Lessons learned flying with a 1.5 year old

Happy 2017!  While one would assume this post would be about reflecting on 2016 and looking at goals for 2017, I thought I would post something more useful.  Useful, like the lessons I learned while flying recently with my lil nugget to Daytona Beach.

There is nothing better than an ice cream sandwich for lunch on the beach

Now lets remember one thing, this is my advice if you have a 1.5 year old that doesn't just sit in your lap content, like a precious angel child.  If you have one of those, congrats, and scroll on.

1.) My first piece of advice......just bring the car seat.  Strap them in the damn car seat.  I think lap child legit goes away at 1 year old.  My son hasn't wanted to snuggle with me since he was 8 months old.  You can only imagine how enjoyable it was for him to have to be contained on my lap for over 2 hours.  Pure. Joy.  There is something about a car seat that children instantly know to sit down and shut up.  It has a magic power.  I encourage you to take that power with you.

2.) Do NOT assume that if you have a late flight your precious angel will sleep the whole trip.  Wyatt is an early to bed type of kid.  By 7:30pm he tells you night night and is ready for bed.  We thought that with an 8:40pm flight this would be perfect!  Try again.  There is this thing called overly tired.  It does exist.  Huge bags under his eyes and all, he fought to stay awake the WHOLE flight because, well we would hate to miss something.

3.) Have 5 million different things to distract their short attention span to help keep your sanity and anxiety of them just screaming at the top of their lungs because they just want to run the aisle.  Toys, puzzles, books, coloring pads, and stickers were all attention keepers for us.  My kid has no interest in TV or an ipad.  NONE.  I find it to be a blessing and a curse all at the same time. While I love that he would rather play outside then listen to that god awful hot dog song from mickey mouse club house, this is an instance I wish I could capture his attention with a show for a solid couple of hours.  If your kids likes shows.....take a phone or ipad.  It will save you.

4.) Snacks!  If all else fails, you can buy some time with food.  All kids love food. Have a variety of snacks and that should get you.....15 minutes.  Ha!  For real though, snacks and a bottle of water because just the idea of getting to drink from a bottle of water is the greatest thing to a 1.5 year old.  I don't suggest drinking after them because there will be a million floaties from goldfish in there.

5.) Get an umbrella stroller.  Who wants to carry around a 50lb stroller through an airport when your kid decides he doesn't want to ride in it anymore.  We own a Bob stroller and love it, but it is not travel worthy.  It is heavy and can go rock climbing if you know what I mean.  With the helpful advice from my cousin who is a nanny and has had tons of experience traveling with little ones we got a Maclaren Volvo stroller.  It was worth every penny!  It weighs a whopping 8lbs, has a back pocket and basket, and is a smooth ride!  I highly recommend one!

They must be comfy too!

With all that being said, we ended up having a fabulous trip!  It only took one day to recoup from the late night flight and travel.  By day 3 he was good to go and happy as can be....just in time to enjoy a couple days and head home.  Ha!!

This was the flight home.  He had a cold so I gave him dimetapp, which also makes him drowsy.  I would suggest that as a flying tip but that would be taboo right?

I hope you have a great start to the new year!  If you have other flying tips with toddlers please share them!!  

Enjoy!