you step off the plane. It'll be SO MUCH easier than carrying her AND your carry-on luggage. Also, DON'T be shy about asking for help from the flight crew... they're always helpful when asked and are usually pretty good about offering when you get ON, but not always as keen when you get OFF.

I give my girl a little bit of motion sickness liquid a half hour before we fly now that she's 18 months. It's not recommended for kids under 2, so ask your doctor if you're not sure about it. It will help her keep her cookies down and will probably help her sleep through the flight. It's a total mummy-saver- lemme tell ya!

Be careful what you bring in your carry-on luggage. The rules about what you can and cant bring are pretty strict, even with toddlers, so be sure you check with your airline before you get there and security makes you throw a bunch of things away. All this information is available online. I had to throw out my toothpaste once because it was an ounce too big!

And Judy's advice about drinking when you take off and land is right on. It will help her little ears not hurt. She's also right on about being calm. The stress will definitely make it harder for her.

Flying is safer than driving and it's the fastest way for you both to be back in daddy's arms... enjoy it! I really hope you have a fantastic trip!

Justine - posted on 06/21/2010

Thank you so much....

Judy - posted on 06/21/2010

Make sure you have plenty of toys to occupy your daughter, but avoid noisy ones as you will annoy other passengers. Lots of little snacks are great too, even treats, as long as they won't make her hyper. Drinks or anything she can suck are good for take off and landing to stop her ears from hurting. Thats about all I can think of, but remember if you are stressed it will rub off on her, try to stay calm.