Helpful Hints for Flying with a 15 Month Old

Hi J.,

It looks like you've gotten some great tips! I completely agree with the DVD/movie route. It makes things so much easier. A couple of favorites (toys/books) on top of a couple of new things is a great mix...just try to pack light since you'll be carrying this stuff on! Also, bring extra diapers (the amount you would need for an entire day)...you never know, I ended up with a flight attendant asking to borrow one of mine for a mom that forgot to pack some in her carry-on! A couple of other things:
1. If the airline allows you to check-in online the night before, do that. Check-in is a lot easier, and oftentimes the security line for these check-ins is shorter and less stressful. Remember, you must take her shoes of at security as well...and put all of her stuff through the x-ray machine (diaper bag, stroller, carseat--if you don't check it)...be prepared for that, we weren't our first time out, and I wish someone had told me!
2. When you then check your bags, ask if you can get the bulkhead row. It's a little roomier for your legs, and depending on the plane, they may have a bassinet to hook to the wall in front of you so the baby can lay down if she's tired.
3. If she takes a pacifier, take a couple with you on the plane to help with her ears on takeoff and descent.
4. Dum-dum suckers are a great alternative for takeoff/descent, new and distracting!
5. Also, if you keep her in the stroller until you're at the gate, be sure to ask the gate agent for a tag for the stroller. You have to have that tag on to make sure that it is returned to you at the gate when you land.

Best of luck to you!

I have flown with my son about 3 times a year since he was an infant. He's now three. I highly recommend a collapsible umbrella stroller, a backpack or hip pack (hands free storage of baby stuff), and, if possible, a portable DVD player. (I picked up a cheap one at Target and we use it every trip! I throw it in my backpack.) I also bring a couple "fun" trinkets or things he's never seen before to occupy him on the plane. Be prepared to take your grandson out of the stroller when going through security. This is a royal pain if you are traveling alone! Other than these suggestions, I'd be super nice to the people sitting around you on the plane in case your grandson gets cranky or fills his pants!(There are teeny tiny changing tables above the toilets in airplane bathrooms.)
-A.

Hi J.- I am a SAHM of 4 and have traveled overseas with a 12 month old about 2 years ago (so I know some things have changed due to airline restrictions- I would go online and double check things that are now prohibited). Here are some things that worked for me
-Have 2 bags-1 for diaper/food (lots of it- but check to see what is allowed) and 1 for entertainment. Lots of books, any favorite toys and just plan on you being her entertainment for the flight(hink of it as serious quality time).
-Walk the aisle once the seatbelt sign is off and let her smile at the other passengers.
- Actually we never bought our under 2 a seat(even on a 14 hour flight)- they want to be with you on your lap anyway so don't worry but don't plan to be able to sit back and enjoy a magazine unless she falls asleep!
Good Luck- You can make it through!
Beth
PS- I have a friend who swears by giving a dose of tylenol to her kids before a flight but I have never tried it.

Hi J.,

We flew with my son for the first time when he was 15 months and we flew to Florida. We have flown once or twice a year since then. My son is 4 now. We have learned a few things over the years. My husband gets on the plane when our row is called and takes everything he can and I wait with my son at the gate until the last possible minute. You can take your stroller all the way to the door of the plane. Collapse the stroller and leave it there it will be there when you get off the plane in FLA. Make sure to buy juice or milk after you go through security, or you can ask the flight attendant for it when you get on the plane. Give her a cup or bottle on take off and landing. Make sure you give it to her when you feel your ears start to pop because that is when hers are.
Bring lots of snacks, a couple of little toys she has never seen before and, if she likes watching movies, a portable DVD player (battery charged).
Enjoy your vacation!!!

J.-
We flew with our 18-month old for 18 hours to Sydney and I have LOTS of advice. First off, rent or borrow a DVD player if you can (or use a laptop) and bring some DVD's. This helped us a lot on our flight. Also, purchase some small new toys that she's never seen and bring them out on the flight. My son LOVED travel Connect Four. I got it at Target. He couldn't play it but loved putting the pieces in (and still does at 3 1/2). We also brought some fun magnet play, flash cards and his magnadoodle. the flight from here to florida is really not that long. she'll probably sleep for part of it so you won't have much time you'll need to occupy her. also, get up and let her walk up and down the aisles. people expect this and she'll need to stretch her legs. just don't get lots of things with small pieces that can drop on the floor. magnetic things are great (i know they make a magnetic version of connect four for travel). good luck.

You have received some great advice. Toys, books that are interactive, sticker books, movies, flash cards, picture books of family, dum dum lollipops and snacks. Our pediatrician suggest to give them some infant tylenol drops about 45 minutes before you take off. This helps their ears during take off and landing. When flying, I also use night time diapers because they are more absorbent than regular diapers. Most planes don't have a changing table either. If for some reason I do need to do a diaper change, practice your standing up changes. (while standing on the toilet seat lid)
Have a safe flight.

When my kids were that small I always packed them a back pack (which they would carry) full of snacks and goodies. The snacks helpe their ears from popping because the swallowing equalized the pressure.(Just be careful bringing liquid stuff because of security purposes.) Then I packed some small puzzles and favorite books and crayons. I would goto the dollar store and buy some new small toys they've never seen before. I would also pack a beach ball which easily inflates and deflates for extra fun in the terminal while you wait. This may even help to tire them out. The last emergency back up was bringing a portable dvd player, video ipod, or video camera and put their fave. show on it. Itunes has free sesame street shows that you can download if your 18yr old has an ipod. Hope this helps. Safe travels and good luck.

Dum-Dum suckers - good for ears and they like to unwrap things. I filled my fanny-pack with them. Also, the little Magna-Doodles keep them busy. Although, you might want to check what you can bring on the planes now. You can't even take in bottled water. Also, a tiny spiral notebook for her to draw on or to bring stickers to stick on - if she is not the type to put things in her mouth. They love that they have a tray in front of them to play with.

Hope these suggestions help.

I just went to Florida in December and my daughter at that time was 16 months. I just tired her out at the airport beforehand by walking around a lot. We had a few books and her favorite toys... Both ways, she slept for about half the flight... between sleeping, eating and reading a book or two.. we were in Florida or home.

It is not easy getting through the airport with a toddler and all the extra baggage.. I would pack light and efficient, keeping in mind what occupies your child at home.

I see a lot of people bring dvd's, with earphones, I don't think a child that young would get much out of that. I think that is geared more for older kids. Just my opinion.

Just relax... if you are relaxed, your child will be as well!

My daughter has been flying regularly with me since she was 2 months old. Since it was just the two of us, I have picked up tricks along the way.

First, if you have access to one (or will fly fairly often it's worth the investment), I HIGHLY recommend using a Sit & Stroll. This is a car seat/booster seat/stroller all in one. I used mine all over the world and it was a life-saver when traveling.

Second, I would recommend packing a few favorite books for the plane, a sippy cup, a stuffed animal or two (small ones). If you have a laptop (or portable DVD player), you could take that and let her watch a DVD with headphones. That would be your BEST bet.

Good luck and have a wonderful vacation!

Hey J., I always bring one new thing each time we fly with my son. This gives him something new to explore and check out. I don't pull it out until he is bored and starts looking for something to get into. Another helpful hint is to make him walk around in the airport A LOT!!! I physically exhaust my son so the vibrations on the plane rock him to sleep. I hope that helps!

How is she otherwise? You'll be taking along the same 15 mo old, with her quirks and likes, etc.Prepare your son and friend to help you, not be an aditional problem.Seriously, I would shorten her sleep times on Friday so she's tired.Has she just learned to walk? plan to take turns following her roam up and down the aisle.Don't forget the blanket or pacifier that soothes her. Focus on her and what she's trying to tell you and try very hard not to let what you think other people are thinking distract, irritate or stress you.There will be many sympathetic folks on the plane who share your dilemma, they may even want to lend a helping hand, so let them.Does she like:reading..bring new books and her favorites;eating..stuff her with snacks;grabbing..an old purse with lots of safe,small things in it. Don't let her start the day by being in charge, set the tone, but on the plane, give in to her before she throws a fit, you won't undo anything in a few hours. Sue C

Ask the flight attendant for some juice or water for the baby as soon as you get on the plane. Save it for take off. Drinking the cup will help with the pressure in the ears they can get. Other than that, come armed with lots of snacks, toys, books etc.

I'm late in replying but have much experience w/ this..I bring a portable DVD player, play baby einstein or barney dvd's - works really well. I also make sure she has something to suck on to deal w/ the pressure on the plane, like a pacifier, or bottle, sippy cup..I also carry a bag of cheerios to feed her if she gets fussy as well as having some juice on hand. HOpe this helps and have a great trip.