Flying with Your Toddler

 Elliot waiting for her next flight with Nana and Great Grandpa

E is a little over three years old now and she had flown more times than I can count. She has been to 17 states and has taken the ride across country. Next week we are flying to Boston from Phoenix. So, I may not be an expert on traveling with your toddler but here are a few tips that help me get through it. These tips pertain to air travel for now.

 Elliot with her Auntie Brit

1. Carry on the least amount of baggage as possible.

Yes, baggage fees at airports are astronomical ranging from $25-$35 for your first checked bag but I promise you it’ll be worth the money when it comes time to trying to get through security with a fidgety toddler. Are you about to miss your connecting flight if you don’t book it down the airport terminal? Less baggage means less to carry and a free hand to pull your toddler along for the run. Juggling a three or four year old and a bunch of bags is just not a good mix. Trust me.

2. Bring your umbrella stroller.

Airlines will gate check your stroller for you when you board.  Umbrella strollers easily fold, fit through security belts and are light. Do not attempt to bring the giant bulky stroller. It will not fit through security and they will have to hand check it, holding you up! But, do bring a stroller. Your toddler will get restless and it will be a valuable help to you.

3. Buy drinks past security.

Yes, most airports will let you bring liquids over the 3oz limit for toddlers. But, they are going to pull you aside to check every single bottle of juice/milk etc. If it’s a juice box, they are going to poke a hole in it to check it, rendering the juice box useless. Also rinse out the sippy/straw cup before going through security to avoid the same situation mentioned before.

4. Bring a small backpack for your toddler’s things.

After age two, toddlers are no longer allowed to sit on your lap for travel on an airplane which means they have their own seat and their own two bag carry on limit. Bring something small enough that your toddler can carry it on their back. (Going back to number 1) Put coloring books, crayons, an ipad (or similar tablet), snacks, a small sweater (planes are cold) and anything else that won’t make the bag too heavy but you feel your toddler will need on the trip.

5. Download movies/cartoons on tablets before you get to the airport.

Airplanes are now equipped with WIFI. But, paying $13 for your toddler to get on the internet seems a little ridiculous. Also, the WIFI speeds at 30,000 feet just isn’t quite as fast as in your home, meaning trying to download a movie or television show in the air will probably take you about the duration of the flight. Make sure your tablets/phones etc. are loaded and charged before leaving the house. Also one of those portable batteries wouldn’t hurt with keeping your device charged. Don’t forget headphones!

6. ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES!!!

Yes, I wrote this with much enthusiasm. The amount of bacteria that is found on those airplane tray tables could kill someone. Do you think they clean every single tray table and arm rest between flights? I think not. Bring a pack of antibacterial wipes and be sure to sanitize everything before you settle in. They will be great for the bathroom on board as well.

7. Fill your toddler’s cup before takeoff and landing.

Having your toddler drink during takeoff and descent will help keep their ears from filling and keep earaches at bay. There is nothing worse than having to deal with a hurting, screaming, crying toddler on a plane.

8. Most importantly: Anyone who gives you crap about having a toddler. F- em.

Now, I say this in the most sincere way possible. Seriously, you have the right to take your family on vacation or to see family. If someone has a problem with your little human getting a little upset on the flight tell them you are doing your best and that is all you can do. Don’t be hostile. You have a whole flight to get through with these people, but be confident in the fact that you are a good parent and you are doing everything you can to keep you, your toddler and the other passengers happy. Don’t be afraid to get up and walk your toddler around if the fasten seat belt light is off. Don’t stress out, children sense that. If you’re lucky your toddler will tire out and fall asleep.

Hope these tips help next time you are flying with your little one. They seem to work for me!