Flying with 2 . .. - Silverdale,WA

I agree that you'll need a carrier of some sort for the baby...a wrap or Bjorn. You'll have to actually hold them during take off and landing, but you'll need your hands free at times, especially boarding and security, so you'll need something. As far as car seats, I generally like to take the car seat aboard, but if you're alone then maybe not. You'll have to decide if you think your 2 y/o can handle sitting in the regular seat. If you think she'll do fine and won't try and get out, etc. then just check the car seat. If you think it will be a nightmare and you'd rather strap her in and forget about it, then ask a flight attendant to help you take the car seat to your seat. There will be plenty of people willing to hold a baby for a few minutes while you strap her in.

Gate check the stroller so you can unload the baby ASAP. If you have a double, I'd probably take that b/c once you are getting your luggage you'll want to strap her in so she doesn't run away!

All the baby gear/seats will be free even if you check them as baggage. Get a cart to carry all your stuff to the curb...if possible have someone pick you up there, drop off the kids and then go back in to retrieve your stuff.

The baby won't need much entertainment. I'd take maybe a few toys, some snacks, bottle, etc. but the baby will probably sleep most of the way. If your 2 y/o will watch TV take a DVD player. Play movies the whole time if you must and don't feel bad about it!!!

Anyway, hope that helps! Enjoy your trip!!

** I wanted to add that they actually loosened the rules on the baby stuff...you can take milk/formula and sometimes even water onto the plane if it's for a baby now but you have to disclose them before they go through the scanner. I've done it before recently with my son and I had no problems!

I would highly suggest carrying the baby in a carrier. A Moby or Ergo or whatever you use if you do it. If not I would really buy one.

Are you taking the 2 year olds car seat on the flight to sit in? That will make it alot easier if it is a long flight.

I just flew with my 3 boys who are 5y, 3y, and 9 months. I also had to bring a ton of gear--3 car seats and a stroller. I put the baby in a Bjorn carrier, the 3 year old was in an umbrella stroller, and the 5 year old walked. I put everything that had to be pulled out in security in one bag (DVD player, baby food, etc.). I planned every detail and we were fine!

If I had a dollar for every comment I got, I'd be rich! I am 33, but I look 20. People kept saying, "Traveling alone with 3", "Oh, you have your hands full", "Boy, 3 boys must keep you busy!", etc. It was annoying--especially since my kids were GREAT!!! They barely made a peep all day--no tears, no fits, no screaming! They were perfect. One lady said, "Next time Daddy needs to come along". I responded with, "He would love to be here right now, but he's busy fighting for our freedom in Iraq". That shut her up!

Plan ahead and you'll be fine. Oh, and domestic flights don't carry Milk (at least not the ones I was one), so have a back up if your daughter only drinks milk. My kids just drink water on the plane.

Do you have to take the car seats? if not I would not, if you have too then I would check them. Put the baby in a carrier and be sure to request a bulk head seat to give yourself more room since you have the baby on your lap.

I haven't read all responses, but here is some information that may help.

I have only been flying with one - but continually talk about how we/I would do two.

Take the carseat. Our son is VERY active but he knew his seat and would sit quietly - with short stints of 'up' (he is now 22mos) and he slept.

We also brought a few toys that he had never seen before and his favorite blanket (life saver).

Most don't know this but you CAN have an adult with you that is NOT flying obtain a GATE PASS at the ticket counter. It isn't common, but possible. You may need to talk w/a sup. Make sure the adult has a current DL or passport. This person can help you get all the way to the gate and stay there until the plane departs.

Make sure the gate attendants know that you are flying alone with your children (yes it is on the list, but still, seeing and meeting the actual people are a good thing!). As SOON and I mean as SOON as they announce that there is preboarding, board and get the car seat loaded. The flight attendants will have a little more time on their hands to help you get the seat in (will need to be against the window, fwd facing, tho some will say it is ok for rear ... not if you want to have nice seatmates).

We use a backpack leash with Jake. He is a bolter - LOVES to run in open spaces, but also LOVES his backpack and responds very well to just hanging out near mom or dad when using it. I can have my hands relatively free and he gets a little freedom.

Oh the milk - we have always flown Alaska - bring milk! You can bring a small thermos and 'declare' it at security to let them know it is for baby. You shouldn't have any issues. I have also taken sippies with me through security and purchased milk at the coffee shops. On our 5hr flight to hawaii, I'm glad I had the milk!

At Sea-Tac, use the family line for security if you are going to D concourse, easy, faster - no long line.

And remember, one step at a time. It is all possible :).

I would definitely get the gogo babyz platform for toddler and infant...put your clothes in a backpack and pull the gogobabyz. Go online to diapers.com and have diapers and wipes and baby stuff shipped to brothers

Call ahead to the airlines and request assistance.
Check as much baggage at the curb as possible.

I agree with the carrier so that your hands are free for the toddler. Allow extra time to get through security.

As part of security, you can take sealed ready-made cans of formula for the baby, but cannot take water or other liquids (including half drunk bottles) through security. They will make you toss it out.

M.

Take the carseat and a stroller. The small one that is just a seat for the toddler. Looks something like a folded umbrella with two handles.
We had one and it saved us so much hassle. You will be happy with the carseat in the plane as your daughter will be more comfortable in it. Bring games age appropriate for the older one.

Enjoy your vacation.

I did it with three.... 8 year old, 2 year old and 9 month old so it can be done. I was so glad to see my husband when we walked off the plane I nearly cried.......

Some tips.

Get your rest the day before if possible....you will not rest during the trip.

Ask for a bulk head seat--their is more room in front of you for your 4 year old to get up and move around without disturbing others.

You will have opportunity to board first.....use it.

Take a grab bag of new interesting small toys for your four year old to become involved with.

Have something for you oldest to suck on for the ups and downs of the trip.

And you can do it.

I have flown A LOT with two kids...stay calm! If you get worked up, it is much worse! Don't be afraid to ask people to help you - get a cart for the luggage - and remember that it will be significantly less once you get through security. We have a wheel attachment for the big carseat - LOVE it (go go babyz) and I pushed the infant seat on the stroller frame and used it to push any other carry on stuff...and I carried the baby in the front pack. For me, the most stressful time was getting the carseat buckled on the airplane while watching two kids...but again, stay calm, and it will be fine! We DO NOT use a dvd player, just entertain with stuff like floam, stickers, crayons, etc...There are baby gear rental places (I have never used a service like this) in many cities - you could check on that as an option!

Good luck!

I have a very very active toddler, and taking his carseat on the airplane helped wonders. The airline staff is very helpful in carrying it for you on the airplane. You might have more issues with carrying it to the ticket counter, then through security and to the terminal. Maybe you can ask the staff at the counter to help you get it thru security and meet you at the terminal. I also have a 10 month old and with her carseat, I just checked it in at the ticket counter for free thru Alaska airlines. I either carried her in arms or with my becco baby carrier. With my toddler, I had a monkey backpack leash ( I know some people frown at the leash idea, but it's better than I toddler running around the airport) if your toddler will sit nicely on the airplane, then you can check both carriers and have less to carry to the terminal.
For entertainment, I bought a dry erase crayon coloring book at Fred Myers ( crayon comes out easy with water, in case he drew on the food tray) and brought snacks and sippy cup. Bringing a DVD player sounds good to. Another good toy that I might purchase will be a leap frog or some type of interactive game. In my situation, I made sure to give my toddler the toys and or games once we were on the plane. I didn't let him play with them at home before the trip. It made it seem new and more exciting to play with and kept him occupied for longer period of time while on the plane :) on the issue about getting kid equipment. I know of a good place that rents all sorts of equipment. It is called Traveling Tykes. The owner is a member of my moms group. It is located in Anchorage on Northern lights. You can google the name and find the website. There number is ###-###-####. Hope this helps. Have a fun and safe trip!!

I have a very very active toddler, and taking his carseat on the airplane helped wonders. The airline staff is very helpful in carrying it for you on the airplane. You might have more issues with carrying it to the ticket counter, then through security and to the terminal. Maybe you can ask the staff at the counter to help you get it thru security and meet you at the terminal. I also have a 10 month old and with her carseat, I just checked it in at the ticket counter for free thru Alaska airlines. I either carried her in arms or with my becco baby carrier. With my toddler, I had a monkey backpack leash ( I know some people frown at the leash idea, but it's better than I toddler running around the airport) if your toddler will sit nicely on the airplane, then you can check both carriers and have less to carry to the terminal. I also brought a backpack that had tons of compartments. Used it as a diaper bag and for carrying snacks toys, wallet etc.. Helped free my hands.
For entertainment, I bought a dry erase crayon coloring book at Fred Myers ( crayon comes out easy with water, in case he drew on the food tray) and brought snacks and sippy cup. Bringing a DVD player sounds good to. Another good toy that I might purchase will be a leap frog or some type of interactive game. In my situation, I made sure to give my toddler the toys and or games once we were on the plane. I didn't let him play with them at home before the trip. It made it seem new and more exciting to play with and kept him occupied for longer period of time while on the plane :) on the issue about getting kid equipment. I know of a good place that rents all sorts of equipment. It is called Traveling Tykes. The owner is a member of my moms group. It is located in Anchorage on Northern lights. You can google the name and find the website. There number is ###-###-####. Hope this helps. Have a fun and safe trip!!

first, I don't know where your brother lives, but some bigger towns have strollers and carseats that you can rent? Something worth checking.

As for flying, we flew Alaska Air with our 3 year old and 1 year old to Alaska and the longest leg of our flight was about 3 hours (3 legs altogether). I was sooooo nervous, especially because coming back we would be alone (just hubby and I and kids, no grandparents). We bought them each a little backback and filled it with all new toys (dollar tree type stuff, coloring, little hand held toys, etc) and snacks. My daughter loved all her little stuff she had and was entertained (we were really worried about her cause she is not a sitter). Our son surprised us and fell asleep eachtime the plane took off the ground and woke up when the plane landed. Your little one will probably do the same. Just try to make sure that you other child has plenty of things to play with. The color wonder stuff is great too for planes. Also if you have an ipod you ca put movies on it for her.

It's probably too late now, but please get a seat for your baby the next time you fly. I really wish airlines would stop the lap rider policy, or the government would outlaw it. If the plane runs into severe turbulence or takes a sudden drop it can generate so much force that you could lose hold of the baby. You wouldn't let your child ride in the car outside of a car seat, would you? The same goes for your toddler -- take the car seat on the plane. Adult lap belts can cause substantial abdominal injuries if the plane jolts forward and your child is thrown against the belt.

Since you're taking your front carrier, I suggest you wear it for the flight and keep the baby in it. Not only will it offer more protection than your arms, but it will also keep your hands free to help your older child. Make sure to take a few toys for the trip that you know will hold your toddler's interest, and bring something like baby links that you can use to attach the toys to the arm rest or tray table. That way, when your toddler drops something, you won't have to fish around with your feet in an incredibly tight place to retrieve it, and it won't go rolling down half the length of the plane.

Make sure you take advantage of preboarding, and change diapers right before boarding. You probably already know to get both children to suck during take off and landing to keep their ears clear. If your kids tend to get clogged ears, you can also help clear them by putting a hot paper towel into a cup and holding it over the ear. The temperature differential will help to change the internal pressure in the ear faster.

Good luck! Oh, and don't forget to pack an asbestos suit for yourself to ward off the searing glares of fellow passengers. :-D If you really want a comfortable trip, give both kids a dose of dimetap or benedryl once you're in your seats, and enjoy a xanac for yourself! (Just kidding!)

Two car seats and a pack and play. Can't your brother possibly borrow
a pack and play from someone and possibly a car seat. That would make
it so much easier. I babysit my grandchildren and lend out my things when
friends are having babies as houseguests. Just give yourself ALOT of
extra time at the airport.