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The Mouthy Housewives are Kelcey Kintner, Wendi Aarons, Marinka, Kristine, and Tonya Vernooy. Together, they've been neglecting our familes to give y...
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I'm Scared To Fly With My Kid

December 16, 2011 2:00 pm by Mouthy Housewives in
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Dear Mouthy Housewives,

I have to fly with my 15-month-old son next month. I'm terrified. Any advice on how to make it easier? I'm guessing it's not cool to drink while taking care of a baby on a plane.

Signed,

Fear of Flying with Offspring

___________________________

Flying home

Dear Fear of Flying,

It really is stunning to me that not one airline has offered to check babies and toddlers at the gate. It would be so much more civilized. You give them your baby and they give you a claim ticket.  They could run some kind of childcare facility in the underbelly of the plane while parents enjoy some peace and quiet up top. Unfortunately, airlines are too busy charging for headsets to think of this genius opportunity that would clearly put them ahead of the competition.

So you are sadly on your own. If you can afford it, absolutely buy your kid a seat. This enables you to use one of those Sit N Stroll things that transitions from a stroller to a car seat. Once you are on the plane, strap him into the car seat. If you can't afford an extra seat, you'll just have to do your best to keep him on your lap. Once you've reached the cruising altitude, you can walk the aisle endlessly and meet all the new people on the plane. What a wonderful networking opportunity!

I would also advise a bag full of goodies... like lollipops, treats and little toys. But be warned - I once gave my baby two bottles of formula to try to get her to sleep on a flight and she threw up all over the guy next to me. He smelled so bad, I wanted to switch seats.

Also, if possible, don't book a flight during your child's nap time. A well rested baby is always happier than a tired one and there is no guarantee your son will sleep on the plane. Finally, it never hurts to bring a few gifts for the passengers around you. Because if your son screams for two hours straight, passing out some free gum could at least prevent them from swearing at you.

And yes, it's perfectly acceptable to have one cocktail when you are caring for a child on a plane.  In fact, it really should be required.

Happy flying!

Kelcey, TMH

Photo Credit: dougww.

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Milaka
Milaka 11 pts

Go to the Dollar Store or Half Price Books and get books/little toys/treats that he's never seen before. That'll go a long way. And do NOT sweat it. If he acts up, worry only about HIM, not the people around you. With any luck, you'll be seated by people who have raised or are raising kids and know what you're going through. Anyone who would give you dirty looks or even dare speak ill TO you doesn't matter. You'll never see them again in your whole life (unless they are on your return flight - if so, try to get the seat RIGHT NEXT to them!). You'll find many sympathetic people on the plane - some may even engage your kid in a game of peek-a-boo through the seats! (My eight year old always does that with little kids.)

Good luck!!!

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wanderlynnb
wanderlynnb 5 pts

Allow for time for the kiddo to run around the terminal before boarding. Agreed on new toys and/or books, something with lots of things to discover (but no noises!) Got an iPod? Download a gazillion kid apps to give you some options. Bring small finger-food snacks that you can give one at a time to keep him occupied. (But please, spare your fellow passengers and do NOT pack ranch-flavored stuff. Ick.)

You will be busy keeping him busy, but you'll make it! Take help from the flight staff when it's offered, and take comfort in knowing that people do this ALL the time. It's not so bad!

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alligator00
alligator00 7 pts

I always recommend an immediate offer of a free drink to the person(s) sitting next to you. Buys you a LOT of goodwill. :-)

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Conversation from Facebook

It's all about connecting
It's all about connecting

It is tough to travel with kids special that young. I have a toddler and a 9 month old and it was difficult but the worst part was , peole who looked at me strangely when my little one was crying as if I'm the worst mom.

Polish Mama on the Prairie
Polish Mama on the Prairie

I fly with European airlines and they typically are very accomodating to little ones with puzzles, special kids menus, coloring books, etc. I agree with what Karen G. said above and don't stress about pleasing the people around you. Your focus should be on what is at hand, your flight and your child. Also, your kid might be potty trained but this is a highly stressful situation for them so I would suggest pull ups during this. Just in case. Also, bring candies they can enjoy during take off and landing so that their ears can pop and don't hurt. And if they are crying, do your best to make them feel safe and also remember that they don't have the vocabulary to express to you what might be wrong. Often, it's their ears and a fear. I've flown with my kids and have had great experiences. But then, I also remember that I need to be extra patient with them and that others can just chill out. Also, I had my then 3 year old on a kid leash at the airport and even though people stared at us like we were horrible, I make no apologies, it's busy, crowded, dangerous. She was allowed to play and run around a bit but I kept her near me and in my sight at all times. Also, pack light and pack extra clothes for them in your carry on in case they get sick or have an accident. Remember, they are very stressed, more than you. But enjoy this because they will keep this as a memory that shapes them forever. I swear my older daughter has the travel bug bad because now she wants to run an airport when she grows up! Good luck!

Jill Mckenzie
Jill Mckenzie

The first time my son was on a plane he was 6 months old, 94'. No extra seat and we were told to put him on our lap with a seat belt, very dangerous. We found three seats empty together and moved and placed his car/carrier seat in the right position and seat belted him! I have heard they have changed the laws now. I would still be concerned because of some of the security scans and people.

Cristina Gonzalez
Cristina Gonzalez

Lots of snacks. A new lift-the-flap book. Kid headphones and a portable dvd player or tablet. Crayola Color Wonder. Let them run around until the last minute. Don't board early.

Melissa Soucy
Melissa Soucy

Take a Train

hersocialnetwork.com
hersocialnetwork.com

The only peace of mind I had was if they started acting too crazy, I could act crazy and get free babysitting from the air marshal! The truth is, there's really very little you can do when your kids go postal on the plane. A child between the ages 18 months and 3 are hard to reason with. I feel like acting like them on occasion in a long flight! I know a mom was involved in the decision to include alcohol in the inflight beverage service!

Robin O'Neal Smith
Robin O'Neal Smith

Make sure you have water or juice handy for them to drink on takeoff and landing. It helps with the ears when the changes in altitude can cause problems.

Christina Lane
Christina Lane

Ya know unlimited parent attention and a couple new cool little things (like a stack of neon post its) keep them happy

Emily Chapelle
Emily Chapelle

Give Jessie M. some benedryl so she will sleep.

Jessie Matthews
Jessie Matthews

Give them lots of valium .... *lol* J/k! As a non-parent, I dread people taking small children into enclosed spaces where you can't get away from them for hours on end .... sooooo - bring them something to do and keep them under control and, if possible, QUIET!

Karen Cage
Karen Cage

I was an FA for 8 years. Saw it all BUT kids need to fly SO-do it. Prepare. Don't pull out your bag of tricks until there is absolutely nothing else to enteratin your kid with. Let them move around the concourse before depareture. Don't give them junk food and make sure they use the bathroom before you get on the plane. AC bathrooms freak little kids out and never flush while they are in there !!! If it all falls apart-Chill-if you've done your best that is all that is expected. No cocktails for you--people around you may feel the need to drink. :) Good Luck

Pam Brown Margolis
Pam Brown Margolis

Tylenol. Makes em sleep.

Cheryl Lage
Cheryl Lage

We flew with 3 month old twins and then again at 15 months. (Those trips proved easier than later ones!) Here are our trips for making it easier...what works for two, should really work for one! http://www.christian-mommies.com/ages/babies/testi... All the best for a great trip, and happy holidays!