Any ideas how to keep my sanity? I tried to find a direct flight to no avail, we have a layover and change of planes :o( hubby is not coming on trip with us. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
2007-02-15 10:28:31 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Air Travel
You need to demand help from the airline or you won't get any. It is really hard traveling alone with small children. I nursed my infant on the plane and that was our saving grace. He was content and sleepy as a result. I would say give yourself LOTS of extra time to make it to the gate, especially if you have to carry a car seat for the 2 year old. Maybe even a double stroller would help transport both around the airports. Or plan on wearing the 8 month old on your body so that you can have free hands for the 2 year old. Bring lots of snacks and a toy that you know will be entertaining, then pack a surprise toy to pull out when times get tough. But, again, be assertive when you need an extra set of hands, don't overextend yourself! Good luck!!! PS- Diaper changing on planes is not fun, do it before you board!
2007-02-15 10:37:58 · answer #1 · answered by storm_in_teacup 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Do yourself, the kids and the other passengers a favor - buy a seat for both children (the 2 year old is require by the faa to have their own seat) bring their carseats and put them in it.
No other passenger wants someone's child crawling on them or fooling with their laptop because their parent cannot contain them on their lap.
Also the kids are already familiar with traveling in their carseats so it makes the experience a little easier on them. Not to mention they are much safer in a carseat.
Remember at 30 m.p.h. it takes 1000 lbs of pressure from you to hold you child in your arms with a sudden stop. At 100 plus miles per hours during take off and landing your child becomes a small human projectile if there is an incident and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it - besides keep them safely in a car seat.
Brind a DVD player if they watch movies and don't forget headphones - no one wants to listen to your child's movies and some airlines require headphones for the comfort of the other paying passengers.
Bring them a few toys - leave the playdough, stickers, and things with small pieces at home. They are messy and things get lost.
Also bring them a few snacks, some juice, or milk. The airlines do not necessarily have things you would normally feed your children and so they may not like the things offered.
Try not to bring more to carry than you yourself can handle, ultimately, they are your children and your responsibility and there may not be anyone available to help you.
As for the prima donna that says to "demand" help from the airline - well there are many passengers that pass through every day and only a few airline employees so demanding may not get you as much as a polite request for assistance. If possible they will surely assist you but heaven forbid they may be assisting someone with a disablity and your "demand" may not be feasible.
And most importantly - get there early enough so that you are not scrambling to get through security and to the gate. Most airports let you bring the stroller through security so that makes it easier to transport the children from point a to b and you can use it on the lay over if you have them gate check it - then you get it at the gate at the next city.
2007-02-15 11:39:57 · answer #2 · answered by PD 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Post-it-notes and sticker books, kept my 3 children busy for hours. My 9mo old loved sticking the post it notes on the window and back of seat and pulling them off. We also had a 2 yr old with us that loved the stickers. Picture books came in handy too if your children like you to read to them. Be sure to carry on extra clothes for your children and an extra top for you in case your baby should spit up on you and you need a change. Some flights dont always carry milk so be sure to take some with you or something else your child will drink (and a sippy cup) and extra snacks. And dont forget the wet wipes. On your layover, find a quiet part of the airport and let your 2 yr old get plenty of exercise. Make diaper changes before getting on plane. Your trip will be easier then you think, dont dread it enjoy it.
2007-02-15 11:04:43 · answer #3 · answered by Mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my sisters and I were little my mom would always give us some decongestant before we got on the plane, that way our ears wouldn't hurt and with any luck, we would fall asleep.
Bring coloring books, crayons and whatnot, anything to keep them entertained. Also, you could pick up a few snacks after security to make them happy when they don't like the peanuts or whatever they give you on the plane.
2007-02-15 14:32:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, get one of those sling deals to carry the baby, so your hands will be free to tend to the toddler; and you may want to put him in one of those easy lightweight strollers, which they will stow for you when you get on board. This way you will be able to show tickets, boarding passes, etc with ease. You will still have to put the stroller thru the x-ray machine, but the toddler can walk. As far as the flight and layover, take coloring books, a handheld game and maybe a walkman for the 2yr to occupy his time. I did this and it is alot of work but manageable. This site was very helpful to me: http://www.flyingwithkids.com/
2007-02-15 10:43:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You got a real challenge. I wish I had the magic answer, but I don't. Obviously take some things to keep them interested, yet make sure they are easy enough to handle going through the gate checks.
Good luck.
2007-02-15 10:31:31 · answer #6 · answered by L.A. Scene 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋