How to Travel with a Toddler

No one wants to be sitting near a toddler on a plane: They whine, they cry, they kick your seat, they spill their drinks. But if that toddler is yours, sitting next to him is part of the deal. There's no way around it: Traveling with a toddler is not easy. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you and your child still have a fun trip:

1. Make it an adventure: Many toddlers are fascinated by airplanes and will be excited at the prospect of riding in one. A week or two before the trip, begin talking to your child about the fun plane ride coming up, as well as some of the mundane aspects of air travel such as security, which your child will probably find fun as well.
   
   
2. Know your airline: Visit your airline's web site and look for information about traveling with children, as well as baggage requirements. Some airlines have different rules about advance boarding, checking strollers, items that are not included in your baggage allotment, and other child-related concerns.
   
   
3. Review the rules: The Transportation Safety Administration has information about items that can be carried on, information on carry-on items for children, and details on what to expect from security personnel when traveling with children. For example, juice, milk, formula, and breast milk are not subject to the three-ounce limit, but you must present them to security personnel to be checked-so make sure those sippy cups aren't buried too deep in your bag.
   
   
4. Check the car seat: Dragging a car seat through the airport is a tremendous hassle, especially when you're managing kids at the same time. If you need to bring a car seat, check it with your baggage. The regular seat belt is fine for most toddlers, and your child will feel like a "big kid" sitting in the plane seat. Bonus: Without the car seat, your child won't be able to reach the seat in front of him to kick it.
   
   
5. Borrow or rent: If you're staying with friends or family at your destination, ask your hosts ahead of time if they can borrow a car seat, portable crib, booster seat, or any other child equipment from a friend. If not, this web site provides a directory of companies that rent this equipment. The prices are usually quite reasonable, and most companies will bring the items to you. Also, if you are renting a car, you can usually rent a car seat for about $20 a day extra.
   
   
6. Pack snacks: Even if the airline serves snacks and/or meals, bring some food that you know your toddler likes. Beware of candy and other sugar-laden foods though-they may keep your child happy for a few minutes, but you'll have to deal with the sugar rush later.
   
   
7. Keep everyone dry: If your child is still in diapers, ask a flight attendant about changing facilities. Some airplane bathrooms have a fold-out changing table, but your plane may have another arrangement-it's best to know before the inevitable diaper emergency occurs. Also, bring more diapers than you think you need, and an extra set of clothes in case of diaper leakage or accidents on the part of potty-trained children.
   
   
8. Bring an old toy and some new toys: If your child has a favorite doll or other "lovie," bring it on the plane so your child is at ease. While you're waiting in line at security, be sure to remind the child that lovie will need to "take a ride" through the x-ray machine. Also, purchase a few new toys (depending on the length of the flight), and surprise your child with them throughout the plane ride. And don't forget to save some surprises for the return flight.
   
   
9. Talk to the crew. Flight attendants have a wealth of information on traveling with kids and may have some valuable tips for you.

Once you've landed, make a beeline for the nearest potty or diaper changing station to take care of business-and commiserate with the other travelers with young children. Maybe they'll have some tips for your trip home...