Traveling with 3.5 Year Old, 1.5 Year Old, and 3 Month Old

I've read the other posts and the only thing I have to add is that a nose spray, like Ocean or the Little Noses Saline, will help the kids with their ears if they wont pop another way.

We flew with our kids when my daughter was 3.5 years old and my son was 6 months old. For my daughter, we put two shows on my video iPod and she loved watching them over & over. That took care of the trip down; on the trip home, we bought her a small toy & book that kept her occupied. My nephew has a headset/CD player that keeps him occupied while traveling. I'll be honest though, my 6 month old was difficult both legs of the trip. Most of the people were very understanding. We too were flying from O'Hare to Ft. Myers and many of the people on the flight had grandkids & understood what it's like to travel with little ones. If you get a dirty look, don't be ashamed - give 'em one back! :) Your 3 month old might surprise you though and be lulled to sleep most of the way! Just make sure to have a bottle or pacifier ready for takeoff & landing to help with the ear pressure.

Also, if you don't want to check your own car seats, you can always rent them. We use Island Rental Services down there - the last time we were there we rented a crib, bouncer seat & exersaucer. You will probably want to bring your own bedding though. They also have car seats for rent, etc.

Lastly, if your parents will be arriving beforehand, ask them to do a grocery run for you - milk, juice, snacks, diapers, wipes, etc. That way once you get there, you can get the kids settled with a snack while you unwind from the day. Also, we tend to just travel with the minimum amount of diapers & wipes to get to our destination. Risky, but that stuff takes up so much room in the suitcase that we just buy it once we get there. Also, don't forget to bring a nightlight for your kids if they use one at home.

Good luck & enjoy your trip!

J.,
My husband and I fly St. Louis to Ft. Myers about four times a year and we have done this since our oldest was five weeks old. We now have a four year old and a two year old. I still get nervous every time but there are always a lot of kids on that flight. Security is always the biggest challenge and I agree most of the time you won't get any help from personnel. I have a child with allergies so I'm always bringing meds on board. If you bring any baby food, meds, hand sanitizer, nursery water,etc. remember to put them in a gallon sized ziploc bag. I always bring children's Tylenol too, just in case. Also, this may sound bad but I let my kids have snacks and junk that I wouldn't normally give them. A Twizzler will entertain a two year old for about ten minutes. We usually take our daughters car seat on the plane and check our sons. If we take the stroller we check it at the gate. It's nice to have moving through the airport but a pain at security. If your parents own their own place, then you might consider investing in a pack-n-play to leave there. We looked into renting but decided we would get more for our money by just investing in one to use every time we visit. If your parents are there right now, they could be checking out consignment shops. By the way, check out the water park in Naples while you are there. There is a big toddler play area that my kids love.

Hi J. I've flown with one infant and she slept a great deal both ways. I recommend plenty of snacks, and activities.
Eliminate as much hassle as possible by leaving behind any
car seats or strollers that aren't absolutely necessary.

I have traveled lots by air with my 3 kids. playdough and a few simple small cookie cutters has always saved us. it is something you wouldn't ordinarily let them play with so it is new and fun and the mess..well sorry american airlines. my sister in law recently went hoe to Sweden and she took playdough and that is all her 18 month old played with! good luck. and i would put the baby in a front holder until you board the plane.

I travelled with my one baby alone before, I have to say the stroller was a must! If you can get one of those cheap umbrella-type, they let you check them at the gate and it is priceless in terms of entertaining you kid walking around at the gate area, as well as carrying the bags, etc.. We travelled in january and our flight got delayed an we ended up spending a lot of time at the gate. It was definitely worth carrying it, but be prepered for the nice folk at the security check NOT to lift a finger to help you go through the check with the baby and stroller. If you are going to rely on car rentals or your relatives to have car seats and things like that for you, just make sure you confirm before you get there to make sure you'll have everything you need. My sister in law has no children but was kind enough to borrow portable cribs and bedding from friends when we went to visit.

I would highly suggest you bring your infants carseat (does it attach to a stroller?) right up to the gate/it doesn't have to be an umbrella stroller they'll gate check any size stroller, I did a double onec...yes a hassle but there's a good chance you might get a seat for the baby...and then you can bring the baby's carseat on board which would help immensely esp when you have to take the other ones to the bathroom (most Flight attendants will help out but it's easier (and sooo much safer) if baby is in a carseat....)if there isn't a free seat for the baby you can at least gate check the carseat and stroller so you'll have them as soon as you get to Florida (ah warmth and sunshine!). Be very careful when renting carseats for your children....I personally would never rent a carseat...as you never know the history of the seat no matter what a company says and using an unfamiliar seat isn't always easy. You will probably be allowed to have someone accompany you to the gate (get the gate pass by asking the check in agent), if the person accompanying you is also helping to bring the other kids carseats (the 3.5 and 1.5) that will help your case in getting a gate pass. The Cares harness might be a good choice for the older one but check the weight requirements as the 1.5 may not fit it. You parents would probably be able to get the gate pass at the other end or the Flight attendants could help you as well get to baggage claim (they aren't going to leave you stranded). It will be test to your mommy skills but you can do it!

B.

You most certainly will have your hands full - but you CAN do it!! Don't forget that kids pick up on your emotions - including when you are tense/stressed out.
I have 4 children - and three are 15 months of eachother....so - I know what you've got!...
Do you have a portable DVD player? Headphones? If you don't borrow or buy one - if that is an option. And bring their favorite movie you know they will sit through...or, better yet - buy a new one for the plane ride. I always pack them each surprises in their own backpacks - it is YOUR survival kit - little things to keep them busy - go to the Party Store and buy lots of "trinkets". Food...food and food. Fruit chews, finger food - especially at take off and landing - don't forget about their little ears.....a bottle for your baby and give it at take-off. The white noise on the plane should have them sleep...at least the baby. Bring new books to read - make it a complete adventure! - Your planning ahead will make it a very smooth flight - remember, you can't carry on any liquids greater than 3 ounces...so - keep that in mind - you may need many individual things less than that.

Good luck and have a great time!!! They will love the beach! Do you have girls/boys?

My sister just traveled to Naples with her two kids (3 and 2). My parents were able to rent all the equipment so my sister didn't have to lug it with her. The carseats were in perfect condition and the pack n plays were great too. If you need the name of the company I can ask my parents but I'm pretty sure they found the number in the yellow pages. The company came and dropped off the equipment at thier house and picked it up. It was such a great idea my dad wants to open his own similar business!!

Good luck!

Ok here are my suggestions. I have 2.5 year old twins that survived a 2 hour flight, by myself last week.

1. Dvd player, new books, something to entertain them with.
2. munchies...honestly, I gave them chocolate...easter candy...because it kept them chewing for a little while, for when we took off/landed.
3. I took 2 umbrella strollers and bought stroller connectors (they sell them at babies r us) They were lightweight.
4. I bought the CARES Harness for airplanes. They are $75 each but easier than dealing with a carseat on the plane if you don't have to. They attach to the seat and weigh about 1lb. I got both of them setup with about 2-3 minutes. www.kidsflysafe.com
5. Buy something to drink and bring empty sippy cups. I believe baby bottles are allowed. I bought a bottle of water, righ after we got through security, and poured it into their sippy cups while we were on the plane.

Good Luck. It was easier than I thought it would be.

As far as air travel it's almost, almost the same as a road trip. You should make sure you bring something that would keep them entertained. I say let them carry their own back pack with something for them in it. You are definitely going to need something for there ears. If you've ever been on a plane and your ears pop then you know what I mean. Make sure you check the airline for their regulations for infants I know some require you to have baby seats. Like I said some, but not all. Hopefully your seats aren't to far from the bathrooms though. And if your really lucky the air ride would just put them right to sleep!