Flying with 2 small children by myself?

Question

I will soon be flying (about a 6hr flight) with my 4yr old and my 8 month old. If my 4yr old has to go to the bathroom (he some times needs help in unfamiliar or scary places) will the flight attendant keep an eye on the baby for me or Do I have to try to fit all three of us in those little tiny bathrooms? I hat leaving my baby with anyone I don't know but I also need to be able to help my son if he needs it. I will obviously avoid it all together by not giving him much to drink but you can't always predict or prevent it.

Answer 1

hats off to you, flying alone with 2 small kids but yeh the stewardess should lend you a hand and if she doesnt you should complain thats  what shes there for as well

Answer 2

I fly a lot and have not noticed flight attendants helping out in that manner.  But, if you are friendly with them, they tend to be more helpful...  Especially if it's an 8 month old and it's sleeping.  I wish you well.  Just remember, the flight Will be over soon.

Answer 3

You don't mention what airlines you are traveling on but they all have stewards/stewardesses that will help you out when the "time" arises.  I wouldn't limit your sons drinking though because people tend to dehydrate on plane rides as it is- and you're talking a 2 hour before - 6 hour trip- and probably another  1 or 2 to get out of the airport to your destination.  You don't want your son to be sick when you get to your destination.  I would suggest when you are checking in at the airport, to voice your concerns to the airlines - they should even be able to give you seats that are easier accessible to bathrooms and will have a heads up of your needs before the flight takes off........

Answer 4

The flight attendants cannot help you out as much as they might like because they are always subject to be called by another passenger.  

If the baby is sleeping, however, I am sure they would keep an eye on the seat for a few moments and come get you if anything arises.  If the baby was awake I would probably bring the baby with unless the FA said was ok in advance.

Answer 5

Flying with kids isn't as bad as it seems, but you should be well preparred for the trip.

First, the flight attendants may or may not monitor your baby for you. It is somewhat of a liability, and some airlines may prohibit them from doing so; but not all. It would be best to ask before take-off.

Second, do not restrict drinking while flying. The airplane is a very dry environement, and one can lose a lot of fluid by just breathing. This is especially true for children. The cost of this is potty trips, however. Make sure he gets plenty of water or juice, and avoid any caffenated drinks.

Make sure he goes potty before being buckled in for take off, and frequently while flying. Once the seatbelt lights come on, either for turbulence or approach, he absolutely can not get out of his seat. Pull-Ups or a diaper may be useful here, just in case. (some kids are good at holding it for a while, but others sometimes go pretty easily).

I wouldn't let him go to the potty by himself, either. Airplane toilets are pretty gross, and he will at least need some supervision while there. Handwashing is even more important here, too. The good news in all this you may be able to hold the door open and let him do what he has to with you just supervising. This may negate the need to all squeze in! You may also want to inquire about having seats near the toilets. By standing outside, you can keep an eye on both kids at the same with less to worry about.

All this, and the potty is the least of the worries. Be sure to bring some toys, books, etc. Six hours can seem forever to a bored 4 year-old, and twice-forever to the poor parent travelling alone with a bored 4 year-old.

* Air inside the plane is actually pumped in from the outside (called "bleed air" from the engines). It is very dry, as I said; but the problem comes from us as we exhale. As we breath out moist air, and then breath in dry air, we lose a considerable amount of water. This needs to be replaced. The potty is a better choice, even if inconvenient.