Things You'll Need:
- Diaper bag full of tricks
- Small toys new to your little toddler's eyes
- treats, snacks and sippy cups
- Soft baby blanket
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Step 1
Get ready to flyReady to travel with your toddler? It takes more skill than traveling with an infant, but with the right tools, you can be a pro the first time out. Start by booking your flight - online will save you more money - and decide if you will be booking your toddler in a seat or - if under two years, will be traveling on your lap. Many toddlers will be small enough to travel seated on your lap, and wouldn't sit still without being in your lap anyway. If you are really good, you can schedule your flights around the times that your toddler is usually napping and may just get a break.
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Step 2
Make and take a copyIf you are traveling with your toddler on your lap, now is the time to make a copy of your his birth certificate and place it with your diaper bag. As I have echoed before, ridiculous as this may sound, you could be asked to prove that your 13 month old toddler is under two years old to be allowed to fly free on your lap. Families that have forgotten to take proof of an toddler's age, even if she is clearly under two years, have been forced to purchase a ticket for the her because "ticket agents are not trained to know what a child under two years looks like" and proof of age is therefore strictly enforced. As your toddler reaches closer to two years, it becomes more likely that you can be called to prove age.
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Step 3
Small toys to entertainGo nonstop if at all possible. If small infants do not like long days of travel, then toddlers tend to detest it. They are more aware of time, and the fact that they are being cramped in a small airline seat with no where to run. And what looks interesting to a toddler to play with in an airline seat will no doubt be a challenge to you in redirecting his attention. Before he rips up the safety insert, throws the Sky Magazine and finds out the joy of slamming the tray table down at full velocity, its up to you to distract him with new small interesting toys. Find the kind that be easy to handle, and interactive such as a toy cell phone with lights and sounds. There should be a carefully guided plan to keep your toddler from kicking seats and destroying property so you don't end up as "that parent that doesn't care".
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Step 4
treats too!Pack the diaper bag with enough diapers and wipes for 12 hours - in case you are delayed for any reason. Pack the little toys, prepackaged snacks, treats (nothing too messy), a change of clothes, sippy cup and soft baby blanket - in case the plane gets too cold for her. Make sure you have her birth certificate in there, too.
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Step 5
Keep the Teddy from flying around the cabinOk, now you have snacks, sippy cup for juice, small interesting toys, and your blanket in case your toddler gets tired and is ready to nap. You should be ready to do battle with whatever your toddler can throw at you. And if what gets thrown is a stuffed bear, landing on the head of one of your fellow passengers, be sure to apologize. As the parent of a toddler, it is our example that teaches our children how to behave in public and private.
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Step 6
Be relaxed and happy for your little one!Relax. Small children are a part of air travel, too. The more relaxed and stress free you are, the more you will be able to relax your toddler. Don't worry too much about the other passengers, as long as you are in control and treating others kindly, you should get the same in return.
Comments
Rockney said
on 12/3/2008 Great advice!
2besure said
on 11/24/2008 Gerat tips. I had to travel by plane with my grandaugher and she did so good. I used some of these tips.