PolkMoms.com

This article offers insight into traveling with your baby or toddler, including, Booking Seats, What to Pack, When to Board, Car Seats vs Lap, When Nature Calls, and Dealing with Others.

What has helped ease your own travels with children?

i am very experianced with traveling with a newborn and toddler. any questions ask me. i fly a lot as all my family lives out of state.
my mom has a car seat so if i fly there i never bring a car seat. i know if you rent a car you can also rent a car seat from most rental places. i don't know if all airlines are the same. i always fly southwest. if the child is under 2 they can sit on your lap for free. she seemed more comfortable sitting on my lap at that age. and most of the flights i take are not full so we almost always have 1 extra seat to sit things on. a bottle or a snake is a good taking off and landing helper with the swallowing it helps there ears to pop and not cause a lot of discomfort. the trouble with taking a car seat is they have to be certifide for airplane use. now that she is over 2 we have to buy her a seat and she will sit there for a while with her seat belt on. then as long as the fasten seatbelt sign is off i let her stand in front of her seat. if you can try to book nonstop. one up and down is enough for anychild.
i have never done this but if you are traveling alone and you have to use the bathroom most flight attendants will hold your child while you go. i have also seen them take a fussy child and walk up and down the plain with them. flight attendants are sooo helpful don't be afraid to ask them anything.
i hope i'm not making this too long. but i hope someone will find something usefull.
when boarding a plane southwest used to have children pre board they do NOT do this anymore. you can board after the A seating. well i like to board early to get everything settled. so if you can print your boarding pass off 24 hours before you fly to try and get A seating. i think it makes things easier.
since i'm making this long i will also mention what i pack to help with the flight.
i love dvd players we cannot fly without one. i always pack an extra outfit in my caryon. you never know when your little one will have a leak or spill. snacks. grapes are a good snack/ teddy grams. diffrent things to pick from. you cannot bring liquids thru security unless it's formula or a small sippy cup. don't be afraid to ask a flight attendant for a drink.
i think i will leave it there for now. if anyone has a question ask i'll help if i can.

PORTABLE DVD PLAYER!