Traveling Alone with Baby and Toddler

flying with a baby and toddler can be a challenge. I usually change them right before the flight. I also go good at changing the baby on my lap, the bathrooms on the planes are a joke for changing diapers. Bring plastic bags just in case you need to change the diaper and don't have a trash near by or need to put some soiled clothes in them. Bring extra clothes for the kids just in case the spill or leak. You may want an extra shirt just in case it lands on you.

As for potty breaks, only go in the airport. Either strap both kids into the stroller or older one in the stroller and keep baby in front pack. Use the handicap stall and bring them in with you. The front pack is a great idea, but remember that you will not be allowed to have it attached to you during take off. I just left my baby in the pack and sat her on my lap until after take off then strapped it back onto me. Also, remember that you will have to unload the stroller at security, so be prepared with easy on easy off shoes, don't spend too much time packing the stroller down perfectly, and have a plan to juggle both kids when you walk through security and try to pack back up and get shoes back on. Don't be afraid to ask them for help if you need it!

About damage to the stroller... be sure to check it when you get it back. If anything is damaged, go report it immediately. My friend got paid $700 to replace a stroller that the airline broke the sun shade on (even though she only paid $400). Be persistent and don't be bullied into accepting the damage.

As for tantrums, adopt the philosophy that for the day of travel, you will do what you need to do to get through the day. That means bring lots of treats and favorites and don't stress about whether or not your toddler eats a balanced meal that day. Even if you are potty training, use diapers. Pack at least one change of clothes for all three of you. Get your toddler one of those kid back packs and load it up with toys and books that are brand new (thus more interesting). Wrap each toy individually so unwrapping each one adds to the excitement and the entertainment. Wrapping it can make even just a pencil and paper seem way more interesting. Keep in mind you won't be allowed to bring juice.

Last but not least, ignore mean intolerant people and allow helpful sympathetic people to help. Let the grandma hold your baby while you attend to an urgent toddler need. Let your toddler talk to the stranger that has been smiling at the kids. Let the flight attendants help too. I once had my baby hysterical and my toddler rolling around on the floor. Just when I completely gave up and was about to lose it, the flight attendant showed up with two cups full of peanuts, lids attached, for the kids to shake like rattles... instant quiet that lasted an hour.

One more thought... if you sit in the bulk head seating, you have tons of extra foot room to lay down a blanket and let your toddler play on the floor. WAY worth it! You just sit in the isle seat to keep the tot contained in the area.

definietly check the stroller at the gate. you will want and need it so you don't have to worry about you 2 1/2 year old running off. board the plane first when they offer. sometimes they don't announce it, so ask when you get to the gate. be the last to get off the plane. that way you won't feel stressed about holding others up while you struggle with your kids and stroller. biggest piece of advice is to ask for help when you need it. the airline crew should be willing to help watch a child if you need to change the other, ect. learn to pee while wearing the front pack. i'm sure you can already do that! and, relax. it won't be as bad as you think. have a safe trip!

I traveled by plane alone this summer with my toddler and infant, by far the best thing I did was to use a front carrier instead of a stroller. It eliminated the need to lug around a stroller and also gave me free hands for carry ons and security.

We just did a family trip with our 2.5 year old and almost 3 month old. There were TWO of us, so of course that was a huge factor, but since I know I'll be doing it alone too (my family is in the midwest as well) at some point, I made mental notes along the way.

It sounds like you've done a great job preparing so far. We got our toddler a backpack of her own, and she felt VERY responsible with it, which was helpful.

1. Check the stroller at the gate. I have done this with all of our strollers (the cheap and the expensive) and have never had a problem. When you collapse it at the gate, get as close to the plane door as possible and ask for help if you need it. Yes, it feels stressful and rushed, but if you don't let your toddler see it-- it will be easier.

2. Potty breaks: let a flight attendant know that you're alone and that you may be asking for help. It seems if you are up front about your situation and friendly about it, they are more attentive. I've also had great luck with my toddler and other passengers offering to watch her when I've had to go while flying alone with her (I was 7 months pregnant the last time I flew alone with her and a 4 hour flight = lots of potty breaks!). As for their diapers, honestly, unless they're stinky, I'd just let them be wet until you arrive. If your flight is not full, and you have space along seats to change, that's a lot easier than trying to do it in those TINY bathrooms.

Something wonderful we experienced at both ends of our flights (last week) was the TSA now has a FAMILY line. If you are traveling with small kids, they have a different line, since it takes longer for you to get all the gear out, put it on the belt, etc. This was great because we didn't feel like we were annoying those seasoned travelers traveling alone.

As for tantrums, I'm not sure how much your toddler has flown, but we were very firm with our daughter about how she had a "job" to do and that mama and papa had jobs too. She loves flying, and airports, so she "gets it" so to speak. Keep your toddler well-fed, supply him/her with something new to distract, hype up the trip ahead of time.

You are so lucky you get to go home to visit! I know next year, I'll be taking a long trip home with my then 3.5 and 1 year old. Keep us posted on how it goes.

Best wishes for a wonderfully easy flight experience :)

I just finished a five hour flight with my three kids. They are a little older so it was not so bad but there was a woman with a baby and a toddler who walked by me to the bathroom. I talked a little with her and on her next trip she asked me if I would hold the baby for her so she could take the older child to the bathroom. I was more than happy. I have been there and had many stranges help me out. You will be surprised how many people will want to help you out. Just ask and they will be more than happy to play with a baby or even a toddler just to make the time go by faster for them

I traveled alone with a nine month and almost 3 year old. It can be done.

Ask for a bulk head seat--more room.

Board ahead of others to get your self settled.

Don't be afraid to ask the attendant for help once or twice.

Ask the day ahead if there are any snack that you can bring.

I agree with the idea of having the stroller checked at the gate. Even your toddler may need stroller time.

Plan ahead to skip naps or make them really tired so they nap on the plane.

Give them something to suck on, while the jet takes off and lands.

Let the toddler look out the window. Give him a small safe toy jet to play with.

Good luck and have fun.

I will reiterate what was said earlier, it won't be easy but it is doable. I think the hardest part is getting through security with all of the stuff that you need to travel with. It all depends on the people that are working the security check point, but I would look for the 'kindest' looking one and explain to them that you really need some assistance to get through security with your two children, stroller, baby carrier, etc... and hopefully they will be able to provide the assistance. Sometimes other passengers (usually someone that has been in your shoes before) will be there that will offer assistance.
Once on the plane, relax...the biggest thing to keep in mind is that probably at least 50% of the people on the plane have been in your situation and they understand the difficult situation. Also unless your child is screaming at the top of their lungs, the disturbance is probably limited to just the people right around your seats, not the entire plane, like you may be feeling. Make friends with one of the flight attendants and embelish your story a little if you have to, to gain sympathy, like there was an emergency and you have to fly home and your husband wasn't able to come with.
I would definitely gate check the stroller, you will need it in the airport as you wait at the gate. IMO, I think that it is safer to gate check it as opposed to checking it when you check in, the down side is that you will need to send it through security (not fun).
I don't know how long your flight is, but I would do everything possible to make sure I didn't need to use the potty during the flight. I know that maybe easier said than done only 3 months after giving birth and if you are trying to stay hydrated for bf'ng. Taking two children to the bathroom on a plane seems almost impossible, and even though you may have a nice 'grandma' like neighbor that is in the row next to you, who knows how your child will handle it - the baby would probably be the best choice to leave with 'grandma' neighbor if you must.
Band aids are a great idea (just a lot of paper to clean up), as are the magnetic doodlepads. I haven't tried this yet, but will on my next flight instead of the bulky dvd player, download some cartoons or even movies on your video ipod/mp3 player (if you have one) for the 2.5 year old to watch.
Good luck!!!!! and enjoy your time with your family!!!

You are going to want a stroller in my opinion for the wait at the airport. It is going to be too hot and stressful to carry the little one in a sling the whole time. You can check the stroller at the gate. And that way you don't have to worry about carrying all your baggage and any additional things you might end up with. I always bring a diaper pad for little ones changes, less icky then the ones at the airport. You can never ever have too many snack and or treats for the flight and wait time.

I have flown a lot with my two now 4 and 2 and I have to say as far as the flight goes it is hit and miss as to how the kids will act. You shouldn't have too much of a problem with the little one (just make SURE to have something for the little one to suck on; on take off and landing or be prepared to breastfeed for the ears). Little toys that are easy to drop are a bad idea for flight, especially balls. I personally love the drawing pads where the pen is attached for airplane rides the medium size ones.

Most of all stay relaxed and remember that most of the people you run into you will never see again so don't feel too pressured to keep the kids perfectly happy the whole time. I have done this many of times by myself and I have to admit it has never been "easy" but it is doable.

Oh and skipping naps for the plane ride is a bad, bad Idea there is nothing worse then having an over tired and unwilling to nap child on an airplane.

hi,
this is just an idea.. it sounds like your double stroller is big and expensive.. maybe buy a stroller bag made for that stroller and gets some foam pading.. check the stroller. i did this with my jogging stroller.

then take a 10 dollar or so umbrella stroller that you can use at the air port and gate check..

also last time i flew.. when my toddler started melting down i pulled out a box of sponge bob band aids.. and this kept her busy for 40 min.. puting band aids on me... her and all her toys :) (my mom did this with me)
oh and spare clothes for the little ones.. since my potty trained toddler wet through her pull op b/c she was scared of the bathroom on the air plane.. and always ask the flight atendants for help.. and I always bring some clorex wipes to wipe the trays and suronding areas.. and b/c of swine flu the airline i flew on did not have blankets or pillows anymore.. i bought a neck pillow for my two girls which they loved.
have a safe flight.
lenc

I would NOT take play dough on the plane. It is very messy and gets mashed into carpet and don't think they'd appreciate that.

Now this may sound gross to some, but it is possible, leave the baby in the front carrier and take your toddler with you into the handicap stall (so you have more room) and go to the bathroom. I had to do this onn a trip because there really is no place to put your baby. Then for diapering the little ones, again leave the baby in the carrier and change the toddler and while you are changing the baby try giving yoour toddler a job to do, like telling him you need him to hold onto the bag, stroller, etc. (hopefully something too big for him to just walk away with). They tend to like to help, at least mine does, and it helps focus his energy for a few minutes.

Good Luck with your trip, I hope this helps!

HI,

Make sure you ask the flight attendants for help. They are usually quite willing to hold the babies and help out for you to get a potty break. Also other passengers are usually quite friendly and willing to help out. It seems each time I've travelled with the kids lately we always seem to be seated near other families and we help each other out.

Stickers are a great thing to to keep the little one occupied. I always buy some cheap surprises and bring them out to distract when the tantrums are imminent. New toys do wonders. I usually just go to Target or the dollar store and buy some not very expensive things to surprise a child who is not doing well. Also lollipops are the best. They keep them occupied for quite awhile!

Good luck

Deb

DOn't know when you are going, but this is what has worked for me several times already (my kids are 3.5 and 5 months)...I have wheels that attach to my son's carseat (older child) - I wheel him through the airport, he sits in his carseat on the plane. Carry the baby in an Ergo carrier - she is great! I don't check her carseat, I gate check it instead (and the stroller and base) - I push one stroller and pull the older on in the carseat...but if you have a double, and need to bring it, then you are in a different situation. I don't have a double...I can also put her in the carseat if my son wants to walk, or put our carry on luggage in, carry the baby and let son walk. I have never brought a DVD (we travel at least one time / month, including a recent trip to Israel - 6 hours and then 11.5 hours...no DVD!) Fun things to have might include sponges that begin as capsules and turn into shapes in warm water (available on the plane), crayola makes a watercolor set that is very portable, snacks are always important, little cars, stickers, post-it notes (don't destroy anything like stickers do!)

Reading the responses, you will see a lot of advice based on what people do (because that is what they are comfortable with) - all of it is conflicting...you need to make decisions, commit, and stay calm! That will be the thing that helps you the most!!! Good luck!

The stewardess will watch either one of your children for you when/if you need to use the bathroom. Yo can always ask someone close to you to watch them, but I personally felt better with airline staff. You will surprised how willing people are to help on a plane when they see you struggling with two little ones, especially a little baby. Dont be afraid to ask for help with the stroller, or anything. There really isnt anything you can do to prevent a tantrum, just make sure the child is well rested and has plenty to do (which it sounds like you have under control).
Enjoy your trip, and try not to stress out. So many other travelers can simpathise with your situation.

Just remember that it will not be easy and if someone offers help, take it. I actually had help when I traveled with my boys at that age and it was very stressful, especially when I didn't realize that I would have to take the front carrier off and carry teh baby through. I thought it was stupid and a real hassle. Just something to think about. I think you have done great at thinking of snacks and toys. Another suggestions would be to wrap some of the toys so they seem special and give one each 30-60 min for your older one to unwrap, it will be little surprises. I just went to the dollar store and got some stuff but it really works.

Your stroller will receive some extra wear by gate checking it which is a complete bummer but it shouldn't be damaged, ask the agent when you check in what their policy is regarding damaged strollers. I've sat on the side of the plane they load gate-checked items onboard and was impressed by how careful my stroller and car seat were handled by the handlers.

As far as tantrums go, just try to maintain your regular schedule despite being in a plane/airport. You may also find that your rambunctious 2 1/2 year old may be lulled to sleep by the sounds/feel of the airplane.

For potty breaks and diaper changes...do as much as you can right before you board the plane. Make sure diaper is clean, and you and your 2 year old have gone to the bathroom as well. If you need to change a diaper or use the bathroom ask a flight attendant for help watching your son for a few minutes.

I think you will find the most difficult part of your travel experience will be getting through security...and even then, there are so many nice people willing to help in airports. Just make sure you and your 2 year old are wearing shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. You may not be able to take Play Doh aboard the plane... and make sure all your liquid snacks are in their original, unopened packaging and sealed in a clear ziplock bag( p.S. you can take juice but you will need to take the baby-sized juice bottles you find in the baby aisle and they must be unopened, check your airlines website for current safety measures and airline policies...but keep in mind that your 2 year old is a paying customer and will receive snacks and drinks onboard the plane)....Also make sure your diaper rash ointment, hand sanitizer, baby lotions, baby tylenol and other liquids you might normally keep in your diaper bag are also in approved sizes and sealed in a ziplock bag as well. Make sure when you load your bag in the bins that you pull out those ziplocks and put them on top...this is how you "declare" those items. If you do not declare them your bag may be searched and you will be questioned. I more thing I learned while flying with my daughter is make sure you pack more diapers than you think you might need AND make sure you, as well as each kiddo has a complete change of clothes in carry-on...just in case.