[hopeful_in_Wi]

My mom read an article about traveling with children and told me a few of the tips the author mentioned. Thought it woudl be a nice thread to talk about since so many families are wating for trip #2

-- The author recommended getting seats over the engine. The noise may drive adults crazy but the constant hummmmmmm is apparently very soothing for infants.

-- If no seats over the engine are available, go for bulk overhead. There is lots of extra room there for playing, setting up a bed on the ground, etc. If you're traveling with a younger child, there is even room fora small bassinette (sp?).

-- Bring a change of clothing for you and 2 for your child. Also remember a plastic bag that can seal. If your infant spits up on you or your child wets or throws up on you, you'll need somewhere to store that smelly mess until you get home.

-- Take 1 diaper for each hour you're in the air.

-- No one in first class wants to see your baby. You may be more comfortable up there but everyone will hate you. To avoid unnecessary stress or complaints from business travelers or snobby rich people, suck it up and travel coach class.

So that's what the article basically said, according to mom. Feel free to add in tips/tricks that worked for you or things you've heard passed along the grapevine that were helpful for travelers

[Annabell]

That all sounds like very solid advice. Thanks for posting.

I would add that you should bring along lots of snacks (Cheerios, Goldfish) if adopting a toddler or an older child. The airlines are pretty stingy these days.

[SingleMama2B]

Though I adopted my DD as an older child (8.3 years old coming home), a walk-man with Russian CDs (purchased there) was great. Also, coloring books, a doll or two, etc. I would imagine a few small toys for smaller children, soft music, age appropriate books (not neccesarily for reading, but looking at colorful pictures, etc.), definately snacks, bottles, juice, etc. I would also think.... an extra PERSON.... spouse, family member, good friend, etc. This was not hard for me, with my older daughter, but for a younger child, this way, you could go to the bathroom, stretch your legs, etc.

Blessings....................

[hopeful_in_Wi]

The article also said to buy a seat for your infant if you can at all afford it. It will give you lots of extra space and make a long flight more comfortable.

[LouLouBelle]

I will say the bulkhead seats were a true blessing! Also, 2 outfits for our 21 month old were NOT enough. She got off the plane in a t-shirt, diaper (last one) and blanket. I planned 1 diaper for every two hours...ran out with 5 hours left to go...poor thing thankfully fell asleep those last hours!

[calikismet]

Originally Posted by hopeful_in_Wi

-- No one in first class wants to see your baby. You may be more comfortable up there but everyone will hate you. To avoid unnecessary stress or complaints from business travelers or snobby rich people, suck it up and travel coach class.

I posted about this in another thread on business class versus coach, but I will say that I heartily disagree with this. Of course, common sense applies.. do not let your kid scream non-stop for hours on end, and do everything you can to make the trip comfortable to others. But heck, I pay for those seats just like everyone else up there does, and quite frankly, I do not buy the "no babies except in coach" thing. Not a bit. We flew business class on both adoptions (2nd trips, so we had our kids), and while I tried our best to keep our kiddos quiet, the supreme comfort and transquility of my seatmates was not my FIRST priority. We did get a few rude stares when we showed up in business class with a baby, but, again, we paid to be there just as they did.

So there

Just my 2 cents. As I stated in the other post/ thread, I am VERY sensitive to the plight of my fellow travellers, and even when we fly coach, I do everything in my power to keep my kids quiet and respectful. But I did not do anything in business class that I would not have done in coach.

[angelkisses0102]

Bring at least 1 diaper per hour...probably more...blowouts tend to happen at 35,000 feet. Luckily we didn't experience this, but many have.

Bring lots of extra formula...or food. Just in case you spill it, it gets spit out, or you get stuck for whatever reason.

Save the *cute* outfit for when you are just about to land...and bring at least 2 changes of clothes...for Alex I think I had 3...just in case.

I brought a few baby blankets so I could make a *nest* in the seat for the baby to sleep in.

If you are traveling with toddlers or preschoolers...try to get seats in the back of the plane...near the potty and/or galley. I do this with my kids as I often travel with them myself. It is easier to get them to the potty on time and there is more room to move around. Plus if the flight isn't full, no one to get upset if your child does decide to scream for 8 straight hours. (We had one of those poor babies on our flight back with DD...poor new mom & dad too.)

Get the baby a ticket...the extra room is worth it. It is much cheaper than b-class and a lap ticket and you have more room.

[DoreenG]

have the child drink during take off and landings to help relieve ear pressure.

Sorry, kids are up so must dash...if I think of more (traveled tons with my infant/toddler/preschooled aged twins), I will post.