Flying with a toddler-- what I've learned.

As the summer vacation season approaches, our family will be getting ready for overseas travel with a two-year-old.  This will be her third transatlantic flight and, hopefully, the easiest one so far.  It will also mark a major milestone in her young life-- the first time she will have her very own seat.  Contrary to the online advice I read about purchasing your baby their own ticket,  I found that she did well as a lap child.  In fact, I wonder if she'll even sit in her own seat at all during the flight.  She certainly prefers sitting in our laps or standing in the aisles. 

I've read some more online advice about traveling with toddlers that I wanted to share.  Not to mention, I've seen some really great toddlers on flights and I've sat in front of some really rowdy ones, too.  This is what we've learned:
1.  My baby sling was the most useful tool in flying with a baby/toddler.  I still use it and plan to use it for this trip.  (I use the Dr. Sear's recommended adjustable Baby Balboa Sling.) I feel more secure having her sleep connected to me so that I know she won't fall if we hit turbulence.  This makes it possible for mommy to get some rest, too.  Don't forget the travel neck pillow!
2.  New gifts and small treasures go a long way in entertaining little kids on a flight.  They get the thrill of seeing something new.  I've heard of wrapping them as gifts so that the child can unwrap them. 
3.  Plan some activities for the flight.  Coloring books, sticker books, picture books, small DVD players, finger puppets, play-doh and little dolls are great fun. Set aside some time to sing songs with your child, especially songs with motion or finger plays. 
4.  Visit other children on the plane.  We did this last time and it was delightful!  Several of the other small kids all gathered together and sang little songs, played together and shared toys.  It was like an impromptu play date and made the trip more enjoyable. 
5.  Eat in shifts.  If you are travelling with your spouse or another adult, have them entertain the baby while you eat and then take turns.  This reduces the mess involved with eating in a crowded space with wild toddler hands.  Eat the messiest items on your tray first so they don't have a chance to get all over you.  Save the packaged items on your tray for later snacks. Even the child-size meals are too large for a toddler at one time and chances are they will get hungry as soon as the trays are taken away. 
6.  Drink clear liquids on the flight such as water, club soda, Sprite, etc. that will not stain your clothes. Just say no to the cranberry juice! You WILL get food on yourself.  Yes, the cup on your tray WILL spill. Yes, your toddler will bump your arm as you try to sip that hot coffee. Think about this when packing snacks for the trip, too.  Stay away from snacks that will stain (note: red suckers equal red drool).  Pack one of those Tide stain pens in your bag along with plenty of wipes. 
7.  Take your child for a walk around the plane.  If they are restless, please do not force them to sit down and kick the seat in front of them.  Allow them to walk around and use up some of that energy. (My daughter can usually charm the other passengers into giving her candy as she tries to chat with them. It kills time.)
8.  The same idea should be applied to walking around the airport.  Use up that energy before the flight by letting your kids walk around and wiggle before they have to sit down in a small space.  Some airports even have indoor playgrounds for kids.  For instance, Chicago's O'Hare Airport has a fabulous play area for kiddos that's free of charge.  Take advantage of it! 
9.  Limit sugar and caffeine.  Don't make their restlessness any worse by stuffing them with chocolate and Pepsi.  Water-down their juice and offer snacks without sugar. 
10.  I've heard different advice regarding ear pain from the pressure.  I have suffered from severe "barotrauma" on flights for years.  Have the child drink something, eat something, chew gum, suck on a sucker, and get them to swallow.  Try to have them yawn by having them watch you yawn.  If the child is old enough, show them how to blow through their nose while they shut their mouth (the Vasalva maneauver).  I have tried ear inserts called "Ear Planes" sold at drugstores with mixed results.  They make some in an adult and children's size.  It's worth trying if you anticipate ear pain.  In my experience, I've had to repeatedly try a Vasalva if I couldn't yawn just right to pop my ears.  However, our toddler has never had a problem with ear pain.
11.  Dress in layers.  This goes for mom, dad, baby, and everyone else in your party.  Not only are airplanes usually cold, but if something stains the top layer it is much easier to remove it and still look presentable.  Pack an extra sweater or shawl in the carry-on to throw over a top if needed. 
12. Wear dark patterns that camoflauge spills.  Avoid wearing white at all costs since this will certainly get dirty.  Make your trip easier with wrinkle-free, quick-drying fabrics.

A photo of our daughter sleeping in between us.  On this flight she preferred to lay out on the seats instead of sleep in the sling.