Help! Traveling alone with 4 year old and 1 year old?

Question

I'm actually bringing the carseat onboard for my baby. It's safer, and he is much more comfortable and easier to control when he's in his carseat instead of my lap.

Answer 1

I'm sure you can check in the carseat with your suitcase. I believe the limit is one per person and since your daughter has her own seat, checking in one more item should be fine.

4-year olds tend to get distracted easily so bringing several things for her would probably be best. If you have a portable DVD player, that might be perfect- just pop in a movie. If not, bring small toys, coloring book and a small box of crayons. If you bring your daughter to Wal-Mart or Target and let her pick out a few small things on her own, but make her wait until you are on the plane to play with them- they should hold her attention longer because she'll be so excited to play with them.

For your one year old, all I can think of are small toys for teething or a favorite stuffed animal. He'll probably be entertained by watching your 4-year old also.

Answer 2

You are allowed to bring the carseat on the airplane if you buy a separate ticket for him.  The stroller will have to be checked and the carseat may have to be checked too if it is too big.  Call the airline and ask about their specific policy.

Answer 3

To keep the kids entertained you could bring coloring books, story books, maybe even get a hand held game for your 4 years old. About the carseat i'm not to sure. Look it up on the web, and if you cant find it there just call the airline. Dont stress to much i'm sure it will be alot easier that it seems in your head. Take one thing at a time and you'll be fine. Good luck!

Answer 4

I always buy my daughter toys/books from the dollar store.  It was suggested to me that a new toy for every half an hour or so as they tend to become bored easily.  Plus from the dollar store you dont care if you lose them or they get broke.

I have recently taken a portable DVD player along.  I will buy a new video or movie.  Since she had not seen it before she will actually sit and watch it.  

Good Luck.

Answer 5

I work for a airline and have a 18 months old that travel with all the time here are my tricks. for a stroller I would go and get a sit and stand stroller they are great because if your 4 year old can seat or stand on the back and your baby in the front, that way if you have a tight connection you will not miss your flight because you were not fast enough they fold up really small to. the car seat you can just check it most airline do not charge for a car seat, and I always bring are portable DVD player it is the biggest life saver of all (trust me I know). good luck and have fun!

Answer 6

You can check the car seat with your luggage.  Make sure to have things to color with and a coloring book.  You can get a little handheld game for your daughter to help take up time too.  If you have a portable DVD player, Bring that with a few kids movies, that will work wonders.  You will be fine, have fun.