Asking for a Friend. Need Advice on Traveling with 2 Babies on an Airline

Walmart has a great idea with a harness made of soft material and funny animals and a leash which keeps them close. Its not to expensive.

What I did when I had to travel with my two young girls is put the two year old on a leash. They make baby leashes (www.onestepahead.com) or I used a dog collar and leash. It worked great. My daughter could only go as far as the leash stretched and I didn't have to run after her because she was always attached to me. Most passengers thought it was a great idea and no one commented adversely about keeping my daugher on a leash.

All i can really say is to carry the baby in the carrier while at the airport or strap the baby to her and to hold the hand of the toddler. There is not much coming to mind now about that situation, because if that was me i would do it like i just advised her to because before she kows if hopefully the toddler will be asleep on the plane and her family will be at the airport to greet her and help her with the kidos. Tell her good luck!!!

Make sure and have a portable DVD player with headphones for the 2 year old. (borrow one if you have to) Bring a video that you know they will love or buy a special NEW one that you can hype up that they get to watch on the plane.

I had a problem one time in WAL-MART. I just had my second child and my oldest at the time was two and a half. It was late at night (not smart I know) and the oldest got this bright idea to jump off the end of the cart and take off running down aisles. Well, it wasn't like I could go chase after him, I had the other one in the carrier!!! SO, I remembered about a product that I SWORE I would never use...a kid harness. And I marched over there and opened one up and put it on him. HE HATED not being able to take off but it saved my sanity for that moment and kept him safe!! And I carried that thing in my purse for months whenever we would go anywhere busy!!! Being in a busy airport, I would grab one and hook the oldest one to it if I were your friend. Let people think what they want-but you have both of your most precious things with you, by your side, safe and sound.

I have experience in that area... I don't know how far she is traveling... I was only in the plane a couple of hours, but with three children. Little one was 11 months- still nursing- another little girl 2 and a 4 year old son. My advice would be to call the airline and let them know ahead of time. I did not do that... but they were still very sweet. If you call ahead they will get you transportation on one of those little carts thru the airport and even help you onto the plane. The flight attendants even helped show my son to the bathroom when his little sister was sleeping on me. Also, be sure to have her pack a goodie bag... snacks, juice box, crayons, a book or toy that they haven't seen in a while. That really helps. Our pilot even let my two oldest into the cockpit at the end of the flight. If she calls ahead to arrange that she can use it as bargaining power for good behavior. Best of Luck to your friend. Tell her to relax- even if it's a nightmare... it will be over soon.

I flew by myself when my girls were about those same ages. I used a front carrier for the baby and one of those backpack with a leash for the older one. She thought it was so cool to get to wear her puppy backpack and I didn't have to worry about her getting to far away. I also used a small umbrella stroller (for the older one) for when I had to change flights and needed to hurry. I also learned to pack very light with my carry-ons - only the necessities. It was difficult - but possible! I hope it goes well for your friend!

I am a mom of twin 2 year olds and a 5 month old. We've travelled pretty extensively with the twins since they were 5 months and here are my best hints. For the two year old consider getting a CARES harness for the plane (go to kidsflysafe.com). they can be used from 22-44 pounds and though they aren't cheap they are MUCH easier than putting a car seat on the plane and MUCH MUCH safer than just using the lap belt (this is not in any way safe for a small child and even relatively minor turbulence or loss of altitude can bounce them out of the regular belt). I never thought I would "leash" my kids, but at the airport it is a lifesaver. Even with their double stroller they get tired of sitting and the monkey backpack tethers give them a little bit of run around room while still at (a long) arm's reach. That said, an umbrella stroller and the snugli would also be a great option. If she has the baby in an infant carrier/stroller combo she can gate check these items. I like to have the infant carrier with me at the gate because if there are empty seats on the plane, agents will usually let you put the baby (in the carrier) in the empty seat, saving your arms when he falls asleep. Also MUCH safer than holding in your lap, especially during take off and landing. We always bring a few new books and toys for the plane ride and lots of snacks. Another favorite hint I got from another mom of twins is to keep a small changing "kit" on the outside of your backpack or diaper bag, or even in the seat back pocket. Just take a travel pack of wipes, one diaper for each kid and balmex if needed and wrap it up inside a small, soft changing pad. No digging for diapers and wipes on the plane or in the airport, just grab and go. You can then restock the diapers AFTER the change when things are a little less hectic. We even use this trick when we aren't travelling and it means we rarely have to cart an entire diaper bag. I am also a firm believer in diaper backpacks rather than bags - much easier to tote around by yourself with two kids than something slipping off your shoulder.

I use my umbrella strollers for plane trips, but she CAN actually use her jogging stroller. What she'll do is use the stroller in the airport then gate check it. It doesn't count as a carry on OR a checked bag. She should take a car seat for the 2 year old to sit in on the plane (make sure it's one that's approved for flights first), so he's strapped down and also more comfortable because he's safe and secure in his own seat. People have always been extremely helpful with me. Airport staff, security, random passengers, everyone is always extremely helpful. I usually pouch one and drive 2 in my big tandem stroller or pouched one, pushed one, and leashed one to the stroller, and, in my last case w/ 4, I pouched one & pushed one in my umbrella and my husband (who was with me) pushed one in a stroller and let our oldest (5 at the time) walk. She won't be able to use the pouch on the plane itself, but it will help in the airport. It's also definitely easier to not have a car seat for the baby for the plane and to just hold it the whole flight.
Oh, also, tell her not to put shoes on the baby for the flight and to just leave socks. They'll make the baby take of his shoes, too, so just don't even bother with them. Also, tell her that those little backpack "leashes" (They have them at toys'r'us and babys'r'us...they look like little monkey or dog backpacks with a "leash" attached and a harness that goes around the toddler) are a HUGE lifesaver and there is absolutely NO shame in using one. In fact, she'll see them All over the airports and amusement parks. It's the best $15 investment any parent with 2 kids 2 and under could make.
I would definitely suggest she take (buy if needed) a cheap umbrella stroller that can be purchased for like $10 or given free with purchases at many kid stores. She'll be folding the stroller up and taking it out constantly at the airport and for getting on the plane, and they're small, light, and super easy to fold up and throw on the conveyor belt and plane in a hurry and quickly "throw" the child in and out of. It's also so cheap that if it got damaged on the plane (and things get damaged a LOT...I can't tell you how many things we've gotten damaged), it won't be a big loss emotionally or financially.

Just encourage her and let her know the stress is much much worse than the actual event. I always stress over it every time and it's ALWAYS much much MUCH better than I think it could be (even with great previous experience) no matter what "phases" my children are going through at the time or how terrible I think they're going to be.

She or you can send me a note if she has any questions about anything or needs a little encouragement. I have LOTS of experience with dealing with 2 kids 2 and under. :)

HTH!
K.
SAHM of 4 (6, 4 almost 5, 2 almost 3 and 9 months)

p.s. pack her stuff in a backpack and the 2yr old's stuff in a back pack he can carry or a roll on bag he can pull. Make sure she has some snacks and especially suckers (and Wipes) in his bag to suck on for his ears. Also, make sure she checks regulations for liquids AND make sure she has everything easy to get out that has any gel, liquid or even baby food for the baby because she has to hand it all to the security people to check. The toddler can't have juice but the baby CAN have a "reasonable" amount of juice, so I always put my old kids' juices in the baby's bag.

I have three little boys ages 6, 4, and 2, so I've had some experience with this. =-) Two things: 1 -- Bring lots of things for the 2-year-old to do... books to look at, coloring books, a few toys... whatever interests the 2-yr-old. The baby will be fine if the mom has something he/she can suck on to keep his/her ears popping. Bring a bottle, pacifier, or nurse him, esp. during takeoff and landing. 2 -- Two-yr-olds are capable of sitting for periods of time, so expect it. Yes, they need to be entertained, but the mom needs to expect good behavior from the 2-yr-old. If she has pretty good control over her already, the trip shouldn't be terrible (although there are exceptions, of course). If the mom doesn't have a double stroller, she needs to get one, even if it means borrowing one from a friend. That will make the airport experience SO MUCH better!! If the kids are strapped in, she will be able to navigate the airport better, esp. if she has a lay-over. Good luck to her!! Traveling with little ones is very daunting!! =-) Oh, and ask to let someone help. Doesn't work with a lay-over, but when she arrives at the airport, they will allow a mom or friend a "special pass" to help. I think you can work that out at arrival, too. Be worth calling the airport in advance. It really is nice to have some help!

I just did this last September, with my daughter being 2 months and my son 2 years. I kept the baby in a sling on my body and I had my son on a harness which I attached to my belt. I was planning on having my husband help me go through security, but the terror threat was raised on the day I was flying, so no one, but ticketed passangers could go through. (I was very upset, called the airline, talked to supervisors, but still they said no.) Just make sure the harness and the carrier for the baby have no metal in them and you shouldn't have to take them off to go through security. But of course some of the TSA agents make you remove everything (they did this to me in Atlanta, and then didn't offer any assitance when I asked for help putting my and my children back together).
Make sure that you do have an extra set of clothes for everyone in your carry on. I bought my son a little backpack that I put his toys, books and snacks in and he felt like such a big boy by carrying his things, plus it took a little bit of the load off of me.
Also if you have a long way to walk, request one of the little carts that they drive people around in. And make sure that you give yourself an extra hour on top of the recommended time to get through security.
Good Luck!

I havent traveled with small children in a while but I have been on several flights lately. As far as checking something with the airline you can also check it right at the gate. its called valet checking they put it somewhere and then right back outside at your arrival gate. I see alot of people with strollers doing that so they can use the stoller until the very end,thus no chasing kids.
I dont know if that helps but you might call the airline, they are usually very helpful

I know just the thing! And it's cheap! At Walmart they sell these little child harnesses. I never used such a thing with my first six children, but then I had a child with Down Syndrome, and can he be a problem! He has no fear of strangers and loves to run and explore when he gets in public. He's a lot better now, but for a few years that harness was a real life saver. It may be just the thing for this other mom. Holding the baby in a sling and using the harness for the two year old would be the easiest, I would think. People may look at you a little funny, but after a minute or so they would be sure to understand.

If the jogger folds, she can gate check it - this way she can use it in the terminal, then she leaves it at the end of the ramp by the plane door and they will store it for her while in flight and then get it out and have it for her to use when she deplanes. I recommend using a convertible seat on the plane and strap the two year old in it, just like in the car. Talking with the two year old about what behavior is expected, IE stay in seat, no talking, kicking the seat in front, etc...) will help. Pack a diaper bag with little board books, snacks, and little toys. Hope these suggestions help.

Blessings,
D.

Hi well I traveled by plane with a layover a couple years ago when my son was 2 1/2 and a 3 month old. And yes I did travel alone! what a ride it was. I took my lite stroller for the baby, with my snuggly for her on the plane, and checked the stroller at the plane ( she could get a cheap one for under 15 at walmart or barrow one). Then for my older child I used one of the kid harnesses from walmart the animal ones. This was a life saver cause I had control of both of them at all times. But I still would never fly alone with two young ones again! Make sure she brings coloring books, books, or something to keep the older child occupied on the flight. HOpefully she have a smooth flight and a good experience. Best of luck and Have a good time on the trip.

Your friend is definitely going to need to plan ahead of time for this trip. If you know what airline she's flying with you can go to their website to see how many bags you can check to go under the plane. I recently flew to NJ with my 3 yr old and we had two bags checked to go under the plane and we both had a carry-on bag (bookbag) and I had my purse. My advice would be to print out her ticket online before she leaves and do the curbside check-in that way when she gets inside the airport she will only have to carry her baby and and hold her two year olds hand. I have seen people take strollers on the plane as a carry-on. Tell her that she also needs to make sure she has car seats for the kids for when they get to her destination. She can either take her own car seats and check them to go under the plane or she can have her family supply car seats for her when she arrives to save her from such a hassle. She may want to give them some Benadryl to help them sleep through the plan ride so that she can have some peace of mind and maybe their ears won't pop. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

L., 26 yr. old single mother

What about a kid harness? You can get little back pack style ones at wal-mart for around 10 dollars. I have a 3 year old and 2 year old and love using them. You can put the handle of the leash around your wrist and leave your hand free. The toddler cant get loose but mom doesnt have to carry them.

J.

Despite the post-911 security requirements, most times they will allow someone (a friend, for instance!) to go to the gate with her to offer assistance. She will need to request this ahead of time and the person with her will need to show id and go through security. This just happened to me last week as I was allowed through the gate to assist my friend's daughter (who is actually 19 years old, mind you) until her flight took off. There were some extenuating circumstance (she was crying in the check-in lane), and they let me go through with her without my having to ask! I lost a lotion and a lip gloss in security (I wasn't prepared with baggies), but it was worth it. I am confident your friend would be eligible to receive the same kind of assistance. Tell her to ask the airline!!

This sounds like a situation that calls for one of those "toddler leashes", and of course the carrier for the baby. I never had a "leash" with my boys, but wouldn't hesitate to use one, just to make sure he doesn't go too far. It only takes a second for one that age to get away from you and that is so dangerous. I wish her the best.

Here's what I did when traveling alone with my 2 year old and 6 week old.

If you have a travel system with the big stroller and bucket carrier car seat that snap together, bring it. It has wonderful storage underneath. You can gate check both.

Bring a sling or wrap carrier. You can use it to hold the baby once the seatbelt sign goes off on the plane and use it to carry the toddler between gates if you have to change planes. With a ring sling or a wrap you can turn it into a kid leash by slipping it around the child's waist and tying it off and hold the tail.

Bring the car seat for the two year old. Almost all of the newer ones are approved to go on planes. I tried letting the two year old sit in the seat of the plane without it and regretted it. The car seat is a familiar place and your child will fall asleep in the car seat on the plane just like in the car. Babies R Us has a carrier you can wear like a backpack for between gate transport.

You can bring as much juice and milk as you can otherwise carry on. You just have to declare it at security. Pack at least four juice boxes for your toddler. Better to have too many than not enough and pay outrageous airport concession prices. Don't know if you formula feed or breast feed, but formula and expressed milk are allowed too, but you have to declare it at security.

Don't put shoes on the baby. You and the toddler wear sandals. Everyone has to take off shoes, even flip flops.

For the diaper bag you will want at least one diaper for every hour of travel from your door to whatever door you are traveling to plus 1. Pack two for the baby and one for the toddler and wipes in a ziplock bag in an outside pouch. Put the rest if the diapers in the main compartment along with the backup wipes and a tube of rash cream. A receiving blanket, 2-3 bibs, a onesie and pants for each child are good to have. Also pack a t-shirt and a pair of shorts or yoga pants for you in case of spit ups or blow outs in the main compartment. I could fit all of these in one of the formula "gift" bags they give at the hospital. Also pack at least two days of any medications in your carry on or purse. In another one I packed juice boxes and snacks like goldfish and grapes and other favorite finger food snacks. The toddler can carry their own little bag with toys for entertainment on the plane and at the gate, though most airports have some sort of kiddie play area. More than likely you won't have time to play if you have to go from one terminal to another. All of these will fit into the storage compartment of the big travel stroller for going from one terminal to another or from the gate to baggage claim, etc.

Most of all, ask for help and take help if offered. Preboard if you can. It helps getting the toddler's car seat situated and the flight attendants aren't so harried trying to help everyone else.

Last but not least, pack your sense of humor.

Our daughter lives 1,000 miles away and when her children were young she would request through the airline a special pass for someone to help her through the airport and sit with her until she boards, it can be a family member or friend. She also had a special pass for the person picking her up on the other end so they were waiting for her at the destination so she wouldn't have to handle the children by herself. Since all the threats of bombing has happened I'm not sure if they still allow this but it's worth calling and asking the airline.

If she cannot borrow of rent a double stroller, check out the leashes that are made for children. Some of them are even disguised as backpacks.

She will need a seat for the toddler, they can not both ride in the lap on the plane. this means a FAA approved car seat for the 2 year old.

Carry the infant in a snuggly and put the 2 year old in an umbrella stroller. Check all your luggage except the diaper bag and car seat for the toddler. She can put the car seat on a cart.

I had a three month old and a 2 year old. I traveled on the plane alone several times. I used a snugli baby carrier and the 2 year old sat in a seat. I breast fed, so it really was easy. My 2 year old being the oldest was quite obedient. No baby food is needed for the 4 month old, since they don't start solids that early, and the 2 year old can eat table food. If you nurse, put the baby to the breast on take off and landing and then they won't cry from the pressure in their ears. Swallowing and sucking helps equalize the pressure in the ears. Hope you have a great flight! B. S. RNCCm.

I frequently travel with my son & dtr, 21 months apart. I've always used my Baby Bjorn for the younger one and I have a little "backpack" for my dtr, which is available form Walmart, looks like a monkey, and is a harness.The child can walk along but you have a good hold, so no wandering. It's cloth covered and looks cute, as some people have a problem with Harnessing their kids. Last year, I traveled trans-atlantic and within the US with stop-overs and it worked great. They were 8 months and 2 1/2 at the time. I have a double stroller and I always "gate-check" it. If the Jogger won't collapse down, my advice would be to "wear" the baby and have one of the little umbrella strollers for the toddler.

i'm posting some suggestions i posted on another group below. as for the stroller - as far as i know she can use it and gate check it at the airport right before she gets on the plane. that's what we always did (and we didn't have an umbrella stroller) and it made life so much easier as i could load it up with my stuff for easier transport!! i would tell her to def. use her sling - that way she has a free hand for the 2 year old which she will need. also - i am not sure if she got a seat for the baby - but we always brought our carseat and purchased our son his own seat. that way we could have some arms free time if needed - especially if he fell asleep. i always nursed him on takeoff and landing if he was awake to help with cabin pressure.

we have traveled a lot domestically and internationally and here are some suggestions i have...

i am an over packer - but i've never regretted it!! :-)
and if we have to sit on the runway for hours - i am ready!! i have 2 large zip top ll bean bags that i put everything in - food, change of clothes, diapers, wipes, my pocketbook, books, toys, camera, etc. i always bring food - all kinds including yogurt, jarred baby food, crackers, sandwich, fruit, graham crackers, etc. and i also bring snacks for me - i am not happy when i'm hungry and neither is oliver. i also fill his backpack with playdough (small containers), books, cars, animals, stickers, those special magic markers that only work on certain paper, aqua doodle cards, his stuffed monkey, etc. i also wrap most things (some new and some old) in tissue paper. i know it's not environmentally great - but it is a great time waster and he gets so excited to open everything up - doesn't even matter that it is something he already has - it's still exciting!! i have also just started bringing a dvd player (he is almost 4 years old). we never
did before - as we didn't really watch tv until later - but on some of the long flights we take - it is a last resort option.

i am always completely exhausted when i fly with oliver. i think it is b/c i worry before the trip that i am packing everything we will need - and then on the flight i am on high alert to his needs so that he doesn't have a complete meltdown. knock on wood it hasn't happened yet - but it takes me a few days to recover :-) for me - being prepared for every instance is really helpful and makes a tiring time - a little better.

the things that keep his attention most - are playdough, stickers, aqua doodle cards and books. he will sit and be read to for hours!!!

i have NEVER medicated my son - nor would i and would never suggest that to anyone. make sure you are prepared - know that you will be exhausted - but it is never a good idea to 'medicate' just to make life easier. safe travels and let me know if you have any other questions.
J.

She may want to use an umbrella stroller for the 2 yr old, then she's got a stroller handy for the rest of the visit if needed (and can check it at the gate.) Whatever she does it won't be easy. Just be sure she has plenty to keep the 2 yr old occupied (a new quiet toy or book or 2) esp. in case of any delays. Also if she carries on a backpack instead of a shoulder bag that will make her life easier-her 2 year old could also carry a backpack-mine loves to because it's her very own with her own stuff in it. Hope this helps

If she doesn't want to push around the stroller, get a toddler tether. She actually can check the stroller at the gate if she would prefer to use it. Good luck - I've done the same thing twice with my kids and it really wasn't a big deal.

If she is able take the stroller for the 2 year old a strap the baby on in a snuggli, or front carrier of choice. My daughter was able to fly in a seat belt of her own at 2 with no car seat, but check with the airlines for their regulations. When she checksin she need to request bulk head seating and many larger plane have bassinets that can attach in front for the 4 month old. The 2 can stay in the stroller until the jet way and the stroller can be gate checked but make sure the stroller is the right size to go through security, some make it go through the machine while others don't. Also back plenty of diapers, my daughters was 4 monthsold when she first flew and friend told me she would have the runs and sure enough she did. When she was older this did not happen. Also let the 2 year old have their own small backpack with quiet toys. And rememeber asking for help should get you help!!!!

Been there many times before.
She should simply purchase a $20 umbrella stroller before her trip, or call the airline and request assistance.
Those are the two simplest things to do. Also, early morning flights are good because alot of times the children are so exhausted that they sleep for the better part of the trip.
She should also bring pacifiers or hard, sugar-free candy so their ears won't become a problem.

I used to have one of those cheap "umbrella" type strollers for twins. It was small, light, and folded up into a compact little area, much less than a standard stroller. I got mine at BabiesRUs. Not only did I not have to chase the older child, I didn't get worn out trying to carry the weight of the baby, and I could hang things on the handle of the stroller. I could move quicker than I could if trying to lead a two year old. It was not expensive, and was worth at least twice what I paid for it.

As a retired military wife, I did A LOT of this by myself moving from one country or state to another with my girls who are 13 months apart AND wild kingdom consisting of 6 dogs and 4 cats. Yes, back then I was foolishly fearless, but travel wasn't as difficult either.
Back to your question, seeing that YOU, yourself are very much like me, a creative soul, I'll tell you what I did when my girls were little and maybe you can create the same apparatus. I had a lot of requests for me to make them for other traveling moms.
Go to ANY place that sells child carrier backpacks. Then go to anyplace that sells used vacuum cleaner parts and get heavy duty plastic snap together wands of equal lenghts to equal two long legs, each should have a shorter snap on curved wand at the top.
Then go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy those roller wheels that snap in or regular wheels, which ever you can attach the easiest and most solidly at the bottom straight end.
Drill about four sets of holes that line up on the curved wand ends. Take four sturdy dowels of either plastic or wood, glue the ends and insert to both ends of curved wands and let dry. The length of the dowels should be about half inch shy of the width of the backpack carrier. Duct tape where the dowels meet the wand for added support and then layer polyester battening all over the top and bottom of this little platform gluing as you go. A couple of thick piece of foam as well until you have a nice padded shelf. cover in a water proof material if possible. duct tape and glue all this to the itself to assure it is sturdy and won't fall apart.
Open the bottom of the carrier packpack. Slide this shelf into the bottom of the back pack like a seat. Create ties or velcro tabs to tightly hold the shelf in place when being used but easily removed when necessary. What you have now is a shelf rolling child carrier backpack or frontpack if you buy the kind of wheels that have rotating radius. Leaving mom hands free to hold the other child. When she gets on the plane, all she has to do is take the child out of the carrier,unsnap the extender legs and put them in a tube sack (forgot to tell you to make one of those to velcro to carrier for later use)and put all of that in the overhead. I actually made mine using a regular backpack and just zippered down the front, sat my daughter in there and sewed a harness to the back of the pack. I actually used the back pack for a diaper bag and stuff when not used as a rolling child support.Hope this is understandable.And helpful.
And please don't use those harness things, I have seen far too many kids get caught on escalators with them, wrap themselves around people running through airports, and golf carts driving through etc. and my fear is one day a child may run on one of those shuttles before mom does while still attached to mom! JF

sounds like either she is going to need another hand or she could always got to walmart and get one of those kids harnesses they wrap around the childs chest and fasten most of the time behind there back and then theere is a little leash kinda like you would use for a dog... you may think it's kinda inhumane but it works it was a life saver for me she can hold on to the other little one without carrying her

The "snugli" carrier really is the best way. It's hands free and moves with her when she has to chase after the 2yr old. She can walk right on to the plane with it, although she will have to take it off to go through security. She could just go and buy one of the cheap umbrella strollers for the two yr old then she can check it right at the gate. That way she can keep the two year old a little more contained and have a stroller when she gets to her destination. There really is no easier way than the carrier. Does she have a decent one? Why does she find it so difficult? She could also give the two year old his own little mini backpack with lots of snacks and little toys maybe even a few he has never seen before. Just don't over fill it because then he can't carry it himself. Remember she can't put in any juice boxes over 3 oz or so then security can be difficult. I have even had "emergency" presents( new wrapped little toys) to pull out when the two year old gets antsy.