Flying With a Toddler

Hey Mommas!

If you're reading this post, chances are you don't actually have time to read it for the same reason that I don't have much time to write it.  We have kids.  And lives.  And blogging takes up either quality time or sleepy time!  So, I'm going to try to get to the bottom line when it comes to flying internationally with a toddler.

Before our journey, I searched the internet for tips on this subject with little success.  Why is no one writing about this?  Imagining a hyper-active toddler on a 14 hour flight is enough to give even the most easy-going momma a small anxiety attack!

So, this is how it went for us.

• STICKERS, STICKERS, STICKERS!!!
• These, along with a few other disposable toys (like pipe cleaners and pom poms) provided immense entertainment for A.  Keep the toys lightweight and preferably of a throw-away nature.  Not only are things easily lost on long trips, they can get heavy. 

• Bring the Baby Carrier.  Counts as a baby item and gets on for free.

• Bring the Carseat, if it's a one-way trip and your baby is cool with it.  Also counts as a baby item, for free. Will you need it where you're going? Probably not.  But it's really great to be able to strap your kiddo in during meal and/or nap times...and take off...and landing...

• Bring the Stroller.  Good for layovers and acts as a great dolly for all of your carry-on luggage! They will most likely gate check this, but check your airline for specifics. 

• Benadryl Not Necessary.  I heard both opinions before we flew and eventually decided against it.  Although A might fall asleep with it, the quality of her sleep is never good.  We packed her PJs, her stuffed penguin, her toothbrush and the book we read every night before bed.  Making the routine as close to normal as we could definitely helped settle her down.  She slept for the majority of all of our flights.  She was a little fussy because she didn't get much run-around time, but we had almost no lay-over time. 

• Bring the appropriate food and snacks.  We ended up packing almost too much food for A (she actually ate the plane food!), but it was nice to have snacks left over when we arrived.  I would think carefully about milk.  We couldn't find it in any of our airports (even SFO), and they didn't have much on the plane.  However, there really isn't a good way to keep it cold long enough to cross the globe.  So, I would recommend either taking your chances on finding it on your journey or just buy the boxed stuff that doesn't need refrigeration.  You should be able to claim it as a baby item when you check in and go through security. 

• Not required, but we make these airplane bags (pictured below).  I wish I would have thought to include a translated version.  The girls behind us really appreciated them, and I think it reminded them of the sleeping baby a few inches away.  I noticed that they tried to keep the light off and stay quiet even when they were talking/playing games.  

• Don't impose your usual technology limits.  Honestly, A didn't really end up playing with our baby-friendly technology much, but I heard this advice from several people.  The plane will most likely have in seat entertainment, and Frozen is probably on there.  She. Was. Riveted.  I think it's an in-born trait for females under 12 to love "Let It Go".

• Navigating Airports.  If you are traveling with your spouse, decide beforehand who handles the important documents, who handles the kiddo, who talks to people, and who carries what luggage.  Just do this.  Please. 

• Be sure to check specifics with your airline!  We had 3 SEPERATE SEATS on ALL 3 FLIGHTS.  Seriously? Anyway, we called United three weeks before our flight, and they said there's nothing they could do.  Right.  So, we called two days before our flight and not only got seats together, but got a free upgrade on one of our flights.  Woot!  Also, for many airlines, family boarding is a things of the past.  Boo.  So, check the policies on prices, gate checking, and boarding procedures. 

• Tell yourself that you can do anything for 14-30 hours.  It will be over, eventually, I promise.

Those are the big ones!  Anything else you can think of?