[minibus]

We will be traveling with our 20 month old and 3 month old as soon as we get ICPC clearance. Anyone have any tips for this? The older one is quite active and the younger quite fussy. The doctor we saw today recommended Benedryl, but I didn't like him or his opinions very much.

I will also cross post in international, as I know that many bring toddlers home internationally. Thanks in advance!!

[Celesyee]

Congrats again Michelle! I just traveled to the mainland with Devin, who was 3-1/2 months at the time, by myself and was REALLY nervous. Prior to leaving home and the maindland for the airport, I woke Devin up extra early, played and played and tired him out. At the airport we played and when we boarded the plane I fed him an extra big bottle so that he would be asleep by the time we took off (he is not a pacifier baby). I brought soft books and a couple of toys for him to play with during the plane. This worked beautifully for him...although he is typically a happy baby.

As for the toddler...my friend who travels frequently with a 5y/o and 20m/o brings a portable DVD and videos for them to watch, those fancy coloring books and paper with special markers that only draw on the coloring books and papers.

I recommend gate checking your car seat and stroller so that you don't have to trek both kids through the airport. When you go through security you'll have to take the kids out of them and place on the conveyor belt (car seat goes on upside down). Some security will and some won't let you wear a baby carrier through. I brought empty bottles with me and then bought bottled waters at the airport...my friend has had some security question her on the water [to be mixed with formula] for the babies. I was even questioned on the formula!!! And speaking of formula, you may want to bring EXTRA formula, bibs, and other essentials just in case of plane delays.

Also, I recommend changing their diapers prior to boarding...on the way to the mainland, the plane had a tiny changing table and Devin barely fit on it. On the way home, the plane didn't even have a changing table!

Good Luck! Let me know when you come home for a visit...our boys are about the same age and size.

Warmest Aloha,
Celina

[Stormster]

Hi Mini

We fly with DS a lot ....pretty long distances too. I am gearing up for our second trip overseas on Wed. (overnight flight on the way there). Last time the night flight went great. The way back which is longer and during the day NOT SO MUCH.

Anyway, here are my suggestions (all hard earned). Sorry if any are obvious!

1. Garbage and what to do with dirty things for the little one is a royal pain. Make sure you have lots of plastic garbage bags (with the little handles preferably) and hook them over the seat backs in front of you. One for dirty burp clothes, pacifiers, bottles and the other for garbage. When they fill up give the garbage to the flight attendant and hang new bag and at the end of the flight you just pop the other bag in your diaper bag to bring home and wash. If you get the front of cabin seats you can just put them on the floor.

2. I use a little break away bag that holds 4 diapers and a wipe case. Don't try and schlep the baby and the diaper bag around the plain to take him to the bathroom and change him.

3. My sister taught me this one...take literally 3 times what you think you need in terms of diapers and formula/food. The way we do that is we don't have any carry on except 2 "diaper bags" one is a backup bag with extras and one is the one with everything else (and diapers and formula/clean bottles). You don't know how long the delays will be.

4. Footed PJ's are good so you don't run around looking for socks -- the cabins get so cold as you know.

5. Try and time bottles for take off and landing so the sucking will equalize ears.

6. Are you using mixed formula? Let me know.

When are you leaving? It's never fun but sometimes a little better than you expect. If I think of anything else I'll let you know. It isn't too bad with a 3 month old since they stay put! I wish I had advice about the toddler. I'm not there yet. E needs to crawl all the time I have no idea what we're going to do! He gets very upset if he can't crawl! So I would appreciate any advice on that!

[Cjmeck]

Will you be driving or flying? My first thought when I read the header about traveling with 2 young babies was "On purpose?!?!" but I see you have no choice, lol! I think your biggest challenge will be the 20mo, obviously. I would bring a portable DVD player (20-30 min cartoons would be perfect), lots of little snacks, crayola has a mess-free "finger-paint" that would be perfect for that age. You'll have to make very frequent stops if you're driving. At least every 2 hours. Take a ball in the car so you can play with it/chase it at rest stops. Those are some of the tricks we used with my son (who was a crazy man at that age) to survive road trips with him. Goodluck! Remember; it will only feel like an eternity

[finallyamom0310]

I agree totally with the DVD player. We recently travled in a car for 6 hours and it was our life saver. I have also sought this type of advice from family members as we are hoping for another trip soon and DD is now 16 months old. Too young for gum with the ears and too old for the bottle or paci so try to bring something for the toddler to drink and suck on while taking off and landing. Good luck on your trip.

Storm, good luck on yours too.

[srhbj]

When my daughter was young, we use to travel frequently by car to visit her grandparents in Florida. The trip use to take us about 21 hours. We found the easiest way to travel with her (she was about 15 months old when we started taking visits) was to leave in the evening so that she would sleep most of the night. By the time she would awake in the morning, we would be close to our destination. Then we only had to stop every couple of hours as another poster said for only 8 hours of the trip. It worked out pretty well, and kept her from being fussy. Although, we were pretty tired by the time we would get there........then grandma got to have her while we slept. LOL

[startedover]

I just got back from traveling with an almost 19 month old. DVD player for sure but what worked best was having her favorite stuffed animal and snack. then I had a goodie basket. Toys she has never seen. The greatest was an aqua doodle board that closes and only uses a water pen. NO MESS. with the 3 month old I would try and keep them awake as long as possible and maybe they will sleep then. Good luck