Traveling with Two Children and Need Some Info

Hi K.,

Being a mom of 2 little ones,plus an airline employee, I can suggest the following to simplify your trip:
1) Use a backpack as your diaperbag and purse. In it pack enough diapers, chg pad,wipes, change of clothes and snacks since weather delays seem to be inevitable. Also, any medications, keys, and wallet with you.
2) Portable DVD player with charger and movies or music.
3) Get to the airport 2 hours ahead of time!!
4) Don't overpack. You can always buy what you may have forgotten. 50lbs max per bag.
5) Something for little ones to suck on for takeoff and landing.
6) Request last row since the noise may soothe them. Bulkhead seating (first row) is not really the best for families.
7) DON'T worry about what others may be thinking or doing if they are crying. Most people have been parents at some point.
8) Buy bottle water after you clear security.
9) At security be ready to take everyone's shoes off, jackets off, and be ready to take the baby OUT of the Bjorn if you are using one. You are allowed a quarte size baggy of liguids, gels, or creams that are 3oz or less. I had my pediatrician give me a prescription for diaper cream, Childrens Tylenol, etc..just in case you run in to inconsistency.
10) Umbrella stroller to simplify clearing security and for gate agents to check.
11) Enjoy yourselves!

If I think of anything I will let you know...
Let me know if you have any questions....

http://www.ifly.com/dallas-fort-worth-international-airpo...

Here is a good place to start looking for all the regulations. I've never flown with children, but I did go on a 9 hour car trip when my son was around 8 months. He slept most of it and we made sure he had plenty of snacks and fun things to play with.

Here is a good busy toy that is great for carrides and plane trips.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5007915&section_...
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5007915&section_...

Hi K.,

We have taken my 6 month old son on 3 round trip flights in the last 3 months. My advice is to carry your 8 month old in the baby Bjorn if possible. You can wear the baby thru security in the baby Bjorn. You will have to take the baby out of the baby Bjorn on the airplane. Carry a backpack instead of a diaper bag to keep your hands free.

I'm not sure of what you will need to do if you are bringing formula. My son still nurses solely so we didn't have a problem with liquids.

Good luck and ask for seats on the last row of the plane if possible. The noise of the plane engine helps my little one to sleep for at least an hour straight.

Yes I just returned from puerto rico my youngest is almost 2yrs. As of right now if you need to carry water for the baby put in a baby bottle. Supposively you can only come in with 3 oz of water on the plane. If you need more you can buy it from the the stores inside the airport after you've gone thru the detectors. I had just bought 3 water bottles and they took it away during bag check in. Also give yourself plenty of time because the lines for the detectors are usually long and you do have to take everything off like shoes purse etc and your kids. Make sure you have plenty of snacks for you and your kids cuz everything is expensive inside. We flew american and for a 4 hr flight we were offered complimentary juice and water. THats it. We had to option to buy sandwiches on plane $5 each. Make sure your baby doesnt' take a nap till on plane and don't give her a bottle or breatsfeed till plane takes off. That will help with the take off pressure in the ears. Hope this helps.

Bring an empty bottle and or sippy cup for each of them. No liquids (3 oz doesnt count if you are trying to feed a kid) You can buy water and juice or milk inside the gate and take it on. We didnt take our kids but there were several on the plane last month. The hardest part is taking off and landing. Make sure they have something to chew or suck on to releive the pressure. One little girl was just miserable on landing because she didnt have anything to help her. I would let your four year old pack a small backpack with his toys to keep him occupied. Dollar store is a great place for things that might get broken or left behind. We flew Southwest out of Love and were offered a drink, and either crackers, pretzles, or peanuts on all our flights. Pack something they like to eat.

Good luck and happy flying!