Flying with a 4 year old and a 1 year old in May, any tips?

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Mahatma Coat

I didn't see anyone-including the pilot's wife-point out that the kids ears will be messed up. That is the other reason to give them dimatapp (sp?), to keep their ears from plugging up. Make sure to have a liquid handy on the ascent and descent as swallowing will aid in clearing their ears. Ear pain is a big part of why kids cry on flights so much.

And don't sit near me, and I am not joking.

Blot

booze

papayosha

Don't sit behind me!

Sorry about that. Seriously, in a lot of ways flying with kids is easier than driving because you and husband can focus on them. Bring plenty of games, toys and books (only items that can make it through security...no lawn darts!), and try to get a row to yourselves. Also, some airlines will let you pre-board with kids. If they do, you might want to choose bulkhead seating because it has more leg room.

Thomas J

please give them some dimetapp of nyquil before you go onboard.

Dr Dave P

Don't sit in front of me!

kellbelle21

DRINK!! A LOT!

tom

iv got 1 make shore Michael Jackson isn't on the same flights as you

favrd1

You POOR THING!!!! My husband and I just flew with my 10 month old son...It is not fun, especially with the TSA restrictions on what you can carry on board. Formula and baby food are exceptions but you will still need to be ready to pull them out for TSA.

I did give my infant some infant cold medicine so that he would fall asleep while we were flying. While we were taking off I had a bottle for him and one available if he woke up during the landing. The pressure on the ears is horrible for them. I further did not look forward to diaper changes on a tiny cramped plane...Cross your fingers for no poops!

Your 4 year old may do a little better, but put enough things in your carry on to keep her entertained and pull things out one at a time when she gets bored.

It's not going to be a fun experience for you....but you will survive!

Good Luck!

Michael C

Make sure you have plenty for the kids to do. maybe a portable DVD player or something like that. Bless you for being concerned. I have travelled too many times when the children travelled with their parents and they weren't prepared for the downtime. Good luck!

finholl

Have something that will keep both children busy, but quiet. Diapers, wipes, juice and such for the baby. A healthy snack for everyone. Be relaxed about the situation as the kids will pick up on tension and they will get cranky. Sounds like a short flight, but when you change planes, if there is time, take the tykes out side of the building just for some fresh air. For the 4 yr old, try a coloring book and crayons, for the tot, a favorite toy and favorite stuffed animal. Hope the trip goes well.

jokerswild

try to fly at night when they normally are sleep,take a coloring book or your 4yr olds favorite toy to keep him occupied
even a portable DVD player would help, also talk to him about the plane and make it seem really fun and adventurous so he will not be scared

Gregory D

Take at least one collapsible stroller which can be gate checked (leave it at the door of the plane getting on and pick up when getting off) this will hold the one year old and all your gear. Take one more sippy, pacifier, several more diapers, and wipes than you need. Take only non-sugary snacks like cheerios. Take blankets as planes get cold and they will like their own better than the airlines.

It is hard to distract kids at the air port so one stuffed animal is about all you will need for toys. A book to read to them if you think they will sit for it is also good. The 4 year old can take his/her stuff in a backpack to leave more room in the stroller. Always make sure one of you acknowledges that they have the kids in view when the other needs to take break (food, bathroom, whatever).

Thomasroberts

i suggest taking the things you know they like best, and letting them play with the thing. however, babies can and do scream, so i suggest taking a bit of calpol to 'knock 'em out' if they get too restless. its what most people do. of course, you didnt mention how long the flight was so you can only occupy them for so long before they get bored!

Kimmie B

duct tape..lots of duct tape lol..just kidding...snacks and coloring books should help out

mari

two words- childrens benadryl

maryquast

My husband is an airline pilot. I've traveled many, many times alone w/ my two little boys.

Let the 4yr old take a backpack packed w/ light weight books, coloring books, small toys (cars, action figures) but my kids favorite was small containers of PlayDoh with several tools. I even included a few dishes from a doll set. I'd only pack a couple colors and always made sure to clean up a mess. But it was a hit on every trip!!! My oldest is now 10 and we still take PlayDoh.

As for the 1yr old. Take a car seat if you can ( I always did.) Pack the diaper bag. Take a couple suckers for take-off and landing. It prevents that funny feeling in the ears. Don't forget sippy cups. Flight attendants will be glad to fill them for you. Light weight books. My kids slept most of the time at that age.

Take small snacks. I like to make snack mixes ahead of time and pack them in snack size ziplock bags. Gummies are good too.

My oldest starting flying at 3yrs, my 6 yr old started flying at 5 weeks. They've flown w/ me from MI to Chicago, to Minneapolis, to Pheonix. Security was always nice to us - just get there early and take your time. Don't rush. Let the 4yr old put something onto the conveyor belt and watch it go thru the machine.

I've flown a ton w/ my boys and have had a variety of experiences. When my 5wk old flew, if he wasn't crying, the cat that the lady sitting next to us was. I quickly learned not to be shy about nursing.

They've even flown to Florida w/ out us, but w/ their grandparents. Once me & the boys were stuck in Chicago Midway for many hours due to weather. We had a "picnic" under one of the decorative trees and the youngest even took a nap.

Remember to relax. Kids can sense your anxiety. The airlines are usually pretty good w/ kids and are used to them. If you have any questions or conserns don't be afriad to speak up.

Before you go, check out some books from the library about going thru an airport for the kids to look at. Then when you get to the airport you can point out the things you saw together in the book. It can be a fun experience.

Feel free to email me if you need anything. Good luck!

southrntrnzplnt

My daughter is 6 months old and has already flown 3 times since she was 3 months old, flying again in a few weeks. She did amazingly well everytime. The key to the 1 year old is to make sure they drink a bottle or suck a pacifier on take off and landing. Since he/she is 1 they can be a lap child and you can hold them for take off and landing. IF there are enough seats you can bring the car seat on board and strap them in, its safer just in case of turbulance. If the flight is full they will just gate check it along with the stroller. If you dont have one already, get a twin stoller just incase the 4 year old tends to wander or would be sleepy at the connection or at the destination. Its hard enough trying to navigate a stroller, bags and a toddler.

As with the other suggestions, have the 4 year old pack a small back pack with toys, snacks and activities. A portable DVD player will be your saving grace, just make sure to pack headphones.

Ask for pre-boarding when you get to the gate and stand as close to the boarding area as possible so that the gate agents will see you. You can remind them or when they start boarding or call Zone 1 or whatever that airlines 1st class boarding is called, board with them or just after First Class boards. Most airlines will still allow passengers with children, especially those travelling alone with more than one to board, people are parents too and when we fly on our benefits, its just luck to be able to get on, so they can understand and usually will help you. Well, I say that but with most legacy carriers they will, all you have to do is ask, that is what they are there for.

Have both of them take a decongestant about 30 min before boarding time. Pedia Care is great, but can actually make some kids hyper. Tylenol Cold is a good one that Ive used with my daughter. The main thing is have them drink or suck on something on take off and landing especially and during the flight periodically to equalize their ears. If your 4 year old can, try to have them yawn..that helps.

Dont be surprised if either of them has an ear infection when you get home. Flying traps the pressure in their ears and its commone as well as perferated ear drums (ruptured ear drums) if they dont equalize. My daughter always gets one after we get back from a trip. Unfortunately her dad lives on the west coast and we trade visits, so we are flying a lot. Two hours isnt so bad, its doable just keep them busy with movies or toys. The 1 year old, if they are already walking may or may not want to sit still. You can try something like Benedryl or with an anti-histimine in it like Triaminic Cough and Runny Nose strips (the purple one). Yeah some people are against drugging their kids when traveling, but a sleeping baby makes for a happy cabin. You dont want to tick off 300 other people on the plane for 2 hours if you dont think your kid can handle it.

Just try to time bottle times with the time take off will be scheduled.

Try to keep your carry ons limited since your hands will be full. If there will be coats or jackets take a big enough carry on bag to store them in.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule. All liquids and gels must be in a ziploc container and you are only allowed one. So put all meds, diaper creams etc in the ziploc and take it out at TSA. And put your bottles in one too..that is a life saver. As you change altitude they will leak.

I worked for an airline too and I have helped MANY people with their kids at boarding time. Just make sure you check in at the gate to gate check your stoller and get it tagged BEFORE boarding and ask for pre-boarding. There are more than one agent working the flight, so just stand close and in eye sight and they will let you on first.

Good luck and feel free to IM me with any questions you have.

shania3949

Ear plugs and liquor

Monica T

Leave for the airport really early!

Bring lots of toys and snacks. You will be able to check your stroller at the gate so don't worry about that. Check with the airlines to find out what you can and cannot bring on board. It seems like it changes everyday.

You may want to ask the pediatrician for some ideas to prevent their ears from popping from the altitude chang. I have been on many flights with children screaming because their ears hurt.

And finally, Count to 10 and take a deep breath. Something will go wrong, it's inevitable. And, I am sure they have stores where you are going if you forgot something.

dedrakaz

Hi
I flown a few times with my 3 1/2 and my 2 yr old. Both of them started flying at 9 months old.

Have the 4 yr old take a backpack with a few small toys ie cars....and some coloring books or anything that will keep his attention. He will be interested in looking out the window as well.

Also give them motrin 45 mins before takeoff. It does help with the pain in their ears. My pediatrician recommended this. It works

good luck

Sarah

Bring coloring books, or travel games, to occupy your children, or maybe their favorite book, stuffed animal. Or a little snack.
If you have a laptop computer bring that with a dvd they would like.
Nobody likes loud toddlers on a plane.

behr28

I would suggest that both you and your husband should have a couple drinks before the flight! (Im just being a smart alec...trying to lighten your day...)

Heads up!

Bring toys and snacks to occupy them.

P_P_K

Activities, activities, activities! A bored kid is a very unpleasant kid to travel with, as I'm sure you know! Also, gum for the 4 yr old to chew during takeoff and landing... painful ears are hard on kids too.

Good luck!!!

i pack a 44

make sure you and hubby take a zanax because everyone on the plane is going to hate you.......

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