Oh yes, I know. I should have my head checked. I am flying across country with my two babies, 15 month old son and 28 month old daughter. I've hidden toys (so they;ll be new for the plane), I'm bringing videos, books, pacifiers, sippy cups, diapers, wipes, change of clothes... I will pack peanut butter and jelly, raisins, Cheerios-- what else?
I'm flying US Airways from LA to Philly if you want to change your flight now ;)
No advice. It sounds like you've got the bases covered *and* you know you're nuts. What else can you do but relax and enjoy the ride?
Best wishes and safe travels!
Oy, girl you are crazzzy! Just kidding, but just wanted to wish you luck. Sounds like you are prepared as well as you can be. Didn't see a stroller on your list???? Definitely want one of those for the airport. Happy and safe travels to you :)
Travel about an hour before they typically would go to bed. Set their daily nap up an hour or so earlier than normal that day. Feed them while on the plane to keep them busy for a while, play a little and hopefully they will sleep the rest of the flight. Good Luck.
-headphones for the dvd player
-a balloon that you can blow up when you are in the airport so the kids can get their energy out THEN and not on the flight
-any bribes/favorites they love (fruit chew snacks)
-finger puppets? (fun in your seat activity)
- a lovey or something soft they can lay in/on if they (cross your fingers) fall asleep on the flight
OK just did a non stop flight from San Diego to Newark... i have an almost 3 year old - who has LOTS of energy. the flight out (a red eye) we thought she would pass out - but ended up being really restless. on the way back we opted for the protien only diet. attempting no sugars or carbs (no crackers, cherrios, bread, etc, and no raisins or craisins and no juice) only cheese and nuts and pepperoni and water, and brought a pillow to be more comfortable. ended up passing out for almost 3 hours of the 6 hour flight! and this is from the child that hates naps. And we are really not big on TV - but the $8 for direct tv really worked wonders too.
Yikes. Toddlers are by far the hardest age to travel with because they can be so restless. We went la to Philly when our oldest was 16 mo and kept him strapped into a carseat like he was on a long car ride which worked out great. Videos and stickers are great entertainment. And don't forget a change of clothes for yourself. You will be messy by the end of the trip.
Make sure you contact the airline to verify policies on car seats/strollers, carry-ons, etc. I would say you are limited by what you, physically, can carry -- 2 kids, bags, car seat, etc are a lot to handle. Have you considered paying someone's round-trip airfare to travel with you and help out??? lol (Actually, I flew to DC and helped my neice travel with her 2 kids who were about the same ages as yours, from DC to SLC -- it worked great; but then dad's employer was paying the bill as part of a move)
Hard core disinfecting wipes (for the seats and changing table surfaces in the bathroom), hand sanitizer, plastic bags for dirty diapers (and DO NOT throw them away in the bathroom, even in a baggy they want them in the other trash), a book of their favorite character on a plane, snacks you never allow them to have at home (goldfish, cookies). Extra change of clothes for you and for them. You'll do great! Good luck.
I'm a firm believer in drugs! Ha, just kidding! Sounds like you have it covered.
Car seats work WONDERS, as they already know they need to stay put. I flew with 3 kids alone, aged 15 months, 3 years, and 6 years. I was a much better flight than I had planned. ;) We also have flown to Miami from LAX, had a 2 hour layover and then another 2.5 hour flight to St. Thomas....then an hour drive to the resort....the kids did really well.
Even though we are not fans of using media to entertain children, we made sure on our flight to NY when we had a 9 month old, 2 year old and a 5 year old - that we flew on a plane which had individual TVs on the back of each seat. There's a time and place for the TV babysitter.
It sounds like you are set. I also try to get them as tired as possible before the flight, either late in the evening flights, or around naptime, OR I run them at the park near the airport for 2 hours...then we feed them and they pass out.
Good luck and breathe.
sounds like you got enough...probably to much actually...more likely than not your children will just pass out during the flight....it will be a pain while your waiting to taxi out and get in the air because they will be restless, but once in the air im sure they will pass out...that has been my experience with my now 4yr old dd. We have flown A LOT....Good Luck!!
I moved from Florida to California when my kids were the same age (Boy as the oldest). Movies work great but now I wish I had back then the Ipod to download movies for a bunch of short Nick Jr movies. Perhaps invest in one if you can afford it. also make everything new when you get one the plane, be prepared the headphones on the airplane don't work great for kids, perhaps buying a better pair. Also, new fun snacks are always a great buy of time. Car seats work great too but if you can't carry them I suggest buying the kidsflysafe.com FAA approved 5 seat portable seatbelt. Also, bring a small pillow and blanket. Is any of your children lap kids because you will certainly need the room if not (are you buying all seats?). Make sure you bring a double stroller!
Okay, you might be crazy, but I did the same thing 2 months ago...although 13 months and 28 months. I strongly recommend bringing a carseat on the plane for the 28 month old. I actually shared the careseat...switched them halfway thru the flight. Ask for help...have somebody carry your carseat on the plane for you, don't feel bad handing one child to a flight attendant to go and change a diaper. People were very friendly to me and very helpful. I would recommend not carrying too much on...keep it simple. Good luck...it wont be as bad as you think.
LAX-Philly on US Air was my daughter's first flight at 8 months old! She has now done that trip and we just got back from Florida. I only have one but ...if I didn't fly with my Ergo baby carrier things would have been a lot more difficult. You can put your son in the carrier and your daughter in the carseat if you are bringing one. Also the GoGoKidz travelmate thing that attaches to the car seat is something I will be buying after our last trip nearly killed my husband having to carry bags and the giant Britax Marathon 70. It converts the car seat to a stroller when you are in the terminals. Once you are in the plane it is nice to have the car seat to keep at least one kid corralled. If your daughter likes to color, some crayons and blank paper might be good too...you can have her draw pics of who you are going to visit or the airplanes or people sitting next to you...tons of options. Good luck!
