Seeking Advice Regarding Traveling on a Plane with My Toddler Son.

Hi M.! My daughter just got back from the Philippines with her 3yr.old son to visit us and she didnt have any problem. She brought along his dvd player and some dvd's and few toys. Right now I'm in Arizona. if you would like to call me my no. is 623###-###-####

The thing that really entertained my 2 year old was a Giant sticker book. They have many different kinds and there are tons of activities in the book that you do with the stickers. Good luck!

Hi M.,
We lived in the Middle East when my daughter was born. She had been on over 150 flights before the age of 4. Diane T had a lot of great suggestions. I didn't have DVD players when she was little (she's 12 now) but still managed to keep her entertained, well fed, and a happy little traveler.

I always explained to my daughter that we were going on an adventure and what would happen on the flight and how she was to behave. She would then turn to her favorite stuffed animal and tell him all about what would happen on the plane and what was expected of him! LOL!

All the flights from the Middle East left around midnight so I'd tell her the first thing we're gong to do is get on the airplane, get into our seats and fasten our seatbelts then we'd get up in the air then take a nap, whe we woke up we'd eat breakfast then land in London. We'd play around Heathrow and then get on another plane where we'd play then take a nap, eat lunch, play some more and then be in Washington, DC!

She loved stickers so we'd do stickers and we'd make up stories about each page of stickers. I also became the voice of her fav stuffed animal who would ask her all sorts of questions about the plane, trip, who we were going to see and we even played I spy in the magazines from the seat pockets.

I always purchased a seat for my daughter no matter how old she was for the long flights because holding a squiggly toddler or baby on your lap for that length of time would send me over the edge! I had a fabulous car seat stroller combination called a Sit-N-Stroll. The wheels on it retracted to become a car seat. She slept like a dream in it and you can roll it right on and off the plane! So yes! Bring a stroller of some kind! Plus I always booked the Bulkhead seats with the airline. You have more room there and they usually save them for families with children. So once you book the flight, call the airline and see if they will switch your seat assignment.

I also always took my big Lands End diaper bag and stocked it with snacks, sippy cups, juice, toys, books, her favorite little blanket (planes are cold!), her fav stuffed animal and a couple of changes of clothes for her...you never know when you might get stuck overnight somewhere. If your son is still in diapers or pull-ups, bring an extra stash of those too.

Have fun on your trip!

S.

We traveled when my son was younger than yours, but not as long of a flight. I went to the dollar store and bought quite a few small things to entertain him...about one an hour. He loved the binoculars (they were only a dollar and totally cracked him up looking through them), sheets of stickers to stick on paper or himself, a plastic slinky that was a tangled mess in about 20 minutes but that was 20 minutes occupied, little figure toys, some crayons, etc etc

I did take my son's car seat with me because I wanted a place to buckle him in that he could not escape from...and I think it helped him sleep, because he was used to sleeping in his car seat in the car. I will admit I did dose him with some Benedryl once during a layover that went four times as long as it should have and he was a cranky fussy mess that could not go to sleep and he really really needed to rest. That said test it first that it makes your child drowsy and not hyper. Other times I just sang to him softly and he went right to sleep. The white noise from the plane's engines will help also.

Good luck...we are traveling near Christmas this year with two children...so we may need some tips then ourselves.

{{{{hugs}}}}

You will have to bring your own car seat for the car but not on the plane. When my son was still in a carrier, I took that on the plane but the car seat was check with baggage and please remember to cover it in clear plastic. I gate checked my stroller. People with small children get to board first, if you don't have assigned seating, find the largest area possible. DVD is a great idea. But also have him stand up and stretch and move around while on the plane. Do as much physical activity as you can before boarding the plane. Having drink handing for take offs to help with ear popping is also good. If you can have your husband or someone wait with at the gate to help walk your son around. The airline will allow this with a little extra security measure. Have easy to put on shoes for you and your son when you go through security. keep snacks and drink in the containers they came in and unopen. But security still may have a problem with them.Don't worry to much about other passingers. Coloring and working on colors, shapes and letters is also a good activity. Good luck

You will have to take your own car seat that you can check in and the umbrella stroller you can make arrangements with the airline to have it available when you get off the plane. It's like having a person on a wheelchair. They will have it available for you when the plane lands. Talk to them ahead of time about that. Bring lots of toys for your son to play with on the plane, crayons, paper to draw, coloring books, snacks, etc. You can not take juices with you. You'd have to buy them at the airport after passing security. There's a limit on liquid items that they will allow. Have fun and good luck on your trip.

S..
http://ohsobella.com

I have recently traveled with my two and a half year old daughter. You can bring your carseat on the plane if you would like. It might help him stay in his seat better, or you can put the carseat under the plane. They don't normally charge you extra for the seat under the plain. If the seat reclines you can do that for him to sleep. I have been known to give my daughter a little benedryl to help her sleep while we are flying. You can take your stroller all the way to the gate. They will tag it as you are getting on the plane and store it under the plane for the flight. It will be waiting for you as you come off the plane. I took a dvd player witch was great, but the batteries on mine don't last very long. Maybe buy him a new DVD that he would love. I normally try to buy a few new little travel toys for my girl. She loves to color and draw, so I brought the art supplies and some stickers. I was worried about our flight, but my child did great. I hope yours does well too.

Don't forget to bring a dicongestant for take offs...that will cut down on screaming a whole lot!!!

My husband's family is in Italy so, while the flying time is shorter, we have done trips as long as 20 hours with lay overs to get there. Here is my formula:
1) since hte first time we flew the doctor recommended Benadryl and tylenol -- I did just the benedry and waited until after the flight meal on the longest flight.
2) I never did hte car seat thing on hte plane - I always just opened the arm rest and let her layout across me to sleep and move around.
3) Always ask fo rhte bulk head with a little one - the extra space is really needed when they are up and down and drop stuff, etc.
4)rather than crayons I use the magnetic doodle boards with the doodle pen attached (travel size).
5)I would always buy new 'travel toys' and these would stay hidden - the first time she ever saw them was on the plane - I planned on one new thing, even if it was small for every waking hour.
Always have a few videos too (and if your plane will have TV there will be a cartoon channel so you'll be in luck!)
6) I wear pants with velcro or zipper pockets for easy access to passports and tickets. I always had some kind of pack where I could wear her until she was four and could keep up on her own. Often during flight changes she was fast asleep and the umbrella strolller doesn't do sleeping babies that well. Keep in mind, whatever your solution that you will have to remove child from stroller or carrier for passing through security.

Good luck!!!

Hi there,

I just got back from a trip to Hawaii with my 4 1/2 and 18 mnth old. 15 1/2 hour flight including layovers. It was so stressful probably because I have an 18 mth old. The umbrella stroller is a must if you're traveling alone. There is a 5 point harness child restraint and weights next to nothing. It will be so much easier than having to carry a car seat. http://www.kidsflysafe.com/ Since you only have 1 layover it might be a good idea to take your child's carseat with you if you think he's not going to sleep comfortably in a big chair. That option is up to you. DVD is a must. If you guys are flying when it's night time, you probably don't have to bring too much to entertain him. I would make sure to bring his nap or bedtime blanket and lovey if he still have one. Some healthy snacks at the beginning and some tasty ones if he starts to whine. Good luck on your trip and I hope your mom will recover soon.

I have traveled with my son to Europe and Canada. One thing I would recommend is that you buy him a ticket. It is easier if he has his own seat....will keep you both comfortable. I believe, depending on age that you need to bring a carseat. You can call the airline though and they can tell you. If he is comfortable in the carseat I would bring it. The airlines I have traveled with let you check a stroller at the gate. You can also check the carseat at the gate...if you decide at the last minute not to use it. I would bring crunchy snacks for him to have on take off for the pressure. Bring maybe a new toy he hasn't seen that he would be interested in. I also brought several favorite books. Don't be too nervous about it, most people are very understanding when you have a small child with you. Really though....if you have questions on what you have to have or what you need you can give the airline a call.

The best thing you can get: GO GO Kidz Travelmate http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html

It turns your carseat into a stroller. This way you can avoid carrying one with you. It attaches to most carseats...definitely confirm yours fits before buying. The wheels easily pop off so you can install the carseat in the plane without removing the entire travelmate. It's pricey (about $80; check other sites for a better price), but worth it. I flew to Vegas with my 3-year old and the travelmate was my best friend!

The DVD player is good option for entertainment. Also books and any other quiet toys. My son likes action figures and cars, so I let him play with those on the tray.

Try to carry as little as possible with you on the plane. I packed a good-sized backpack with everything we needed. One of the best pieces of advice I received - bring a change of clothes for you and the child. Accidents happen and you don't want to be stuck in soiled clothes for 10 hours or more.

Good luck!

Hi there, I just went on a trip this summer- a rush thing as well, and I had to travel with my toddler. I ordered her ticket as a lap seat. Meaning I had to hold her the whole time. So I can't help you on what type of carseat you need but you can hold them (it's way cheaper!If you can afford the extra seat it's nice to have but if not you have the option of holding) I brought books for her. Between the snacks that they give and the sound and movement of the plane I was really taken care of. She went off to sleep both times I think. I would suggest having extra snacks. But I'm sure you know you can't bring any water (unless you buy it once you're in the airport after you're to your terminal...).
I also suggest getting all your items into one carry on that rolls and that can fit under the seat in front so you don't have to worry about it. As to the stroller, you can take it and leave it right outside the plane. They have a special spot for those type of things and then they have it sitting out for you when you land! I didn't use one but it would have been handy-thankfully my daughter was on very good behavior and turns out to be a fast walker!
I hope your trip goes well. Don't hesitate to call the airlines too.

Hi M.,

I've travelled many times with my daughter, she's 3yrs, but not as far as your going. The DVD player is a must, that is always a saviour. Toys are great, and whatever your son likes to do. I would give my daughter Children's Tylenol before boarding the flight to help with her ears since she won't let me put ear drops in her ears, and that also made her sleepy. I would bring a small pillow and blanket, ones I used when she was in her toddler bed, so she was nice and comfortable. You may also want to give your son some more Tylenol before you land just to help with the pressure in his ears. You may want to check with your pediatrician, he/she may give you ear drops instead if you think he'd be willing to let you put drops in his ears. I hope this helps you a bit. If you have any other questions, please feel free to send me a message, I'd be glad to help.

I think you and your son are going to have a wonderful time traveling together! I have a friend with 3 children, and she, her husband and all 3 children are world travelers. On my friend's blog, www.momstoolbox.com/blog, she has many wonderful tips for traveling with young ones. I hope you enjoy this time with your son, and above all - just don't stress out!

Hi, M.. I travel by air often for work purposes. I find that different airlines have different policies for travelling, especially with small children. This link will give you the Transporation Security Administration (TSA)policies, but I encourage you to google the specific airline you will be travelling with for their policies. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitt...
This website has a special section on prohibited items; it also has information on how to package baby items such as formula and what to expect at the airports.
Wishing you both safe and pleasant travels.

Hi M. -

I have been traveling w/our son since he was 2 1/2 months old. The best advice I received was to have a new toy/game/book for every 30 minutes of flight time. Let him run around as much as possible during your lay overs (just be sure to keep a close watch on him) and that will help him to burn off some excessive energy. Another thing that never worked for us, even on 8 hour flights to/from England, was to book the flights close to bed time... that way once he settles down from the excitement of flying he will settle down and sleep.

Oh, and no, you do not have to bring his car seat on the plane.

Good luck to you and have a safe trip!

Wow, so many moms had such great advice! It was good for me to read this, too! So it's been a while since I've been on a plane with a toddler, and the last time I was, the rules were different. When my daughter was an infant, we were able to have bottles ready (we used the formula that was ready-to-pour) and when she was a toddler, we had juice boxes and even sippy cups with juice ready to go for takeoff and landing, to help with her ears. Now, of course, the rules are much different so bringing drinks is difficult now. However, the dum-dum sucker idea seems like a good one and if airlines allow juice boxes, you could just have a sippy cup or two ready and squeeze the juice box into the cup, which I've done many times while traveling. Of course the snack thing has been mentioned already...for the car seat issue, I think that for a toddler, checking the car seat it the best option so you don't have to lug it around the airport (though it seems they have some items to purchase to help with that now) and in my experience, my daughter sat much better for a longer period of time when not strapped in her car seat. Of course, you'll absolutely need to have the car seat when you arrive at your destination, so you can safely travel by car. I've never rented a car seat before, but someone mentioned that. As far as the stroller issue, I've noticed that many aiports have those luggage carts which generally have a child seat in front to use. So you could check with the aiports and if they have that available, you could just check your stroller to use while there. When traveling with toddlers/babies, I say just check as much luggage as possible so you have less to carry around the airports, especially if you are alone with your child. As someone mentioned, keep your child's things in a separate bag, and consolidate as much of your stuff as you can in a backpack or something where you can have your hands free. Someone mentioned bringing a magna-doodle drawing toy - I was going to suggest this because they have the travel versions and it's much easier to use than crayons and paper. (Also, the washable crayon idea with the laminated paper was an awesome idea!!!) There are so many small books that have lots to look at - my 20-month old LOVES her word book - it's a toddler book that has many items on each page with the name of each item next to it. Clearly points out facial features, etc. - keeps her busy for the longest, as far as quiet books go. DVD players and laptops - whatever you have to play dvds is good - just be sure there is somewhere to plug in the dvd player if a power cord is required. Someone mentioned binoculars (dollar store kind) which is a great idea to keep a toddler entertained for a bit while being quiet.
What I would do is just sit and think of mealtimes and naptimes at home and what you absolutely have to have there to make it easier, and be sure to have a solution to make it as close as possible. Favorite bowl, cup? Favorite stuffed animal, blanket?
Good luck and have a safe trip! I hope your mom gets well soon - I'm sure seeing her grandson will lift her spirits!!

Yes, you need to bring your own car seat, and I highly reccomend it. I've done plane trips from the US to Europe multiple times with little ones in tow, both on my own and with husband there to help me. If the large harness one is too much for you to carry, you might check into getting just a booster type seat that he will fit in. They aren't too expensive and worth the cost.

As for toys, I recommend coloring books, crayons, drawing paper. Yes, quiet stuff. I know someone told you 'you'd never see these people again', but that's a long plane ride! The DVD player is a great idea. Bring snacks as well, and juice boxes(if he drinks from them).

Also, talk to him now about the plane ride. Show him pictures of planes and get him excited about his trip. I've found that it helps a great deal and the kids aren't so 'reluctant' to get on planes and go for a ride. The parents' attitudes about flying rub off on kids...if parents are nervous, so are kids. Hide any of your anxiety from him and give him the chance to view it as an adventure.

My ex husband was military and we moved around quite a bit, to include tours in Germany, another in England. The kids LOVED to go on planes, it was another adventure to them, but that's how I treated it. We never had problems with them, except for the middle one who couldn't sit still for that long and had to walk to aisles during the flight. Thankfully they were never 'fussy', though.

Hi M.,

I had to travel with my 2 1/2 year old daughter to Argentina last year and I do have a couple of things that worked for me. First of all, you are doing the right thing by taking the DVD, books and toy cars. Make sure you do not get everything out in the first 2 hours : ) I would also take some small snacks (prepackaged goldfish or some cheerios) whatever he likes. The airline can provide drinks, but make sure you have a clean empty sippy cup in your bag or it will spill.

When I checked in I specifically asked for the front seat of the economy section. Unless you are flying first class of course. There is a lot more room at your feet and I had a small sleeping bag and blankets so she could actually lay on the floor at my feet. The airline will be accommodating to not seat people right next to you if you ask nicely and they are not full. My pediatrician told me I could give her Benedryl for the flight. It can help them sleep as well as keep their sinuses from getting too stuffed up on the plane. She also told me to make sure to give her plenty of vitamin C prior to the trip to make sure her immune system was strong.

I hope that helps a little. Best wishes for your Mother.

K. T.

Hello Milette. Sorry to hear that your mother is ill. Yes you should bring your son's car seat for his long journey on the plane. It will help him first of all for safety and second for his comfort. Make sure you have enough diapers , food, snacks, etc for him ( as food of course is provided for passengers , but NOT specifically for babies. I was a flight attendant for 7 yrs and would travel these 14 yrs. flights. Parents would sometimes ask for diapers etc which we did not have. Planes do not have microwaves to heat things up , but you can request hot water if you need to warm a bottle up. Your son will do fine just bring things from home to comfort him. Yes a umbrella stroller would also be great for the airport. Good luck........

Since your son is almost 3 you have lots of flexibility. You don't have to bring the carseat on the plane. If taking a carseat for safety once you reach your destinantion, there are some new Vest-types that take up little room and can be easily packed in a suitcase. You can take a stroller (plane-side check it), but after all that time on the plane your little one may want to stretch his legs between flights, so thats up to you. One piece of advice is to look into the regulations your airline has now for checked baggage so that you can plan accordingly for how much you pack.

For entertainement - DVD player is a great idea. Most airlines will also have individual screens on the planes now so that you can choose child friendly movies to break up your DVD's. Also look to the public library as a way to get "new" movies he may not have seen rather than spending cash. Sopmething I've found as a nice quiet time-consuming toy is a coloring book and crayons, plus they don't take up much room. Don't worry about whether the toys are noisy though, on a plane there is so much background noise no one will really be able to hear it.

Getting him to sleep may or may not be a problem. If the plane isn't packed you may be able to get him to lay across seats (lap belts can be adjusted to fit around him) or just have him put his head on you and his feet on his seat. Mine will frequently go to sleep if he thinks I am going to sleep and once out is usually out.

Good luck on the trip.

Some plains have sleeping areas for small children but they are more for infants. They are also in the front of the plain. The movies. books are good ideas, the air lines should be able to help with going from one plain to another if you ask ahead of time. The seating call the air line company they may have something already, but it may be wise of you to take you own because of the different areas you will be going to. Again the airline company should be able to help you with all of your questions. Check with them. Been there with a 3 month old and a 6 year old at the same time. Good luck with your travel plans.

I have traveled several times with my toddler. You do not need the car seat on the plane, but unless you are renting a car and can rent a car seat with the car, you will likely need the car seat for travel when you get to the Phillipines. With my son, it was easier just to let him use the seat.

Great idea for brining videos and DVD player--it has been a life saver for us. Of course, bring lots of small snacks and toys.

I always use a back pack for my son in the airport. It is easier to use than a stoller. However, this might depend on how much your son weighs now.

I hope your trip goes well!

We had no problem using our carseat in international airports. We flew out of Warsaw and had to talk them into using it because they thought it would be too big. It wasn't. Our son was comfortable and the only kid not crying on the plain, I think because he was in his own, normal seat.

If you have the chance, try to arrange to borrow a stroller once you reach your destination. We skipped this extra bulky item and used the carts in the airports. They made it so much easier! All our items were on one set of wheels and our son could sit on top. Since you will be traveling alone, this might be an option to free up your hands in the various airports. We didn't have any problems finding them.

Also, we were always allowed to board early. Just ask when you get to the gate. Then you can get him settled and not have to stand in the lines.

M.,

I have done this several times and will say that it is hard traveling solo, much less internationally. Plan very carefully.

When I traveled by myself, I took our carseat, and the umbrella stroller to carry my daughter, a roller bag in the event of lost luggage and a backpack with all purse/carry-on type items in it. DVD sounds like a good idea except that it's another thing with cords that need power to deal with (not all seats have power outlets), aside from your laptop if you're taking that ... check the safety regs and bring cash for snacks - that's what seems to keep the kids the happiest during long waits and trips. Avoid sugar and give them milk, water and fruits/cheeses - most satisfying. ALso, take a sunshade hat for glare through the windows and as many different little/light toys/entertainment things as you can fit in that will occupy him for longer periods of imagination play. Books are good but very heavy.

I travelled continental and got little to no help in preboarding, deplaning, etc, and, in fact that were quite rude and I was in tears at several tranfer points. The general population is not so tolerable but you can do it if you plan ahead and don't expect too much help. Hope you have a totally differnt experience.

One lifesaving tip is to go to Babies R Us and buy the roller bag for car seats. I am large framed and still felt like a sherpa but it has wheels in the bottom so you can pull it behind you OR wear it like a backpack. About $40.

Bottom line, you're going to have to push the stroller with your son in it, WITH ONE HAND, and wear a back-pack on your back (back-pack OR car seat back-pack with wheels on bottom and/or pull a roller bag. Defintiely practice at home by yourself as it's gets harder with the rush and lines at the airport.

Good luck -

L.

I travel frequently with my two kids, 4 years and 2 years. Since your son is over two he isn't required to be in a car-seat on the plane. However, it may be better to take it since he's probably use to being strapped in and may sleep better that way. The way I travel is this...I take a smaller stroller with a basket underneath to put my diaper bag in. Then I carry the carseat on my back (seat facing away from me) using the tether strap (the one that hangs from the top back of the car-seat and attaches to the rear anchors in the car), I put it over my shoulder like a purse or backpack and attach the hook to the bottom of the carseat. If you have a flip down recline stand on the seat, there is a little space that the hook will slip onto and it hold the hook when it's over your shoulder (when it's slack it will slip off). My 4 year old then holds onto the side of the stroller handle and walks beside it. It works out pretty well. The flight attendants on the plane will help you get settled in, since it is their job and it'll be better for everyone if you can get settled with your son in a seat first. To put the carseat in the airplane seat you attach it with the seat belt just like you do in the car. I check the stroller at the gate (the gate agent will give you a special tag). I usually let my kids play around a little while waiting in the terminal since they'll be confined on the plane for a while. Some people may not like to see them running around in the terminal, but they'll get over it. You can keep him close to the gate by a window. Looking at the other planes outside will probably fascinate him. If he uses a pacifier, let him have it when you take off and land. The sucking will help the pressure to equalize in his ears. You could also give him something to drink at those times. If your son sleeps in his carseat, he will likely sleep at some point on the plane. Be very warry of giving him any sort of medicine to help him sleep. Many of those meds can backfire and cause him to be hyper instead. I just wouldn't risk it. You sound like you have the toy/video issue covered. You can take cups for your son, but they have to be empty to get through the security check. You'll have to buy his juice/milk in the airport. You can take solid foods though. I would suggets lots of little finger foods/snacks. The food on the airplanes is not the best and a picky eater could have problems. Good luck!

hi M.,,,
I think your activites are good ideas he will probly sleep on plane some as he would in the car.The one thing very important when plane is taling off and where your ears pop he needs to be eating or drinking so his ears will pop he does'nt know how to pop them.And on your stuff to take on plane you will need to contact Airplane com. for the info sence it has all recently changed ,enjoy yourself.
good luck L.

Congrats on being a SpEd teacher, as I have taught that too for 21 years!

Yes, you can take your carseat for him, but you won't get to put it on the plane unless you buy a ticket for him. (You could talk w/ the check-in clerk to see if the flight is full....they may bend the rules and let you take it on.) Otherwise, it does NOT count against you as far as how many items you can have. They will check it in, usually cover it in plastic, and you pick it up w/ your other luggage.

Yes, take your stroller. He will have to get out of it when you go through security.

Do bring snacks!(check your airlines for security reasons BEFORE you get there) Also bring a small blanket that is a favorite of his.

If he will leave ear phones on for the DVD, bring those.

Talk to your doctor about your concerns with trying to get him to sleep on the plane. No matter what, most fall asleep if they hear the hum of the engine.

Most passengers will understand, and some have even been extremely helpful! Putting your stuff in a backpack for a carry on will really help you!

Our prayers for your mom and the trip! Best wishes to all!

My first flight with both of my girls was to London to visit in-laws, so a similar situation to yours. Here is my advice: 1) Travel at night if you are able to so the kids are more likely to sleep. 2) Talk with your pediatrician about preventive meds particularly if your son is prone to ear infections. 3 years ago when we took our last flight to London, our oldest was and he recommended a night time variety to help prevent extra fluid in her ears as well as help her sleep when it was a little early. One word of caution here, we found out that she gets motion sickness if she sleeps on a plane, but it was on descent, so we did get most of the benefit out of the meds. I'm not sure how the recommendation has changed with the cold medicine debates now. 3) Make sure you bring water & juice (due to the liquids thing, you'll have to buy this at the airport vs. bring from home) and make sure that your son drinks/swallows on the way up and the way down. You will probably have to withhold liquids the rest of the time so that he is thirsty enough to drink when you want him to (and you don't have extra potty trips). 4) If you can get a neat (& lightweight) picture book for where you are going, you can bring it along and help "hype-up" the adventure. Same would go for pictures of the family/friends that you will be seeing there. 5) You can gate-check the umbrella stroller which will let you use it all the way to the gate to board the plane and then it is waiting for you at the gate as soon as you get off the plane. Very handy and worth it! 6) I used a travel car seat that I found on-line at Leaps and Bounds. It is a plastic back and has a five point harness. It works well for the plane (uncomfortable for the whole trip, but perfect for take offs & landings & turbulence) and also works well for cab trips and such once you get there. Very small and compact & after the first time or two, very easy to use (takes a bit to get the straps adjusted the first time). Hope this helps!

Enjoy the trip, though I am sorry to hear about the circumstances!

Best wishes to your mom.

We found that with traveling with our toddler, it was best to bring one or two familiar toys (like a sleepytime comfort object - a favorite stuffed animal?) and something she had never seen before. The last time we flew, our daughter was about the same age as your son, and we went to the grocery store where she was allowed to pick out one small toy in a box that she would be allowed to open on the plane. Boy, was she excited for that plane ride! (This was in addition to the other little things she'd never seen before - a new coloring book, a new stuffed animal, finger puppets...) Also, bring your own sippy cup to fill after you pass through security.

Let your child move around as much as possible. It's hard for little knees to be still for any length of time, and that's where a lot of our child's crankiness comes from. Let him run around the airport, and walk up and down the aisle a few times - your fellow passengers will be much less annoyed by the looks of a curious toddler than they would by the screams of a stiff uncomfortable one.

You've been given great advice from everyone and it sounds like you have truly thought everything through! (smile) When my husband went to China to get our daughter, it was suggested that he purchase a stroller there rather than having to lug it around. He opted to use it while there, but to leave it behind when he was coming home.

Regarding getting your little one to sleep... ask your pediatrician about using Melatonin. It would help you adjust to the schedule change, too. This is often recommended for international travel. (This is something our body naturally produces to help us sleep. It is on the vitamin aisle of stores.) Our youngest has to take it to go to sleep, per his doctor's recommendation.

Have a wonderful flight and I hope that your mother is doing better.

Blessings,
M.

It will be okay, yes you have to take the car seat and take what ever you can to keep him busy. I have traveled several times with my grandson and the staff is very helpful. I do take a stroller and they store it when I get on the plane and give it back to me when I get off. Just do not be afraid to ask for help and so many will help. Just be sure that you are able to handle all the bags and him at the same time. I suggest that the bags be able to attach to the stroller or you be able to sling them over your shoulder. As for the DVD yes take one it does keep them busy.

Hello, I may have a few suggestions. I actually was a flight attendant and taught them as well. We trained in proper restraints for children. They have in stores now the harness that cost about $40 that works with the existing seat belt provided. Not sure if that was what you were referring to. Otherwise you would need to bring your own carseat which as you know will be such a pain. In regards to the stroller, your idea is the best route. To be honest when it comes to sleeping, benedryl really works. I gave to my daughter and everyone forgot she was even there. It may sound bad but I didn't overdose and I never give her it anyways so I don't feel as though I abused it. In the end eeryone is happy, peaceful mom, passengers and well rested child for the rest of the day.

I hope this helps. I think you what you have planned for entertainment is great. maybe some artwork (box of assorted markers,crayons,coloring books)

i wish you well on your adventure

As a single mom, I can give you advice on travelling alone with small children...RELAX!! As for bringing a stroller and carseat, it will be difficult unless you can combine them. Try this:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

Also, with a car seat, you will have to buy him a fare for the plane, but it's soooooooo much better than all the travel on your lap. Also, he can get some lap time with you, but both you and him will be much more comfy if you both have your own seats!! The movies are a great idea (if your batteries don't run out!!). Books, a couple of his favorites. I got an empty prescription medicine bottle, cut a coin sized hole in the bottom of it and glued a cotton ball on the inside of the lid. My daughter (18 months) was able to use it as a piggy bank and loved filling it with my extra change, emptying it out and doing it all over again. This litterally kept her busy for hours and made almost no noise!! For my son (2 1/2) I went to Office Max (or any office supply) and got some lined paper and plain white paper laminated (with the stiff stuff). Then, I got home and punched a hole in the corners of the sheets. I tied on some string to the hole (I only had dental floss, but at least it's almost unbreakable) and the other end I tied around a "washable crayon" then taped the crayon with packaging tape (keeps it from breaking!!) He could color and scribble to his heart's content and I could just wipe the page off and he could start over again. No paper waste and no lost crayons.
For snacks, keep it simple. Also, keep it packaged (in the hand held packages for security). Your child will probably get sick of drinking plain water too, but nowadays, you can't get anything past security. You will also only be able to purchase water AFTER you pass through security, so don't bring a bunch of stuff you are going to have to throw away at the check point, it will just stress you out more. Instead, try getting some of those single "To Go" packs of Crystal Light (it's sugar free and comes in different flavors and can be mixed with a single bottle of water. Then you just pour it in his sippy cup and you're good!
Tooth brush!! You would be suprised at how well this works. While you are waiting at the gate, waiting for take off, anywear, give him a toothbrush and let him do his thing. It gets him used to it and keeps him occupied!
Also, a paci for take off and landing!! If he doesn't use one, then make sure to give him a fist full of snacks or a sippy cup that he can hold while taking off for his ear's sake.
Just keep it simple and pack all HIS stuff in his own backpack (hang it on his stroller) so that it doesn't get mixed up in your stuff. Also, NO PURSES, but back packs work great! You wear it on your back (it wont fall off your shoulder) has lots of compartments for organizing your stuff, and gives you hands free so you can handle him better!

I hope you have a wonderful flight with him.

I have two boys 22 months apart and I have traveled several times alone with them. Not this long of a plane ride but I will give you tips on what I did.

1. Bring your regular stroller. You can check it at the gate and it will be there when you get off. This way you can put your carry ons under it and not have to carry them through the airport.

2. I always bring my carseat. Mine will sleep in it and stay in it better than a seat. It is also safer if you hit turbulance and better for take off and landing because they cannot get out.

3. DVD player is a must. I always bring mine. Also lots of snacks!! No sugar stuff though you don't need them with any more energy than they already have. LOL.

4. I pack a carry on for them that is small toys, snacks, and a new item. I would wrap a few new small toys in several layers so they could open it on the plane.

Don't worry about bringing too much. The other passengers want a happy toddler. You are allowed 2 carry-ons per person so use that when traveling with a toddler.

If you can get off the plane in the layover get off and make him run, jump, climb, etc. to wear him out for the next leg. Dress him in very comfy clothes also.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your stay.

J.

You've gotten lots of great advice. I just read thru all the moms advice and they've got you pretty much covered. I also want to mention Customs...once you arrive in each country. Just be prepared for another long line especially coming into the U.S. It will depend on how many flights are arriving and how many agents they have ready for the incoming passengers. We travel alot and after a ten hour flight, we'll get off the plane and usually you have quite a ways to walk to the passport control area, then you wait in line. That's where the stroller comes in very handy. However, on some international flights you can't bring the stroller on board and must check it. For domestic travel, the stroller is waiting for you once you get off the plane, but for international that's not always the case. There is one car seat/stroller I saw in a catalog(i believe it was One Step Ahead) that combined both and was very good for air travel. Check that site out. There are many accomodating flight attendents and travel personnel to help you out. They want to make your flight as comfortable as possible so check websites of your airline. Also ask if they have any special accomodations for kids...some airlines will bring the children's food first so you can feed them.
good luck and i hope your mom is doing better. I too had to travel back to the U.S to see my mom was sick. Seeing you and your child will help her so much.

We used to travel from Florida to France with 2 toddlers. We used umbrella strollers because you could carry on, as you say. By all means use your own car seat on the plane. Your choice of toys and books sound good. Sleep is difficult, but they may dim the lights enough for him. Let him walk in the aisles as much as you can. Jet lag usually made them into little zombies for a day, then they were fine before we were. Good luck, and I hope your mom gets better soon.

I traveled to California with my eldest when he 17 months old. I would check with the airline about most of your concerns. The airline I was on did not require the car seat. You may want to just borrow one from relatives in the Philippines, or buy another there just to make your life easier. The airline I was on took the stroller and car seats at the gate and stored them up front in the airplane, so they were accessable during stopovers. I found the magnet-drawing board thing to be a great toy. It was too big for him to throw and not noisy, and I could draw things for him. I personally would not bring any toy cars. He won't have room to roll them and they can seriously hurt someone when thrown. One of the best peices of advice someone gave me is "you will never see these people again" In other words don't stress if he is noisy and disruptive. Do what you can to keep him happy, but don't make yourself anxious and miserable over it. Remember if you are stressed, your son soon will be as well. I kept my son on his pacifier until after our trip because I was worried about his ears needing to pop, but I am guessing yours is way past that point. Does your son chew gum? Maybe someone can give you advise on that one.

I had taken my son overseas many times when he was young. During the long flights, the three best things he liked were watching movies, having a book that he could draw in (depends on the stage, sometimes he just liked to color, sometimes I got some of those activity books with the magic pen that revealed the answers), and lastly having a story to read.

Since you're going to the Philippines, I have to ask if you'll be using the public transportation like the jeepneys and buses or having a car to take you around places. I find having an actual carseat impractical in the Philippines because we didn't always travel by car. I used a sling or my mei tai baby carrier (which I used until he was 38 lbs.). It let me be hands free and I felt safer with him in my lap this way when we rode around town than trying to always find a taxi (which won't have a LATCH system) and not always seat belts to secure his seat.

A website that I would recommend for travel gear accessories is http://childtogo.com. They have a 5-point flight harness for children in their own seat. If you take your own car seat, they also carry a Kidz Travelmate that will convert your car seat into a stroller.

Another website for tips for traveling with your toddler would be http://squiddo.com/toddlertravel.

Yes, you can bring an umbrella stroller in the airports. Just get a gate check ticket at the boarding gate. Before you enter the plane, you leave it on the ramp and the airline will stow it underneath the plane. When you exit the plane, they should be bringing it out right outside the door of the plane for you to pick-up. For those long layovers between flights, it was essential for my sanity. He had a place to sleep, I could move faster through the airport. I didn't have to carry everything.

Oh and don't forget to bring extra changes of clothes for you and your child. Especially make room for diapers if he is still uses them. I was stuck two nights on a layover in Detroit because a plane crash had closed down he airport in Toronto. I was running out of diapers and the airport stores didn't carry my son's size. I was lucky that the gas station near the motel had some, but it wouldn't have been pretty to run out and I was tired of washing my underwear in the sink so I could have something clean to wear.

Best wishes for your mother.

I have travelled a few times with my son, by my self and things that I found to be of help are an umbrella stroller, and this thing I found to carry the car seat. I got it on babycenter.com. Its called a Pack Back and It lets you wear the carseat like a back pack. It was nice to go through the airport and not have an extra piece to carry. Other than that, I found that every favorite toy, and snack was good to have. Also, pack extra clothes for the both of you, nothing like smelling of baby puke for 4 hours, or having a diaper explode. Some planes dont have changing areas, others have a little fold out table in the restroom. Make sure you bring a changing pad in case you fly on the one that doesnt. Hope this helps.

I just travelled to South Africa last year with a toddler and a 8 year old. Its going to be crasy but remember to stay calm. I brought a few toy electic toys on the plane and stuff to color. I took lots of walks in the plane and had lots of snacks. When you change planes it helped that I had the min. amount of bags as carry on. You are allowed to bring a stroller and they mark it. When you arrive at your destination they will bring it to you as you are leaving the plane so you can push him through customs. Have a safe trip.

I travel with my daughter quite often. Her first trip was a 7hour flight to Aruba with 2 stops (and a 10 hour delay in the airport when returning) when she was 2 and was told by the whole flight how she was their little ray of sunshine during the otherwise horrible ordeal.
Car seat- It must be approved by the FAA or they will check it at the gate. If it is certified by the FAA, and your son will sleep in it, then it could be worth it, but most likely not. You might look into something like this. http://www.lillygold.com/
We never used one. If you are renting a car when you get there, they will have carseats availible to rent also, or by one when you get there. Do be careful, as the US has the strickest car seat laws.
Stroller- Yes, take a stoller They will check it at the gate and it makes it easy for those last min runs to your gate.
Toys- Play dough, cars, crayons, and paper. Keep the toys small and open ended. Play dough is the best because it can be shared easily with lots of other children to make instant best friends and best friends really are the best for of entertainment at this age. (Not to mention that you will rescue the whole plane by pleasing los of children.) We usually set up a movie and a little art center at our gate and offer it to all of the children. On the plane we read or sleep mostly, but have the other stuff just in case.
Other things that might help- Suckers, we prefer dumb dumbs because they are small, so less mess and less sugar or fruit snacks. This will get you out of a cranky pinch as well as help him pop his ears. Do bring healthy snacks and plenty of money for juice on the plane. (Depending upon who you are flying with, they charge for everything these days.)
We also do calestinics before boarding. Some people look at you a little funny, but no one minds as long as they get their energy out in the airport. Some places offer small playscapes, but if not make sure that he runs around, does jumping jacks, dances to his fav song, just get him nice and tired for the flight. You can also teach him how to act on the plane. Make sure that he understands the environment that his is in and what is expected of him. Children can be children on the ground, but in the air they are expected to be little adults and should act that way, but if you have to bribe him (within reason) to get the behavior on the plane, this is the one place you should. IMO. The other passangers have paid too much money to hear a child whine and scream for hours.
We have traveled with my daughter every 2-3 months since and we have always recieved complements on her behavior on every flight. These are my favorite kind of complements. I know she is cute, all kids are. LOL.
It will all go fine. The most important thing is that you should keep your cool and let him know that you are in control, even when you feel like screaming. This will make him feel safe and secure, just like home.
I hope that you have a good trip and your mother is going well.