Tips for traveling with little ones...
Aug 13 '00
I have done quite a bit of traveling since my children were born, and, since then, have never flown without them. My children are now 2 1/2-yrs-old and 20 1/2-mos-old. When I travel with them, it is when my husband is away, so I fly with them alone. Many people have told me they could never do that...travel with two children so young with no help, but I promise - if you just prepare, you can do it too (not that you'd want to but sometimes there is no choice)!
My first and most important piece of advice is simple. Purchase a ticket for the child regardless of his/her age! This may seem frivolous but it really isn't...especially if your child is good in the car. Traveling with a 'lap child' is very uncomfortable for all involved...particularly if you end up in a middle seat. This much I know from experience! More important than mere comfort, the child is safer in his or her own child safety seat so it is better to carry the seat on board with you and strap the child in. The only drawback here is that the car seat MUST be in the window seat. I used to purchase the window and aisle of the row, knowing the middle seats would be filled last if at all. If the flight is full, nearly anyone would be willing to give up a middle seat for an aisle so you can sit next to your child. Since I travel with two toddlers, I need to have 3 tickets total. The kids sit in the window and middle seat and I sit on the aisle. I cannot sit between them as it is against FAA regulations.
If purchasing an additional seat is not possible, consider (if you're traveling with an infant) putting the child in a snugli. Again - the child is safer this way. In the event of a turbulent ride, the child will be easier to hold on to in a snugli. Also, you are leaving your hands free.
Another piece of advice is to bring your own stroller with you. Not only is the stroller for the child, but you can pile a whole lot of luggage on it as well. If you have the snugli, put the infant in the snugli and load the luggage on the stroller. As I mentioned earlier, I travel with two toddlers. I will allow my son (the older child) to walk holding the side of the double stroller while my daughter rides. I can then pile their carseats on the stroller and manage my way through any parking lot or terminal.
Next item to concern yourself with is snacks. While airlines offer snacks, you know your children better and know what they're likely to eat. I rarely travel without at least one PB&J sandwich in my bag! I also have lots of finger foods available. I do not give my kids milk while we travel because I am too concerned about keeping their cups clean. Instead, we take juice that can get mixed and/or watered down throughout the day.
If at all possible, schedule flights as close to nap time as possible. By doing this, the child is sleepy and ready to sleep anyway. He or she will easily fall asleep on the plane (in the carseat).
Of course, you will want to remember to arrive early, but not TOO early for the flight. Unnecessary rushing will cause excess stress. Too much 'downtime', on the other hand, can put some kids over the edge.
It's always nice to bring along a new, small toy or book. We usually take books because my kids love them so much, but another great travel toy is a Magna Doodle. We had one of those as well and my son loved it.
Lastly, and most importantly, RELAX! Kids sense stress and will pick up on your cues. If you are relaxed, they will be too. And...if your child decides to scream and cry the entire flight, accept it. Don't stress over it. It is more than likely that your fellow travelers have had small children as well and know what it was like to try to keep them happy all the time!
Good luck to all you travelers out there. Again, if you'll heed this advice, your traveling with toddlers and infants should be more smooth.
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cbermom
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