If this is the first time you've ever flown anywhere with your toddler/preschooler, then you really have to prepare early to make the experience as smooth and pleasant for everyone. Yes...and to keep your sanity.
I find that there are a few things that I've found over the miles through trial and error to help me when I travel with my 2-year-old. Because of my love of travel, because I used to have a corporate international management job for major hotel companies, and because I air commute between homes in two states, I've literally accumulated over a million miles of travel in the last 9 years. Travel hasn't ceased since having my daughter London. She's been on every flight I've taken for the last 2 years and have gone on over 30 flights and 2 cruises. So, at age 2, she is a travel pro!
Here's the rundown on my tried and true picks and tips for air travel with a tot:
1) Get an all-in-one stroller and car seat.
- I love the Sit-N-Stroll
(Simple to use and very compact, this car seat literally turns into a stroller. I've received lots of compliments from taxi drivers to celebrities in Beverly Hills about how "transformer-like" this stroller/car seat is. Instead of 2 baby travel contraption to lug around, you just have 1, and it is easy to push, smooth, and doubles as a luggage cart for small luggage. ) If you plan on driving a car or being in a car at your destination, then this beats lugging around a car seat.
A Note on Cares Flight Belt - I have one, and I use it for my daughter while inflight. It is very comfortable, light, and easy to use. I just started using this for the last 3 flights, and my daughter was fine with it. The best thing about it is it is FAA-approved, the bad thing is...it is expensive.
2) A Goody Bag or Backpack for your little one. This serves an obvious purpose - entertainment for your toddler/preschooler and distraction.
- Pack small toys (familiar and new ones), small and light books, activity books with coloring activities or a doodle board.
3) DVD player and comfortable Headphones - For particularly long flights and trips.
I like dvd players that includes a car mount so it works on the plane and in the car. Make sure the dvd player has a stand or closes up so you can also use it anywhere else...hotel room, doctor's office. I use mine everywhere I know there is going to be a long wait...including restaurants.
4) Snacks and special diet foods, if necessary.
5) Extra diapers (day's worth and 1 or 2 more in case of flight delays.)
6) Extra clothing for you and your little one, especially a light sweater for in-flight wear.
7) Easy-to-take off shoes (for going through Security Checks quickly.)
8) See-through ziplock bag for you to put cell phones, keys, and small pocket objects so you have everything in 1 place going through the Security Check. Take out your ziplock bag and place small pocket objects in it, and seal right before you place the bag through the Security Check conveyor belt.
9) Antibacterial Wet-wipes (to clean your little one's hands, to wipe up spills, to clean off airplane seat trays and wipe headrests.)
I also find that reading a children's book about airplanes and the airport, playing with a toy airplane, and looking at airplane photos days before the flight has helped my little one feel at ease about travel.
So, with some preparation and patience...you may find air travel with a toddler/preschooler pleasant and even fun.
Good luck and Safe Travels!
