Airplane with 2 Toddlers and Just Mommy

bring a portable dvd player or laptop so the 3 year old can watch a movie :) and you are brave GOOD LUCK :)

So I am about to embark on a 6 hr flight from San Diego to Honolulu with my two kids, age 5 and 3. So I have many of your same concerns. But we have also travelled by plane a bunch of times with each kid alone and both together. Our last trip was with a 3 and 1 year old.

Check in all your baggage. Each person carries on a backpack, or rolling backpack. Snacks, toys, blankies, etc. For a two hour flight you probably won't need a portable DVD player. My kids were always more interested in eating snacks that I usually don't give them at home (candy, sweets) and watching out the window or watching the attendants for short flights. But you know best what keeps your kids occupied so just go with that.

For safety, I usually book each kid a seat and use their carseat. I think most airlines will allow a 3 yo to sit without a carseat. But I was never comfortable with that. They make straps where you can strap the carseat to your rolling luggage for like $15 and your child can be strolled around in it. I haven't used it, but it got some pretty good reviews.

For your trip I would think about lap sitting your 1 year old and bringing on the carseat for your 3 year old. That way if your 3 year old needs to go potty on the plane, you can strap your infant into the carseat while you take your 3 yo to the potty.

I would also gate check your stroller. That way you have it while in the airport, and it will be waiting for you outside the plane when you arrive. See if you can check in your carseat at the counter/curband have it waiting for you at your departure gate so you don't have to lug it through the airport. Last time we flew they no longer did this, but it's worth it to ask. Otherwise get one of those devices where the stroller can attach to your rolling suitcase or you can carry it on your back.

Definitely have your 3 yo go potty before you board the plane. I usually put my potty training kid in pullups for the flight. You never know if you will hit a bad patch of turbulence right when your kid NEEDS to go to the bathroom NOW.

For my upcoming flight, I will be letting my 5 yo (he is very tall for his age) sit in the regular seat and taking on my 3 yo's (she is very short for her age)carseat. That way if one has to go to the bathroom (the odds are pretty high since it's a 6 hour flight), I can leave one strapped into the carseat. But the odds are, I will end up taking both to the potty at the same time so I don't have to spend the entire flight going back and forth to the potty. I will have each kid bring their own rolling carrryon/backpack with some "new" toys and books, a large ziploc bag of snacks, a change of clothes, and our portable DVD player with some cheap DVD's that I bought at Marshalls and Ross. I will also bring a thermos sipper cup for each kid for drinks on board and a small blanket for each.

In my backpack will be a change of clothes for me (in case someone barfs or spills something on me), extra snacks, something to read, baby wipes, etc.

And definitely have your 3 yo help you out with carrying things. My kids both LOVE to be "in charge" of a rolling carry on. Sometimes they will both handle two carryons at once.

And most importantly, don't stress, try to have fun, and be flexible. On trips naps and sleep schedules always don't go as planned.

First... it isn't easy, but then I had 2 boys when I did it. I had a 2 y/o and a 18 m/o, so you're already better off. Bring your double stroller if you have one, you'll want it when walking through the airport to keep them in check. Bring engaging toys that they haven't seen before. Don't worry about the potty situation, the stewardesses (don't know how to spell) will usually be more then happy to help. I actually had a nice lady sitting next to me that held my youngest for an hour or so to give me a little peace! No discounts on childrens seats... you have to buy one for the 3 y/o, but not the 1.5 y/o... unless you want her to have a seat and not sit on your lap. Although a lot of times they will give you an extra seat if available when you board. Make your carry-on a backpack so your hands are free (to hold your coffee of course!), and give your oldest her backpack too, with her toys. We flew out around 5pm and the kids were tired and slept a little. I tried a red eye once... never again!! They were so over tired that they cried the whole time! Thank God my hubby was with me that time.

Just know that it's totally doable! But it's a juggling act... and which part of parenting two toddlers isn't?! Enjoy your trip!!

I've done this. Tips:
Bite the bullet and check one big bag with all of your stuff in it. Check the carseats that you will need at the end of the trip at the curb. Use the double stroller and check it at the gate when you board. Put the kids in flip flops. Practice folding your stroller when you are at home, because you will need to do it at security. Take empty sippy cups for the kids. Airlines DO NOT give discounts for kid seats. Be the last to board, the extra 30 minutes on the plane may make the difference. Borrow a DVD player and headphones. If your kid needs to go to the bathroom, you all will be going to the bathroom. I HIGHLY recommend getting a little backpack for your 3 year old to carry all her stuff in. And a backpack for you. Take extra cash to tip. Be prepared to wait in lines, get the stink eye from fellow (childless) travelers, and listen to cries.

I don't know if they banned portable DVD's after this last Christmas bomber. But if you can still take them on board, thats been a life saver for me. Also the coloring maker books with the clear marker. As for logistics of getting from the car to the plane; plan and practice. literally figure out what contraptions you are taking and practice managing it all in your house first. Take a deep breath and know that getting through security is going to be a fiasco. Just know it a head of time and accept it. I'v found people in line to be quite helpful and understanding. Similarly, scope out people on the plane while you wait. A grandma type, or a mother of an older child. You may need to call on them for help with bathroom breaks, and getting off the plane. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most airlines will block off a row for any mother traveling with an infant. So if the plane if not full, you will have first priority to a row to yourself. two hours is a short flight, You'll make it. It won't be relaxing, but its doable.

I've only got one...but I've travelled with her since she was 8 weeks old...and I travel a lot on business and get to see a lot of people wrestle with kids.

Discounts are generally only offered on international flights. Your younger one can be a lap-rider until the age of two or 40 pounds...whichever comes first. BUT, I highly recommend buying her a seat. Depending on the size of the plane this will give you an entire row to yourselves and the extra wiggle room is great.

The ride is the smoothest within a couple of rows of the exit (they are located over the wing). Good if anyone gets motion sickness or if you experience turbulence.

Definitely check your car seats. I primarily travel Continental, but I don't think any of the airlines will charge to check them. Just make sure they are designated as "exception" items. Either buy zip up canvas bags or double bag and tape them in heavy duty plastic bags. Most airlines have these for sale...but they aren't a steal.

Don't be obsess with "just in case" items. It makes your luggage unnecessarily heavy. Buy what you need if and when you need it where you are.

For your little one, pack several "diaper" kits in separate ziploc bags that you can easily pull out of your carry-on. It should have the diaper, wipes, and a plastic bag. Beware that not all planes have changing tables in the bathrooms. Ask the flight attendant as soon as you board. I always packed a supply of receiving blankets for when I had to change in the seat.

Also, extra clothes for everyone in the carry-on bag...again sealed in some sort of bag. Those bags may come in handy if someone pukes or poops or pees on something.

I agree to definitely board LAST with kids this age...assuming that you have assigned seats. Southwest Airlines still uses open seating (as do some other small airlines)...you will not ingratiate yourself to other passengers if people have to do a bunch of shuffling to give you three seats together.

Try to fly according to your little one's nap schedule. My daughter was still zonking out at that age. I've been really surprised lately when airports have been busier or slower than what I expected--in general Tues and Wed travel gets you the best fare and the ariports aren't crammed. A portable DVD player has become essential on our last couple of trips with my three year old.

A plane trip isn't the time to worry about what or how much they are eating. I keep it light and healthy--lots of fruit, cheese, and whole grain crackers--but let her have what she wants and as much as she wants.

I never used a stroller...I found a Moby Wrap or my Calyx much handier and kept my hands free. But you can take the stroller right to the gate and pick it up right when you land--you will have to collapse it and send it through x-ray. I don't recommend taking your favorite (or expensive) stroller. Now my daughter actually sits on top of my roll aboard and I pull her along behind me--this surely voids the warranty, but I am due for new luggage anyway...lol.

Buy some bungee cords (with plastic hooks). You can use them to strap everything together if needed to get

Also, never underestimate how much help your three year old can be if you prepare her. Make sure shes knows that she'll have to take off her shoes, she can help keep track of the younger one when they need to sit still, etc. Have "leashes" on both of them. Toddler this age are helpful...put her in charge of something (just not the boarding passes...lol)

I myself am preparing for my yearly journey with my 2 kids. Now they are 8 and 5, but I once was in your shoes. It is only a 2 hour flight, you and those around you can handle just about anything for 2 hours. When you are traveling alone with kids, usually the airline staff is very willing to help you (this has been my experience). The stroller will stay with you until you actually board the plane, you leave it at the end of the jetway and pick it up as you get off the plane in the jetway. don't bring a car seat on board (you can check it if you need it at your destination) for the 3 yo, as for the little one, you can probably forgo it as well. No discounts for kids, a seat is a seat, but if you choose to have the little one as a lap child, she is free. As for the potty situation, I always brought them both, because they were reluctant to be with a stranger, but the flight attendants are usually willing to hold a baby for the 5 minutes it takes to pee. I sometimes would just leave the door open and help my older one pee while the younger one would hang out near me. Use the potty before boarding and it may not be an issue. Use the curbside check in people so you don't have to lug all your junk into the terminal and wait in line. Use the porters or anyone willing to assist you for a small fee when you land. Bring a change of clothes for yourself as well as the kids. For a 2 hour flight, entertaining them will probably not be too much of an issue, you'd be surprised how much they are interested in exploring the new space, looking out the window, playing with the onboard phone, pushing the button for the lights and flight attendant call button, etc. Just bring some snacks an a few toys/books. have them suck on a bottle or lolly pop or chew gum for takeoff and landing. You'll be fine - have a great trip!!

They have backpacks that are like the kiddie leashes. Just kind of nicer looking, I still use that now with my 4 yr old if we fly. I also have a lighter weight stroller for my younger dd who will be 2 next month. It's manageable. I've flown quite a few times with them by myself. I think a lot of airports have family lines now for security so if you need the extra time to make it through. I know at least Atlanta and Milwaukee did. I wish you luck! Books, crayons are also helpful, or like some other moms said if you can get a portable dvd player.

Last month I traveled with my three year old and my 9 month old sons. It was only an hour flight, so not as long as yours but not too far off.

I checked everything in except for one back pack, it was easier to carry the back pack around because it kept my hands free. I took our double sit and stand stroller which worked great, I new that I would have to fold it up to go through security so I practiced holding my nine month old and taught my 3 year old how to help me fold the stroller up. All was good until my nine month old started crying while we went through security :(. My 3 year old did great with helping me with the stroller so that part was fine. We needed to fold up the stroller one more time at the gate but a gentleman behind me helped up out.

I flew Southwest and they didn't let me board early with the kids, I was hoping I could but it wasn't too bad.

We flew at my 9 month olds morning nap time, so when we got on the plane he surprisingly fell asleep in my arms. For my three year old I gave him a lolli pop and let him watch a movie on our iPad (portable DVD could be used) and he did great on the flight, he had the window seat and liked opening and closing the blind thing. I brought him a few snacks but I did not let him drink too much on the flight because I knew I couldn't take him potty on the plane. We shared 1 small cup of water. I made sure he didn't drink a lot before we got on the plane and as soon as we landed my dad was there to pick us up so I took him right to the bathroom. He did great.

So snacks, movies, or whatever your kids like...I only let my son have lolli pops on airplanes to he really looks forward to them.

Hopes this helps.

Here are some ideas for toys to keep them entertained as well as best way to travel.
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http://www.bigbluetrunk.com/ourcorner/454

A two hour flight should be easy. I've flown w/ my two several times alone. Portable tv's are great. Pack backpacks for both of them...play-doh, books, colors, note pads, stickers, and chewy snacks (Their ears may pop). I always take the stroller, then the kids can sit for most part. You can check in curb side and check stroller at the gate. The 1 yr old can sit on your lap for free, but you may want a seat. Good Luck!

This is a good site, to choose your airplane seats:
www.seatguru.com

We have used it and even our Travel Agent uses it.
Then you can choose seats with lots of room and near the bathrooms too.
Even the Airlines, know about it and we have chosen our seats based on Seat Guru.

And when you have kids, you can board the plane first.

Don't leave your child by him/herself when you go to the bathroom.

good luck,
Susan