Traveling Alone with a 22 Month Old and a 3 Year Old

You have some great answers here! Your children definitely needs some safety device for the plane, the adult seatbelt will do them no good should anything happen. Check out the CARES 5 pt seatbelt harness system. I purchased one and they are fabulous. I recently found out that you can actually rent them, too, so I would look into that if you think this will only be a one-time thing.

http://travelswithbaby.blogspot.com/2008/11/rent-cares-fo...

Also, it will add to your take-on baggage, but I would consider bringing a change of clothing for all of you. In case there's a potty accident, or vomiting incident. Nothing worse than being unprepared!

I have traveled alone with my daughter (now 21 mo) since she was 3 months old and it is not as scary as you may think. Everyone will be extra nice because you are traveling alone (I find security tends to be nicer if you have your act together). But be prepared that they will cry and distrub everyone else. If you are OK with that, than you'll be fine.

Double stroller would be key. You can take it to the gate and they store it for you.

NO car seats on the plane. If you cannot rent one or borrow one from a friend/family check it (or they will check it plane side with your stroller).

Carry a diaper bag/back pack with the essentials only.

Make sure your bag has wheels!

DVD play is KEY! With new videos .. and favorites.

I have found that security will let you check resonable amounts of milk. I still take thru security up to 4 bottles/sippys of milk (my daughter needs Lactose free which I cannot get in an airport)

No TIE shoes. Slip on only and if you have them in a stroller, do not get them ready at security .. but rather gather up your stuff and wheel them to the gate and then reassemble them.

If possible, pack all jackets and do not wear them. One extra step you don't need at security and bulky on the plane.

Travel the kids in PJs if necessary.

Pack something for yourself to eat!!

I usually wait until everyone has left the plane to deboard. No sense fighting everyone else and my kids when I can walk off 5 mins later free and clear and get my daugher in her stroller and get situated to start my treck to pick-up.

Good luck!

I'd suggest putting the 2 kids in a double stroller (if you have one) and then lengthen the car seat straps so you can wear it on your back like a backpack. Pay the few extra dollars for curbside check-in so you won't be juggling luggage, too.

Take plenty of snacks and try to wait until you get on the plane for begin handing them out. I usually buy a couple of treats for these trips, like fruit snacks or Teddy Grahams. Don't go too wild with the sugar or you'll be stuck with hyper kids :) You won't be allowed to take liquids with you, but the flight attendants will probably be happy to bring extra juice, milk or water to help keep your kids happy.

The DVD player would definitely be worth the hassle. This is one of those times when some extra "screen time" is useful. The other passengers will thank you. Bring headsets, too.

Take the stroller all the way out to the gate and check it planeside. The stroller will probably get banged up, but it will be worth it.

Good luck! We've made the cross-country trek successfully so it can be done!

The first thing is to check tsa.gov for their guidelines on what you are allowed to bring through, how to do it, etc.

A stroller will be key (we took our 2 year old and 3 month old to CA a few years ago), but it has to be x-rayed, so be careful not to load it down with too many things. Our double stroller had NO problems going through screening. You will have to gate check it. So, when you get to the gate, go to the attendants and ask for a gate check so they can stow on the plane during your flight.

DVD players will help, but please be considerate of other people on the plane - a lot of people turn the volume up so kids can hear which can really be irritating to other passengers. Either mute it or use head phones.

Bring 1 bag of toys/activities - cars, flash cards, books, dolls, etc. and another with the diaper changing essentials. I've seen a lot of parents in airports with small carry-on bags for their toddlers with wheels that your 3 year old would likely be able to roll around.

Our kids have been really good travelers. I hope yours are as well.
Good luck.

I have done this a few times.
1- Check your car seats at the door. They are required to check them for FREE.
2- If you don't have a double stroller that is easy to break down and put back up, invest in one now.
3- Pack super light. Remember that you can very likely use someone's washer/dryer where ever you are going. Then pack everything in one bag and CHECK IT.
4- Flip flops. For everyone. They made my 18 month old boy walk through the scanner alone. It was less stressful to be able to just toss them (the kids) in the stroller afterward and slip on the shoes.
5- Carry only a back pack in the airport. Inside should be a few small snacks, diapers, two clean shirts/pants for the kids, and a DVD player. Really. With earphones.
6- Don't be tempted to preboard. This is just extra time to sit.
7- You can check the stroller at the door of the airplane. It will magically reappear at your destination. Also at the door of the airplane.
8- Know that your kids will probably cry. They will complain. They might be annoying. Also know that it will all be over before you know it. Ignore anyone who gives you the stink eye. Smile at everyone.
9- Can someone meet you at the airport? If not, then ask for help at the airport help desk. They will help you. It might just take longer.

My first trip with the kids was more stressful than any of the subsequent ones. Once I knew I could do it, it was easy.

I suggest asking your family has anyone who can lend them a carseat. If not, you can check it in with your luggage.

If you have a double stroller, bring that and put it under the plane. If you don't have one, consider carrying the 22 month old in a carrier. Otherwise, consider buying a backback with a strap that you can keep a hold on for each child so you don't have to carry one and try and hold the hands of the other.

Bring only enough diapers/wipes for the plane trip. Buy the rest when you get there. Bring a backpack with 1 small blanket for each girl (consider buying one that comes with a stuffed animal that you can put the blanket into - you can have the kids carry/hold this. Bring 1 cup apiece (if they are both still using a sippie). If you have a portable DVD player, consider bringing that. Otherwise, bring 2 books, 1 coloring book, 1 pack of crayons and let each child bring 1 toy. If you REALLY need toys to entertain them once you get there, buy them!

When my husband flew out of our Humphrey terminal (the smaller of the two main airports here in MSP/ STP) with our 18 mth old and 4 yr old neice, I was able to obtain a gate pass and accompany them through security and wait with them since you have to be there so early. So, maybe a week or so before your flight, call and see what the possibility of getting a gate pass for a helper would be. Then your husband or a friend can join you and wait until you board. For boarding, I've done it both ways, getting on first and waiting until the very end. If your 3 yr old is helpful and independent, maybe getting on last would be best for you, especially if they get fidgety easy.

I agree with the other posters - buy diapers and wipes when you get there. Bring and gate check your stroller. Rent carseats and other necessary equipment. I have a friend who had good luck 'renting' things from craigslist, it took a number of phone calls and her family had to round the things up before she got there, but seemed to work for her.
One quick add on - even if your 3 yr old is toilet trained, but them in a pull up for the ride. You never know if or when you might have an extended seatbelt light on, and almost always they will have to go during that time! Good luck - and don't forget to ask for help from the flight attendants during the flight, that's what they are there for!

I have travled with my daughter and son alone quite a bit. Once I even flew to Spain with my 3 yr old by myself. Don't worry- you can do this! You do not need to bring any car seats on the plane. The rule is that both have to buckled at take off and landing whether it's on your lap or in their own seat. You can check in a car seat or seats as luggage. OR rent them. I have found a lot of luck renting equipment when I travel- toys, cribs, beds, car seats, etc all can be rented for a small price. Just google baby rentals CA and you'll find resources. As for the plane/airport. If you have a double stroller definitely take that and gate check it. Then carry one backpack with necessities and one lunch box (with food the kids will like). You are allowed to bring food and drinks through security with kids. DVD player is a must and then other small toys. I usually buy something small for each one that is new which will keep them occupied for a while and save something for the ride home too. Definitely have a change of clothes for each too- you never know what will happen. I agree too on buying diapers/wipes when you arrive. Saves on space. Good luck!