Traveling with child just under 2 on airplane-What do I need to know

User - posted on 04/17/2012

get a stroller bag-a gate check bag (in red) would be the cheapest.write your name on the bag with a permanent marker.it's easier to just check it in coz the pre boarding time most probably won't be too long. in some airports there are some strollers you can borrow (doubles as a caddy for your diaper bag and a highchair for meals-at least in Changi Airport in Singapore they have those).You won't have to wait when you deplane for your stroller--you just breeze through! your stroller will be on the belt waiting for you. Toys wise-don't choose ones that make too much noise.I learned that as may then 8 month old loves her Sophie the Giraffe and got complains from other passengers!

Margaret - posted on 06/24/2009

oh my experience flying with children is a one way 9 hour flight god only knows why it took sooo long from Darwin to Melbourne with a 2 yo 5 yo and 6 yo solo.....travel LIGHT you dont realise just how much you have with you until after holding bubs for sooo long you have to then get up from the seat and carry it all off the flight....

and I had a seat booked for her....problem was she refused to actually sit in it....the flight attendant asked if she had a bottle and offered to heat it for me....it did look funny with me holding her and her cradled in my arms this MASSIVE baby lol...I had to explain to them that she hadnt had a bottle for almost a year.....

Margaret - posted on 06/24/2009

her son is quite a bit older, your 9 month old isnt even really a toddler yet. for toddlers there is a harness which fits to the flight belt and the child is literally held in your lap during take off not over the shoulder. having their favourite blanket and some lollies as suggested earlier is a good idea for take off and the flight the blanket my daughter in my profile photo is wrapped in is actually a small quilted patchwork pillow I made myself it folds up into a pocket so serves as both a small blanket and as a pillow. I have found it perfect for the flight and it is also a comfort item for her because mum made it special for her.

Heather - posted on 06/24/2009

I just did a 5 hour flight along with a 2 hour bus ride all in the same day with my 9 month old son. The stroller they will take from you just before you board the plane. Just don't forget it when disembarking. They call up passengers traveling with children first so that is a bit of help so you don't feel so rushed. A flight attendant will approach you to explain how to hold your son with the take off of the plane. In take off you have to hold him in the burping position and support the back of his head.
Make sure to pack snacks and enough water/juice/milk/formula all that is permitted when traveling with a child. I also packed 2 of my sons favorite toys that was easy to go into the bag. Along with a DVD player with his favorite movie. My son uses a pacifier to fall asleep but I gave it to him when the plane took off and found that helped with the popping of the ears. I will pray that you have a seat empty next to you so you get a bit more room. I was lucky where there was no one in the third seat and I found that helped a lot. My doctor suggested child gravol I never used it but heard some moms rave about it because it knocks the kid out.
At the end of the day you know your child best. You will be great! Have a safe and happy trip.

Elisabeth - posted on 06/23/2009

I used to have to fly with my daughter when she was a toddler also. I don't want to sound redundant, but gum or snacks definitley help with popping their ears in take off and landing of the plane. I also packed color wonder markers and the coloring pads. They worked fabulous. I also packed a cd player with childrens songs for her to listen to, and a blanket and teddy bear. I put all this in a bag pack, since most of the time I had to carry her so that she wouldnt run off in the airport. Make sure you pack lots of diapers and wipes! If they are potty training, it will be difficult to use the toilet in a packed airplane. I am sure you know that wipes have many uses. ;) I had to pack snacks for my daughter to eat because she had food allergies to peanuts and milk. Airlines handout peanuts as snacks (if they aren't tight on their budget), and my child couldn't eat them. We had to travel all day and night. Make sure you have money for food, and a change of clothes for accidents. Have a safe trip! :)

Heidi - posted on 06/23/2009

Oh bring a change of clothes for yourself. EVERY TIME I fly something gets spilled on me and I never have clothes. LOL.

Maggie - posted on 06/23/2009

I just had my 18 month old daughter on a plain(she was also a lap child and loved the window)...we made sure we had losts of things like coloring books, books to read, we took her leap pad, and we had a protable DVD player. make sure you have plenty of snacks for his ears. Gummies work great.. for their ears to pop. we took our stroller and at the gate they checked it and then when we got off it was waiting for us in the hall way. make sure it has a tag with your name on it.



good luck and have a fun! :)

Margaret - posted on 06/23/2009

Oh and great for flights is a baby sling....it helps with the weight of him on your arms doubles as a light blanket and doesnt take up alot of space either

Margaret - posted on 06/23/2009

bring your bag well packed with the items you will need Ideally he will sleep on the flight or you can play games hand games and quiety sing songs with him or read books but generally you dont want too much which isnt necessary so avoid the whole toys bit unless he has a comfort teddy....

if you are travelling alone remember your carry on will include food drinks entertainment needs etc its alot to carry on and off the flight particularly if you are carrying him too. try to keep it to a minimum and have the pram etc come through the luggage I believe most airlines increase the allowances when children/infants are involved for the pram carseat portacot etc etc take advantage of it let someone else do the carrying of it while you are actually travelling stick with your day bag for him with a few items for yourself in it anything more on board and the trip will be a nightmare

Heidi - posted on 06/23/2009

You should never check a car seat unless it is extremly well padded.

I take mine up to the gate attached to a stroller or a luggage cart. Then ask if they have an empty seat. If they do you can take the car seat on, if not then they will vallet check it at the gate with the stroller.



Get the colorwonders markers, he can color all over the plane with them and there will be no signs he did it. Also a dvd player.



I fly maybe 2 times a year. I will be making trip from here (Germany) to the states alone with 3 kids very soon.



Have patients. Ignore the people around you if your son is making noises. Just concentrate on him and making him happy.



Good Luck

Heidi - posted on 06/23/2009

You should never check a car seat unless it is extremly well padded.

I take mine up to the gate attached to a stroller or a luggage cart. Then ask if they have an empty seat. If they do you can take the car seat on, if not then they will vallet check it at the gate with the stroller.



Get the colorwonders markers, he can color all over the plane with them and there will be no signs he did it. Also a dvd player.



I fly maybe 2 times a year. I will be making trip from here (Germany) to the states alone with 3 kids very soon.



Have patients. Ignore the people around you if your son is making noises. Just concentrate on him and making him happy.



Good Luck