Flying with Babies EEEKKK!!

We went to Disney a couple of months ago. It was the first time flying with the family (kids are 18months, 4yrs and 6yrs). I was very worried as you seem to be, but it did go very well. We did not get the youngest a seat (which worked out ok). We were able to check the stroller at the gate (you will have to check your airline to see if they do this). As far as the car seat, we rented one with our van rental. We had enough bags without worrying about the car seats. If you are able to ship any of your things (clothes, toys, etc) ahead of time, that would be helpful. Also as far as the drinking, once you get passed security you are able to purchase drinks. So what I did was bring an empty sippy cup and buy in the airport, you are allowed to take them on the plane. Good luck.
L.

I moved here from San Fran last fall and made that trip MANY times with my son from age 18 mos until he was 4 years. A lot of people will tell you to use benadryl including my former CA ped to ease the trip. I did not choose to do that. Many will tell you to make a flight that lays over somewhere- bad idea. Fly direct nonstop. It is a 4 hour flight. If you do choose to connect do it thru Atlanta- the flights from ATL to SFO are great- most planes have indie TV's in every seat with kids TV stations. Bring food and drink purchased in the terminal. Pack a bag of new toys for your children so they remain interested in them for the duration of the flight. Check the stroller at the gate and the car seats when you check in. Car seats in the plane are useless. If you are going to crash a car seat will not save them. I have found that other travelers sneer at you when traveling with kids when you go thru security. I did it ALONE to orlando with a 4yo and a newborn and I finally looked at this business traveler behind me and said "Instead of smirking and rolling you eyes why don't you help me get the stroller on the belt, we will all move thru faster, otherwise you should have chosen another line" (BTW I am also a business traveler) Ask for help and smile and say thank you A LOT it gets you everywhere. Buy each child a seat for your sanity and that of he or she who may sit in your row. If it's a tight squeeze for you, imagine how the other guy will feel who purchased a ticket and has to sit next to a mother holding a toddler. Also try to get bulkhead- more room for play on the floor for your older child, but no under seat storage. Feel free tp PM me if you have any questions. Hope this helps!

Something I have heard of friends doing is to go to your local dollar store and get a few little toys/candy/etc. and wrap them in wrapping paper ahead of time. Then for each hour on the plane your child gets to open one present.

Also, I could be wrong, but I thought the fluid restrictions were just for going through security (bringing in from outside). Once you have gone through that you can buy milk, juice, water inside the airport and put it in your empty sippies. You could also get the individual packets of Crystal Light ahead of time, and then you would just have to buy waters (which is better in case of spills). Just an idea.

It's ok. I flew w/ my baby when she was only 2 mos. I used a baby carrier which makes the transport easier. You will definitly have to buy a seat for the older child & the younger can sit w/ you. As for the stroller they will allow you to check it right b/f you board & will have it ready as soon as you get off. As far as the food goes, they will allow it on the plane b/c they know it is for the babies. Make sure they are sucking pacifier, bottle, sippy cup/eating or whatever they use @ take off & landing b/c that will help to keep their eustachian tube clear. This will definitely cut out the crying. My baby did excellent @ 2 mos, I'm sure they'll do great. Enjoy your trip.

When I flew with my baby and 10 year old, we had two seats but today the flights to CA are pretty booked. If you can afford it go first class. My sister just flew from San Fran with her 13 month old and her husband and it was rough. He stood part of the flight. The flight was full so no room. If your husband goes then each one of you could take a child because each one will demand some attention. YOu can always switch off too. If your little guy is a good sleeper he can sit in his seat otherwise you won't be getting any rest. Plan ahead and talk to the airlines and everything should go smoothly.

I think everything's covered.... again, make sure you have either a sippy or suckers for them on take-off and landing to get them to swallow. The pressure change can be sudden. I've traveled with mine 2-3 times when they were small. We've always chosen to buy the seats and take the carseats. Yes, it's a lot to carry, but... if you have help, I'd recommend it. That is a long flight. For your own sake I would not attempt to keep a toddler happy on your lap that long... think a 5-hr+ church service. Sometimes there are delays on the runway as well.. you just never know how long you'll be sitting. There is also the safety / turbulence issue. I do know people that have done the lap thing though. Get some pics of them on the plane so they can remember. Good luck and have fun!!!

Don't freak out; it'll be fine. I've traveled with my two girls at your kids' ages and younger, both with and without my husband's help, and they'll be calm(er) if you are.

My advice: Do everything you can to ensure your health and your kids' health before you get on the plane. Colds, ear infections, etc...make things a lot more difficult.

I think on most flights you can have kids under two as a 'lap child'. Since ticket prices are climbing, I would try this with the 14-month old (we bought a seat for our younger once, then didn't use it because she wanted to sit in our lap anyway).

Board last or almost last. Let them run around (with limits of course) before boarding, then when you get on the plane, it won't be too long before takeoff and they'll be tired and want to sit down. We didn't let our kids wander the aisle on the actual ride because of safety, but if your trip is long, you might have to.

I brought candies and treats for not only my kids (not the ideal snack, but this is special!), but for the people around us. I handed them out with a smile and apologies if my kids were whiny (sometimes they were, sometimes they weren't). Then people tend to want to help you instead of turning away :)

About the fluid--they made me dump out the water in my kids' sippy cups at screening, but let me take on milk and juice! So, since I knew my kids would be getting suckers on the plane, I took empty sippy cups through screening and filled them up with water before boarding.

Bring several toys that are new, borrowed, or been in stow for a while. Then the toys will be 'new' and more fun.

I recommend having an umbrella stroller; it's easy to stow and carry, and it'll help with a sleepy or uncooperative toddler. If your husband isn't with you, I would bring the double stroller if you have one (we don't, but I still did fine with a two-year old and a baby in the umbrella stroller).

GOOD LUCK! It'll be work, but will be worth it!

You can check in the stroller at the ticket counter as well as the carseat. You also have the option to check in just the car seat and keep the stroller until you get ready to board the plane but make sure you have the i.d. tag on it before you get down there if you want to have one on it. They should allow your child to have a sippy cup and the baby should be able to have a bottle. If your child can't have the sippy cup when they serve the drinks you can get your child a drink. It costs some money but at least your child will be able to have a drink.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7 and 4.

Just did that! My son is 3yr old and daughter (15 months) and I flew to North Carolina. It actually was easy. I checked the carseats with the luggage. I packed one bag with our clothes and then corded the carseats together and covered with a trash bag. (We could only check bag for each ticket.) We could each have a carry on. I didn't have a ticket for my 15 month. I had a dvd player and small no noise toys. Also had gummy bears for my 3 year old. As for the sippy cups, take them with you as carry on and once you get through the security check fill them with water from fountain or you can buy drinks to pour into sippy cups from after security.

Hope this helps.

In Feb. my husband and I went to SF to visit my mom. This was the first time I took both of them, age 4 and 18 mo,on the plane. You will have to buy a seat for your oldest. And I do recommend that. As for the younger one we did have ours as a lap baby. I got a baby flight vest. When it got turblent we put it on her. It is a vest the goes on her and straps to your seat belt. I liked having it but it is not nessary. We brought LOTS of snacks, books and a few toys. You can gate check the stroller so that if you have a lay over you will have your stroller to get to your nest gate. We did not take car seats, my mom does not have a car so we took BART for our week vacation. You will be surprised on how good your children will be! And bring a sippy cup for both children.

My experience was similar to Katrina's. We bought a seat for the 3 year old and borrowed a vest for the baby. It's not approved for takeoff or landing, but it gave me a lot of peace of mind. The strap on it was long enough that he could be tethered to me, but sit in the next seat with the big one. They both fit in the seatbelt in the center seat together, so during the flight, we kept them there.

Before the trip, I went to the dollar store and bought a bunch of junk (my only requirement was that it wasn't a chokining hazard). I wrapped it all in tissue paper so they could unwrap a 'present' every 45 minutes or so. I also kept a few 'presents' in my checked luggage so they could open them on the trip home.

The airline gave us a huge plastic bag for the carseats (we checked them at the counter) and we gate-checked the double stroller. The only hangup was at securtiy, but if you get a security person who understands how to manage babies, you'll be fine. Send one parent thru first, then one child, then the stroller, then the other child and then the last parent. That way, no one is stuck with more than one child with nowhere to buckle the little guy!

Have a great trip!

Hi J.,
When my daughter was 15 months we went to L.A. I checked her carseat at the gate and checked her stroller before boarding. My mother went with us so she sat on our laps. I took books, toys and snacks. She was still on the bottle at that time so I had 3 bottles filled with milk. I was not made to get rid of the milk.

She did better on the flight than I thought she would. The only time she fussed was during the landing. Depending on the airline you are taking the flight staff was very good with her. There was a mother and her 2 sons in front of us so they played peek-a-boo with her. There are quite a few distractions to keep a baby occupied. Good luck and have a safe flight.

First calm down
You have a lot of options
The sippy cup is actually no big deal. They will have liquids on the plane you can put in the sippy....apple juice mixed with water..

Talk with your travel agent about the sitting.

You need to consider things to assist your child in "popping" their ears......suck on something, chew,yawn. etc.
You will have a BLAST. I just flew out of the country. My child is older (7) but there were young children 6-months - 7 years old on the plane. they all did GREAT. I thought my well behaved child was the only one on the plane. I assume you are not traveling alone--dad will be there too so ENJOY!!!

Wowie J.! Deep breath. LOL!

I would buy a ticket for the 3 year old. You have to. They can only ride for free if they are under 2. I would hold the 14 month old. He will likely be more comfortable that way with the changing of air pressure. The car seat you have to check at the ticket counter. This will not count against the baggage maximums. The stroller you can take all the way to the plane. Even if it's one of those big ones. You can then give it to the people checking you in at the gate & they will put it in the belly of the plane for you. This will be the first thing back off the plane and will be given to you at the gate before you go to baggage. ...so you don't have to carry the baby all the way through the airport. As for the sippy cup dilema, you are right. You can not take water through security. However, you can get water on the other side of security and refill the cup. You can take whatever food & drinks on the plane that you want to, as long as it was bought after security. I think I answered all your questions. Please let me know if you have any more. I took my baby flying in January. She was 3 1/2 months old at the time. I've got this one down pat. LOL! Good luck J.!
A.

The MOST important thing is to check your carseat at the gate if you are not using it. First, because if there is an available seat they will give it to you for the baby (if you have not purchased one) and second then you won't get to SF and have your carseat be lost (I know someone this happened to). You can gate check your carseat(s) and stroller and then they are there when you get off the plane.

Whether to buy a seat for the little one is a question of (1) money and (2) whether or not s/he would be happy just sitting on a lap for the flight.

As far as sippy cups go you can fill them again on the plane, but I was able to take one filled with milk but had to dump the one with water. No biggie since we could refill it as soon as we got across security. They have juice, water and milk on the plane and, of course, you can always buy drinks once you get through security.

It won't be so bad!

Hi J.!! I basically concur with what everyone has said. We took a vacation to FL - I know it is shorter than flying to CA - but we bought a ticket for our 18 mo. It just gave us extra room for everyone to be more comfortable. We also made sure that we booked non-stop flights. We didn't want to have to worry about lay overs, delays, etc. We didn't take car seats with us because we had a car service pick us up at the airport and they provided that for us. Our oldest was 3 at the time and didn't really understand the concept of waiting - so I did everything I could to minimize that.

As far as sippies, etc. I took empty bottles & sippies - disposable ones that you can by at Target - and then bought the whole milk and juice once past security. Also, remember that any medicine, etc. that you take on board for the kids needs to be in a 3 oz or less container - some of them are more. You will need to keep this "liquid" separate from things, too.

We took plenty of snacks. The small snack packs of cookies, crackers, etc. were very helpful. We took books, toys, and triangular crayons. We also took our portable DVD player, but really didn't have to use it. Our girls were entertained and fell asleep on the plane, but it was nice to know that we had it in case of a melt down.

I did make sure that on take off and landing, we had juice or a bottle for the girls so they had something to suck on to relieve the pressure of their ears.

I am sure that you will be just fine!!! Good luck.
K.

We are doing the same thing next summer. You have to buy a seat for the oldest. After seeing other family members traveling with 3-4 kids I would recommend buying a seat for the youngest as well. You'll need to check with the airline for the exacts, but I believe they are suppose to be in a carseat/booster in the airplane seat up to a certain age.
I am planning on having both of mine in thier car seats. You can buy (maybe borrow or rent) things called GOGO Kids Travelmates. They attach to the carseat so you can roll them through the airport, with the kids in them, like a suitcase.
They also sale gate check bags for strollers, which I highly recommend (available at Babies R Us) and carseat check bags. My son sat on my lap when we flew to my brother's wedding (a very short flight) but it was a life saver being able to check the stroller at the gate and then having it there when we got off the plane in the busy Atlanta airport.

Relax! It will be fine. I fly solo (w/o hubby) with my now 3 yo and 16 mo every 6 weeks. Hopefully your 3 yo will love it. My big guy talks to everyone and is pretty entertained by the whole experience.

I would highly recommend getting a seat for the little guy. IMO, lap children really only work when they are true infants. Once a child is mobile, he wants to be just that . . . mobile! It can seem like an eternity from push back to cruising altitude with a wriggling toddler on your lap, and you must hold them this whole time.

The 3 yo does not need a car seat on the plane, but can use one if you want. (I don't.) If you get the little one a seat, he will need an "airline approved" car seat. (Any newer car seat is airline approved.) Having him buckled in will make life a lot easier. He's accustomed to riding in the car seat and your hands are free to entertain him.

Our car seat will strap into our stroller with two pieces of velcro type straps. (lightweight Evenflo seat and Silver Cross stroller) It's not designed to do this, but it works GREAT for us. It is a pain to disassemble at security, but if your husband is traveling with you, one person can do kids and one can do gear. If this is not an option for you, get a car seat bag with wheels or backpack straps for lugging through the airport. Gate check the stroller . . . you'll get it back planeside on the other end, but understand that the airline is only liable for loss, not damage. (There is no way around this one that I have found. The same waiver applies to a checked stroller or car seat.)

I have never had a issue with sippy cups at security. Since you technically have a "baby" (under 2 yo), you are allowed to bring "resonable" amounts of BM, milk or juice. Check out tsa.gov for more info. I bring two full cups and have never been questioned about it.

I know it seems overwhelming, but you'll do fine!
E.

We just got back from our first airplane ride with a 3 year old and 2 year old.

Will you be flying by yourself or will you have another adult with you? My mother-in-law was with us and it really helped to have the other set of hands and eyes.

We got seperate seats for both children and carried their car seats on the plane so they could sit on them (and so we were SURE they wouldn't get lost because we needed them on the other side). We gate checked the strollers (I'd recommend umbrella strollers... but if you're traveling with two kids by yourself you may not be able to do this).

On the way home a mother beside me had a toddler on her lap. That seemed to work okay for her. So, with your younger child you might be able to go either way... you know him best... do you think he'll sit thought a flight that long?

Thank goodnees she was beside us. I had thought to pack snacks and "new" fun things to do, but forgot medicines. My youngest has two molars coming in and I think they were bothering her. The mother beside me had baby anbesol (which saved our lives) and she also had lots of different types of snacks for her daughter (she was an experienced flier). (I'd recommend taking Tylenol... maybe even giving it to them before the flight... and something for teething--even if they aren't teething when you leave... we didn't know she was getting more teeth until about 7 days into the trip.) Also, maybe dramamine.

We took empty "kiddy" water bottles and then filled them up with the drinks they gave on the plane. You can also take any liquids on the plane you buy AFTER passing through the security checkpoint.

You might also consider shipping things to your destination. (Diapers, wipes, strollers... maybe even your clothing).

Remember, it will take you longer at any layovers you have. Book flights with extra time built in for layovers.

And, window seats are better for carseats. On one flight we had a business man in the window seat and he didn't like it so well that he was going to be "trapped" in. Try to pick your seats when you book the flight... on one flight they had all 5 of us sitting seperately... that simply wasn't going to work with two children. Luckily, we checked in to our flight early and were able to pick different seats.

Good luck! Our kids want to know when we can go on an airplane again... DH and I aren't ready to do it again anytime soon.

You will have to buy a ticket for your 3 yr, but not for your youngest if you fly "infant in arms" (which I recommend, save yourself some money). When we fly with our daughter, we check her car seat, but not the stroller, you can pink tag that on jet way before you get to the gate. Will you be traveling with your husband? It will make it easier to help with carrying everything (if not, you can ask for help when you check in). Also, you are allowed to bring drinks for your children on planes. They have to be in your diaper bag, in the cups. We never have a problem bringing drinks, you just have to put them through the security belt, outside of the diaper bag. On a side note, when going through security, you will have to remove their shoes also (crazy I know...). You can go to tsa.gov and get all the info you need on what you can and cannot carry with you. Hope this helps!

You may want to refer to my suggestions for getting children to sleep on the plain. The question was asked just last week. However, your trip won't be so long so that may not be a problem for you.

My biggest suggestion is do not be afraid to ask for help. Usually, the airline folk are very helpful. I would get a seat for the oldest and hold the other on your lap. Chances are one of the stewardesses will want to hold the baby. (I just flew from Brazil with my 15 month old and things went pretty well). Find out now from the airline whether or not you can check the carseat in at luggage check in. If so that would be great. You will want the strollers with you until you reach the plain. They will tag the stroller and stow it away for you.

Bring your sippy cups and after you pass security you can buy water or juice for about $5 a bottle. But they should also give you drinks on the plain, like milk, juice water. Check that too though, so many things have changed with the airlines in the past couple of months. I bought water and mixed Shaklee Soy Protein or Performance with it because they are in powder form it made it easy. Feel free to contact me with any more questions. Hope this helped.

www.shaklee.net/gemsoffire

Given airline prices I wouldn't pay for a seat if you don't have to, however, keep your carseat and stroller until you get to the gate. They can check them there and that way if the flight isn't full they usually will let you have a seat for the little one if you can move everyone around enough.

Hi J.,

My 2 yr. old has been to Fl. several times. I have always taken sippy cups on the plane. I just have them in the diaper bag. I normally tell the person at the beginning of the line before I get to the screener. It has been fine before. You could call the airline your going on also & ask them if that's acceptable. If it's not you could carry an empty sippy & ask for juice on the plane. They don't seem to mind that either.

You are going to have your hands full. Okay, well, you can take dry formula on the plane for certain. I'd recommend talking to your travel agent (or wherever you booked/will book your flight) and the airline itself about what is allowed especially since it often changes. You may end up buying water, juice, and milk in the airport, but you'll have it for the plane. You can also get that on the plane - talk to the flight attendant right when you get on the plane if you need anything then so she can get it before you even take off.

Airlines are constantly changing thier requirments, so be sure to check with them now & shortly before you fly on stipulations for checking stollers/car seats. I have checked a car seat once- (was lost with the rest of our luggage for 24 hrs) & I bought a seat for my 15 mo old at the time. I highly recommend buying the younger one a seat & using his own car seat on the plane. They have the roller things that you can attach the car seat to as you walk through the airport & it can also serve as a stroller. I recommend buying the seat eventhough it will be very expensive just because you will have a very long flight. If you had simply a two hour flight & would be done with travel, I'd recommend holding him.

Also, EarPlanes are ear plugs that help with pressure for kids & adults. You can buy them at OneStepAhead.com or CVS stores. Be sure to get the kid size though!

As for fluid restrictions- I brought unopened bottled water & apple juice to fill my empty sippee cups. We've never had a problem with doing that since the newer restrictions. However, I'm always prepared to throw it in the trash if asked! Just put your drinks in a baggie & put on the conveyer belt at security checks.

I also bought a "backpack" for my lil guy to run around in the airport without me losing him. Yep- I'm talking about a leash. I know it sounds horrible, but with two to handle, they may both decide to head for different directions. What a scary situation if the airport is crowded! My little guy loved it & will still wear it around the house occassionally because it has a dog on it--although, I've never had to use it except in the airports.

Good luck & I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Hi,
My daughter almost 3 has flown 5 times (we even took her with us to Hawaii).Here are some tips. If you can afford it I would get each child a seat,depending how long the flight is.
If it is over 3 hours that is a long time to hold a baby. Bring a portable DVD player, make sure you charge the battery before you leave. Bring lots of snacks,books(even get a new one just for the trip). The youngest one will have to be in a carseat and you can check strollers, or they will let you push it right up to the gate and will have it waiting for you when you get off at you destination, which I think is great!!! Very sad that you have to pay full price for children. I would also get kool-aide,crystal light and they will have bottled water available on the plane, or something in powder form and mix it on the plane because you can't take anything over 4 oz. Good luck!!!!PS They might sleep, the white noise sometimes puts them to sleep.