Toddlers on a Plane
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Anonymous
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In a few days, I have to fly halfway around the world with my two kids, ages almost 3 and almost 1. I need to get to the funeral of a close family member, so there's no way around it. Our total travel time will likely be about 18 hours: a six-hour flight, followed by a five hour layover, and then a nine-hour transatlantic flight. I've flown solo with one kid before and done trips with my husband and both kids, but flying alone with two little ones seems pretty overwhelming. I'm not even sure how to handle the basic logistics of changing the baby's diaper while keeping the toddler from touching every last disgusting thing in the airplane bathroom. Not to mention how to make sure both of them get at least a few hours of sleep in flight.
Any tips from parents who have managed something like this before? Note: I posted this here a little while ago, and it got moved to the Travel Discussion forum. Sorry for the cross post, but I really think I will get more useful answers on the parenting forum. |
Anonymous
| I change pee diapers right at the seat. Each kid gets their own seat. If the 1 yr old needs a dirty diaper changed and the 3 yr old is sleeping I ask the person nearby to keep an eye on them and rush through the diaper change in the bathroom. Bring a lot of cash and buy drinks for people sitting nearby if/when your kids start screaming - you'll want to buy them drinks. |
Anonymous
| Each kid needs their own seat, and I would try and get the bulkhead. I too would just change pee diapers in the seat. Bring a pad or blanket to put down. I would also have plenty of snacks, drinks, pacifiers, diapers, etc. It is hard to find baby stuff in the airport.l |
Anonymous
| I thought this thread was about a new horror movie. |
Anonymous
Just....no. Don't change any diapers at your seat. If you are in my row or next to me I would have a fit. |
Anonymous
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This thread is gonna be awesome.
Lots of snacks for the 3yo, new toys in his own backpack - dumb kid activities like post-its to stick everywhere (easy enough to clean up). Apps for the 3yo or dvd player even if you don't usually allow it. Unfortunately, no changing diapers in the seat. Hopefully they will both sleep a lot - run the 3 year old around as much as you can in between. Give the big one some responsibilities like holding a bag or helping with the baby. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| I'm glad you won't care when I change my tampon at the seat next to you. Hate airport bathrooms! |
Anonymous
| Benadryl |
Anonymous
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Wrap toys in wrapping paper. Only give one toy at a time and only give another toy when that one is completely played out. Make sure you have an umbrella stroller for the airport. Portable DVD player with headset and many amazing movies.
Is there anyway you could leave kids with anyone you trust while you go? I would almost not do it. |
Anonymous
I have a mental image of Samuel L. Jackson shouting about the "Motherf***ing toddlers on the motherf***ing plane!" |
Anonymous
Seriously?! I don't even know how it's possible to fit in an airplane bathroom with a toddler and change a diaper! I'm not the OP but in this situation, I would change the diaper in the seat and if you "threw a fit," probably chuck the diaper at your head. |
Anonymous
You need to develop compassion. Or seek out medication if this would make you throw a fit. And when OP offers to buy you a drink accept it, close your eyes and put your earphones back on. OP, don't worry about people like pp. There are FAR MORE people who are willing to help you than "throw a fit". |
Anonymous
You probably wouldn't even notice. Presumably OP is flying on a plane with a 3 to a row seat configuration, so the entire row will be her, her baby, and her toddler. They're not going to be sitting next to you for you to throw a fit. It won't be a problem. Unless you're always looking at the person in the middle seat of the row across the aisle from you, you REALLY won't have a reason to notice. If you're going to be particularly bothersome, OP could always make sure you don't notice -- two airline-provided blankets, the baby's empty carseat, the 3 year old's presumably tall carseat, and a few clothespins should provide decent temporary family privacy for changing of diapers, clothes, or fussy attitudes (possibly). Note that I'm not 100% positive this will still work, because it has been a while since I have had to attempt it. |
Anonymous
| Can't you leave them with you husband? No way I'd make that trip by myself with children that young unless I was staying a month once I got there! Why put them through it? Keep them home with dad and take the money you would spend on their tickets and hire someone to help at home. |
Anonymous
Me too! And then put you in time-out, that's what I do when my child has a fit about silly things. |