We will be traveling accross the country soon for the first time with Zachary. The idea of this stresses me out.....just a bit.
I am calling on my Mommy friends for advice on this one.
We are taking a red eye and yes, we do have a seat for Zachary.
He is a VERY active kid!
Do we attempt to bring the car seat on the plane?
(Even though I know he won't want to sit in it!!)
If we don't take it on the plane, so we check it, or gate check it?
Any other travel advice is appreciated!
1- YES. Bring the Seat. If he does well in the car, he will be ok. It's VERY stressful to try and keep them IN the regular seat. We didn't travel without the carseat on the plane until Molly was 2.5.
ReplyDelete2- good call on the red eye. It has been the key for us.
3- get lots of "new" small toys...a magnadoodle, a lift the flap book with LOTS of flaps..there is a great ELMO one out there, and those Little People ones (zoo, school, etc)
4- if he hasn't used them yet, it's a great time to introduce crayons or the Crayola Wonder Markers
5- lots of little snacks...cheerios, fruit loops, anything!
6- Charge the iPad and load up some favorite tv shows. I know without loud sound it's tricky. We used to make Jack wear a hat, and sort of balance the headphones on the hat, because he didn't love them over his ears directly. It worked well enough. Maybe STOP letting him use the iPad at home, so it's a new novelty. Get some new apps on there...
7- Take a 4x6 photo album and fill it with lots of pictures of family members, dogs, etc. Sometimes that is more entertaining than store bought books.
8- be sure to have a favorite blanket, sippy cup available and ready!
9- Those paint with water books, where you just use a paint brush...
10- talk lots of walks in the aisle...
11- when all else fails. Benedryl.
You will NOT need his carseat on the plane....Ask yourself this..Do you really want to carry it plus him and diaper bag and carry-ons? Check his carseat like a suitcase. They wrap it for you and everything. Easy. Bring a few snacks, a movie, and one new toy. Red-eye will be great. He will probably sleep more than you imagine. Have a great time!
ReplyDelete