16 Month Old First Flight

Hi N.
Have you bought a seat for your son, or will he be a lap child? If you've bought a seat then you should be able to take the car seat on board and you should strap him into it for the flight. You can check the stroller at the gate. (Usually... it's probably best to call Southwest and get their official policies.) However, if he is a lap child I don't think you can check both a car seat and a stroller at the gate. If the car seat was in a snap 'n go type thing then you could because they'd consider it a 2-piece stroller. (We just flew internationally like that with our 5 month old.)
Alternatively you could check your car seat along with your luggage - but I'd try and pad/protect it somehow, and have it marked fragile.
You can take milk on the flight, just declare it as you're passing through the checkpoint. Shouldn't be a problem at all.
A suggestion for you during ascent and descent - have something your child can suck on during that time as it will alleviate the air pressure. I breastfed my baby during those times on our recent travels and he never cried once. However, we could hear the pained cries of other children all over the plane. :( I don't know if he uses a pacifier, or give him the bottle or something. It truly does help.
Re bedtime, do you have any bedtime rituals that you can include in a small enclosed space like a plane :)? Singing a lullaby softly under your breath? Goodnight prayers? The lights may be on for a while, so maybe purchase him a soft comfy eye mask (pretend it's a new toy or game)? A bedtime lovey/blankie?
I'd also recommend the site: www.jetwithkids.com. Lots of handy advice for all ages on that site.
Good luck and enjoy your vacation! I also had tons of anxiety about flying (30 hour trip door to door from Chicago to South Africa) but it all worked out okay.

If you have purchased a seat for him then you can use the car seat on the plane if it is approved as a seat that can be used on flights , if he is on your lap then you can check the car seat in with your luggage. The stroller you can keep with you until boarding , you leave it at the end of the tunnel before you enter the plane. For his milk you may find it easier (I did) to take his bottle or sippy cup empty and buy some juice box type milk that you can open when you need it , these do not need to be kept in the refrigerator (you can buy Horizon or store own brand). Yes food is allowed for the little one , snacks/fruit/jars of baby food if he will still eat it , but with a flight at that time you would be better off trying to feed him something before you board then all you need to do is give him the milk. For entertainment you could try some books , a small note pad and crayon may work for a little while. But if he is that restless then once you are able to just get up and let him walk up and down for a little bit , I always do , I have flown internal & internationally with 3 kids , the last time my youngest was 17 months and it was a 3 hr flight and she fell asleep.

Good luck it will be fine , try not to get too worked up otherwise every little noise he makes will bother you , & don't worry about looks/comments from other passengers.

The umbrella stroller you can just take to the plane and leave to the side just before boarding the plane (you'll see a designated area). When you check in, they'll give you a tag for it. Will he be in his own seat? Definitely just use the car seat then. We did when traveling with our kids when they were that young and the car seat was great because it was familiar to them. Our son, who was showing the earliest of signs of ADHD at that age, couldn't sit still for 30 seconds, so we lost a lot of sleep about our flight. However, when the plane took off, it konked him out and he slept all the way from Sacramento to St. Louis! We packed a ton of things to keep him busy and used none. However, still a good idea to have a bag of goodies. Stickers are good. They can put them on themselves, on magazines, whatever. Bring a baggie filled with costume jewelry. Even our son liked this at a young age. Something about big beads was fascinating. New board books.

That's all that comes to mind. As far as the drink, no drinks through the check point, so wait to buy after you get through security. Also, pack plenty of snacks and extra diapers (along with a couple of extra outfits in case of spills or diaper leaks), in case of delays.

Good luck!

If you bought a seat for him, then install the carseat and have him ride in it. Kids are used to the idea of riding in a carseat in a car and not getting up to wander around. If you didn't buy one and there are going to be empty seats on the plane, they may let you bring it on anyway. It can't hurt to ask and I think flight attendents prefer when kids have their own seats so they are generally willing to give you an available space if they can. Our son was a bit younger than yours when we flew to Florida. We didn't buy a seat. One part of the trip we were able to take advantage of that extra seat and install his car seat and the other we had to gate check the seat. When he was out of his seat, he was wanting to be all over. It was exhausting. I hope you have a great trip!

I have two kids (5years and 22months) and we are "frequent flyers". The flight will probably be pretty full (Florida flights are always full) but they will allow your family to pre-board after the "A" group has boarded. Definitely board at this time to ensure that you and your hubby will sit together. If you're lucky enough to get an "A" boarding pass then board with the "A"s Try to get a middle and aisle seat so one of you can walk around with him if he gets antsy. Bringing a DVD plyer is a good idea, but also bring any special blankets/loveys for the flight. That way falling asleep will be easier. Also bring snacks for him...I always find snacks help pass the time. Milk is okay to bring in appropriate amounts so do bring it. Elizabeth B is right about the car seat and stroller.

Don't be too stressed or anxiuos...he'll pick up on that and it'll make things worse (trust me I've been there!). Enjoy your trip and good luck!

Komal N. asked a very similar question on 12/21/09. You might want to check that out. Here is how I responded to her:
Every airline has its own rules, but when I traveled alone with my 13 month on United Airlines, I learned the following: You can bring a stroller, car seat, and diaper bag without penalty and without touching your baggage allowance, even if the baby is riding on your lap. Hopefully you have a click and go stroller so that the carseat fits inside. If the seat next to you is empty, you can use the baby seat there. If it is occupied, they will gate check the carseat. I recommend you bring a a baby backpack with tether because he's at that age when he'll want to walk and won't pay attention to the rushing business travelers and their wheelie cases. Anything with a swallowing action helps with the ears, so eating cheerios or drinking water out of a sippy cup will help. I had pre-measured formula in her drinking cups/bottles and then bought bottled water after security. While I always have painful ears while traveling, I was surprised to learn it didn't bother my daughter at all! Toys/Babies R Us sells this great two-pack stroller clips that hold bags around the stroller handle. This way you can have the stroller clip your carry on and the diaper bag so you can be hands-free. Bring some extra zip lock bags in assorted sizes so you can put soiled clothes, etc. in them. I had two gallon bags for toys and books. If it didn't fit in the ziplock I didn't bring it and I could pack everything up and see everything without having to unload the entire diaper bag. Bring twice as much diapers, food, and water than you think you need because delays happen with this weather. Bring an extra sweater or blanket if your seat is at the window.
By the way, I travelled with my daughter again when she was 18 months. My husband accompanied us and we did not get her a seat, hoping the last row of the middle aisle would be the last one picked. Unfortunately it was a full and long flight. The car seat really makes a difference. When they're locked in, there is no negotiation. It is expected that they stay in their seat. If they're on your lap, they think they have the freedom to get up, down, explore, etc. The only thin I'd do again is insist my child get her own seat, but with the airline cut off at 2 years, it was our last chance to travel with her for free, so we tried it. Good luck, arrive early, and enjoy the adventure!

I agree with previous posters, but want to add: Make sure you check in online 24 hours in advance, the earlier you check in, the better your chance of getting in the A group. When you get your gate check tag for your stroller, make sure that you tell them that you would like the call for family boarding after the A group because sometimes they neglect to do this step. With the DVD player, Southwest asked us to either mute it or put headphones on our child. She wouldn't wear headphones at that time so we turned it down to whisper volume. I have taken flights with both a changing table in the bathroom and without and I actually prefer to change them without unless it is poopy as the table is just a metal dropdown over the toilet with no sides. If it is at all bumpy, that was very difficult, I just lay down a changing pad on the seats and either stand or kneel to change her. Puke bags make great diaper bags, but don't try to give it to flight attendants if they are serving, they aren't allowed to take it then. Puke bags also make great puppets if you bring a crayon or pen to write on it with. Through security, your stroller needs to be collapsed in order to go through the x ray machine, but they were really great at Midway with getting us into a line that was more family friendly. You just never know what your child will be like until you go for the first time. My DD is a great flier and LOVES airplanes. Have fun and good luck. Enjoy your trip.

We just traveled to CA, which is 4 hours, with our 15 mo. old son. I'd bring new toys you think he would like. We brought stickers which he really liked. Also, lots of yummy snacks - we brought the "good" snacks that he doesn't get at home very often - the pre-packaged finger food snacks - cookies, fishies, crackers etc. When he seemed like he was going to start meling down, we pulled out a new snack and that prevented the freak out. We let him tear the magazines in the seat pockets to shreads and it was fun for him to look at the pictures in those too.

I don't think they'll let you bring milk for a child his age, but we easily found things to drink after the security check-in - my kids are partial to apple juice so I got that for them.

Good luck.

Hi,

we just took out 16 mo. old to India....30 hours home!! I've also traveled with her to FLA, with much less hassle. Our daughter slept well...but thank goodness we sat together. Unless you have a seat for your child, having your partner next to you is a must! Make sure to call ahead let the airline know you're traveling with an infant...and again when you check in. Aisle seats are best for quick escapes. I know with Southwest you don't have assigned seats, so make sure to get there early. If they will let one of you board first with bags and save seats, the other can play with the kid until the last minute, then board.
Car seats are checked for no fee (you might want to bring a plastic bag...we had one on the way there and they ran out on the way back.) Strollers you check at the plane, they have it waiting for you when you get off.
Baby food is not a problem to bring on. Most flight attendants will help with warm h2o too. Or bring a thermos. Bring extra bottles so you don't have to clean empties right away, and a change of clothes for accidents (on the plane it's great to have the kid wear pajamas with feet so they don't have clunky shoes when they're sleeping on your lap).
Fun snacks (my kid loves dry fruit and fruit bars) are entertaining and great during take off. New toys or picture books helped us, since we didn't have DVD's.
Also bring plastic bags to put dirty diapers in...so they don't stink up the bathroom. Our plane DID NOT have a changing table!!! (All the way to FLA with out one??) So, make sure you have a changing pad.
We bought earplanes, (earplugs to help with pressure) but didn't need them.
Enjoy seeing your child become a little traveler! Have fun and try not to worry about baby crying and disturbing others...we've all been there.

Good luck

Hi N.,

Did you buy a ticket for your son or is he flying as a lap child? If you bought a ticket and his car seat is FAA approved (you should be able to find out in the car seat manual) then you can take the car seat on board and use it in the airline seat. If it is not FAA approved, you need to check it as luggage. You can gate check the umbrella stroller. Just take it with you through the airport - it will have to be x rayed at security - to the gate and tell the attendant that you need to gate check and they will get you the tag. Then when you board the plane, just leave the folded up stroller right outside the plane door. They will have it waiting for you at your destination.
For the milk - TSA says you can take "appropriate" amounts of liquid through for a baby/child, so what you are suggesting should be okay.

Good luck!

N.,

We traveled with my son on his first flight 4 hrs to CA at 16 months old. It usually helps if it is near bedtime unless he doesn't sleep well by snuggling with you, our son did. Our son was excited by the airplane and the speed with which it took off since he knew what an airplane was by that age.

We did offer a bottle on takeoff and landing just in case he had ear pain (which he didn't). We just bought milk after going through security--for our daughter when we flew recently at 10 mos., we just purchased water and used the formula.

We did use a dvd however the sound has to be quiet or he has to put earphones on so it didn't work so well for us. We just brought lots of quiet toys, books, snacks, blanket to keep him entertained. You can walk him around a little but hopefully he'll be a bit taken aback by all the people and not want to walk around too much.

My daughter likes to sleep alone so she is more challenging to get to nap on a plane although at 10 mos she did finally sleep. It depends on the child's temperament.

Good luck. None of us ever want to be the parent with the wailing child but as long as you prepare well people usually don't get upset.

AE

A little about me: work out of home office mom to a charming 4 yr old son and bubbly 1 yr old daughter

Hi N., I flew many times with my son (domestic and international flights). First of all children under 2yo do not have to have a seat, you can keep them in your lap (saves money). But if you do want to buy a seat on the plane (and if you plan to travel often) I recommend a three-in-one that is carseat + plane seat + stroller, my husband found it on the internet, I don't know the brandname, but its handles and wheels collapse so that you can use it as a seat, it's really neat and useful, I love it.You can either take it on the plane (if your son has a seat and therefore he needs a booster seat), or you can leave it right outside the plane (I mean just before you enter the plane), the airline personnel will put a bright fuchsia tag on it and you'll find it right outside the plane when you land. It's great for inside the airport so you don't have to hold the child and you can run if you need to! As far as his milk goes, it is allowed on the plane, they'll let you go through the checkpoint (at least it was this way when my boy still had a bottle). For food, no problem. Great idea the dvd player (saved my day MANY times), and don't be anxious if the boy wants to move around and makes some noise, people understands. Have safe trips!

Hi N.,

You received great advice, but a couple things to add. If he sleeps with a pillow, bring it on the flight. Putting it on your/your husband's lap levels your laps out more like a bed for him, and makes it a cozy and familiar place to snooze. We had brought my toddler's blankie and stuffed toy, but he just couldn't get comfortable across our lumpy laps. It was a looooong, noisy and frustrating flight (4.5 hours!) for all of us without this for us. On the way back, we brought a bed pillow and he slept the whole way. As for things to keep him busy, I read an article (after our trip lol) by some travel guru and a great idea stuck in my head (for next time!) He suggested packing little things in those plastic Easter eggs, so there is a bit of the surprise element. Bust a new one out when he has absolutely exhausted whatever distractions he's had. Put a couple stickers in one, some fruit snacks in another, some folded up pictures of animals or family members, etc. Also, pack a couple small new toys he's never seen before. I agree with the other mom that a variety of stickers and something to stick them on was amazing. Also, if you're not accustomed to re-installing your car seat, you may want to pack a copy of the installation instructions and a travel flashlight as you are going to need to hook it into your rental car as soon as you arrive. It will be dark out, you may be exhausted, and it may not have the same latch system as your car at home, so you may have to figure out the seat belt style connection to make it work. Also, for our domestic trip on United, we gate checked a stroller AND a car seat, as he was a lap child, so maybe the other Mom's experience below was just for an international flight. Call SW though to be sure. There is a car seat cover thing you can buy at Walmart for like $20 that is heavy black fabric and zips around your car seat. It's soooo worth it. First, it has backpack straps so my husband wore it thru the airport and freed up his hands. Also, you can pack stuff in it and it still counts just as the carseat (no charge) so we filled it with all the diapers and wipes for the trip. The most important thing is that it keeps the carseat nice and clean because they are just putting it under the airplane--ick. The trip between Chicago and Orlando (if you're going to Orlando) is always packed with families. So you will not only have other kids for your son to watch/interact with, you will have families who understand fidgeting, and other moms/dads in the same boat as you. (My business travel on that same route is usually no fun for this same reason--but for a vacation with the little one, it's a big plus!!) Good luck and have a great trip!!!!!