How to Enjoy Plane Travel with Your Toddler

We started flying with Grace when she was just 2 months old, and since that time, she has flown on 9 round trips, ranging from 1 hour to 5 1/2 hour flights.

What a different world we live in -- I did not ride in a plane until I was 14!

Flying with a toddler is less difficult than with a crawling baby, since your toddler can play by herself ... but more difficult than a tiny baby who just eats & sleeps.

Our last vacation was to the Big Island of Hawaii, which is a 5+ hour flight from San Francisco Airport. We were blessed with being in first class, which helps for a few reasons: more help from flight attendents, more food and drinks, more legroom (which means kids can't kick the seat in front of them), the tray table is in the armrest (so hitting the tray table does not bump the seat in front of you), and more room for stuff. One problem, though is that you cannot move the armrest up, so no sleeping over 2+ seats.

We used the CARES seatbelt system - much easier than lugging a carseat around. And, Gracie did not fight it as much, so I was able to keep her buckled most of the time.

During the flight to Hawaii, Gracie watched an Elmo DVD, ate food (breakfast was fruit & cereal, great for kids), and played with some new Dora toys. The flight was during her nap time, but she did not fall asleep until the plane was coming in for a landing. Which meant that I had to carry her dead weight off the plane, and she only slept for about 45 minutes (as we got our luggage).

The flight back was much more difficult, because we were almost late for the flight (giving Gracie no time to run around beforehand), and we were all tired. Gracie did not eat much (dinner was steak & fish, neither good toddler food), did not sleep, and did not want to watch a DVD. I pretty much had to entertain her for 4 1/2 hours - hard work!

My advice - bring lots of options, plan for Plan B (and C), don't depend on anything, arrive early, and have a calm attitude!

Over Memorial Day Weekend (2007) Gracie and I flew by ourselves from San Francisco Airport to St. Louis, Missouri, to visit my side of the family.

I was able to get us first class seats, which make a huge difference. The problem is that on this American Airlines plane, the CARES seatbelt did not fit, so Gracie was only strapped in using the lap belt. Not optimal, but nothing I could do about it right then.

Big problem -- Grace had no desire to watch her DVDs, after about 10 minutes. Big problem #2 -- Grace did not take a nap on the plane (again), so I had 4+ hours to keep her entertained.

On one of the flights, there was a kid in front of us who was older, and louder, than Gracie. Helped me feel better, because compared to him, Grace was an angel. :)

These flights did stress me out a bit, since we were alone (so no break to hand out with daddy), and I felt like Gracie was being loud. But, after the flight, the two ladies behind us told her that she was a very good girl. And, congratulated her for having the good taste for flying in first class. :)

Lessons learned:
-Don't plan on a nap.
-Don't plan on DVDs.
-Don't forget the ERGO backpack (I did not bring a stroller or backpack, which meant that I either had to carry her, or watch her take off running through the airport).

Out Next Trip - To Missouri in August for a wedding & family visit. Hopefully, daddy will be able to come too ...

You may be worried about flying alone with your toddler. I have flown with my daughter alone more often than not, and find that it is actually easier than bringing along my husband. :)

Pros to Flying Alone With Toddler:
- You get to make all the decisions (well, the adult decisions anyway).
- People feel more sympathy for you and help you with luggage.
- One (or more) less piece of luggage to worry about.
- You only have one baby to worry about. :)

Cons to Flying Alone With Toddler:
- Who watches the kid while you go the bathroom? (answer - get the flight attendant if the kid is sleeping. If not, take the kid along with you)
- How do you carry luggage & a toddler?
Answer - use a luggage cart, a stroller, and/or a baby backpack
- How do you manage security?
Answer - I find that they help me when I am without another adult, either because they feel sorry for me, or because they want me to go faster.
- You forget to eat or drink.
Answer - bring snacks for yourself, and buy a bottle of water once you get through security.

Don't worry! You can do it!