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omgsweet · Sep 21st, 2009, 10:58 PM

Well the summer has ended, so we are headed back to Arizona. My husband is going to drive the car and I'm going to fly with my 2 year old and 7 month old! I am so very anxious about this! It is a three hour flight.

I have a portable DVD player and a new Dora DVD, coloring book and candy that I will only pull out as a last resort. I am just so worried that both of them are going to break down at the same time! I am worried about my 2 year old annoying other people. She was so hard to control when we flew out here in May...but at least my husband was there to help.

Have any of you done this? Any words of encouragment? I think I was crazy to agree to this!!

Megs · Sep 21st, 2009, 11:18 PM

I am sure some moms have great words of advice! I think just plan to have as many activities as you can fit well in your carry on. And hopefully they will be sleepy too :)

helpchow · Sep 21st, 2009, 11:35 PM

Good luck OP. With all due respect, I'm glad I'm not a passenger on that flight. I've been on several flights with babies and some were great and others were very irritated being stuck in one place for that amount of time. Is there any reason why your DH can't accompany you on the flight to help out with the kids or that you can't all ride in the car? I recently accompanied my friend and her 8 month old on a four hour flight. The baby cried and we were getting the evil eye from a handful of passengers. It will be even harder on you since you are flying with two young ones - if both start crying it may be hard for you to appease both of them.

lv lover steph · Sep 21st, 2009, 11:39 PM

I haven't as I only have one but my sister did it with her twin girls. They all did great. I think the biggest challenge was mommy going to the bathroom. Best of luck to you!! People will definitely help you out!!

bonniec · Sep 22nd, 2009, 01:12 AM

I've done it at least 10x cross country. For the 7mo old, if you can bring some type of baby carrier with you (I had an Ergo), that will help a lot because you can actually hold him securely and safely in your seat and still have free hands.
Sounds like you have the 2yr old pretty set.
As for getting to the airport and all the way through security, I thought this was the hardest part. I would park my car, put baby in the carrier, older child in the stroller, one hand pushing stroller, one large check in suitcase, and large over the shoulder diaper bag. I got my son his own carry on backpack.
Going through security... well, it's just chaos no matter how you do it. If your 2yo freaks out about having her things taken away, perhaps tell her that the security people like it so much they want to take pictures of it :).
I wouldn't be stingy with treats on the plane, either.
Good luck. I'm sure you'll be fine.

bonniec · Sep 22nd, 2009, 01:16 AM

Lastly, I do take a (single) stroller through the airport and check it in at the gate. The baby carrier works great in the airport if the older one wants to sit.

Sternchen · Sep 22nd, 2009, 04:32 AM

Good luck Julie! I assume that Belle will be in the carseat while you hold Brody? Do you know the type of plane you'll be flying and where you'll be sitting? If you're flying in one that has two seats on the side (window and aisle) then I would put Bella in her carseat next to the window so she can watch the clouds go by...that way she won't "annoy" (how could that sweet girl annoy anybody????

) the other passengers either.

Sounds good with the portable DVD player...you could put that on the tray in front of the seat for her to watch if she gets restless

vhdos · Sep 22nd, 2009, 08:22 AM

My suggestion would be to put both of them in their car seats but that will be next to impossible with no help. It will even be difficult for you to carry on one car seat while boarding the plane. Chances are, someone might offer to help you. There was a mom with two young kids on my last flight and she literally could not carry everything by herself. A complete stranger offered to carry her car seat on to the plane and belt it in for her. When our kids were young, we always brought their car seats on the plane because then they were comfortable and contained (and more likely to nap!). Are you holding the 7 month old as a lap infant? If at all possible, I would find a flight with three seats on one side and book all 3 (no lap infant). Bring a stroller and gate check it. Also, you might need more than just a dvd player and coloring book. Whenever I fly with my two kids (they are 4 and 5 years-old now) I buy LOTS of new travel-size toys and activities. The key to happy kids is keeping them occupied. It is also critical that you have something to eat and/or drink for both kids during take off and landing. I would hold off on too much candy since that might give them too much energy. My final piece of advice is to just be ready to tolerate the dirty looks that you'll likely receive from other passengers. It can be pretty stressful trying to keep not only your kids happy, but all of the other passengers too! Most people are pretty understanding, but there are those people who seem to judge your entire worth as a parent on how your children behave on an airplane. Go figure. Good luck!

TravelBug · Sep 22nd, 2009, 04:29 PM

Wow, you are brave! I can't imagine doing that by myself. I can hardly keep my 2 LOs under control at home, let alone on a plane full of people. And to go through security and such? Is there a way you can ask a friend to help out? Not sure how long a drive it is ... perhaps you and DH can drive in the middle of the night while the LOs are sleeping? You could drive up to 12 hours at a time with little interruption.

everything posh · Sep 22nd, 2009, 05:40 PM

I have flown internationally as well as in the U.S and all I can tell you is try to keep them occupied with things to do. Maybe not let them nap at home so they will nap once on the plane as well. I wouldn't worry or stress too much about other people on the flight. Most of them will understand how difficult it is to fly alone with little ones. Keep your daughter by a window seat if possible so that she won't have access to the aisle. A baby carrier for your little one is ideal until you get on the plane. Security should let you go first in line since you are alone and traveling with little ones. People are really nice and i'm sure will offer help as well! Good luck, I'm sure everything will be fine!

Is driving with your husband not a possibility?

bohohobo · Sep 22nd, 2009, 05:49 PM

I've no exp but flown alone with one infant before, but my friend has flown alone with 3 sons 20+ hr flight to Asia before. She's one superwoman I know but her advice was to wrap little presents for good behavior, works like this - after x minutes of good behavior, she'd let her toddlers pick a wrapped present out of a bag. It can be a candybar or an inexpensive toy. If they misbehave she'll stall time for the next drawing. As for you it's 3 hours I think you should be just fine, good luck.

vhdos · Sep 22nd, 2009, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by bohohobo

I've no exp but flown alone with one infant before, but my friend has flown alone with 3 sons 20+ hr flight to Asia before. She's one superwoman I know but her advice was to wrap little presents for good behavior, works like this - after x minutes of good behavior, she'd let her toddlers pick a wrapped present out of a bag. It can be a candybar or an inexpensive toy. If they misbehave she'll stall time for the next drawing. As for you it's 3 hours I think you should be just fine, good luck.

This is an excellent idea! However, a 7 month-old would not understand this concept and the two year-old might just get frustrated. It's so hard when kids are not yet old enough to be reasoned with. Your best defense would probably be just to supply lots of new activities for the 2 year-old and try to get the 7 month-old to take a nap. Or better yet, try to get them both to nap!
It may go better than you think OP. Our first flight with our little ones was 4 1/2 hours and they were 2 and 3 years-old. I had hubby there to help, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Towards the end of the flight, I let my 3 year-old daughter stand in front of her window seat to play with her new toys and she was very happy with that. We only had one crying incident (and several dirty looks as a result), but it was at the end of the flight and at that point we didn't really care.

USCgerl · Sep 22nd, 2009, 07:20 PM

I did the whole 'no nap before, so he'll nap on the plane'. Did not work for me, and he was extra fussy. It also took longer to get him to sleep. I'm sure it works for some, but not in my case.

Good Luck!

Calya · Sep 22nd, 2009, 07:31 PM

I just want to say good luck! Fingers crossed for you that the baby will sleep and the Dora video will keep the 2 year old entertained for just long enough. Also, I'm sure there will be some helpful people around. My 2 little ones are the same age as yours, and I know for those longer car trips, the videos and a favorite snack really help. Don't forget the juice! (I don't like to give my toddler too much, but it definitely distracts her for a bit)

divalicioust · Sep 22nd, 2009, 09:25 PM

At 6 months in July I instructed the director at her daycare to only allow her one nap the day we flew. When I picked her up I kept Kayla up until 10 pm (bed time is 7:30), she got on the plane at 10:40 pm and she was knocked out the entire time, never cried or woke up, we flew 5.5 hours to New York AND when we got there she slept another 5 hours. I will only fly red eye. WE are flying to NY again for Christmas and I'm planning to do the same thing.

Sep 21st, 2009, 10:58 PM	#1
omgsweet OP omg...cute bag!! Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Scottsdale, Az Posts: 2,970	Flying alone with 2 babies!! Well the summer has ended, so we are headed back to Arizona. My husband is going to drive the car and I'm going to fly with my 2 year old and 7 month old! I am so very anxious about this! It is a three hour flight. I have a portable DVD player and a new Dora DVD, coloring book and candy that I will only pull out as a last resort. I am just so worried that both of them are going to break down at the same time! I am worried about my 2 year old annoying other people. She was so hard to control when we flew out here in May...but at least my husband was there to help. Have any of you done this? Any words of encouragment? I think I was crazy to agree to this!!
	__________________ How to invest for 2009 and Beyond Protect Yourself Against Institutional Traders

Sep 21st, 2009, 11:18 PM	#2
Megs Administrator Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 26,863	I am sure some moms have great words of advice! I think just plan to have as many activities as you can fit well in your carry on. And hopefully they will be sleepy too :)
Megs Administrator Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 26,863	__________________

Sep 21st, 2009, 11:35 PM	#3
helpchow Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 188	Good luck OP. With all due respect, I'm glad I'm not a passenger on that flight. I've been on several flights with babies and some were great and others were very irritated being stuck in one place for that amount of time. Is there any reason why your DH can't accompany you on the flight to help out with the kids or that you can't all ride in the car? I recently accompanied my friend and her 8 month old on a four hour flight. The baby cried and we were getting the evil eye from a handful of passengers. It will be even harder on you since you are flying with two young ones - if both start crying it may be hard for you to appease both of them.
helpchow Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 188	Last edited by helpchow; Sep 21st, 2009 at 11:39 PM.

Sep 21st, 2009, 11:39 PM	#4
lv lover steph Member Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,871	I haven't as I only have one but my sister did it with her twin girls. They all did great. I think the biggest challenge was mommy going to the bathroom. Best of luck to you!! People will definitely help you out!!
lv lover steph Member Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,871	__________________ Jump into spring with the NEW line from Silpada! 39 NEW pieces to share! See my website - www.mysilpada.com/stephanie.titzel Mention TPF and save 15%!!

Sep 22nd, 2009, 01:12 AM	#5
bonniec Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,668	I've done it at least 10x cross country. For the 7mo old, if you can bring some type of baby carrier with you (I had an Ergo), that will help a lot because you can actually hold him securely and safely in your seat and still have free hands. Sounds like you have the 2yr old pretty set. As for getting to the airport and all the way through security, I thought this was the hardest part. I would park my car, put baby in the carrier, older child in the stroller, one hand pushing stroller, one large check in suitcase, and large over the shoulder diaper bag. I got my son his own carry on backpack. Going through security... well, it's just chaos no matter how you do it. If your 2yo freaks out about having her things taken away, perhaps tell her that the security people like it so much they want to take pictures of it :). I wouldn't be stingy with treats on the plane, either. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be fine.
bonniec Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,668

Sep 22nd, 2009, 01:16 AM	#6
bonniec Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,668	Lastly, I do take a (single) stroller through the airport and check it in at the gate. The baby carrier works great in the airport if the older one wants to sit.
bonniec Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,668

Sep 22nd, 2009, 04:32 AM	#7
Sternchen Proud mama of 3! Joined: May 2006 Location: Bavaria, Germany Posts: 13,954	Good luck Julie! I assume that Belle will be in the carseat while you hold Brody? Do you know the type of plane you'll be flying and where you'll be sitting? If you're flying in one that has two seats on the side (window and aisle) then I would put Bella in her carseat next to the window so she can watch the clouds go by...that way she won't "annoy" (how could that sweet girl annoy anybody???? ) the other passengers either. Sounds good with the portable DVD player...you could put that on the tray in front of the seat for her to watch if she gets restless
	__________________ Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl this year and have worked very hard for my family, my school and my job. This year I would like to wish for only one thing: THE CUPCAKE CAR!!! Please and thank you. Love, Melanie

Sep 22nd, 2009, 08:22 AM	#8
vhdos Member Joined: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 3,144	My suggestion would be to put both of them in their car seats but that will be next to impossible with no help. It will even be difficult for you to carry on one car seat while boarding the plane. Chances are, someone might offer to help you. There was a mom with two young kids on my last flight and she literally could not carry everything by herself. A complete stranger offered to carry her car seat on to the plane and belt it in for her. When our kids were young, we always brought their car seats on the plane because then they were comfortable and contained (and more likely to nap!). Are you holding the 7 month old as a lap infant? If at all possible, I would find a flight with three seats on one side and book all 3 (no lap infant). Bring a stroller and gate check it. Also, you might need more than just a dvd player and coloring book. Whenever I fly with my two kids (they are 4 and 5 years-old now) I buy LOTS of new travel-size toys and activities. The key to happy kids is keeping them occupied. It is also critical that you have something to eat and/or drink for both kids during take off and landing. I would hold off on too much candy since that might give them too much energy. My final piece of advice is to just be ready to tolerate the dirty looks that you'll likely receive from other passengers. It can be pretty stressful trying to keep not only your kids happy, but all of the other passengers too! Most people are pretty understanding, but there are those people who seem to judge your entire worth as a parent on how your children behave on an airplane. Go figure. Good luck!
vhdos Member Joined: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 3,144	__________________ visit Bonanzle.com Last edited by vhdos; Sep 22nd, 2009 at 08:29 AM.

Sep 22nd, 2009, 04:29 PM	#9
TravelBug What R U Lookin' At? Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,955	Wow, you are brave! I can't imagine doing that by myself. I can hardly keep my 2 LOs under control at home, let alone on a plane full of people. And to go through security and such? Is there a way you can ask a friend to help out? Not sure how long a drive it is ... perhaps you and DH can drive in the middle of the night while the LOs are sleeping? You could drive up to 12 hours at a time with little interruption.

Sep 22nd, 2009, 05:40 PM	#10
everything posh Member Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago, Athens, London, San Jose!! Posts: 1,666	I have flown internationally as well as in the U.S and all I can tell you is try to keep them occupied with things to do. Maybe not let them nap at home so they will nap once on the plane as well. I wouldn't worry or stress too much about other people on the flight. Most of them will understand how difficult it is to fly alone with little ones. Keep your daughter by a window seat if possible so that she won't have access to the aisle. A baby carrier for your little one is ideal until you get on the plane. Security should let you go first in line since you are alone and traveling with little ones. People are really nice and i'm sure will offer help as well! Good luck, I'm sure everything will be fine! Is driving with your husband not a possibility?
	__________________

Sep 22nd, 2009, 05:49 PM	#11
bohohobo tamale loco Joined: May 2009 Posts: 337	I've no exp but flown alone with one infant before, but my friend has flown alone with 3 sons 20+ hr flight to Asia before. She's one superwoman I know but her advice was to wrap little presents for good behavior, works like this - after x minutes of good behavior, she'd let her toddlers pick a wrapped present out of a bag. It can be a candybar or an inexpensive toy. If they misbehave she'll stall time for the next drawing. As for you it's 3 hours I think you should be just fine, good luck.
bohohobo tamale loco Joined: May 2009 Posts: 337

Sep 22nd, 2009, 07:20 PM	#13
USCgerl Member Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,196	I did the whole 'no nap before, so he'll nap on the plane'. Did not work for me, and he was extra fussy. It also took longer to get him to sleep. I'm sure it works for some, but not in my case. Good Luck!
USCgerl Member Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,196	__________________

Sep 22nd, 2009, 07:31 PM	#14
Calya Member Joined: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 617	I just want to say good luck! Fingers crossed for you that the baby will sleep and the Dora video will keep the 2 year old entertained for just long enough. Also, I'm sure there will be some helpful people around. My 2 little ones are the same age as yours, and I know for those longer car trips, the videos and a favorite snack really help. Don't forget the juice! (I don't like to give my toddler too much, but it definitely distracts her for a bit)
	__________________ Baking Couture

Sep 22nd, 2009, 09:25 PM	#15
divalicioust Hello Kitty Princess Joined: Jan 2008 Location: South Bay Area, CA Posts: 2,543	At 6 months in July I instructed the director at her daycare to only allow her one nap the day we flew. When I picked her up I kept Kayla up until 10 pm (bed time is 7:30), she got on the plane at 10:40 pm and she was knocked out the entire time, never cried or woke up, we flew 5.5 hours to New York AND when we got there she slept another 5 hours. I will only fly red eye. WE are flying to NY again for Christmas and I'm planning to do the same thing.
	__________________ I LOVE BEING A MOMMY!

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