Suggestions for first flight with 14 mo old

[Anonymous]

I will soon be flying for the first time with 14 month old DD and have a few questions. I know this has been a topic many times before but I have specific questions and would appreciate any suggestions. I am going to be taking a 5 hour flight by myself with DD and she will be on my lap.

-what kind of things can I bring to entertain her? Is a portable DVD player w/ Baby Einstein good at this age?
-she is very squirmy, is it a good idea to bring the ergo to help rock her to sleep?
-should I bring our car seat and check it through or are the car seats you rent from car rental companies generally good?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

She's too young for a DVD player.

I have flown many times by myself with my DD (now 16 months).

Suggestions:

1. Books.

2. A new toy or 2 -- don't show them to her until you get on the plane.

3. Snacks for take-off and esp. landing so she will chew so ears will pop if she won't nurse/drink

4. Not sure about the ergo ... I have a different carrier and I can't use it if I'm sitting down with her. I didn't use a carrier of any kind on the plane and it was fine.

5. I've rented a car seat and it was Graco. Not what we own, but seemed fine. I think it'd be a pain to have to pack it (you have to wrap it, I think, or box it.)

6. Do you have a layover? If so, bring a stroller. The only time we use a stroller is through airports, to pile our bags on while we carry her.

[Anonymous]

Agreed the DVD player might not work, she'll just smack it around and knock it onto the floor. Definitely books, touch and feels are good at that age. Small, new toys. Stacking cups are good, things she can chew on are probably good, but don't make them anything too expensive because you'll likely lose something.

If there is any way you can buy her her own seat, I would recommend that more than anything. It just gives you both more room to spread out, and that's a relatively long flight with a kid on your lap. I know, I've done it, it isn't fun.

[Anonymous]

We just flew last week with my 13 month old. We planned on checking the carseat at the gate in the hopes that there was an available seat on the plane. Fortunately, there was a free seat on the way down. On the way home, the flight was booked solid. I must say that it was MUCH easier when she had her own seat. While she didn't sit in it the entire time, she did stay in it for about half the flight which was nice. My daughter has gotten much more squirmy in the last few months (more than when we booked the flights!). We let her stand on the floor in front of us (between the seats) and also walked her quite a bit. We flew Southwest and the flight attendants could not have been more helpful on the way down. Unfortunately, the FA on the way back were not nearly as helpful....but the flight had been delayed, Mayor Fenty was on the flight w/his security, AND there was turbulance which limited beverage service so they were much busier.

I agree with the touch and feel books, lots of snacks....The aisle seat worked best for us so we could stand up with her as often as possible.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I don't have a lot of experience, but did find the books and snacks great distractors. I used the Ergo carrier in the airport, to get them on board and walked up and down the aisle with her in it for a bit. She never fell full asleep BUT did relax. I love the ergo- esp b/c we didn't have to take her out to go through security. Another pls, the little pocket was great for a few small toys to keep handy.

Good luck