Traveling 'Alone' with 3 Year Old and 2 Month Old

Ask for a gate pass at check-in for your spouse to help you through security and wait with you before boarding. I found this to be the hardest part.

I like to do trips like this about an hour after nap time or bedtime. I've done a 7 hr flight with a 3yo and 3 mo old and a 4 hour flight with a 2yo and a 6 mo old, as well as other flights with all 3, although usually with dad, too. The excitement wears them out and then they can go to sleep after takeoff. I usually take a new toy for each kid for each flight. It can be something they haven't seen in a while, too. Food is always a great distraction, too. I like little things like fruit snacks that I can give one at a time as needed. A little bag of fruit snacks can last a good hour or more if you dole them out. It isn't as bad as you might think it will be. Have fun!

I think you already have wonderful ideas on how to keep the three year old entertained. The airlines are really helpful on helping you to your sit, just ask an attendant for help if you need any. I flew with my two the oldest being 2 and the baby was 5 months. When getting on the plane I would ask one of the attendants to hold my baby while I carried the 2 year old (because he was the one crying for mommy and the baby was fine with whoever). Good luck on flying.

I used to travel with my three children all the time from the time they were each born. I had a large snuggly pack that I carried whichever one was a baby at the time and never had an issue. As they got older they each had their own tiny backpack that carried a variety of small toys, books, and activities. They also all had a bag of snacks like animal crackers and a sucker for take-off and one for landing so their ears wouldn't hurt. I also had harness-leashes for the ones that were walking (this cut down on my stress of trying to keep track of little ones while I was talking to ticket agents or dealing with luggage) and just a simple umbrella stroller for the one that wasn't. Of course, one of the biggest things for me is to not worry about other people's reactions. Sometimes our children will act up more when we are stressed and usually we are stressing how we may be disturbing other people. I just let go of responsibility for other peoples reactions and just dealt with myself and my children. We had many wonderful trips and I usually had people commenting on how great my children were. Hope you have a smooth and enjoyable flight.

The pressure from flying is going to be hard on the baby's ears as well as everyone else's.

You'll be fine! I've done it with my two as well and my daughter stays occupied by looking out the window, watching videos and she likes to listen to the music on the plane. Make sure she is chewing gum, or sucking on somthing as you take off and land - or her ears will hurt her. If they are sleeping - they usually seem to be okay, but I try to make sure they are sucking on something (or chewing gum)

I would suggest holding off on feeding the baby until you are actually taking off. That way the pressure won't hurt her ears and she won't be uncomfortable the whole trip. Same for landing - have her feeding or sucking on a pacifier.

Be calm and your children will be calm. If you are stressed or worried - your kids will feel it and it won't be as good of a trip!

Good luck and God Bless!
C.