Flying with a Four Year Old for the First Time

portable DVD player! I hate sticking my child in front of a screen, but sometimes it can be a lifesaver!

Our daughter's 1st flight was from England to AZ to move home. That was a long trip. Now when we make that journey to visit relatives, I make a trip to the dollar store and get about $10 worth of "new stuff" for her to discover as the journey progresses. That along with a couple of books, munchies, dvds and music she's good to fly. There are tons of website on travelling with toddlers, here's one:
http://www.flyingwithkids.com/travel_tips.htm

On the flying pregnant issue, the only thing I can add is when I flew at 20 wks, the side to side turbulence was painful for my belly. I got the steward to get me 2 pillows which I tucked in on either side and that helped to stabilize the shaking.

I flew at 32 weeks and it was no big deal. I did take a note from my dr. saying that it was okay just in case they questioned me. Also, I took a copy of my OB records in case we had any surprises while we were away.

For your four year old, take a super light weight umbrella stroller to the airport because it's so much easier to keep track of him if he's in a stroller, and he will get tired of walking! Also, a portable DVD player is a lifesaver! Be sure to bring headphones so he doesn't disturb anyone around you on the flight. Bring an empty sippy cup so when the flight attendant comes around with the drink cart he/she can fill up your sons sippy with juice or water. My daughter always thinks that's so cool! Have a good time!

Hi, C. -
A portable DVD player, coloring book and crayons, and snacks, snacks, snacks. Good luck!!

Flying pregnant is no different than sitting, driving or riding in a car while pregnant. My son was entertained by just the "experience" of flying, looking out the window and getting the drink and snack from the 'plane lady' (flight attendant) as my son called them.

Flying pregnant is really not bad at all...flying pregnant with a 4 year old is a little trickier. I flew at about 32 weeks pregnant and it really wasn't that bad...but my flight wasn't very long. I think the people around me were more scared than I was...haha! It's hard b/c you want to drink plenty of water, but you don't want to have to cram both of you in that bathroom! I would also suggest a portable DVD. I would go and get a bunch of new toys/books/games and not show them to him until you're on the plane. Also get new, interesting or "forbidden" snacks to let him have too. It will be fine...you need your sanity. There will be a lot to look at and do and watch, so a lot of time will be occupied by that. Maybe take a digital camera on the plane and let him take pictures to help document your trip...that could use up some time too...he can take pictures of the seat, the seatbelts, out the window, you name it! ;)

I flew at 32 weeks for a business trip. My OB wanted me to make sure I was very close to a hospital just in case. I don't know how I would have done it with a 4 year-old, too.

But, I've flown with my kids as young as 5 weeks and as old as 3 years. As long as you're prepared with items to keep them occupied, you'll do fine. Being on a plane is exciting enough for them. Have a backpack with some of their favorite toys, movies, and snacks, and you'll do really well. You'll be able to get an early boarding for "travelling with small children" which will help.

My only advice, as a business traveler and mom: if you take a portable DVD player, either take head phones or mute the volume. The sound really travels through the cabin and can be distracting. Also, they'll be fascinated by the trays on the back of the seat in front of them. I'd tell them as soon as you sit not to play with it at all - it will jostle the seat of the person in front of them badly.

Good luck!

I just flew with a 3 1/2 year old for the first time last week.

First I would double check with your OBG that its safe for you to fly. The airline may ask. I don't know if you need a permission slip or not.

Second, I would arrange for someone from the airline to assist you in the airport from check-in to gate. They will be able to either get you a wheelchair, or put you on one of the golf carts to get you and your family to the gate.

Third, I had a kid-tether attached to my 3y backpack. It was a lifesaver!

Since you will be travelling with a youngster, and are pregnant, you will get to board among the first group. Try to get to the gate early. Take a portable DVD player and headphones with you. He should be able to use it during all of the mid flight only having to turn it off during take off and landing.

Be sure to take as little for carry-on as possible. Its tight and you won't be able to bend to reach stuff at your feet. Take a bunch of dry snacks. You can buy drinks once you get through security, but you can't take drinks THROUGH security.

Good luck
M.

Our 4 y o is very active, and would love nothing more than to run through the airport if she could. I bought one of those child leash-backpacks (ours is a monkey but there are others available) that have a long tail (leash) for mom to hold on to. I have our daughter wear it in the airport just to make sure we don't lose her, and that preserves my sanity a lot!! Without that, I would get way too stressed trying to get through big airports.

Once we're in the plane, the hard part is over for me. Like the other responses have suggested, you just need activities to keep your son busy. I don't have a DVD to bring but before trips I stock up on things like coloring and sticker books, new crayons and markers, even play doh or other things she can do on the tray table. And lots of books to read, and maybe a special snack or something. As far as flying while pregnant, I think it's just a matter of drinking enough, stretching out frequently, and trying to stay comfortable.
Good luck!

I flew from Arizona to Oregon last summer with my 6 year old and it was no problem. Of course a 6 year old is a little easier to deal with than a 4 year old but my daughter has Autism so it was still tougher than a "normal" 6 year old. We took our portable DVD player with a few DVD's and headphones. That pretty much occupied her the whole time when we weren't looking out the window at the sights below. For the times that she was not watching the DVD, we took some small books, blank paper with crayons, pens and things to draw (she LOVES to draw). Also, since the airlines now charge for drinks and snacks, we packed some of our favorite snacks in our carry on and bought some drinks after we got through the security gate because those are the only ones you are allowed to actually bring on the plane. Depending on what airport you fly out of and in to, you may not need a stroller. The airports we flew out of were so small that a stroller for a 4 year old would have gotten in the way and been a hassle. FYI: if this is your childs first flight, make sure to get the first flight certificate and wings for him. You have to ask the flight attendant for it. We had to pay $3 for ours, but I think it is worth it because my daughter was so excited to get it and show it to everyone on our vacation and after we got home. She even took it to school for show and tell.