WFMW: Toddler on a Plane.

Seriously, they are scarier than Snakes on a Plane any day!! Just ask anyone who has travelled with one (God Forbid more than one!). Here are some things that worked best for us:

1. GoGo Squeez Applesauce on the Go, 3.2-Ounce Pouches– These were a lifesaver for the entire trip because they are a quick and easy snack. Bonus, they don’t have to be refrigerated until they are opened (and AJ never left any to be refrigerated!) And check this out: 
   • 100% fruit and no added sugar
   • All natural with no artificial flavor or preservatives
   • Kosher certified applesauce
                 
     

   So this passes my ‘If you can’t find the ingredients in your own pantry don’t buy it’ rule! They were especially helpful on the plane because we could just open one (great for take-off and landing to help with ear popping) and hand it to her and she would do the rest, sucking the applesauce out like a straw. She LOVES them. A LOT! Well worth the expense for the convenience (and you know me, I don’t like spending extra money!)
   Right now, if you ‘Like’ GoGo Squeez on Facebook you can get a $0.75/1 coupon! They have more than just the applesauce flavor, so go check them out!

2. MAYA WRAP Lightly Padded Baby Ring Sling Carrier – Or any sling you already own. I like this one because it is adjustable, easy to put on, and, if you are still nursing, doubles as a nursing cover. The sling was a lifesaver while running around the airport in order to make connections and then after landing while we organized and collected our bags.
   We also did the crazy thing of only using carry-on luggage for the trip to Florida. Since we had 4 bags to keep track off, having AJ attached to my hip made it so much easier to move around. Obviously, you still have to have an arm around your child to keep them safe, but having them hanging from your shoulder takes a lot of the weight off of your arm and discouraged her from wiggling or trying to slip down out of my arms.
            
3. Picnic Time Zuma Insulated Cooler Backpack – What is great about this thing is that you can put Milk, snacks, GoGo Squeez Applesauce, and whatever else you want to keep chilled in the bottom and then put toys, books, blankets, and a little pillow in the top.
   
   Now you are ready for just about anything while traveling with a toddler! You can’t beat the organization, and it is reusable for family Picnics and other trips.
            
4. Before boarding, WEAR THAT KID OUT! – So this isn’t an item, but a tip and a kind of obvious one at that. You are most likely going to show up at your gate for your first flight early (considering you arrive at the airport 2 hrs early and then manage to zoom through security). If there are two adults, leave one with the bags and the other one can walk up and down the halls of the airport (assuming of course that it isn’t crazy busy). If it is busy, then play a lot in your terminal. Walk them around the gate in circles if you have to. They are getting ready to spend a couple of hours sitting on your lap unable to walk around, get the energy out now. That way when you get them on the plane they pass out like they are going for a car ride. AJ slept through the first flight of both the arriving trip and departing trip. Even though she was decent for the flights she was awake for, nothing compares to out-like-a-light quietness. I also recommend bear-hug holding them while they sleep instead of across your lap.
   When they have their chest against yours you don’t have to worry about your arm falling asleep under their weight and accidently waking them up when you shift to get some relief. If you start to get hot and sweaty just turn up the air conditioning blower and point your partners at you if you have to as well.
                   
5.  Crayola  Mini Twistable Special Effects Crayons and a small pad of paper – How much fun are these? I know you  want them for yourself now. The great thing about these is that you don’t have to worry about the crayons breaking while they are playing. If the tip gets dull or happens to break off just twist up and you have a practically brand new crayon. These will work best if your kid has never played with them before (this also goes for any toys you are bringing along. New toys entertain longer usually).
   Yes, I do realize that they say not for kids under 3, but that is why we watched her like a hawk playing with them. Adult supervision can deter many catastrophes.
                            
6. EXTRA PACIFIERS! Assuming of course that you child uses one. We lost three after Ade-Tude threw them into No Man’s Land and they were eaten by the dust bunnies that live on the planes. What? Of course we had them hooked to her, little brat thinks its fun to wiggle them out and chuck them as far as possible as fast as possible. Yes, my daughter is awesome, thank you. Slip one into every nook and cranny you can find and bring disinfecting wipes for the ones that you are able to rescue before they are gone for good. We really like these: The First Year’s Pacifier Wipes because they seem like they would taste a lot better than some of the others we have tried. Really, as long as they are made for pacifiers and are safe to put in your mouth they are fine. These are also great for wiping down toys.

What are some of your tips for surviving air travel with your toddler? Those of you with multiple children, what are some ways to keep them all happy?

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