Traveling with a toddler is very different than traveling with an infant. Not only are they a lot bigger, but they are mobile! Hopefully this video gives you a few tips to make your time in the airport and on the plane easier.
A few things worth expanding on:
Several companies make wheel attachments for car seats. I use the Kidz Travelmate by GoGo Babyz and have been very satisfied with it. Once on the plane, you simply remove the wheels and put them in the overhead bin.
Unfortunately, not all airports have child play areas. You can often check the airport's web site to see if one is listed. If your airport doesn't have a play area, then find an open area to run around and burn some energy.
I can't emphasize enough the importance of being prepared when you travel with a toddler. I know it is tempting to take a small diaper bag with only the bare minimum, but trust me, you do not want to not be stuck with not having something that would make a difference between a happy child and a fussy one. I spoke with a Flight Attendant on a recent Southwest Airlines flight who said it was amazing how many parents fly without plenty of items to entertain their child, diapers, an extra outfit, etc. I love the kiddopotamus tiny diner placemat when we travel with Elias around meal times.
Also, I have traveled alone with Elias several times, and it was impossible for me to carry him, the diaper bag, my purse, and the car seat on the plane by myself. Therefore, I recommend asking someone who is walking in beside you if they would be willing to carry your car seat. I have also had friendly Southwest Flight Attendants offer to help. No one wants to see a mom with a toddler struggling!
Of course, only FAA-approved car seats are allowed for use on an airplane.
I hope that these tips help you the next time you fly with your toddler.
Southwest Airlines provided my and my family's airfare. The views shared in this post are my own. Southwest does not endorse any of the products mentioned in this post.
Comments
Thought you'd like to see this. Love Mama
As a mom of a toddler, I have traveled with a small booster seat that is much easier to carry on the plane than a big, heavy car seat. I check the car seat with our baggage instead so we are safely riding in the car when we get to our destination, but the booster seat works perfectly for the flight. SO much easier and our toddler was not required to be in a car seat on the plane. Just a thought!
As preparation for the trip, a Federal or County courthouse is a great place to practice going through the metal detector. Not exactly the same thing, bit close enough for practice!
My biggest help with taking my kids on a flight is to have the toddler on my back in a ergobaby backpack. She is contained and contented, and I have both hands free. My 5yo pulled her own suitcase last flight (when she was 4) and I have a "mommy bag" with a long strap so that I can hang it across me, messenger-style. Baby and bag contained and still one hand to pull a suitcase and another to hold the other kid's hand.
My son will be under 2 when we fly. I was planning on taking him on on my lap to save on fare. Would you recommend different advice?
Do these apply to traveling with a 2 year old?
I'd like to add tips about helping your child through the change in elevation during takeoff and landing that can make their ears hurt. Last week I was seated behind a mom and a 4 year old whose ears were hurting during the descent. The mom was so patient and good with him, giving him snacks and continuous coaching: "Chew with big bites....Swallow...Chew some more ". She tried to get him to yawn, but he was having trouble forcing a yawn, so she just kept him chewing. With older kids, gum can help.
What a cutie pie...and how I remember those days of flying with a toddler! Whew!
Travelling on SWA has become much more difficult after the loss of family boading before the A group for those of us with toddlers and infants requiring car seat installation.
my son in almost three and we have been traveling wiht him since birth. He has been on over 40 flights (most with southwest!) and your right on packing many things is very important...but also having snacks is very important...you dont get food on most flights anymore and if your toddler is hungry...you need something handy and quick...and also very good to have something to drink or lollipop to suck on for take off and landing..makes them swallow so that helps keep the ears unblocked!
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