Air Travel with a Toddler

I traveled with my grandchildren this past year and found that taking the car seat on the plane worked great. You place the car seat on the plane seat and the child is more comfortable and it is safer. We took story books and markers that only mark on specific color books. Sippy cups and small bags of snacks were a must. You need something that makes a child chew real hard to keep the ears open when they start popping. Depending on the age of the child- chewing gum works as do carrots.

you'll want to ck what the airline requires now... I believe they require car seats for children that young now....

Let me know how it all works out for you b/c we are flying with my 2 yr. old son this June and I am wondering what to expect also.

I have traveled many times with my boys from the time that they were infants. One thing you MUST do is give her a snack or drink on the way up and again on the descent. This will keep her ears adjusted and painfree. You can't bring any liquids over 3 oz through security (you'll have to purchase them once inside), but solid snacks are unrestricted. I find that a backpack is helpful to use so you have an extra hand to keep track of your little one. Use one with multiple compartments that way you can separate snacks/drinks from toys or portable DVD player. I also pack antibacterial wipes (Wet Ones) to wipe off tray table, arm rests, window shades, etc...you can't bring the sanitizing gel. Wear shoes that are easy for you to take off and put on. They will even make your child remove their shoes so try to use ones that are easy (sandals, crocs, and the like) If you think you can manage a car seat and your daughter will actually sit in it on the plane then carry it on as it is safer for your child to be properly restrained. Otherwise you may be carting it along for no reason. Or you could check it like a regular piece of baggage and have it at your destination for the rental car. If you do this you could get one of those carts to manage your bags and the seat at the bag claim. Many people are understanding about toddlers on planes if you are courteous and mindful of your child's behavior while in flight. Don't let your child kick their seat or slam the tray table up and down if someone is sitting in that seat. That really annoys people. If your child is crying you can only do so much! They'll get over it. I think if you apologize to the people around you in advance for any possible screaming, etc...they are much more understanding and tolerant as long as you are doing your best to control the situation. My boys have always been excellent on flights and I get many compliments on their behavior (the younger is a bit more challenging to entertain), so don't get too anxious about it beforehand! lots of luck!

I have treaveled with toddlers more than I would like to admit and yes...I have been the parent of "that" child. I have since learned A LOT of very good, but VERY painful lessons. First of all, you absolutely should invest in a gogo KIDS Travelmate - here is the website to check it out. :http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
It eliminates the need for a stroller and is easy to transport your car seat with you. The best invention EVER! Second of all, it is QUITE obvious that your husband has NEVER traveled with a toddler before. You need to bring three times as many snacks as you think you may possibly need, two changes of clothing, plenty to entertain her - books, toys, videos and THIS is time to break out a new DVD that she will love but has never seen before and a new toy or two. Coloring books are great too. Anything to distract her is great. I say allof this because I spent the worst day of my life stuck in an airport and on a plane by myself pregnant with my toddler. It was to be a direct flight - my son had his own seat - what could go wrong? Everything! The flight was delayed by TWO long dreadful hours and then once we boarded, we sat on the runway for OVER an hour with NO A/C sweating and miserable. My child screamed for 3 LONG HORRIBLE hours that even therapy can't erase from my memory. I happened to be headed to Baltimore - with the Navy basketball team on board and needless to say - NONE of those boys will EVER be having children - some may have gotten vasectomies the next day. It was awful! Other travelers always groan when you walk on the plane. If you can afford to - now is the time to upgrade to first class. Bigger seats, more help. I have found that other travelers liked my toddler better than the flight attendants and generally other travelers were more helpful than the flight attendants - like when you desperately need to pee and you realize that you, your pregnant body and your toddler don't quite fit in the airplane potty really well. You need to bring as much stuff as you may need and pray for a good travel day at the airport. That same miserable trip - they also happened to LOSE our luggage which we didn't get until the next day - LATE! How you handle the luggage, the toddler and the car seat is EASY - the gogo Kidsmate - it is your stroller and car seat wrapped in one and you pay the people at the airport to take your luggage to your car. Make sure that you pack ANY medications with you that you child may need in case you get separated from your luggage. I wish you lots of luck! Now that we know what not and what to do - traveling really isn't that bad...just prepare yourself. Take some Tylenol, pee BEFORE you board the plane (in the family bathroom) and remember to just try to make the experience fun and interesting for her! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

It is a grandma here with some ideas...
I would cut up from the Parade part of the newspaper or circulars or parenting/childrens magazines junk mail stickers or whatever and have a spiral notebook and have me a glue stick in my pocket (don't give them control over it and you do the dots on the backs of the pictures with the glue but let the child do the pressing of the photo anywhere in the book. You choose to be slow or fast how many pages you think the trip will take put the stuff in a zip lock bag and pull out when things get boring. Also I had one lady that had a dangle neckace with big charms have this hanging from your diaper bag that you can unsnap quickly. No fussing at them if it breaks remember it was a cheapy one.... looked like a cheapy one maybe you could find at a garage sale or something just to let them be tinkering with..Two year olds love putting coins in a bottle maybe Chuck E Cheese coins...but there is a swallowing danger...I was thinking more like a hole cut in the bottom of plastic recyled small dishwashing liquid soap container but a tight cut hole in it but still that it will make noise when it shakes. Gray tape the other end and do not open it at anytime to give them back the coins. I was thinking of another like a long wide Christmas ribbon about two feet long and let them put stickers on it and then another is make you a Christmas album with manger scenes and talk about how much Jesus loves them one of those Walmart 99cent 4 x 6 albums. Also put several photos of them and their favorite animal or friends or family member in there or photos of themselves. Give one or two soft jelly bean as a reward for doing such good work! Two's need a lot of praise! Sugar makes them hyper so give at the very end of the trip.

Hi! We took our two year old to Alaska and it was a 12 hour flight. What worked best for us was buying the cheapest DVD player at Target and a few new movies, along with a headset. I packed his backpack with the DVD and movies, plus a few toys (trucks) small and easy. i bought him a small magnadoole, too and he enjoyed it.I packed my carry on with snacks for him and books for me. He watched movies for 6 hours and slept for 3. We had a 2 hour layover and we used this time to get lunch, and charge his battery on the player. We took fruit snacks, goldfish, and he also ate the snacks on the plane. I also had to give him benedryl on the way back because his allergies started acting up so badly in Seattle and he did sleep on the 5 hr trip back home from seattle... However, I would never tell you to drug your kiddo! Good Luck, hope this helps!

We recently went on a trip with our 2 1/2 year old, and like you, I was very nervous about how he would react. To much relief, he did great!! The flight was about 2 1/2 hours and I think he could have gone a little longer than that. We did bring his car seat on the plane for him to sit in. They had us put him by the window since he was going to be in a car seat. I think he really enjoyed it because he could see out the window. It was a pain trying to carry that and everything else around the airport, but I think it made the flight more enjoyable for him, and you can always get a cart if you have a lot of walking in the airport. I brouht his sippy cup on the plane with nothing in it. I wasn't sure with the new restrictions if they would let me take it on the plane if juice was already in it. We brought a few snacks for him. We tried to keep him munching on something throughout the flight so that his ears wouldn't hurt him. For play, we brought some coloring books and books. This seemed to keep him occupied. You might want to check with the airline you are flying with when it comes to baggage. We went on American and they allowed I believe just one carry on per person, however diaper bags and purses did not count as a carry on. So I would put as much stuff in a diaper bag that you can fit. Just be sure to check with your airport website to make sure you are following all the new regulations with stuff you can and can not carry on, and if you have any questions call the airline. It has changed a lot since 9/11. Be sure to talk to your 2 yr old about the plane so she will know what to expect and won't be scared. I'm sure she'll do great!!

I used to work for one of the major airlines and traveled a lot with my two kids since both mine and my husbands family are in another state. My recommendation is to keep your bags light and the less you have to carry around from plane to plane on your layover the better, especially if you are pregnant. I'd rent the car seat. It is worth it for you to not have to worry about lugging it along with keeping up with your child and a carry on bag. Carry on bag - pack an extra set of clothes and lots of wipes in case of air sickness. I keep snacks to easy single serving bags or pack in baggies yourself. Easy to grab out of the bag in the airport or on the plane. Bring books, coloring etc. One thing I did once my kids got tired of everything we brought in our bag was make puppets out of the airsick bags. That usually entertained them for a while. Also, you can't bring any juice boxes or liquids through security so don't bother with those since they'll take them from you at security checkpt. You can a drink in the airport once you've passed security or the air carriers all have juices, water etc. and most will fill a sippy cup if your child can't do a straw yet. As far as other travelers. I wouldn't worry about it. As long as you keep your child from blatently causing irritation (i.e. kicking seat) there shouldn't be a problem. If your child gets upset and cries for some reason, don't worry about what the other Customers think. Kids cry and we do the best we can. My advice is to take a deep breath and try to stay calm, but don't let anyone else upset you with looks of irritation. I've never run into that myself. Most people are understanding as long as the kids aren't out of control pulling and kicking their seats etc. good luck!

take the car seat if you are not sure if one will be supplied. you will check it in with the rest of your luggage and it will go under the plane. if you bring a stroller wich ou will want you can take it on the plane with you they will store it in the front after everyone is aboard the plane. snacks bring anything that your little one will eat that does not have to be refrigerated. do not bring drinks . bring sippys and they will supply the juice and water etc... you will need a a carry on bag with anything you want plus bring a diaperbag with all the babys stuff and food. also bring toys. you will also want to give your baby a dose of benadryle for his ears and helps them to sleep for the trip(thats always nice)
thats all the info i have for ya. i look at it this way if the baby screams the whole way just look at it like you will never see these ppl again..lol. good luck hope this helps

Hi H.,
I understand your anxiety; I recently traveled with my 4 year old and newborn (now 5 months old). Here is what I did: I packed a carry on bag with gold fish crackers and juice boxes for my daughter, along with a couple of books and her LeapPad to keep her occupied. Also, I recommend investing the $5 or so for in-flight movie for your toddler if available...that saved me for a good hour or so! Also, make sure that she is chewing on something as you make your descent so that she can equalize the air pressure in her ears w/o them hurting.
Pack strategically--place things in your carry on bag(s) so they will be easy to get to without you having to fumble around. And KEEP IT SIMPLE. Your neck and shoulders will thank you later.

Good luck, safe travels!
L. W.

Hope this helps...I borrowed a friend's carseat stroller. The only thing I had with me was a backpack, my daughter and the stroller. The backpack had a little purse for me to use when I got to my destination. The airline will let you board before the others. I brought pretzels and water. No juice because I didn't want the sugar. We also planned it around her nap. As far as I'm concerned, other passengers know it's a possibility that they'll get seated next to a child. Hopefully, you'll be flying with compassionate folks :-) If you don't have a friend with a carseat stroller, bring your umbrella stroller. The flight attendants will let you go all the way to the plane's door and they'll fold it down and store it for you. The key is to only have your purse/backpack and your child. Don't forgot your child's birth certificate!

When I flew with my 1 year old I sat on the very first row or sit at the emergency exit where you have a lot of room in front of you and your child can get down and play or color a book on the plane, that is if you are able to choose your seat. I would for sure take snacks and drinks in a bag that can be searched easly. if you chose to take a car seat you can check that with your regular luggage and most airports i think will have someone there that can help you with your luggage after you land,they expect a tip. my flight i took was only from here to houston so it was only a 45 min flight, so if your is longer i would for sure make sure you have plenty of stuff with you to keep your 2 year old happy. at that age they get bord so easy so keeping their attention is so hard. as for what other people might think, i would not worry about it. you will probably run into one or two people who arent very nice but the majority of people will be nice. and the flight attendents are very nice too, they will probably sit with him/her during the lay over and talk and chat with you and your child. i was dreding my flight but it ended up being a breeze. i really dont think you have anything to worry about just make sure you hyave enough food and things for your child to do. good luck!!

We recently took our 3 kids (ages 3,6, and 8) on a 4 hour flight to Calgary. We took one carry on bag with a few snacks, colors, coloring books and small block puzzles (bought for $1 a piece at our local target). We also took along our mini DVD players. Between those things and them getting to "order" a drink from the cart we were fine. They sat still (for the most part) and enjoyed traveling. We only took car seats when our children were in rear facing seats (we have travelled with our kids allways), during this last trip we asked for a car with a seat (it was built into the car). I travel as light as possible with the kids. It is not worth it to take the car seat (in my opinion) on the plane as that makes more for you to carry. Our only pain was security (make sure you are all wearing slip off shoes. No liquids (so we bought milk for our youngest inside security) over 3oz and they have to fit into a 1 qt. bag (all travel size shampoos, toothpaste etc...this is why we check everthing we can). If you can just keep a level head (and find the humor in it...my youngest did not want to let her stuffed elephant ride the conveyor belt on the xray machine on the way out of town...wow) it will be smooth sailing. Also, there are many parents on the flight (whether their kids are there or not) and most people are very forgiving if there is a melt down. Have a good time...

I travel alot with my son (almost 5) and i can tell you either people will be nice about you traveling pregnant with a toddler or not at all. BUt you can only do what you can do right?. As for snacks remember you cant bring liquids past security so any drinks have to be bought on the otherside of security. I usually bring cheese sticks, crackers, raisins, and anything that can come in a single serving othrwise it all gets smoshed in the bottom of the bag.
As for the car seat you dont have to bring one, i know it was easier for my son because he knew that when he was in the car seat he couldnt get out. Just like n the car and didnt fight about wanting to walk around the plane. You can bring it and check it at the gate but then you have to carry it through the airport.
Another idea is to buy a few really cheep toys or books and wrap them. Then when your daughter gets tired of sitting pull one out and let her open it. My son love that and it keep him busy for atleast 30 mis. We wraped everything from playdough to crayons and a coloring book. Kids love having something new to use.
Now that i have talked your ear off i hope something out of this has helped.

I don't know how old my children were when I started it, but I bring a roll of aluminum foil. It's cheap and the kids used it to make buildings and animals and their own toys. To me that was a god send.

Take snack size juices,oreos, and lunchables.
(Also some snacks for you and your cravings)
And if you have a portable DVD Player take that along and his favorite movie (for his hearing only)
Also take his car seat along for safety reasons only...

Besides your Husband will be there with you..
so let him handle all that luggage or ask for a luggage cart instead .

All you have to do is hold your 2 yrs olds hand, and maybe your purse and the carryon bag,other than that I`m sure your husband will assist you.

My son is almost 3.5 and he is a seasoned traveler (and I was once a flight attendant). I check my bag and just bring a backpack and my son also has his backpack. I try to buy new, inexpensive toys that he can have on the plane. He also has a portable DVD player. He doesn't like the headphone, but I put it on really low and nobody has ever complained. Bring little snacks and buy some water (or just get some from the flight attendant) for the plane ride. Stay away from sugary drinks because it will just hype her up. Try to get the bulkhead because you will have more room. You won't be allowed to sit in the exit row because you have a child and you are pregnant. If you bring the carseat it will have to go next to the window. We still bring a carseat for my son because it is hard for him to sleep in the regular seat. The people you sit next to will either roll their eyes or be super helpful. Just ignore the rude ones. In general, people tend to have sympathy for a pregnant woman travelling alone with a toddler. Just make sure she is drinking on takeoff and landing so that her ears won't bother her as much. I would bring a stroller, because the last thinkg you want is to have to walk across the aiport with a 2 yr old who decides that she doesn't want to walk anymore. It can be bulky to get through security, but the one time I didn't bring a stroller I was very upset with myself. And if she wants to walk, the stroiller is a great to push the carseat around the airport. Also, I tend to board as late as possible. The less time they have to be in the plane the better for you.
Good luck and have fun!

Just wanted to add a couple of things after reading the other responses...you can't bring play-doh on board airplanes anymore. DVDs, puzzles, crayons, etc. are great.

Definitely bring an empty sippy cup. You can buy drinks at the airport and bring those on board (this is after you have passed through security). I always buy drinks at the airport for my kids because some airlines are stingy about how many drinks they'll provide. And, snacks are almost non-existent unless you are on a flight longer than 3 hours.

I definitely agree with packing as light as possible. But, I always bring an umbrella stroller for rolling through the airport and then check it at the gate. It is especially great for when you land at an airport that may have a lot of walking to do.

You might also consider getting a rolling suitcase or backpack for your little one to put all of his/her toys, crayons, etc. in. My kids LOVE walking through the airport with their luggage like the grown-ups and it enables me to either have my own small carry-on or be emtpy handed.
Good luck -- I'm sure it will be fine!

hi H.!

i have been traveling by air with my daughter since she was a baby. i HIGHLY recommend a collapsable stroller if your 2-year old is rambuncious. he/she will be strapped in and unable to escape. you get a tag for the stroller at the gate and leave it on the side right before you board the plane. when you get to your next destination, the stroller will be there waiting for you. you can either check your carseat (like luggage) or use it on the plane.

whatever you are checking - check it curbside so you don't have to drag everything thru the airport.

i would bring as many snacks as possible. you can't bring liquids through security, but you can get water/juice on the plane.

one of my FAVORITE tricks for air travel is to buy a new toy that i think my child will enjoy and pack it secretly. a new toy onboard can keep them occupied for quite some time.

another thing you can either buy or borrow from a friend, is a portable DVD player, if your child enjoys movies.

try and get only two seats together on one side of the plane rather than the 3-seat side where you have to share with a stranger.

i wish you the best of luck. and you know what? the other travelers will have to deal with whatever happens. kids are kids!

When we traveled with my boys last year the best toy we brought was a sticker book. I got it at Toys-R-Us but I have seen them elsewhere. It is about the size of a magazine and the kids search the sticker page for the right sticker then put it on the correct page. There are no small parts to keep up with and no music to annoy the other passengers. Those color-wonder marker sets are good too. No worrying about marks on the seats.
Take her to Target and let her pick out her own special backpack to serve as her carry-on bag. Then let her fill it with a few small toys, don't let it get too heavy or you will be carrying it.
Another tip since you are pregnant and will have difficulty bending over in those small seats is to ask the flight attendant to let you know a little early when you are about to land. That way you can have your daughter look for anything she may have dropped on the floor before the seatbelt light goes on. As soon as the seatbelt light goes off everyone else is going to jump up and get overhead luggage and try to be the next one off the plane. Just sit tight and let them go first. It is too hard to fight with the business travelers and keep up with little ones. Not to mention protecting your belly from elbows and briefcases. If you don't have to rush to catch a connecting flight, then stay calm and take your time. If you get stressed your daughter will too.
As far as the car seat goes, check it. Not all car seats are rated for air travel anyway. The only child in our family that we put in a car seat on the plane is my niece who is a special needs child. It helped keep her calm in an unknown situation.
Now about the other passenger...Don't worry about them. As long as your daughter doesn't do something major like throwing food around or scream the entire flight, then don't sweat it. Kids will make noise, they will be loud, and they will be excited about being on a plane and going on vacation. No matter how well behaved out children are, someone will disapprove of something. If you think your child is being well behaved then she is.
Just have fun! If you stay calm and roll with the flow, your child will too.

Will you 13 year old be travelling with you and your 2 1/2 year old? I hope so, because she will be a big help for you. Bring LOTS of snacks (and toys/games/portable DVD player), but they won't allow drinks past the security point, so you will need to buy drinks at the airport, past security. This must be a very important trip for you to take, being pregnant and travelling with a toddler and all. You are brave! I just wish that you had a non-stop flight. I refuse to fly with my children unless I have non-stop flights. Again, you are very brave. Best of luck on your trip!

We traveled with our 2 1/2 year old and our 4 mos. old sons last summer. The best thing is to take your car seat and buckle her in it just like she was in a car. Let her know that she has to stay in it just like the car. My son never got out of his seat. He was fine with that. I took my portable dvd player and ear phones so he could watch his favorite shows. Have a sippy cup for her to drink out of during take off and landing, in case her ears bother her. That was the best thing for my son as far as ears popping. I had a ring pop for him to suck on, but he would just lick it and it did not work. You can get juice/milk after you pass through security to put in the cup.
I carried the car seat in the stroller and then you check the stroller at the gate. When you arrive at your destination, they will have the stroller ready for you at the door of the plane.
The hardest part is security. If you are by yourself, it will be difficult, because all of your stuff has to go through the machine. With my husband & I together and 2 kids, it was frustrating. You have to be patient. And be prepared! Don't take loud toys, because people frown upon that. Lots of snacks!
Good Luck.
We have rented a car seat before with our rental car, but it was not in the greatest shape and only a very few car rental companies rent them anymore. So just take your own.

Hello H.,

just a few more tips:
to make it a bit easier at the airport,
wear easy to remove/put back on (comfortable) shoes.
no belts either.
wear comfortable clothes (extra pockets help)
definitely bring an umbrella stroller.
chewy snack during take off & landing (in case of ear pain)
dress your daughter in layers in case she gets cold.
extra wipes
1 extra pair undies for you w/ a ziploc bag
1 change of clothes for your daughter
extra ziploc bags...
whenever I'm traveling w/ my kids I put ID bands on them w/ parents names, tel # and other tel. # of someone not traveling w/us. I actually bought id bands for medical patients and I print it on the computer. you could probably find one of those id holding card w/ a necklace or lanyard.
if you bring a dvd player, bring the charger w/ you and plug it in while on your stopover. start recording her favorite shows

other essentials:
camera + battery charger (well, I'm a shutterbug)
cell phone + charger
small children nail clipper
antibacterial wipes (can't take the gel + wipe seats in plane)
airborne
children's decongetant strips (can't take liquids)
alternative: peppermint oil (nice decongestant)
how to use: put 5 drops on a napking and enjoy the scent
also adults can put on forehead/temples for headaches
--keep away from eyes & mouth
neosporin
alternative: lavender oil (antiseptic/antibacterial)
good for cuts and scrapes and minor pain...
like behind the ears for the pressure during
landing/take-off
a couple of bandaids
Well, make your list and check it twice. then see what you don't really need and take it out. You'll be just fine! Have a great time! ~C.~

I have a very busy 3 year old boy, who is very active, independent, and strong willed, (and can also be very loud), and we traveled with him at 2 years without incident, so it can be done! I completely agree with most of the advice, and my biggest lifesavers were 1. DVD player 2. snacks/drinks 3. umbrella/collabsible stroller that we checked at the gate. However, I disagree with many of the moms on the carseat issue. Even though it is a huge pain to lug a carseat through an airport with a stroller and a carry on bag, it was a lifesaver for me on the plane. If he sat in our lap, he was very wiggly and wanted to try to get down and roam around the plane and tried to throw a fit when we wouldn't let him off our lap. However, when strapped in his carseat; no problem at all! He knew that he could not get out and associated it to riding in a car and did very well. So that's my only other suggestion. Good luck!

I feel your pain! I travel at least once a year alone with my 3 kiddos. I would bring as little as possible on the plane with you. I check in my car seats. I don't even like to bring a stroller, only because they make you fold it down to go thru security and nobody will help you..... so for me..... the less I have with me, the more I can focus on the kids. My kids are 6, 3, and 2. I try to fit everything we need in ONE bag for the plane, snacks, sippy cups, diapers, wipes, games, acitvities, and my stuff, etc...... Do you have a portable DVD player? If not, you can rent one at the airport..... that always helps us. Just be prepared that nobody helps out a mother alone travelling with little kids, and maybe someone will surprise you and be nice & helpful.

I recently took a airplane trip to California which took right at 3 to 3 1/2 hours with my daughter that was 1 1/2. I packed a backpack full of fun stuff for her to do. I put various toys in ziplock bags and would pull a new bag out when I could see her loosing interest in the current one. I also packed coloring books, reading books, DVD player and DVD's, plus I bought a couple of new toys she never played with before(check out the dollar store for puzzles, ect.) I also packed graham cracker sticks, goldfish, and cereal for her to eat. I carried on a sippy cup -the airport will let you bring it in as long as your child is in tow. I would then try to go find a McDonalds or Airport conveinance store to buy back up juice or milk so I had extra during take off. If you can keep her eating or drinking during take off the better you will be so her ears won't pop. Just spend your time on the plane entertaining her and I would be willing to bet she will do great having that one on one time with mommy. My daughter also loved when the drink cart came by. The stewardess gave her a cup and stir straws and I would give her just a little bit of drink and she felt like a big girl. As for the people around you...just be friendly to them and try not to worry to much as long as your trying to keep her entertained.

Since you are pregnant and with a 2 year old I would not take a car seat. Just call the rental car place ahead and reserve a car seat. Be prepared it might not look the cleanest but what is a little dirt instead of stress. But you definetly don't need to keep up with a bulky car seat and a 2 year old through airport security because yes she will need to take her shoes off too!!

You will do great! Just think of it as an adventure.

Hi H.,
Go to www.kidsflysafe.com to get the special seatbelt for kiddos on airplanes. I used it when I traveled by myself with my son and it was a lifesaver. Then you can check the carseat (in a carseat bag). I would take lots of snacks and diapers, but you can't take drinks, so bring an empty sippy cup or 2 that you can fill as needed. I recommend the sippy b/c my darling child spilled a bottle of water in his lap just as we were landing last time. also bring at least 1 change of clothes too.
I would say bring the stroller. We ended up eating lunch in the airport, and it was just the right size for him to sit in and use a seat at the gate as a 'table'.
Good toys - magna doodle travel size, portable dvd player (make sure to charge the batteries completely), crayons/coloring books.
Good luck - you can do it!!!

All the other ladies had good ideas, but we do one thing different. We take our carseat on the plane with us and strap it in. It's so much easier to have your child strapped in a carseat than only held down by a lap belt. They also sleep better b/c they are in a familiar seat. Not to mention, it's also safer!! Check your car seat manual, most are approved for air travel, so that shouldn't be a problem. I know that it might be a bit more of a pain for the layover, but I've done it on my own before and it's not too bad, especially if you take your stroller. If you don't take your stroller, most airports have those baggage carts, so take full advantage. We've been to a couple of airports where the baggage cart actually had a kid seat in it (like a grocery cart).

I definitely agree with the lady that said a DVD is a must!! We now bring two for our boys (3 & 6), but have used them since my older son was 2. Quite the lifesaver!!!

One last thing, bring sanitary wipes (like wet ones) to wipe hands when you can't wash them. It really helps when you are dealing with all the hassles of travel.

I have traveled with my children extensively on planes and by car. I just recently flew from DFW to Los Angeles with all 3 of my children, 6,5 and 20 months. A car seat on the plane is nice for the younger ones, since most kids are used to it and know if they are strapped in they aren't going anywhere. But is hard to carry around and chase a toddler. If they are good about sitting in a seat then I would rent one (however if you are a germ-a-phobe you might want to bring your own.) Please know that when you are going through the airport security they may have you pour out any fluids in sippy cups and you will have to take your child out of a stroller and put it through the x ray machine, I would only bring it if you need it where you are going. My best advice is if your kids watch movies/tv shows is to invest in an ipod if you have the money and load all their favorite shows on it. It's smaller and lighter than a DVD player and my little ones love holding it, plus you don't have to haul around all the DVDs. If an iPod is not an option have the little one pack her own back pack (that she will be able to carry) of toys she wants to play with and then you know it's something they are interested in. Coloring activities are always good for girls but in reality can also get messy so make sure they are washable.
As for snacks I suggest getting a bottle of water or juice after security check point. Bring along anything that will take a while to eat. My 20 month old can actually be entertained with goldfish and fruit loops for a while bc I give her 1 or 2 at a time. I find getting the disposable glad containers in the small size works best bc they keep the snack items from getting crushed and are light weight.
I find the majority of people are generally helpful but you will have the few who aren't and it will feel like they are sitting right by you. Just remember that it's only a short while and you paid for your ticket too. If flying more than 2.5 hours my best advice is Benedryl...I was first told about it when flying with my 1st born from DFW to Hawaii when he was 9 months old, by my pediatrician and have since been told by many friends in the medical field that it's completely safe. But please check with your pediatrician/doctor first. It generally makes kids drowsy and will help them relax and go to sleep. Now a days it comes in a convenient travel dosing spoon. If you choose this route try it before you fly bc it had the opposite affect on my middle child (luckily we tried it before the 8 hour flight).
Another note about the car seats. I have flown with my kids in coach to private plane and it all can suck at times. The car seats are hard to strap in and in coach with my Britax car seat it was so big that it literally put the baby about 3 inches from the seat in front of her. She kicked the seat the entire way to California it seemed like.
Also if you have time a couple of hours before leaving for the airport let her run run run and play play play! When we were flying back from California we packed up early and took the kids to the park for a few hours then walked them around a shopping area...they all slept on the way home! Also let her run around and explore at the airport it will get out some of the curiosity.
Good Luck! It will go great for you!

I am a 38yo mom of a 2 1/2 yo boy, a 15 mo boy and another on the way. We travel very frequently and yes it is worth taking the car seat. You can check the seat w/the rest of the luggage and they do NOT count it as a piece of luggage. BRU sells a car seat cover for $19.99 that will fit any car seat and it well worth it. It has wheels and backpack straps. Take a stroller and gate check it. Use it thru the airport to help carry the carry on and your 2 yo; he may even like to push it. We take a DVD player, cars, books, a travel etch a scetch, crayons, even paper and stickers and write "papa and nana" letters and mail them from the airport. We also take Vit C lollipops, Welch's fruit snacks, "cookies w/candy"-fig neutons, crackers, pretzels, goldfish and anything else I can fit into that diaper bag. We take an empty sippy and buy milk when we get thru security. I've also been known to take a peanut butter sandwhich:) Just remember to stay flexible and enjoy this time w/your children. You don't eat, nap, or anything else on schedule so give it up and enjoy your day:):)

This may sound strange but when we went on the plane with our toddler I brought enough to keep him busy almost the entire time. I brought band aids (played games and stuck them on his legs, arms, he put them on me, etc), cotton balls (he pulled them apart, we stuck them on with the band aids etc), stickers (same idea), Q tips...you get the picture. I threw it all away when we arrived and stopped off at a drugstore for more items on the way home. Of course we also had a portable DVD player for some quiet time and watched a movie, brought color magic paper and markers (the ones that will only draw on the paper), he took a small nap after some time, bring some special NEW snacks, etc...Good luck.

You have received lots of great advice from parents of toddlers. The one thing that I found helpful on the last trip with my daughter was a backpack/leash. Now, I used to be the first person to say that I thought leashes on your kids was degrading and so unnecessary -- that was, until my daughter came along. She is independent, on the move and strong-willed. We have a monkey backpack that has a leash for the tail. It gives my daughter the freedom to walk with me, within reason. So, it was great for the airport (after getting through security). So, if your child is independent and likes to run around, I recommend finding one at Babies R Us or Target. They have a dog one and a monkey one. Not very expensive ($9.99) Here is a link to the one at Target so you can see it. http://www.target.com/gp/search/602-###-###-####-###-###-...

My other advice is to bring several toys/activities that are special for this trip that your child has never seen before. For instance, new coloring book (Color Wonders books work great, because the markers only color on the special paper and not on airplane seats or tray tables), new books (lots of these at dollar stores or dollar section at Target), stickers and sticker book, etc. We also use a small magna doodle toy and I take turns with my daughter drawing pictures.

Good luck and have fun! I pray that your child might even take a little nap for you on the plane.

P.S. If your child has her own seat on the plane, be prepared for the fight over wearing the seatbelt, especially if you don't have the car seat. That was probably my biggest struggle with my daughter on the plane. You might want to begin practicing that at home now before you go.

We've only traveled 3 times with kiddos in tow....but have found that a portable DVD player is a MUST!!! That way you can bring a few movies to entertain your toddler some of the time. The 1st part of the flight she'll probably just be looking around at all the people, things out the window, noises, etc., so this helps time pass as well. My son also enjoyed the board books that come with magnets. So we'd read a Thomas the Train book or Cars book and play along with the magnets. Is she in to the Doodle pros or coloring? You could always pack a few of those in your carrying on.

For snacks, we brought some of his favorites (goldfish, animal crackers) and included a special treat (like fruit snacks).

As far as the car seat goes, the 1st time we checked our car seat (but I had husband along to help) and then next time we just rented a car with a car seat (but you have to install it your self), which saved us the hassle of yanking out our 2 car seats when arriving at the air port and then checking them in too.

Best of luck! And as for what others say or looks you get from other passengers....don't stress about it. I just warned the people around us that we had a very fussy baby and apologized ahead of time. They didn't believe me until my daughter, who was 6 months at the time, busted out crying and it lasted over an hour. Thank goodness she finally nursed herself to sleep :)

Are you planning on having your daughter walk in the air port or would she ride in an umbrella stroller? That was a huge help for us too. You can stroll her all the way on to the plane with it. The flight attendants just stored ours either overhead or in their closet at the front of the plane. Hope all this helps!

My son (now 4) took his first trip at about 3 months of age. When he was 2 we went to Hawaii -- a 9 hr flight nonstop from DFW -- and he flew wonderfully. Since he's been 3, he's logged 35,000 frequent flyer miles, so we've had our share of trials and tribulations in the air.
I'd suggest a few things:
1. As others have said, the DVD player is invaluable. We pack favorite DVDs as well as a few new ones. DO pack ear phones as we have been asked to use them before by flight attendants. Not everyone wants to hear the Wiggles, even on low volume.
2. I'd say ditch the car seats but bring the backpack. You want your hands free. Carseats are a HUGE pain to lug and just double check that the car rental co., has them available upon arrival. As others have said, be prepped to do your own install.
3. Whatever the favorite liquid is, buy it once you're past security. Don't assume the plane will have milk -- they usually don't. Make sure your child drinks it as you ascend so her ears won't hurt too badly. Don't wait for flight attendants to come by, because by then it's way too late. Be prepped to do it on descent, too (if she is awake). If she's sleeping, don't wake her to give her a drink...
4. This goes without saying, but change a diaper right before your board and bring at least one change of clothes on the plane. My son has peed through his diaper on the plane, and I've also been thrown up on as we've landed and it was invaluable to whip out clean clothes for my son on the spot. (If this happens to you, see it as character building, not the end of the world!)
5. On that note, it's helpful to know where your air sickness bag is... (not that you'll need it!)
6. As others have said, a few new surprises are a huge help.
7. Airport employees and airline passengers I have found are generally understanding. Don't hesitate to board first or ask for help if you need it. If you apologize to others in advance for any kicking your child does, most folks are OK. If they are not, I take solace in the fact I'll likely never see them again and that your time on the plane is a small blip in the general scheme of things. Stay positive as much as possible!
Good luck!
J.

I've traveled many times with my now 3 yr old son. He likes to eat so I do take lots of snacks. You cannot take liquids over 3 ounces (I think that's the amount) past the security gate, so you're best off buying liquids at the gate or on board the plane. I do pack sippies though for whatever I end up giving him. It keeps things a little neater. Planes typically don't carry milk on board, so if you have a milk drinker like I do, you'll need to buy it before boarding.

Depending on how long your flight is, and how much your toddler likes to eat, you can take just about anything. I've literally brought meals on board in lunch boxes with one of those frozen cooler things. An eating child is a busy/happy child in my book. Flying is also when I throw my normal rules on nutrition out. I carry lollypops and M&Ms for emergencies. You know, those times when they're on the brink. M&Ms are good because you can just dole them out one at a time. Lollypops keep their mouths busy too. I never give my son sugary cereal, so fruit loops and apple jacks achieve the same result for us.

You can take a stroller with you and check it at the gate. I would use that to carry the car seat and other carry ons. I'd try and run my son before the flight in the hopes that he would nap. If your child is more comfortable in her car seat, by all means take it. You can use the 5 point harness seat on the plane. It keeps them buckled in during the flight which might be a good thing for you.

Regarding other travelers, try not to worry too much about them. For the most part, people are understanding.

I know theres' more to tell and I'm sure others will fill you in. Good luck and have fun!

I've traveled quite a bit with first one and then two little ones. I always hit Target and Wal-Mart for a several small "busy" surprises on the plane - books, puzzles, stickers, Play-doh, new crayons & coloring book, etc. to be presented one at a time (as needed!) Snacks that work best are whatever your little one enjoys - you can pack samplings in ziploc bags.
Also, I don't preboard - I always wait until the last possible second to confine them!
Many people use portable DVD players - this only works if your little one really enjoys TV.

I agree with Heather. Take easy to eat snacks in ziplock bags. Gold fish, animal crackers, fruit snacks, anything that she loves, maybe even an item or two she doesn't get very often so it is special. As for a drink, you'll probably have to wait and purchase something after you've gone through security. In August I flew with my 5 month old son and 3 year old daughter and they made me pour out all the water in sippy cups and bottles. I then had to pay a premium for water inside the airport.

My suggestion is to take a back pack instead of a standard diaper bag. This will allow you to have it on and have both hands totally free. I didn't take my purse, I used one compartment of the backpack for my "purse" and put my wallet, sunglasses and other necessary items in there.

Take something to entertain her with. A portable DVD, colors and a coloring book, a favorite doll. We bought new colors and a new coloring book and I joined in the coloring fun. My daughter actually enjoyed looking out the window almost the entire flight.

Take a stroller. You don't want to have to chase your 2 year old through the airport. The stroller can go all the way to the entrance of the plane with you, make sure to tag it with your name. Then when you get off the plane it will be waiting there for you, or you may have to wait a minute for it.

You will want to make sure the rental car company has a car seat reserved with your car as they don't always have one availble. It would be horrible to get there and not have a car seat. If you have to take yours, check it in with your luggage. The airport has large, thick plastic bags to put them in. I had to take two with me. I had a little wheeled cart I bought at Target or Walmart (don't remember) and I bought some bungy cords and attached the car seats to the cart so I wouldn't have to carry them. If somebody is taking you to the airport, do the curbside check-in for your bags, that way you don't have to go far.

As last, don't worry about other people. That will add to your stress and likely add to your daughter's as well. I've learned that most people are sympathetic, but there are those that can be rude - they are usually people that have no kids of their own.

Get to the airport early. That will leave plenty of time to purchase some drinks (make sure you have an empty sippy cup in the backpack), give you time for the restroom before you board and things of that nature. Most airlines allow you to board first if you are traveling with a child, I would make sure the counter at the gate knows you are alone and pregnant with a child. Depending on the airline, they should be very helpful.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

My daughter and 2 month old granddaughter recently flew and she was allowed to take the stroler to the door of the plane. Then they store it, sometimes they get banged up, but it sure made getting around much eaiser.

Hi H.. Distraction is the name of the game. Let her pick a few toys to take on the plane...maybe have a coloring book or a travel-sized magna-doodle. If you have a portable DVD player, these are invaluable. They're not too expensive anymore. If not, no worries. Have plenty of snacks and juice. M&Ms work great with my two year old. Also, try to give her the window seat, that's good for at least a few minutes when you take off and land. The airline should be pretty helpful, and you shouldn't have a problem bringing sippy cups with juice through security...but if you're worried, bring an empty cup and then buy juice in the terminal. I've traveled with my 9 month and 23 month old together several times now, and I've made it every time. Another good thing is to talk to her about it every day before the trip - tell her how exciting it's going to be....point out planes when you see them in the sky, and sell it as a great big adventure. Talk to her about "plane manners", and she'll know (as much as a 2 year old can) what to expect. And last - if she melts down - so be it. What can you do, right? You'll still get to your destination, and the passengers on the plane can just deal with it!! Good luck and God bless you.