Flying with a 20 month old.... should I do it??

@kemak28 (724)
United States
January 23, 2013 1:52pm CST
So my parents are in Florida for the winter and I am a stay at home Mom and would really love to take my daughter down to Florida to visit for a week. My husband probably wouldn't be able to take the time off of work so it would just be her and I. I'm really nervous about flying alone with her. She's at the age where she doesn't want me to hold her and doesn't want to hold my hand and stay by me. It makes me terrified thinking about having to get through security, etc... and taking her on the airplane. Does anyone have much experience with this? My question is what do you do about the carseat? My husband could drop us off but then do I take the carseat on the plane with us or do I check it in? Or can you rent a car seat from the car rental at the arriving airport even though my parents are picking us up? Seems so confusing to me!
1 person likes this
8 responses
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
23 Jan 13
Why not? I Always travelled with my kids from a very early age on. You have to ask the company what is allowed. Mostly you have to keep the little kids on your lap (you don't pay for a seat). You can also pay for a seat and need an extra seat (some flight companies have one, others allow you to use your own (car) seat). If you travel with children you are mostly allowed to get in the plane first (before the other passengers) and they will surely give you a hand if you ask for it. Just inform at the flight company you intend to use what is possible and what is most easy for you.
@kemak28 (724)
• United States
23 Jan 13
Thanks for the tips. My main concern is how do I keep her on my lap? She doesn't hold still often.
@kemak28 (724)
• United States
23 Jan 13
Thanks for the tips. My main concern is how do I get her to stay on my lap? She's not one for holding still.
• United States
24 Jan 13
If you take your car seat, you'll have to check it in at the gate if you don't plan to use it on the plane. Call the airlines in advance to double check their policy on this. Pack activities for her and her favorite snacks. Hopefully, it's not a long flight and she won't get bored quickly. If possible, set the flight up for when it's her nap time, that could help as well. Good luck and don't stress
@kemak28 (724)
• United States
24 Jan 13
Thank you! I'm looking into flights now.
@youless (112146)
• Guangzhou, China
24 Jan 13
I think it is alright for a 20 months old child to take the plane. As you know, even if a baby can take the plane. I brought my son to the plane when he was very little. It spent about an hour in the plane arriving to the destination. It was OK. Since I tried to speak and play with my son when we were in the plane so that he would behave well Or you can prepare some snacks for your child and she will behave well when she is eating something
@artemeis (4194)
• China
24 Jan 13
Traveling with a baby is one of the most challenging experience and especially so since you are traveling alone with your baby daughter. Whether your experience is going to be an unforgettably enjoyable or the other way round will depend on how much you put into your trip's preparation. So here are a few considerations you can think about. Timing If you can try to arrange your flight timings to coincide with your baby's feeding and sleeping time. One of the reasons for doing it is that the toddler will be able to overcome stressful situations when the plane reaches high altitude where feeding can alleviate painful ear pressures. However, if that's not possible due to low budget airlines' schedules than have pacifiers, feeding bottles of favorite juices and toys ready. Otherwise, establish a routine close to the traveling time so that she will not be stressed by the timings of the flight. Also, do take time zone difference (if any) of your destination to enable her to settle down at the new place. Toys One of the toughest part is about bringing toys on board and so you will need to let them adapt to toys that you can bring on board before the trip. If you can stitch or attach a string to it and to your wrists so you need not fumble with your seat belt and get out of your seat to pick up the toys when are dropped or thrown. Requests for Arrangements It is important to inform your airlines during reservations that you are traveling with a toddler so that they can offer you applicable requests like seating arrangements, diapers and baby food. Please note that different airlines have different policies and arrangements so do ask the service agent when you make your reservations. It is during this time where you can actually seek information regarding the car seat you intend to bring on board. However, you will need to make sure that the car seat is compliant to airline's cabin specifications and requirements. Although most fare paying airlines provide baby food, you may need to bring your own in your carry on because the brand or type they carry may not be what your baby like. Also, the airlines certainly do not provide your toddler's favorite snacks. Additional tips Pack doctor-recommended pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or Mylicon drops for gas. If she is a fussy client, then please pack her blankets and pillows for the flight. Pack finger foods like bananas, apples, and pears (but keep in mind that some international destinations ban nonpackaged fruits and snacks so remember to discard them at arrival before customs), cereal ("o" cereals are a favorite), and miniature rice cakes. Bring a molded plastic bib for your toddler. It's invaluable for cleaning up ice cream drips and preventing several changes of clothing a day. Stash some medium-size resealable plastic bags in your carrying bag. They're handy for holding messy items like bibs, diapers, soiled suits, and all those treasures collected by your little princess. Wipes - Versatile wipes not only clean baby bottoms but are great for cleaning hands, faces, and even blotting stains and spills. Travel packs come in streamlined dispensers that tuck nicely into bags. Hand Sanitizer - A travel-sized bottle of this no-water-required cleanser is welcome after diaper changes.
• Malaysia
23 Jan 13
I have flown with a son who was 4 months old but I guess they dont move around a lot at 4 months as compared to 20 months. As your daughter is beginning to test her independence, lots of talking and telling her the consequences of not listening to you will be required. Children can be temperamental at times. But on the whole there will be a support system to assist you. Check with the airlines and see if they can provide any form of support.
@kemak28 (724)
• United States
23 Jan 13
Yes she's totally at the age of not holding still and not wanting to be told what to do! :) If she was like 6 months old I would take her no problem.
• United States
23 Jan 13
Its not easy to travel with a child that age but its managable as long as you plan ahead. I took my son from New Orleans to Ohio to visit my sister when he was 18 months. The flight attends were really helpful getting him on and off the plane. Also getting us to the next gate at our lay over. Make sure to pack plenty of thing for her to do on the plane. Like crayons and color books. Magnadoodles are great to take. Also pack things she likes to eat and drink. Good luck and try not to stress to much about it. If you let the airline know ahead of time that you are traveling alone with a small child they are usually really helpful.
@kemak28 (724)
• United States
24 Jan 13
OK. Thank you for the tips! I'm just looking to see if I can find a cheap flight now!
• Philippines
23 Jan 13
Its ok to travel.
• India
24 Jan 13
20 month old?!! hmm.. thats like 4 months less 2 years. I guess the baby is big enough to travel. The safest bet would be asking the airlines agency.