Tips on flying with a 18 month old child?

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Hassen

I travel from Tunisia to the US and back every year with my kids (2.5 hour flight to Germany, then a 10 hour flight to the US - total from door to door is 24 hours). I have been doing this since they were 2 months old. They are now 7 and 5.

Bring along some small toys, 2 or 3 favorite books, and if you can afford it (and depending on how long the flight is) a portable DVD player with some of her favorite movies is wonderful to have also. If you bought your child their own seat (not required until the age of 2) bring along an FAA approved car seat. It'll make them feel more secure, and will be safer for them. And don't forget the snacks!

As for the snacks I don't suggest sweets because they could cause a belly ache or make your child throw up. It is far better to pack fruit snacks (the ones that come in individual packs), Gerber makes dry (kinda like chips, but they are really easy to chew for youngsters) fruit and veggie wheel snacks (you can find them in the baby section -they're for toddlers, but even my husband and I love them!), you can bring lunchables as long as you take out the drink, pack a few instant hot cereal, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets. The stewards/stewadess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. Also your child could eat the fruit and dessert provided by the airline.

Another important thing to pack is any and all medication that your child may need. You can now buy most in powder form or tablets, and airlines allow you to carry a certain amount without a doctors note. And medication that is prescribed by a doctor, make sure you bring the accompanying prescription.

One piece of advice: make sure you make your child drink or suck on a pacifier or lollipop, or something that makes them swallow during take off and landing to relieve the pressure in their ears so they doesn't feel pain and so they don't cry.

If I can be of any other help or assistance to you, feel free to contact me.

youngwolf08

I would strongly urge you to get your child a separate ticket. You, your partner, your child and your fellow passengers will all be happier. Good luck and bring lots of books and toys and don't forget the Tylenol(?)/Motrin before you take off and land for your kid's ears.

Jay

Make sure to get the child his own seat. Bring an FAA approved car seat (not all are FAA approved). Do NOT try to fly with him on your lap. Besides being unsafe, it will not be pleasant for either of you. Trust me, it's well worth the money. (Most airlines have child fares).

Bring toys and snacks. Ensure that they are in compliance with TSA rules. You cannot, for example bring liquids. (Technically, you can bring drinks for small kids, but too many TSA agents don't know how to handle this and you'll be too likely to have it confiscated.)

Talk to your doctor about decongestants. Most doctors will not allow you to give any to a child, of this age. However, they should have options which are safe.

Happy Little Trees

Bring tranqs..

Just kidding..but for real, bring PLENTY to do (toys, what-not), snacks, their lovey, a blanket, a little pillow..anything to make them comfortable for the trip..also anti-nausea medicine for kids (just in case)..dress them for comfort!

Good Luck!

eejonesaux

Hi,,, yes,, ,me and the rest of the passengers ask you to please knock your child out !!! before bording the plane...

benedryl works !!!

good luck

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Get them their own seat; yes, you will save money by having them on your lap but noone wants to sit next to that fussy child, that crying child, that misbehaving child (and no I don't mean just yours but I have experienced all the above children!)
Children normally seem to behave better when they aren't strapped onto their parent. When you give them their own seat they tend to have their own space and even at a year old this makes a difference.

THE STUDLIEST

Buy your childs seat and all the seats around it in the same row and the one behind and in front of. That way I can sleep without your child bothering me.

Miserable

When I flew to California with my 2 year old niece last Thanksgiving, she fell asleep! But, on the way back she was wide awake and had trouble with her ears and became fussy. Have something for your child to suck on, or something, to help alleviate the pressure in his/her ears.

Khamirul Bin Mataree

Bring along the child needs in the plane. Take the finest night flight. Daylight usually gives the child uncomfortable. It is best to take the wider space of seat in the plane. Tell at the registrator flight ticket that you bring child and ask the person to give you the seat which special design with the child passenger. Tell also when check in/boarding time that your child is with you. Some of the flight company provide it.

Kristin M

Here's what we do when we travel with our 3 children: We pack bags (we use brown lunch ones and decorate them with their name) and put fun treats in there for them. We put little toys, candy, snacks etc. It doesn't cost much, we usually go to the dollar store or the party favor aisle at Walmart or Target. The kids love it because it's a surprise, and they have something to look forward to. Good luck!

JCV

As both the mother of a 2 yr old and a flight attendant, I can tell you from personal experience... the best thing ever is a portable DVD player!!! If you don't have one, you can usually pick one up for less than $100 at Wal-mart or Kmart. Then just bring 3 or 4 of his/her favorite cartoons and they are happy as a clam. One thing...be sure to bring an absolutely irresistible toy for take off and landing because you have to turn off all electronics for this time. I brought crayons and coloring books. Also if your little uses a bottle of sippy cup. you can bring it empty and purchase a drink after you go through security. The sucking action will keep their ears clear when climbing and descending. Also having their own seat does help...a lot (and it really is safer)!!!

tbugs

My advice is not to take an 18 month old child on a plane. The baby will be uncomfortable and will squirm and cry. Oh, how passengers hate crying babies!

If you absolutely must take the child, give him a little Dramamine so it will be asleep during the flight.

iamajericoholic

Here's a tip - Don't fly with a 18 month old! The most annoying thing on a flight is a baby. It's not there fault! they're most likely confused and disoriented. The kid is not going to remember whatever holiday you're going on, don't do it!

Taffy Saltwater

Try a pair of child sized EarPlanes earplugs on takeoff & descent - they help keep the ears at an even pressure so there's not so much pain (fussing, crying).

miketorse

Get them a seat and seat them in their car seat! Children are used to being strapped into a car seat, and know (basically) how to behave in one. Sitting on your lap will be a disaster for an 18 month old!

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