Tips for Flying with a Toddler

I have a few trips coming up and 2 of them being with my toddler. Short distances, no more than 5 hours. I have an almost 3 year old, happy-go-lucky, energetic toddler boy. What are the best tips to flying alone with a toddler? Dos and don't, what should I make sure to pack etc

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My son (now2.5) and I travel a lot alone together… been to 3 countries and 5 states …some by plane and car … my son is an excellent traveler but we’ve had a couple of trying times,in those moments my saving grace has always been the iPad… specifically for his music… music is his instant calm button… and when that stops working, his favorite treats … I’d suggest getting the closest seat to first class if not first class… the reasoning is… you gotta carry your child his carry on things and your carry things through that small aisle… so the least toes you can go the better. If you can get away with not bringing a car seat don’t ! Because that’s another thing you have to lug as a carry on ( and flight attendants don’t help unless they want to) bring the stroller to the gate and get it checked at the gate. Bring a stroller that’s light weight and is easy to close down with one hand , try totake a flight when you know it’s nap time for him or at night … bathroom is a nightmare on the plane!

So change or go right before boarding … the bigger challenge is when you personally have to go pee and have to take your toddler with you… what I do is try to hold it till he falls asleep when I know he’s in a deep sleep I call for the attendant and ask if she could sit with him while I pee. I usually sit within the first 3 rows so I’m close to the bathroom, so I’ll make sure it’s free , call the attendant and be as fast as possible .for the most part most of the attendants were happy to sit in my seat till I came back except for one lady who was a little stand offish about it , but she reluctantly agreed and I was quick… and if you can get away with not bringing a stroller or a car seat don’t bring girl and ask for wheelchair service hold your baby in your lap and relax … and even if you have that stuff if you need the help go to the disabled desk and ask for the assistance. They are required to help you free of charge , and they do not need to know your disability.

I have flown internationally many times with my baby since she was 8 months old, recently 2 years old for her birthday. I would say get the last seat on the plane!!!!! I always ask for it and its always available! If you need the bathroom it’s literally right there, if they need to get up and walk they have all the space where the flight attendants sit and they never mind kids playing there( obviously if no seat belt sign is on) i dont feel like im bothering anyone and no one can see me!!! Try to fly at night!! Being a snack box and toys that stick to the window they love those, i dont give my baby electronics but if you do have it fully charged with some headphones. And just keep calm and remember its only a few hours not eternal they are kids!! Best of luck 🤞

Thank you so much ladies, I will take note of all of this!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

in our community

Is this clever or cruel?

My husband and i were talking and with social media and the internet in general being a terrifying dumpster fire, we are trying to figure out the best way to keep our son safe while still teaching him how to safely be online and moderation.

We landed on the idea of giving him the 90's kid treatment. A computer in the living room for us to keep an eye on what hes doing online, and once we feel hes mature enough to hang with friends without adult supervision he gets a flip phone. When we feel he is responsible enough and he earns and saves up the money for the physical phone, case, and screen cover, then we will be happy to take him to get a smart phone.

I thought this was air tight, but now my brother says its cruel to give a kid a flip phone, and besides he can just use his friends phones at school.

My husband and i remember a time before the internet, and we remember having complete access to something no one understood yet. We saw unspeakable things and are always battling with the urge to put the phone and social media down. I dont want that for my son, especially with his brain so vulnerable still.

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And you and that parent didn't get along are you still go to the funeral?

Not my situation!

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Has anyone else been told it won’t start until May?

The government site states it should start from April 1st, and so I intentionally set my nursery start and return to work as the start of April for that reason, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to afford the nursery on my sole income without the funding

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Anyone work for the NHS and does 12 hour shifts? How do you work around childcare and your partners job?

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