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Tested tips for flying with a toddler

June 6, 2008 | Wheeling, Illinois | Vetting explained

Ntivaki Posted by:
Ntivaki

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My daughter and I have flown together cross-country on numerous occasions --  I may have a few tips - aside from the ones mentioned -- to help travelers with small kids.

 

 

I have found that you can't expect much help from anybody , even if you are traveling alone with a little one.  Most flight attendants are helpful, others treat you like you've got the plague (USA3000 flight attendant quote as I was coming up the OUTDOORS  stairway in torrential rain with a kid, a carry-on and a car seat:  "I can't help you, I could get sued." Really? Last I checked my carry-on didn't have a lawyer on retainer.  Don't expect to pre-board either, those days are over.

 

 

1. Bring A LOT more diapers/pull ups/snacks than you think you'll ever need. I usually pack 3x as much as expected. The extras don't take up too much space and you would be disgusted at the limited food options available either on a plane or at an airport (esp. late at night) I've had to share the supply with other moms too.  In an emergency (when you are on your last diaper) a maxi-pad in the last diaper will help extend it.  (The vending machines at the airport have them)

 

 

2. Consider buying or borrowing the car seat that converts into a stroller and fits down the plane aisles. Easier to get around the airport without carrying the kid; No need to wake a sleeper when you land; FAA approved and actually fits in the airplane seat (but dont' expect to use the tray table) ; can be steered with one hand

 

 

3. If you bring a portable DVD player, consider investing in the battery packs that give you up to 6 extra hours. Now THOSE are a great way make friends with others on the plane.  You can use the extra diapers as padding to protect it. 

 

 

4. Don't count on being able to find milk on the plane or in the airport!  If your child MUST have milk, consider powdered. ... you can't often get real stuff through security (as much as you need) because it exceeds volume requirements.  I HAD TO EMPTY MY THEN 18 MO OLD DAUGHTER'S SIPPY CUP OF MILK AT THE CLEARWATER AIRPORT BECAUSE IT WAS A SIPPY CUP AND "DIDN'T HAVE A NIPPLE" so they felt it didn't fall into the guidelines of acceptable foodstuffs, even  for infants.

 

 

5. Pack your diapers in 'ziploc kits' : a diaper and  disposable liner. Leave the bulky diaper bag in your seat to change a diap. When you are done with both, they go back into the ziplock bag and the garbage. Use disposable liners even if you put your own on top-- the bathrooms are NEVER clean enough for your baby. The liner can also come in handy if your kid has an accident -- it'll keep the dry kid off of the wet carseat.  Bring a good sized wipe container, you WILL use them for everything.

 

 

6. I pack the smallest pack of sanitizing wipes I can find to wipe down everything around the tray and seat.

 

 

7. Do your best to keep your area clean -- it goes a long way with you flight attendants and neighbors to see you tidying up the dropped goldfish etc. Use the air sickness bag for garbage.

 

 

8, Snacks SNACKS! Also, I found that lolipops are great ways to clear their ears on takeoff and landing. Those little fun-sized ones are fine, you don't need a big sugar bomb on a stick at 35k feet!

 

 

9. Little things DO amuse greatly. I once kept my daughter busy with ice cubes swirling in a plastic cup. She'd drink it as it melted.

 

 

10. Crayons will only roll off the table and cause you trouble retrieving them -- unless you buy the triangle shaped ones. Skip the art projects AND noisy toys. Sticker books are good, so are those magnetic erase or activity books.

 

 

11. If a fellow traveler offers you a hand ( I found fathers traveling alone to be the most gracious) take it. Don't try to be superhero -- a lighter load for even a minute helps.

 

 

12, Don't count on those overpriced airline food boxes. Bring or buy a meal (deli sandwiches travel well) at the airport for the plane if it's a long flight or there is even a minute chance for a delay. I've been on planes that ran out of those boxed snacks before they got to the other end of the plane... then the flight was delayed by weather for another 3 hours at the stopover where the airport terminal was closed for the night. Who's hungry?  Or toss a packet of instant oatmeal in your bag. It works for you or the kid as a last resort meal.

 

 

 

 

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