Travelling with a Toddler

[genndan100502]

I haven't seen this topic on this board yet, we're planning to travel from California to Chicago with our DD in Sept, she turned 1 in June and has been walking since 11 months.

Any tips on traveling with a 1 year old/toddler?

I've found this website is pretty helpful for 6 months and younger, but wanted to hear some of your suggestions and recommendations on what to pack, wheter or not I should purchase her own seat, departure times, etc.
http://www.babygoes2.com/main_planes.asp

Also if we do buy her own seat what do you do with the carseat and stroller? strap the stroller onto the carseat and gate check the stroller?

The only thing we're definite on is to book non stop flights.

Here's a link (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=449859&start=0&tstart=0) to the other site with great suggestions as well.

[BooeyJ2]

Hi Gen :)

My sister and BIL just went to Chicago last week with my nephew (he'll be 1 in about 2 weeks).

They didn't buy him his own seat, BUT on the way back the seat next to them was open so he got to use it on the way back and she said it was so much nicer for him to have his own seat rather than be on their laps the whole time.

As for the carseat, I think you can just install the carseat on the actual plane seat. If not, get a carseat bag (they have them at BRU for $19.99) and check the seat in.

I would keep the stroller just to make things easier for you guys. Nikki might get tired of walking and then you guys would end up carrying for the gate, to luggage claim, etc.


Which airline are you taking? If it's Jet Blue, they have TV's on every headrest, so cartoons could keep her occupied.


I also remember reading somewhere that plane travel for babies/kids is usually best when they are sleeping (so later at night, etc).

[ann2002]

Don't have much time right now to post - But, just wanted to mention that American offers 50% off fares when you buy tickets for kiddos who are under 2. You can price it out directly on the website.

We have always bought a seat for our little guy - For us it is what makes the most sense since he loves to explore and it would be next to impossible to contain him w/o a seat. And then there is also the safety factor...

[Teresita]

I just flew from CA to Boston and back solo (i.e., sans DH) with my one-year old.

I had previously flown with her to Chicago and back (twice--at 8 weeks and then 8 months), to New York and back (5 months), and to Boston and back (5 months). For all the previous trips I just had DD on my lap and she did very well and hardly fussed at all.

This last trip was quite a bit more difficult given she's now more a toddler than a baby. I got DD her own seat and was so glad I did.

I didn't bring a stroller. I carried DD in a sling and then had a backpack carrier that held the carseat (the carrier worked great). I'd recommend bringing as few carry on items as possible since you will have your hands full with your child and the carseat. I brought only a few favorite toys. Most of DD's entertainment just came from me--silly games (e.g., an impromptu game of "pillow hat" using the lovely airline pillows, peekaboo, where is thumbkin, etc.), but I had a couple books and lots of snacks. We don't allow DD to watch TV, but I saw some other toddlers with little DVD players, so that might be an option.

Good luck!

[Ohana]

We flew with DD when she was 14 months. She did not have her own seat. Other than making meal times a challenge, it worked out just fine.

However, if possible, you should ask for a bulkhead seat, because there's a bit more legroom, and while the plane is cruising, you can let your baby on the floor to play.

As far as what to pack, I would suggest taking as little as possible in your carryon. We took one sippy and I carried a Dawn dishcloth to wash it, rather than carrying multiple cups. I had several small baggies with snacks, and those snack packs of fruit would be good too. A change of clothes, extra wipes, and a small toy, and you should be good to go! We found that DD thought the barf bag and airline magazine were far more entertaining than anything we brought with us. And the cups! Oh, she loved those little Dixie cups in the restroom. Stole a huge stack of them and they kept her quiet for a long time.

[genndan100502]

thanks everyone, we bought DD her own seat since the flight is during normal hours.

I also wanted to tell everyone that if you're going to gate check your stroller, the container store has an outdoor cushion storage bag (http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=69669&CATID=243&searchId=809419&itemIndex=1) that is only $10 that fits a lot of strollers. it's clear so the luggage people know to bring it out to you when exiting the plane, and it's a cover to protect the stroller from dirt, oil, scratches.

I learned this from the baby bargains message board.

[margiepgh]

I'll be travelling with my then 23-month old son in late November from Pittsburgh to Phoenix. I was thinking about getting a Ride on Carry on Stroller. http://www.rideoncarryon.com

Does anybody have an experience with the Ride On Carry On, or is it just better to just get a cheap umbrella stroller (or skip the stroller altogether).

[Mrs. M.]

...while the plane is cruising, you can let your baby on the floor to play.

I just wanted to mention that the flight attendants might not allow this. I certainly would not recommend it. The oxygen mask tubes do not reach down to the floor.

Also, check out the Master Travel Thread :)

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=6674

[SiValleySteph]

I just wanted to mention that the flight attendants might not allow this. I certainly would not recommend it. The oxygen mask tubes do not reach down to the floor.


You wouldn't do that while the oxygen masks are deployed. :confused: How is that any different that adults getting up and stretching and walking on the plane on a large flight? Isn't that recommended, anyways?

margiepgh, I think the stroller situation would depend on the kid. My son will only be 14 months on our upcoming trip and we will definitely need our regular stroller at our destination, so we will be gate checking it and using it in the airport. If he doesn't want to ride, it will hold our carryons. :p

[Mrs. M.]

You wouldn't do that while the oxygen masks are deployed. :confused: How is that any different that adults getting up and stretching and walking on the plane on a large flight? Isn't that recommended, anyways?

If you are walking around and the masks deploy, you will be able to reach over and grab one (there are more masks than seats installed, plus masks in galleys and lavs).

If they deploy and your kid is on the floor, you need to put your mask on, then you will have a hard time bending down, try to pick up your kid, get their mask on. At 30,000 feet you have about 30-60 seconds of consciousness. Every second counts.

[SiValleySteph]

I see. Thanks Mrs. M for explaining. Do you not allow your daughter to walk around the plane at all then? Or only if you are out of your seat with her? Just trying to see how it would work.

[Mrs. M.]

I don't let her walk out of DH or my reach on a plane. If she walks around, one of us is always one step behind.

But I am paranoid when it comes to my family traveling. I also usually count the seat rows to the exit. Funny, I am much more relaxed when I am on duty, I am really not worried about myself.