Looking for Advice on 2 Year Old's First Flight

To add to the other response, I would feed her something when you are taking off or landing. Your little one is chewing, so her ears will adjust to the pressure changes. Also, you can teach her to yawn, make a game out of it. This will also keep her ears popping and adjusting. I would just take an umbrella stroller. The only pain is getting your little one out at the security checkpoint. I would stick with a roomy backpack as a carryon and you could get you little one her own to put stuff in it for herself. Mine loved that idea.

Hi A.,

We have flown several times with our 3 1/2 yr old and he has done really well. His pediatrician suggested giving him a dose of Ibuprofen and Benadryl about 20 minutes prior to the flight so he would relax. We always take a stroller and they check it at the gate. When you go down the walkway to the plane they just have you leave it right outside the door and then it is waiting for you as soon as you exit the plane. As far as the carseat, if it is a booster seat they won't let you use it on the plane. It has to be a 5 point harness. I learned that the hard way when the plane was about to take off and I had to check the carseat. If you have a portable DVD player or a laptop for her to watch movies it does help too. We just tote my laptop in the carryone with a few movies for him to watch.

Have fun on your trip!!

T.

EAR POPPING -

We traveled home from China with an 11 month and have flown many times with our young children since then. Every time we used EARPLANES EARPLUGS. They really work. They have a device in them that equalizes the pressure in the ears so their ears don’t hurt. They come in adult and children’s sizes. The only places I have found them are at CVS or Target. At Target you have to ask the pharmacist to get them from behind the counter. I WOULD NEVER FLY WITHOUT THEM. Two words of warning – constantly check your dauther’s ears to make sure the plugs haven’t been knocked out or pulled out by her hands or by her rubbing her head against something and have an extra set at the ready in case one does fall out and get lost. There’s nothing like franticly searching the floor of an airplane while your child screams in pain from popping ears (been there).

A. -

I can respond to two of your queries: 1. You can take your stroller right up to the gate and they will stash it separately (you leave it at the door of the plane, then they unload it for you and leave it right at the door when you get off). If you are travelling alone with your child you can request help when you get off, and they should send someone with a big cart to get all your stuff to baggage for you, or wherever... 2. You can give your daughter something to drink when you take off and land for the ear popping. Something that she has to suck on is good - a sippy cup or the kind with a straw.

When my husband and I moved to Michigan from California with our 16 month old triplets, we took a red-eye flight and they pretty much slept the whole way. Alabama will probably be a short flight - maybe try flying at naptime?

Good luck
Dana

A.; depending how big your two year old is, you might be able to find a nice sturdy carry on bag with wheels, that you can also allow your child to ride on, or let them have their own carry on bag so they can wheel it around with yah, if they tire out stop a bit and sit, the airport can transport yah if you are in a hurry in one of their gold carts thingys, the ear popping thing you can offer a decongestant that does not make them drowsy, or you can simply say ok its time to play a game lets put our fingers in our ears, and hold it there till the plane lands upon decent, i have a hard time with my ears, ive tried gum and decongestants, but nothing worked except for me to put my fingers in my ears as far as they can go, a child may just cry a bit when they descend, but they should be fine upon landing, if they keep saying huh ? huh ? when they land, their ears are still popped, but ive flown with my kids and they were fine, but each is different, either way have a fun trip and take your time, get there early and enjoy it, D. s

We first flew with my son when he was 2.5.

You can check your stroller at the gate. It will be ready and waiting for you when you exit the plane.

I did not use a car seat on the plane. We didn't need a seat where we were going...so it wasn't an issue. If you need a seat in AL, you can check the seat with your luggage and that way you don't need to haul it through the airport.

Suckers and juice for ear popping work great.

Bring LOTS LOTS LOTS of activities. Plan something different for about every 20 minutes. I brought coloring stuff, stickers, DVD and movies, books, small cars, snacks.

Good luck. (And remember...ignore any nasty people around you. Most of us understand what it is like to travel with a child).

Yes you can take a stroller. They'll tag it and you can wheel it right onto the terminal. Then you leave it there and when you get off your flight it's waiting for you right there!

You don't necessarily need a car seat on the flight, but I know some mom's feel more comfortable about that. If you're renting a car where you go most car rentals have car seats too. It's more convenient that way.

You can get baby benadryl to help her sleep on the flight (if you feel comfortable with that). If you allow suckers then that kinda helps with the ears. You can also bring a sippy cup. Anything to keep them occupied and sucking during the flight. Luckily it's usually quick!

Have fun on your trip!

We actually just took our 2 1/2 year old on a his first flight. We were very nervous about how he would do and how we would get through the airport. He did so much better than we expected. I agree with the other responses about taking new little toys, favorite snacks, portable dvd player, and having something for them to chew on during the take off and landing (we used fruit snacks).

Our son has been giving us a hard time about being in the stroller, so we brought a harness buddy backpack for the airport. It's a stuffed animal backpack that has a "leash" attached to it. You can find them at Walmart or Target for $10-$15. It worked so well! He felt independent because he was walking on his own, but we still had him at an arm's length so he couldn't run off. This also helped to give us more hands for carrying all the stuff.

Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

Definitely do the CARES. You can rent them on ebay for $15 and it is totally worth the money!

Those travel size magna doodles are a great toy to bring along. Your child can "draw" and you can draw too and play games like guess the letter or guess the animal, etc. If your daughter has a favorite stuffed animal, dolly or blankie, bring it along but be sure it comes back home with you too :-)

Don't stress, just be very prepared. You can check the carseat in for free - they don't consider it baggage. Bring a small foldup stroller. When you get to the gate, they'll give you a stroller tag and you'll leave the stroller at the end of the walkway before boarding. It'll be waiting for you as you get off the plane.
I usually pack everything I need for the flight in a backpack that i can wear. It's more comfortable and better for your back than a shoulder bag and easier when pushing the stroller. Pack for the flight:
-lots of snacks - easy nonmessy snacks like goldfish, sliced apples, a banana, grapes anything you know she likes and will eat...and an empty sippy cup that you can fill once you're through security.
- toys. Crayons and a coloring book (I always buy a new one for the plane as a surprise), her favourite blanket or stuffy if she sleeps with one,
- books
- a change of clothes, diapers (the usual..)
- a portable dvd player is also nice if you have one, especially for long flights

Make sure her sippy cup is filled with something to drink and have her drink while taking off. The swallowing will help her ears.
I've been flying with my son since he was a month old. Can't even count the number of flights at this point - he's 3 now - and it's always been fine. She'll surprise you.
Chances are she'll fall asleep soon afer takeoff. The drone and vibration of the plane are a pretty good sedative. Hope that helps. Good luck and have a great vacation!

A.,

It would be helpful to check with the airline to find out which car seats are allowed in the seats. Last time we flew to California our son was allowed to sit in his car seat, but on the way back we had to check it (was not airline approved) and he was not as comfortable for the second flight.

Also, I planned special surprises about 1 an hour for the trip. New books, activity books, new crayons, matchbox car, etc. This idea could easily be tailored to your daughter's interests.

Good luck with your trip,

-C..

Hi! We have flown quite a few times with our now 4 year old twins, even cross country. Here are some tips that have helped us:
bring the carseat on the plane for sure. It helps your child stay put, and helps them to relax enough to take a nap!
Bring a portable dvd plyer with headphones
Bring a few new books and toys (no small pieces, they will get lost)
Bring some favorite snacks. Don't overdo the snacks though, one of our kids threw up on the plane once b/c we kept handing him junk food to keep him quiet!
Check all of your luggage except backpacks, you will want your hands free. Put your purse in your backpack. Bring a full change of clothes for your child. Bring enough diapers and wipes (I usually pack what I think I need, then double it)
You can check the stroller at the gate. It is nice to have in the airport.
Have fun!

Hi There
I have a lot of experience flying with toddlers. i fly back to the England at least once a year.
Strollers can be taken to the gate and checked there, just make sure you get a stroller tag for it. Then they usually bring it back up to the gate for when you land, but sometimes you collect it in the baggage claim area. You can check her carseat at check-in to save carrying it around the airport, she does not legally have to be in it for the flight.
I discovered the most wonderful device a couple of months ago when I flew back to England. It is called the CARES. It is a restraint made out of carseat belt material. It attaches to the existing lapbelt on the plane and around the back of the seat. It makes a harness very similar to what they would be used to in their carseat. It is a four point harness. The great thing about it is that it fits easily in your hand luggage. This kept my three year old safely strapped in all the way to England. It is FAA approved for use on airplanes and is rated for children over one year of age and weighing between 22-44Ibs, and less than 40 inches tall. It costs anywhere between $70 and $100 with shipping to buy new.
I have actually started to rent them out. I charge $15 per week and can mail or deliver to you at a charge. They are also rented out on ebay by people but I am just renting locally at the moment.
If you want to find out more about the restraint go to www.kidsflysafe.com
I would also recommend buying some new things, just little things like a new coloring book and crayons so they are more of a movelty for the flight. Let her choose some of the things she wants to take and let her take her own bag. Take a change of clothes for on the plane just incase, for you and her (even if you just take a clean t-shirt for yourself). One of my boys was sick once at the beginning of an eight hour flight, I had a change of clothes for him but not for me. He managed to get me too and I had to spend the whole flight with a jacket on because I did not have a change of top.
With the ear popping I always take gummy type candy for them to chew during take off and landing. It seems to do the trick and the candy does not get my kids hyper but may with some kids.
I also hate flying but have to do it to see my family. Just try not let her feel your stress because she will feed off of that. I'm sure she'll be fine, I've been flying for six years with kids and have never had a really bad flight with them.
Let me know if you're interested in renting the harness.

Hi A.,

I have a 14 month son and we have done a lot of flying with him already, domestically and internationally. You can take a stroller with you through the gates and check it on plane side (where you get on the plane). They will have it for you then as soon as you get off the plane. If you are just flying domestically there aren't really stroller size regulations to my knowledge (there are when you fly internationally). Definitely bring a stroller to help you with all of your belongings. For the flight I would bring a drink for her (baby drinks and baby foods are allowed through the security gate, just have them all together in a separate clear freezer bag and set them apart from the other things before going through security for tsa to see). I bring my sons favorite snacks when we fly. This is the time when I spoil him and he gets to eat what he wants LOL. Also bring favorite toys. Before we fly on long flights I go to the birthday party section of a store and get the small little trinket toys that fit easily into a carry-on. It is cheap, small to fit in a bag and new. Also a portable DVD player is a good option with a few of his favorite shows. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to email! It will go well! I was so relieved to find so many people on flights understanding and willing to help too! No worries, all will go great!

hello. this past summer we flew with our three kids, 5,2( he turned three before we came home) and 11 months. all of our kids just sat in thier seats with no problem ,our 11 month old was a lap baby. we did bring our stroller which we kept right up until we go on the plane and when we got off they had it allready open and ready to go. so really i would leave her seat off the plane. just check it as you would your baggage. as for the ear poping give her suckers, candy anything to eat. or feed her a bunch of crackers before you get on the plane, and give her a sippy cup take off. the crackers will make her thirsty and she will want to drink. when we flew the longest trip was just over 3 hours. we had a dvd player, snacks, the craylo(sp) color wonder markers, cereal to make necklaces out of. stickers to put on paper. but really iam sure she will be too busy looking out the window and checking out everything that will keep her busy enought. good luck i hope you have a fun and safe flight

Hi A.,

As other moms have already said, you can take a stroller to the gate. HOWEVER, ASK when you check in if the stroller will be available to you immediately after deplaning. We have flown NUMEROUS times. My daughters first flight was at 9 weeks old. Granted, these flights were all international flights...but nonetheless ... we have flown a great deal.

Anyway, our stroller is a larger stroller. It was CHECKED at the gate. This meant it was NOT available to us immediately after deplaning. We actually had to pick it up in checked luggage.

I noticed the smaller strollers, like the umbrella strollers were given to people at the deplaning gate. So, please... ASK before you just assume it will be there.

My advice... take as little as possible on the plane. A backpack or a bag you can put over your shoulder is best. It frees up your arms and allows you to keep track of your child when going through the airport.

I would advise the car seat on the plane. Most airlines allow kids up to 2 years old to sit on your lap. However, unless your child is not a typical 2 year old...this is just going to frustrate you. Yes, that means you will have to carry your car seat through the airport. I would suggest you spend the money and get some sort of wheeled carrier for your car seat. It will save your back and arms. It will be worth it! You can resell it at a garage sale, mom 2 mom sale, ebay, or amazon. Traveling moms will snatch it up!

Traveling can be stressful. Do what you need to do to make it as easy as possible.

That being said, don't let your little girl see your fear of flying. It will stress her and you will have more problems. Flying is no biggie and you'll be just fine.

Regarding occupying her on the plane.... take some favorite books, buy 1 or 2 new small books or something that she really likes.... coloring book or something. A new item will keep her attention a little longer then an old one.

I have known other moms to do the benadryl thing. And, that is fine... I'm just not one to drug up myself or my daughter unless absolutely necessary. So, it's your call on that. But, other moms have said it does work.

Popping ears... sippy cup with a straw. The sucking will help eleviate the ear pressure. In addition, tug on her ears. Tug on the top of her ear... up and out. It will help relieve pressure.

I've never seen stroller rentals. Unfortunately.

Really, the best thing you can do is limit your carry on and use wheeled luggage. That is what I found works best.

Have a wonderful trip!

Hi A.. You can absolutely bring a stroller. You just wheel it right up to the plane and leave it just outside the door before you get in. They will tag it, store it, and then have it waiting for you when the flight is over right outside the door where you left it. Car seats are optional. We always bring ours and make our son sit in it. We feel safer having it in case of turbulence. But it's not required. We also use it in our rental car. However, you can get a rental car seat when you rent a car. I won't lie. Lugging your own car seat around is a pain. We purchased a portable DVD player for our son to watch during the flight. He loves it! We also packed books, lots of DVDs, and a few small toys. Don't forget snacks and a sippy cup! Our son does great. Good luck!

Hello! We just flew for the first time with our 3 1/2 yr old and 16 month old. We actually used a luggage cart to get the car seat through the airport & to the gate. The Britax car seat is airplane approved and it easily hooked onto the fold-up luggage cart. The 16 month old rode in the car seat through the airport & my other son walked, wheeling his own small backpack. We were able to fold the luggage cart up & put it in the overhead compartment on the plane. We also just had a backpack for a carry-on so we did not have a ton to carry (besides my son's little one) Both were great on the plane. Little one rode in my lap & the other in his car seat.
Great ideas from other readers on snacks & such!
Good luck!

My mom and I just took our then-two-and-a-quarter-year old on a trip to Orlando this February, and it went very well! Being a huge advocate of packing only in a carry-on and with luggage check-in at $15 per bag, we actually carried EVERYTHING on (total: three carry-on type suitcases, a backpack, a tote bag, and a diaper bag) and did it successfully. What we did was brought our full-size stroller and used it to roll the (inverted) car seat and all the luggage we could stack on/in the stroller. My son walked with my mom while I pushed the stroller, and that worked to get the luggage through the airport, up to the gate, etc. We opted to bring my son's carseat (once they're two, I don't think they're allowed on laps, and I can't imagine my son having put up with 2.5 hours on my lap nor feeling safe having him there), which was comforting and familiar for him (like taking a car trip) and allowed him a birds-eye-view of all the action outside. We also saved money on a rental car carseat and eliminated the "wild card" of, "What if the rental car seat isn't a safe model?" We have an Evenflo Titan, and it is approved by the FAA for airline use (I believe it will say somewhere on the back or bottom of the carseat).

To get on and off the plane, I went first with most of the luggage and the carseat, got everything set up, then my mom brought my son on with the last boarding group. We did pay the extra money for advance seat assignments, and that saved us a good deal of headache. To disembark, we waited until most people had gotten off the plane, and that made it a stress-free experience.

We flew Airtran, and they let us bring (or check) the carseat and gate check the stroller for free. The stroller was available for us immediately when we deplaned.

In terms of ear-popping, I brought Dum Dums lollipops and fruit snacks, and found the fruit snacks to be the most beneficial thing EVER for flying with a toddler. My husband and I don't normally give him fruit snacks at home, so they were a super special treat, and they kept him chewing the whole time we ascended and descended-- no ear problems at all!

In terms of entertainment, I bought him two brand new giant sticker books, and they kept him occupied for hours, both on the plane and on the weeklong trip.

Good luck and have fun!

A.,

My 2.5 year old has flown two times. This last one was in Jan. and he did great. I brought a DVD player and he watched Nemo the way down to FL and slept the entire way back. I also brought books and coloring books but he wanted to watch Nemo. He was great and people were impressed.

I rented a car seat, crib, etc from a company I found online. you would be surprised at how many companies are out there that rent. It made my life easier since I am also pregnant and was flying without my husband. I was really worried how it was going to go.

People were eager to help me, the security people were great (in FL they were amazing).

Bring lots of snacks, a sippy (to help with the ears popping). I just kept telling my son to drink and it helped him.

Google baby rentals and alabama and you can find companies that rent equip.

Have fun!!

Fear not! :) We have 2 kids, 11 and 3, and they LOVE to travel in the air. I'm not sure how you will feel about this because there are MANY different opinions...but we never used a carseat on the airplane. Of course we strapped our kids in safely, but they always loved having their own 'big seat'. We also used (still do with our 3 year old) an umbrella stroller for the trips through the airport/travels. We never did drag a big stroller on vacation once ours were big enough to sit up safely in an umbrella stroller. You can wheel them right to the door of the plane and then fold it up and it will be put in the cargo hold by the airport staff. Just get a pink ticket at check in for your stroller.

Snack bags are a plus. A sippy cup (for the ears) is a must--even if they are done with sippy cups. Our little guy always loved sticker books and, of course, the portable DVD player. You can get them for under $100 these days and they are wonderful for traveling. Even to occupy just a bit of time. Snacks, sticker books, reading books, crayons & you are set!! Fear not and have fun!!!

Yes, most airports allow you to take a stroller to the gate but when you get off the plane you won't have the stroller right away. We travel with our 4.5 year old and 2 year old to England. We keep them amused with a new toy, give them milk, water or juice to suck on when we are taking off. Luckily your flight isn't too long and once on the plane keep him/her out of the car seat until the plane is ready to take off and just make a game of it.