We're flying to Seattle soon to visit Casey's brother and family. Do you have any tips for flying with a 1 year old?
Here are some tips I've been given so far:
1. Umbrella stroller for airport, gatecheck
2. Check carseat with baggage as a personal assistance device
3. Food/drink for take off and landing (ear pressure)
4. Some things to entertain him on the plane
Have any of you dealt with little ones and time change? We plan to try to stick as close to his current schedule as realistic (in bed between 6-7 Seattle time, 9-10 our time).
I'm a nervous wreck, any advice or tips are appreciated. I'm not a very well traveled person and travelling by plane has always made me tense.
Re: Tips for flying with a 1 year old? Time change factor.
We only did a 1 hour time change when we took Logan to Mexico, but he seemed to adjust pretty quickly. I know for me as an adult the best thing for me is to stick as close to my current schedule as possible. It makes for early nights, but you have more time in the mornings for sure.
Bring more than you think you'll need in case of a delay. Tim packs SO much in the diaper bag it's actually pretty amusing. But having more than not enough is key.
We haven't done a time change trip yet, but it sounds like you've got it covered! Ditto Sarah in bringing some extras in the event of a time delay. I traveled with Mason when he was 11 months old, and as our plane was backing out, it got stuck on a patch of ice for two hours - so a 2 hours on a plane turned into 4 hours on a plane. Everything worked out fine, but I was glad that I was prepared!
Otherwise, I would just think of things that will help to keep you relaxed! Try not to worry and stress too much!
Ditto packing extras. Make sure your carryon is easily accessible. I usually do a backpack so I can stow it under the seat and have a roller suitcase in overhead with stuff we won't need on the plane.
something else to remember...I always bring a thermometer and Meds (acetaminophen or ibuprofin) Maybe its common knowledge but was something I didnt think of at first and almost didnt pack. i was glad i did! Dd came down with a random fever on our first trip with her (10 months). It was on the way home when we were at the airport. I know airports have adult meds but not sure if they really have kid stuff. And the airport we flew out of is tiny with practically nothing. So I was glad to have something to give her.
On dd's first flight I bought a couple new things that she saw for the first time on the plane so they would be new and exciting. I got this one board book with little "mirrors" and a board book with all those touch and feel things and I remember how much she loved those that trip!
-Abbey
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the replies.
Fingers are crossed that this isn't the nightmare I'm dreading it to be.
We went to San Diego at 11 months and it was great! She was asleep by 5:30-6 every night.....but up around 6:30-7 every day! We kept the same schedule bc it was easier to come back to.
we fly in the morning and wake her up early! Keep him awake until you are on the plane for takeoff. We've had B awake from 5am until takeoff at 8am then she sleeps the whole flight!