Need Advice with Flying with a 1 Year Old

I just flew back and forth from Japan to Oklahoma with a 22 month old. You will need lots of snacks, and something chewy for take off and landing so his ears will pop. and try to have 2 or 3 new toys that he has never seen before and a few of his favorites. Also if he has a snugglie you should have that or maybe a favorite pillow or at least a pillowcase that is his so can feel like he is at home! Hope you have a great trip.

When I flew with my when he was one, we went to the dollar store and the cheap area at the bx and got several little toys that could travel easily. We broke up the flight by how many toys we have (if you don't have many you can always rotate them and go through them twice). So every so often he got a "new toy" to play with. I also put one outfit and diaper in gallon ziploc bags, so when it came time to change him I just had to grab the one bag and the wipes. I also packed just a clear bag of diapers in case he didn't need a whole outfit. Also at "night time" I put him in his pajamas, read him a story and tried to keep his night time routine the same.

When I checked into the airport on the day of travel I asked the ticket lady for a bulk head seat. They have like bassinets that attached to the bulk head. Plus there is a little bit more room there.

I brought motrin, and anything I thought we might need. We traveled during the restricted fluid amount from Japan to the US. We expected things to take more time and they did. I tried to make a game out of everything. By you relaxing and not stressing, he will respond negatively to the stress he feels from you. Make it an adventure and he will do much better. Give him time to walk and explore.

Hi C. F,
I am 28 years old and I had to fly with all four of my young children. I have a 6 yr old, 4 yr old 2 yr old and like you a 1 year old. I flew from SC to Misawa, Japan about three weeks ago. That was their first time flying. So what I suggest is bring things that comfort him in Germany. Like blankets, toys, pacifier (if he uses it still),a cup and books. They have those T.V.'s on the plane but a 1 year old doesn't like anything in their ears. I took my daughter cup, pacifier and blankets on the plane and let her sit on the floor and play and walked her up and down the plane. Take those big head phones if he like cartoon to help him listen to the movies. A lot of patience is needed and I flew by myself without my husband and it was hard!! You can do it. He will be extremely tired and the lay over may be good for you and him. I had a 14hour and 36 min flight then stayed overnight in Tokyo before flying out the next morning to here and that was the best decision I made about that flight. The flight attendants are awesome with helping you and they gave me all the milk, juice, crackers, cookies my heart desire. I hope this help you.

Some of my favorites :

crayola color wonder sets

paper and crayons

a few new toys to surprise and entertain (small cars or trucks that take up little space)

a small flashlight or something that lights up for when it is dark (try to find something that won't annoy other passengers)

ALWAYS have the must-have favorite toy (if your child has one).. for comfort

thin, lightweight paperback books to read

if you have an ipod, load it up with kid shows and make sure you have kid-safe/friendly earphones (the adult earbuds are painfulLY large and can be harmful) ILUV makes a white headphone that folds nicely and is noise-cancelling so the volume does not have to be so high (they are not so expensive at the PX)

snacks galore, especially if you have a picky eater .. the airlines are cutting corners everywhere and may only have peanuts and no pretzels for kids (happened to us recently). MAKE sure you are NOT trying something new .. not a time to find out your child is allergic to something!!

I carry a small shopping bag with handles that rolls up and fits in my pocket .. it is filled with toys and stuffed in my backpack. I pull it out after takeoff and hang it from the adjustment nob on my childs car seat so that it is easily accesible. When it is time to clean up, I sometimes have a second bag for the things that might need a cleaning(smeared with food or stepped on in the aisle ..)at the next stop.

For your return trip, ditch into Target and get a mini Doodle-Pro by Fisher Price, they clip on to your backpack for easy access while waiting in line at customs,etc

good luck and don't forget your sense of humor!!

playdoh, cheap building blocks in case they got lost, McD/Burger King toys that are no biggie if they are lost. Paper and crayons/fat coloring pencils. Books. Prayers that the child just sleeps :). They don't like you walkin the aisles anymore and that is what I had to do with my toddlers when we flew the first time over here. That entertained them, but it is a security issue now. Hope there are cartoons or music available on the inboard tv system :).

Also, a few commissary bags for excess trash. We know how snacks make lots of extra trash :). Surprises you can pull out to keep them entertained i.e. McD toys they haven't seen in awhile or a new book. I know we are talking about a 1 yo, but books can entertain them too.

I love the DoodlePro idea from the other responder. Also, if you are travelling at holiday time, pick up the cheap stocking stuffers that are disappearable for the trip back. Another suggestion that I just remembered are the cheap plastic sets of animals that the PX usually has. Animals of all types have entertained my kids at all ages.

You may want to consider a Gerber meal that you could ask to be heated up for your toddler. The other responder's post about corners being cut on food is ever so true.