[rosenfeldwest]

I will most likely be traveling alone when the time comes for Ivanna's pickup. She 20 months now and I will definitely get her a seat on the plane but I'm wondering if she needs a car seat on the airplane. Since I'm traveling alone, I'd rather skip this if I can. Also, I'll most likely have a checked suitcase, diaper bag as carry on, stroller which folds easily and has a shoulder strap (will probably check this too) and Ivanna of course. Am I going to be able to manage all this??? Seems like I may need more hands than I've got!

Thanks for any insight. Rita
p.s. I have a sling to carry Ivanna in. If she likes it, it should makes things a bit easier.

[cnshornsby]

I don't know for sure, but I THINK you have to have her in a carseat for take-off/landing if you buy her a seat. She is small enough to be in an infant carrier (most are good for up to 22 lbs.) Any chance you could borrow one from someone?

I've heard alot of people say they took a carseat with them in case there was an empty seat on the plane. Have you thought about NOT buying one and seeing if there is an extra seat for her to sit in since she is under 2?

[Pick Me]

I am a single Mom and have travelled extensively with my almost 3 year old bio daughter.

Here are my suggestions:

(1) no car seat--- you don't need it; ask for a lap belt extender in case your little love does not want to sit in her own seat for take-off and landing (btw, I never bought my daughter a seat until after she was 2);

(2) LOTS of snacks (and juice boxes etc.)

(3) I would recommend a FULL SIZE stroller (much more storage room underneath etc.)---- ask for a gate check for the stroller (this means you can have the stroller even down the gangplank and they "check it" from right by the plane door) this way I was able to put my carry on and laptop hanging on the stroller and pull my wheelie.

(4) stickers, puppets--- small toys that are easy distractions.

(5) a lot of people recommend requesting a bulkhead seat, but I disagree because no seat in front of you to store junk during the plane ride---- I request seats towards the back--- the load engine noise can be lulling and drowns out the occasional screeching

GOOD LUCK--- we have had ONE bad plane trip and about 25 or more problem-free trips!

[waitinginnj]

I brought my daughter home from Russia at 24 months. I did buy a seat for her and couldn't have done the 10 hour trip without it. I didn't bring a car seat. Our pick-up ride brought it for the car. She never would have stayed in a car seat anyway, so I never had regrets.

I did bring a stroller - couldn't have lived without it in the airports, immigration, etc. Gate check the stroller at the last minute and then they will get it for you to get off of the plane. When my daughter wasn't in it, my stuff was.

Snacks and toys are good. My daughter didn't have patience for anything for more than a few minutes. She did like walking the aisle, when we could and she was a wonderful flirt with the three gentleman behind me.

My other recommendation is to bring a fresh shirt for yourself. Change right before the plane prepares for landing. I looked so horrible at arrival - a splash of every drink and food item that my daughter had over the course of 10 hours. I would really have liked to look better in those arrival pictures. A clean shirt would have done it for me.

People are remarkably kind, when they see you need help. I am sure that your flight home will be fine.

And, believe me it is a fun rid to parenthood starting out with an "almost 2 year old".

Best of luck.

[lovelivvy]

Hi Rita,
I would pass on the car seat, and have the extend belt for her if she wants it. I would go with a backpack, rather than a diaperbag-so your arms are free. We used the Eddie Bauer Diaper Backpack, and loved it-we were able to fill it with formula, bottles, toys, diapers, wipes and a change of clotes. You really need the free hands-even with the 3 of us going, it was hard getting that luggage out of the shuttle into the airport. Someone will help you though-that Westin shuttle driver was wonderful!! He even has family in the states!
Anyway, I will be away this week-please pm me when you get your bc and pink-I am so excited for you! Like I always say, I always have that picture in my head of you and Ivanna, and seeing how much she loves you, was so sweet!!!!!!
Take care, and let me know when you are going!!!
Tracy

[JohnnaMJH]

I agree with most everyone who said to bag the carseat and gate check the stroller. That way, as soon as you deplane, you can either put your daughter in the stroller or put your stuff in the stroller and she can walk with you. I also agree that the backpack is a great idea.

I brought home a 3yo last year, also traveling basically alone, although I did have my 10yo son. One toy recommendation that was a HUGE hit was the traveling magnadoodle w/the voice chip in it. My son loved recording stuff on it and it isn't so loud as to be annoying, plus she can write on it too.

Good luck with the trip. Although my son had other adjustment issues, the flight part was a breeze. He seemed to love the adventure of it all.

JohnnaMJH

[csw]

Hi
One thing I might add is that you can still use a sling for a 20 month old...the toddler hip carry...but at that age Ana's legs were sooooo long that it was hard..I found it much better for airports to carry her in the baby back pack..and..you can bring it right up to the door of the plane then you leave it there and they do something with it and its waiting there for you after you get off the plane...to get the toddler in and out of it I extend the metal frame so it stands up and use a table or chair to put it on then get the baby in or out..it takes a little practice..

I thought under 2 they could be on your lap but if you purchased them a seat they had to be in a car seat?
We went to Florida when Ana was 19 months old and she had her own seat and they even checked to make sure it was FAA approved and everything..maybe international is different than domestic though..

Have a great trip..

[KellyMigoya]

You will be fine. I took my 4 year old, 5 year old and 9 month Princess Mia to Maui by myslef in February and was just fine. You will be surprised at all you can do and carry!!