https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:38:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1676261 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:20:29 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1676261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@swurlygurl: AH! Such fantastic advice!! One questions I have right away (I may have more): Did you use an ergo/carrier at all? That was my plan instead of a stroller, since I wasn't sure how I could push the stroller and my suitcase at the same time. (I'm checking the bag in, but I'll still have to get from my car to the airport, etc.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1676218 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 16:47:49 +0000 swurlygurl 1676218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: @78H2O: I did it! And I even survived! ;)</p> <p>It was... exhausting. You definitely need to be very aware of your child's personality and tailor your approach to that!<br /> If there is only ONE thing L hates, it's being confined/held. She's never been a cuddler, and will NOT sleep on us (it started at like 10 weeks old!). So, a cramped flight with her sitting on my lap for hours on end was obviously going to be rough. </p> <p>#1 best thing I did was to bring NEW snacks. I tried bringing strawberries and grapes too... yeah, I ended up eating those. She doesn't get snack food at home, so goldfish, teddy grams and vanilla wafers were OMGTheBestThingEver.</p> <p>The iPad didn't even hold her attention for longer than 15 minutes because she's not *that* into it paying attention to anything for that long yet, and it's old news. Our neighbor's iPad's earbuds on the other hand, those were fascinating and it was all I could do to keep her from grabbing stranger's stuff. Thankfully (seriously, so thankful), the neighbor was awesome and indulged L by letting her play with the earbuds, and even showing her how they made sound when she held them up to her ear. I think I could have even gotten her to keep them in if I had brought my own!</p> <p>I know that L loves activities that involve taking stuff out and putting them back in - her goldfish and vanilla wafer snacks came in cups with lids, so she probably spent 45 minutes taking them in and out, using the tray to put them on.</p> <p>Baby wipes + hand sanitizer are perfect for sanitizing everything. I wiped down EVERYTHING when we sat down, because obviously she has to touch everything. Definitely think window seat is better than an aisle seat - she moved the window shade up and down for like 20 minutes (Score!) and she can't try to escape into the aisle that way.</p> <p>I only brought a backpack as a carry-on. No time to deal with keeping a bag on my shoulders while bending over to chase L all over the airport, and it wasn't bonking anyone on the head while trying to squeeze through the aisle to sit.</p> <p>All in all, SO much better than I thought. The airport personnel were amazing at all 3 airports, flight attendants were so helpful and nice, TSA took me out of the security line twice to go through a line and machine by myself so I didn't feel rushed with folding the stroller and taking off shoes/taking out liquids. My checked bag was heavy but the desk lady let it slide, flight neighbors were awesome and helped keep L entertained (since anything new is a million times better than her otherwise favorite book!!).</p> <p>If I had to do anything different it would be to not bother bringing ANYTHING she had seen before. New books would have been better, a new small stuffed animal to hold on to, new toys to play with, even something new and random like earbuds! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663463 Wed, 28 May 2014 16:34:13 +0000 78h2o 1663463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@swurlygurl: good luck! I hope it goes well. The last time I flew solo with DD she was 13 months and she screamed during most of the 3.5 hr flight (both there and back). :( Girlfriend did not want to be contained! I am flying with her solo again next month (when she will be 18 months) and I am really hoping it will go better. She has a longer attention span now, so I am hoping I will be able to interest her in books, ipad, etc. I've been trying to get her interested in Curious George, etc. so that she'll want to watch it on the flight (if she won't sleep). Let me know how your trip goes! Good luck!</p> <p>ETA: on both of my flights last time, there were zero empty seats. I think if you get an empty seat next to you, that will make a world of different. I think that's a good possibility given that it's such an early flight. We are taking a late night flight next month, and I am SO hoping to get a row to ourselves. A girl can dream, right?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663273 Wed, 28 May 2014 15:13:55 +0000 swurlygurl 1663273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: @T.H.O.U.: Yeah, I'm thinking (hoping!) no one will be able to hear the iPad on a low volume. Also, hopefully my 6 am flight will be pretty empty? :meh: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663202 Wed, 28 May 2014 14:53:46 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1663202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: Yea its kinda a $25 purchase I kinda regret. Honestly, even with the sound on the iPad (softly), my DH couldn't hear it 2 seats away. Planes are just loud! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663185 Wed, 28 May 2014 14:50:02 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1663185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Good to know. I've been giving my daughter a little more screen time lately so she'll be used to the iPad (she used to not have any at all), and I think we'll be okay without much sound. I'm pretty sure if I even tried headphones at this point, she'd freak out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663154 Wed, 28 May 2014 14:42:32 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1663154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FYI on toddler headphones, they are great that they limit the sound (and fit their little heads) but with all the noise of the plane, they didn't go up loud enough for my daughter to hear them when we were on the plane this week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663104 Wed, 28 May 2014 14:25:37 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1663104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@swurlygurl: Oh no! I'll be thinking happy thoughts for both of you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663099 Wed, 28 May 2014 14:24:04 +0000 swurlygurl 1663099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: It's Friday - extra nervous now because she *just* got a really bad ear infection and sore throat. AWESOME... Lots and lots and lots of snacks in my carry on! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1663088 Wed, 28 May 2014 14:21:27 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1663088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@swurlygurl: How did your flight go?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1649501 Wed, 21 May 2014 13:44:41 +0000 erinpye 1649501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: Yes! My husband ordered them of Amazon, but they are set up so they can't go too loud.</p> <p>@swurlygurl: It's tiring for sure (aren't most things at 6 months prego‽ haha), but hopefully you'll also be pleasantly surprised. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1649365 Wed, 21 May 2014 12:55:59 +0000 swurlygurl 1649365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bringing this back up in case there is any more advice! I'm flying solo with DD next weekend, and she'll be 16 months. Starting to get a little nervous, because while she is SO well behaved, she absolutely hates to be contained or cuddled. We're only flying with one seat, so I'm nervous if there are 3 people in the row. Hopefully no one sits next to me... :bummed: </p> <p>@erinpye: I'm also going to be 6 months pregnant! I hope it doesn't wear me out. Massive amounts of snacks are definitely at the top of my list... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1638138 Thu, 15 May 2014 19:47:26 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1638138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: Ah! I'm getting nervous about flying during bedtime now, but I already bought my ticket, so hopefully it'll work out. Definitely taking back-up distractions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1637121 Thu, 15 May 2014 15:03:52 +0000 Weagle 1637121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've flown solo with LO many times. The only time she didn't sleep (even nurse to sleep) was when we flew at bedtime. I think there was just too much excitement for her to settle. Have backup entertainment! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1637110 Thu, 15 May 2014 15:01:31 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1637110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinpye: Tell me more about these kid headphones! Are they safe for little toddlers? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1628108 Mon, 12 May 2014 07:53:49 +0000 mynoahbear 1628108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't bother buying an extra seat, not for a 3 hour flight. Our rule was, 3 hours or less, we could do without buying an extra seat. I took DD #1 from Seattle to Beijing by myself when she was 15 months. It was a bit hard but very doable. For a three hour flight, even if they only sleep 30 minutes, I think it's pretty easy to keep them occupied with things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1628085 Mon, 12 May 2014 07:43:08 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1628085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinpye: So good to hear that you had a good experience! And great idea about bringing her lovie with me.</p> <p>@Pumuckl: I'll totally check out that link, thanks! And yup, I'm all about the minimum amount of things that I'm taking. Even leaving the stroller behind since my mom and SIL have one, too. </p> <p>@Mamaof2: I plan on nursing her during take off and landing anyway, so that shouldn't be a problem, but I'm glad you mentioned it in case someone else is reading this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1628070 Mon, 12 May 2014 07:32:02 +0000 Mamaof2 1628070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: Just wanted to mention that when I flew with my kids I was NOT allowed to have them in the carrier for take off - you have to hold them in your lap - not sure if the rule has changed but just be aware you may have to take her out </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1627983 Mon, 12 May 2014 04:23:15 +0000 Pumuckl 1627983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've just flown solo with my 13m old a couple of days ago.<br /> The one thing that was key for us was to keep the stuff we were lugging around to a absolute minimum. So I only traveled with ONE backpack and the stroller. Other than that I'd not take the carseat. Worst case scenario you are pacing the aisle with her. Love the tips on this blogpost:<br /> <a href="http://mommyceo.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/sanity-on-a-plane-with-your-babytoddlerpreschooler-dos-and-donts-from-a-frequent-flying-family/" rel="nofollow">http://mommyceo.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/sanity-on-a-plane-with-your-babytoddlerpreschooler-dos-and-donts-from-a-frequent-flying-family/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1627977 Mon, 12 May 2014 04:00:56 +0000 lamariniere 1627977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't buy an extra seat for a 3 hour flight. Hopefully she will sleep, or just be very calm and quiet. Definitely load up on the iphone videos just in case! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1627960 Mon, 12 May 2014 02:03:58 +0000 erinpye 1627960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I flew solo about 6 months ago with my then 18 month old, 6 months pregnant, and she didn't have her own seat. It was surprisingly fine! I brought and checked her carseat, and brought and gate-checked a small stroller. My advice is LOTS of snacks, books, a few toys, a binky if your LO takes one, or something to suck on for pressure during take-off and landing if she doesn't, like a sucker, a tablet for games/ movies if you have one- with kid headphones, and a blankie to snuggle with and help encourage sleep during the flight. My LO slept the entire flight there, but even though I booked the return during her bedtime, she stayed awake on the way back. It was actually totally fine because I brought so much stuff for us to do together, that she stayed calm and engaged. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1627815 Sun, 11 May 2014 20:55:44 +0000 winniebee 1627815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: we have the same issue with the airport being 2.5 hrs away! I usually torture him in the car and hope he sleeps at nap time on the plane. Your kiddo is a little younger so might be better at sleeping on the plane, mine just surprised us by not sleeping at bedtime once (he was 19 mos then). Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1627806 Sun, 11 May 2014 20:49:57 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1627806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: The problem is that her nap times are realllllly hit or miss, and the airport is 2 hours away, so she'll absolutely sleep on the way there. That's why I wanted to leave around noon (get to the airport around 2) and keep her awake until we leave at 8. I need to download some videos for my iphone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1627801 Sun, 11 May 2014 20:47:03 +0000 winniebee 1627801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have flown with my son a few times alone - cross country both times. He was 22 months once and the other time 24 months. He is generally really good on the plane (has flown at least a dozen times between 14-24 mos) and usually sleeps during nap time at least for a short period of time. I would probably not fly at bed time Bc he is hit or miss with sleeping on the plane in my arms. Once with my husband and I he didn't sleep until 10 (bed time is 8) and just last week he didn't sleep allllll day and only fell asleep during the descent of our flight at 8. But I also wouldn't waste the money on a seat until you have to! Can you fly at nap time instead? And bring a fully charged iPad with videos and cartoons! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-solo-with-15-month-old#post-1627787 Sun, 11 May 2014 20:40:47 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 1627787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've flown with my daughter several times, but I've always with my husband. This time, however, it's just the two of us. (He's meeting us at our destination and flying back home with us)</p> <p>I'm planning on taking a flight that takes off just before her bedtime. I'd get to the airport early and let her get out as much energy as possible before the flight so she's basically exhausted and will want to sleep. I'll change her into her jammies before the flight, nurse her as we take off, and pray to God that she'll fall (and stay) asleep. I'm also thinking of just keeping her in the Ergo for the 3-hour flight, since I *hope* she'll sleep. We're both used to the Ergo, and sleeping in it from time to time, so I'm thinking that could be the best option.</p> <p>I'll be visiting my mom, so I won't actually need to take her car seat (she has the exact same one I do, so I'll borrow it while I'm there.) I'm only wondering if I want to shell out the (ridiculous) extra bucks and take her (ridiculously heavy) car seat just in case she doesn't sleep in the Ergo, I could put her in the car seat and hope she'd sleep there.</p> <p>Has anyone been in this position? Good plan? </p>