Flying with a 3yr old and 2 month old.....tips and suggestions

Nikki - posted on 06/25/2009

Just wanted to let you moms know who helped me out.....WE MADE IT!! My 3 year old surprised me by sleeping one of the 3 flights....from Chicago to Miami then Miami to St. Croix we were delayed an hour which proved to be too much for them.....baby and him started crying at the same time after we did about a hundred laps in the gate....my baby strapped to my from in that back pack thing....by 3 yr old pushing the stroller with his teddy bear leash on and me holding the end of the leash......basically he was walking us. Right when they got restless and i decided to sit down and drop the purse and two back packs I was carrying......then the airline was ready to board!!!! Some nice nice lady (a mom for sure) offered to help....when she did I almost cried I did actually have tears in my eyes don't think she saw them.I was hot and sweaty and tired....had only slept 3 hrs the night before.... the flight to USVI was long and I had to keep my oldest busy most of it but over all it was not what I thought it was going to be. I actually was losing sleep over it 2 weeks leading up to it.

I really wanted to thank you all for your advice and responding to my question. I took your advice and nursed the baby for every take off and landing....most of the time I left him there to sleep and nurse when he wanted. Luckily he was in a growth spurt the days leading up to it and was sleeping for hours and hours on end!

Anyway thanks again for your help...now lets hope I make the flight home!!!!

Andrea - posted on 05/25/2009

I flew with my kids at the time they were 5,3, and 6mts. I know that its hard but you will get through it , the worst for me was the airport the two that could walk refused and I had the car seat carrier . The flight attendants did help me getting on and off but the biggest help was another mom who sat near us so if you can get a seat by another mom (you can usually spot a mom even without her kids) or another family it helps . The other mom helped keep my son busy and distracted after he had a full blown melt down just by talking to him and asking him questions. Good luck

Phyllis - posted on 05/25/2009

Take the car seat for the 3yr old! If you're paying for the seat anyway, its a huge help! That way he is strapped in (you can let him out for a leg stretch when needed) just like a car ride. If you have a Snugli carrier to keep the baby on your chest it will free up your hands too. A shot of childrens Gravol can help the older boy sleep, if required. Take some chewing gum or chewy candy in case the pressure bothers the older boys ears. If that doesnt work and he is in pain, ask the flight crew for a couple styrofoam cups with really warm cloths inside and place them over his ears. Not sure why this works, but it does.

Lindy - posted on 05/25/2009

Firstly, don't worry about your oldest dashing off. There really isn't anywhere for them to go on planes and the novelty of running the aisles wears off. The novelty of you chasing him (in whatever state of dress!) won't!



I've travelled a lot with little ones and its always worse anticipating it that getting on with it on the big day. Taking it one at a time: For your 2 month old, remember to order a bassinet when you book your ticket, confirm it again 24 hours before you fly and again at check in. Really, if you're breastfeeding, you and a bassinet is all you need! Oh and nurse during take off and landing - it will help your little one's ears adjust.



For the three year old you'll need to do a bit of shopping. Make sure he has his own small carry on bag that he can carry (hence small). The airlines usually give all kids little packs on long haul flights which usually have crayons in them but the activity books are for older kids so get a colouring book full of characters he likes. Another great onboard activity is those Crayola color wonder markers or the markers you fill with water (Water works?). Both are mess free and keep them entertained for a fair amount of time while you nurse.



As far as sleeping is concerned, you need to get the pressure point wrist bands - they are sold as being for airsickness but have always made my oldest flake out!



And don't worry - you'll all be fine and people on planes are usually far more understanding and helpful than you'd expect. Hope you have a great holiday!