OK we have to fly to san antonio to see my grandpa.... our first flight leaves at 2pm and we connect somewhere... anyway we are not arriving until like 10:30pm.

So we're going to be like 10 hours in an airport, or in a plane. Praying there are no delays, because we are taking the babies with us.

Any tips for flying with a toddler?? We can't afford seats so... we are flying with them on our laps. We are not worried about our baby guy, he just sleeps and eats and stuff, but katherine is a whole other story... she gets frustrated having to sit still for long periods... advice welcome

Are you sure she can sit on your lap? As soon as our son turned 2 there was no option but to pay full fare for him on any of the airlines we looked into. I sure hope you can do so and not have to pay fora seat.

Back to your question...lots of healthy snacks and a variety of playthings. We took paper and colors (hint--one or two colors at a time) and a bunch of different quiet things like books and guys (boy equivalent to dolls). We had some things that we bought cheap that were new to him so that it was novel for him and held his interest longer. If you could borrow someone's personal DVD palyer for her to watch somehting that may help, too.

And, during take off if they could nurse or drink from a sippy cup or chew on a chewy snack it will help their little ears.

Also, even though some people are not medication people, children's Benadryl does help.

Well, now that I reread your post, I can see that you will not have to pay for her since she is under two...duh [clapping]

I agree with the cheap toys! When we flew with our DD at that age, I brought along some new things that I'd bought at the dollar store- every time we got close to melting down, I'd pull one out. Saved us every time! :-D

We have flown many times with our dd, who is 2.5 yo. Thank goodness for the satellite TV on the back of the chairs (bring along your own headset). Another thing we do also is make sure we bring another set of clothes (she peed through our extra set and then again twice one time we flew), drinks, snacks and we also bring things for her to do that are very portable but bring them out one at a time on the plane so they keep her interested for a longer time. e.g. magnetic board sets where the pieces that come with it are magnetic also, travel size magnadoodle, crayons and colouring books, books to read, sticker books, travel size aquadoodle (where you fill the pen with water). Ask if your seats can be in the bulkhead where there is more leg space and also see if you can have a whole row to yourself with an extra seat beside you to spread out on a bit.
I hope that helps, since our dd is now over 2 we have to pay full fare! SIGH. Oh well. She enjoys flying and loves looking out the window at the lights when we descend (BTW a candy or something of that sort might help with the descent process with their ears).

ummmm, judge me not...but benadryl can work wonders! LOL....actually many peds rec. to help them avoid earaches from flying...and many kids it makes sleepy! Give rec'd dose, you can ask your doc, 30 minutes before take off.........
new treats, small new toys....great too!

I think you said you had a layover, not sure how long it is, but I would defintely recommend a stroller. A cheap one works very well as we have had one of ours damaged before, so you probably don't want to take your really expensive stroller. They are nice for airports, esp. if you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry, for naps or whatever they really help a lot!

I also don't reccomend getting on the flight first, they often let families with little kids board first, but we found it is actually much easier to wait in the terminal and let them run around as long as possible, thern get one once everyone has settled, then you don't have to sit as long with them wiggling on your knee while you wait for take off!! Just our preferance!When dh and I flew with our two boys back to Ireland last year we both took a back pack each with stuff for each boy. My oldest ds had a new toy that we gave him when we got onto the international flight which was a lifesaver, he played with it forever. I think those touch and feel books or the ones with sounds are great! Other things a change of clothing, layers for the kids as cabin pressure changes a lot. A fav. blanket maybe?
I would also recommend something for your dd to suck or chew on for departure and landing. I think you will do great and I am glad you are not going alone!! Let us know how it works out!

I pick out several new toys and books when I fly with my ds. We just flew to NY 2 days ago. I purchased new activity books, sticker books, coloring books etc. Also, cute small snacks that we don't have on a normal basis like, M&Ms or cracker packs, nuts or other small kid size things. I always pack more than I think I need so if something doesn't interest him, I can go on to something else. I also bring his familiar blanket or stuffed animal incase he wants to snuggle or (gasp!) take a nap! :-)

I won't kid you, it's definitely hard to fly with a little one on your lap. Pray for undestanding people around you and extra patience.

Hope it goes well!

One thing is to ask the boarding guy/gal (before you get on) if you could be seated in an area with lots of extra seats. This could provide more wiggle room and maybe K's own seat.

Another thing is to have babe in a sling or handsfree carrier. It's great for getting around, on/off and also just for sitting there, especially if you don't have the basinette. A basinette can be used in bulk head area but restricts your movement.

another thing is to make sure to take plenty of diapers! Our luggage was lost the whole time we were gone over christmas, so take whatever you'll need until you can get to a store if need be, in your carryon.
oh,and be aware that security does not like you to carry liquids through the scanners.
my husband took his laptop and we had a new veggietales movie along for the plane ride - it really helped! Plus having a window seat and being able to watch what was going on out there.
Hope it goes well!