traveling with a 23 month old daughter

Kerrie - posted on 06/19/2010

Having drinks and snacks readily available is handy as well as toys and books. I found with my son the isle seat was the best place for us as he is a busy little boy and he could play in the isle (and the flight attendants were fine with it and were always helpful!) The take off and landing were a bit rough but distractions like singing songs helped us! Good luck!

Silvia - posted on 06/18/2010

Do you have a portable DVD player or laptop? It seemed to work for us last time. We put his shows on and he seemed to be ok the entire time (although sitting was still very hard). The hardest is the take off and landing and I think most people understand.

Loni - posted on 06/17/2010

Ive never taken my toddler on a plane, but when we go on road trips i always take his favorite blanket and stuffed anmal... It eases his mind and he stays calm... Its just a suggestion but you might want to try it. Hope yall have a great time

Reissa - posted on 06/17/2010

My daughter is 21 months old and has been on a plane 3 times already, and she has been fussy and we were never kicked off! Security is really good about letting you bring snacks and drinks for her, my advice is to have a lot of that stuff, plus stuff she maybe normally doesn't get, like M&M's or some other treat, and maybe crayons, paper, a new toy just for the plane ride. My daughter did not go to sleep easy but she finally fell asleep on our laps for 2 of the flights. Don't sweat it if she is crying or fussing - most people understand that you can't control that kind of stuff! Safe travels :)

Melyni - posted on 06/17/2010

My kids and I travel from the UK to the US a few times a year and the biggest helps are the portable DVD, bag of snacks, and sticker books (once on the plane). To get through security....a set of reins (you know, baby leashes). As you have to take off everyone's shoes, put all the bags on the conveyer belt, break down the stroller, get out the formula, etc. Just having my hand looped through the reins makes it a lot easier...especially as I often travel alone w/ my 21 mo old and my 3 yr old. It's not the most fun thing in the world. But, at least you know that there is an end to it...no matter how hideous it gets...you'll eventually get where you are going and go to bed!

Gaye - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi I to am going to be travelling on a plane soon, with a 2 year old & 4 year old. Im not to worried as my 4 year old travelled on a plan with me when she was 2 & she loved it & had great fun. But I dont know how my little 2 year old will go as she hates being still for a second but I will have colouring stuff & music with head phones to distract her. (I hope).
Remember you are not the first person to be travelling with a child & the staff on the plan have seen everything so even it your little on is not happy, they have seen it all before. Good luck.

Sara - posted on 06/16/2010

We traveled quite a bit. I think the hardest thing is the child's inability to stay put. It was recommended to us to buy a few new small toys and slowly introduce them to your child. I found wrapping them up in coloured tissue is also fun and infact I wrap up all the toys so there is something to do. A really helpful trick is have your partner board early with all the stuff and try and board the plane as late as possible because boarding can take at least take 25 minutes so take advantage of the running space outside the plane. If you can bring movies - that is very helpful and bring more food than necessary incase of delays. Bring extra diapers and a change of clothing incase of accidents.

Lovette - posted on 06/16/2010

I've traveled several times with my son. he is 21 months now, but i traveled on the red eye flight. no problem at all. make sure u bring movies and some toys and snaks for child. if she is sitting in your lap make sure u have a blanket and small pillow. window seats are best. try not to pack light with your carry on. make sure you have a small stroller which really help... bon voyage

Candice - posted on 06/15/2010

Hi, I recently flew to south africa with my 1 year old and 3 year old and let me tell you that your little one may surprise you. Early learning centre has great things for keeping kids occupied, i found beads ( bigones) finger puppets and a little doll or figure work great! The trick is to be positive, keep on praising your child along the whole way, turn negatives into positives and try talking about going on an aeroplane alot, with the aid of a little miniture one. I was petrified to but all of this worked for me and my little ones were so good i was very impressed and proud of them, have a safe journey and i hope this helps you.

Shannon - posted on 06/14/2010

hey you can check with your airline that you are using and asked them about gate checking items. I know you can do strollers, carseats and such but I don't know if they have a limit. This may help you. Good luck have a safe trip.

Shannon - posted on 06/14/2010

Hi, I have a 20 month old and we live in Louisiana and had to travel several time with our daughter. She did great I couldn't beleive it. I packed snacks and toys to keep her calm. The people on plane couldn't beleive she did so well. Things will be okay try not to stress the children can sense it. Have a safe travel and enjoy your visit to New Orleans.

Jeanine - posted on 06/14/2010

my best advice :
1-stroller
2- bottles, blanket and crib sheet
3 dvd player
4-teddy
5- give your child a bottle within enough time prior to landing (we learned this the hard way)
6-be prepared to just go with the flow
we just recently traveled with our then 20 month old daughter....on the way going to our destination, we were Very Lucky ~~ she slept most of the flight on the plane...starting as soon as we were taxiing on the runway...and it was a 5 hour flight...On the return ---- not so much....
speak with your pediatrician...we tried to give her a little (very little) childrens benadryl an hour before the flight, but my daughter was not having any of it....
we definitely needed the DVD player for the way home
and because we did not give her the bottle early enough, as we started our descent it got very ugly and she threw up everywhere :(
by the time we exited the plane to wait for the stroller, she was a brand new child...talking and yapping it up like nothing had happened.. best of luck to you and enjoy!

Sherry - posted on 06/13/2010

Yes bring extra clothes for her and maybe even for u. We traveled by plane from Dallas, TX to Orlando, FL when my daughter was 13 months. It wasnt too bad. Trying to get through security is the biggest pain. They make you take kids shoes off too! The stroller had to be folded and put through the bag check machine also. It took so long that from leaving home until we got through security my daughters diaper had got full and she leaked on herself and me. So the extra clothes I packed in our carry on came in handy. Our daughter played with the plane magazines and we got lucky there were kids behind us. She stood in my lap and the kids behind us played peek-a-boo and funny faces with her most of the flight. On the way back home we had a tougher time. Our flight was delayed several hours. My daughter slept in her stroller most of the time we were waiting for our flight so when it was time to board she didnt want to sit anymore. She fell asleep about 20 minutes into the flight but she was a pain right up until she fell alseep. Hope that helps a little.

Gina - posted on 06/13/2010

I sooo dont agree with the feeding them at take off, We were given the same advice when my oldest was 20 mths and when we hit peak height, she power chucked all over me, dad and even the guy beside us got sprayed, it then stunk out the whole plane and took half the flight to clean her. When we flew home we gave her a lolly pop and all was good, NO Spew. Up to you I guess!

Jenna - posted on 06/11/2010

Talk to your pediatrician. There are ear drops you can give her. That will help with the cabin pressure. I know it was a life saver for me trveling with my kids. Also alot of snacks and drinks.Good luck.

Kim - posted on 06/10/2010

We went from WI to Boston. My son did fine, Buy a new book or toy and keep it for take off. You'll be able to take a juice cup through security if you indicate it's for your child. We had him sit on our lap, worked just fine... Lisbeth reply was really all I was going to so too! Good luck, you'll be just fine!

MaryJo - posted on 06/10/2010

Buy a portable dvd player!!!!! It truly is a lifesaver! Bring along one or two fave dvd's for her to watch. Also, bring snacks & a few toys (coloring book, books, doll, see-n-say, etc.) something that she loves & will give all her attention to. I live in Alabama, but visit family in Ohio & Florida alot, so I have gotten good at occupying my son (21mos) on the plain! You also might want to try bringing a new toy or something she has never played with before because toddlers seem to intrigued with new toys! Good luck & try not to stress too much.

Nikki - posted on 06/10/2010

I have 20 month old twins and we travel on planes quite a lot. Definitely bring a change of clothes - or 2!! I find that taking off is not too bad - they are still quite excited about being on the plane and keen to drink a bottle, which helps their ears. Descending is always a problem for mine with their ears and they both often end up screaming and vomiting (which the other passengers don't like too much :)) I have discovered that if you use a nasal spray about twenty minutes before descending, then it appears to be much more comfortable for them and easier to equalise. It's definitely stopped the throwing up, which is a relief!! Good luck and have fun :)

Joni - posted on 06/09/2010

I've taken my daughter by myself on a 4 hour plane trip 4 times now. She is now 22 months old. Don't be afraid to use a pacifier if your daughter still uses it. It will help her ears - if she doesn't use it then make sure she has plenty to drink. Pack favorite snacks and maybe a new special airplane toy. My daughter likes books so I brought a few of those. Sit by the window, my daughter loves to look out during take off and landing. Point out the buildings and cars and whatever you see. we sit near the wing and she likes to look at that too. You will do fine! Your lucky you have your husband with you!

Katie - posted on 06/09/2010

Hey Lynde! We just got back from LA (from Okla. City) with my 20 month old daughter. I was shocked at how wonderful she did! She looked out the window on take off and landings, we read books, colored, ate snacks (apple juice, goldfish, fruit snacks, bananas, etc.) and wathed Elmo on our portable DVD player (those things are a god-send!) and she never made a peep the entire time. I think the key is just making sure they have stuff to do the entire time and they will be fine. Good luck!!!

Courtney - posted on 06/08/2010

Take new toys, books that shes never seen, be sure to save some for the way home. Dont be affraid to get silly with her and sing out loud. Suckers work great for take off and landing for there little ears. And take some of her fav snacks.

Sacha - posted on 06/08/2010

we have travelled a few times by plane with our daughter (who is now 21 months old). she really enjoyed the plane ride as we kept telling her we were going on an airplane and going to see grandpa and grandma... so that kept the excitement going. we also packed her special blankie so she could cuddle up with her dad and look out the window. in her backpack we also had her stuffie that she sleeps with all the time and her soother (it helps relieve pressure - if your child has a soother), plenty of snacks and changes of clothes. We also had a coloring book and some washable crayons for her to play with. If you ask when you check in you may also be able to have a courtesy hold put on the seat in the middle of you so your child has their own place to sit (assuming you have not purchased a ticket - we didn't have to as our child was under 2). As for where to sleep etc. when you get there, some cities have rental shops in which you can rent strollers, high chairs etc. you could look into that. From what I remember it isn't terribly expensive and it sure beats running through an airport with everything. The best thing is for you to not get worried as children will pick up on that... stay calm and just enjoy the trip.

Judy - posted on 06/07/2010

We took our daughter on her first plane trip when she turned 1. Yes, it was hectic and I think I was more stressed than needed to be. Just take enough or more than enough snacks, milk/juice, diapers, extra clothes and toys. We had a small DVD player that she could watch and that helped too. I know that the next time we fly, I will be more prepared with knowing how it went the first time. Just try to relax and enjoy your trip!!

Lisbeth - posted on 06/06/2010

as for snacks raisins, goldfish small little special treats that she can play with on the tray but wipe it down first, bring a sippy cup, an extra blanket and pillow (one of those travel pillows).

Lynde - posted on 06/06/2010

Thanks ladies!! We'll be staying with my parents and they don't have any kids stuff either. But I do have a tons of cousins with kids her age so I'm not worried about anything once we get to my parents. I am planning on buying her a little Dora rolling backpack to put her goodies in there like Padmashree suggested. But what kinds of snacks should I bring for her? She doesn't have any food allergies, but I know I shouldn't bring like peanuts or anything just in case someone on the plane is very allergic to it. As for packing the necessities, what should I bring for carry-on? I'm going to bring an extra pair of outfit for her..just never know what could happen!! Also, pull-ups..she's potty trained but she is scared of public restrooms, baby wipes..that's all I can think of. Thanks for the help ladies!!!!

Padmashree - posted on 06/06/2010

You should have no worries. We traveled from Guatemala to Singapore over Xmas when she was 15mons old and I learnt that it was good to pack her her own backpack of "Goodies". Stickers, doodle board, a musical activity book and other easy to carry favorite toys. Be sure to have some fave snacks with you and save the best for last - for your emergency - always prepare for one, instead of being complacent. We did have a portable DVD with her fave videos with singalong songs that she loves, but now with an Iphone or something similar - you'll be fine. Good luck and take lots of pics!

Lisbeth - posted on 06/06/2010

oh sorry I should have mentioned all of that you can bring your car seat and stroller with you. the check in for the car seat is free and the stroller you can take it with you right up to the gate were they will load it for you and then when you get off the plane it will be waiting for you.the pack and play will probably be extra but I am not sure. It might be cheaper to get a used on if your freinds don't mind.

Melissa - posted on 06/05/2010

We will be doing that too, with our (soon to be) 23 month old son. But we're not staying at a hotel, we're staying with friends who don't yet have kids, so I'm wondering what to do about a car seat, stroller, and pack and play for sleeping. Any suggestions? At the price of checking bags (objects), it might be cheaper to buy some used or cheap ones out there. Although it might be nice to have a stroller at the airport. Do they let you carry anything like that on? Any suggestions, anyone?

Lisbeth - posted on 06/05/2010

Hey if your are a breast feeder make sure to feed her as the plane is taking off and as it is landing if not have something she can drink. take a little bag of new toys and books and pull them out one by one. have snacks and drinks handy. if you are by the window that is very entertaining. Most of the flight attendants are very helpful and don't worry to much b/c she will pick up on it and be worried herself. my daughter is 20 months and in her little life has been on like 10 planes, a couple of bus rides( from ottawa to N.Y.) a train ride and a lot of long distance car rides (ottawa-toronto) Oh if you have a portable dvd player or a laptop she can watch shows on it helps. Have a safe and fun trip.