How to Fly Solo with a Toddler

I've lost count of the number of times I've flown with my son, back and forth between Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the United States. It's probably a good thing. Like childbirth, I eventually forget the most painful moments of flying with a toddler and am ready to do it again. It’s always just the two of us, and in a few weeks, we'll be hopping aboard yet another 777 to fly the friendly skies. By now, I think I've learned a few tricks about flying with a toddler to keep those skies friendly.

Flying with a Toddler Tip #1: Always accept help. If no one offers, ask.

My first solo, trans-continental flight with the kid, I was loaded for bear. I had the car seat. I had the stroller. I had a big carry on bag for me, and a big carry on for the King of Everything. I had a porter who lugged the gear to the boarding gate for me. And then I was on my own.

Flying with a Toddler Tip #2: Check airline regulations regarding car seats. Be sure your car seat will fit in the airplane seat.

The gate attendants helped get everything onto the airplane, and the steward helped get everything stowed away... everything but the car seat. It was too big for my economy seat. The steward said something about being unable to check it all the way through, which meant I’d have to retrieve it on our stopover. I begged him to throw it away. Repeatedly. He very kindly checked the behemoth through to Dubai. Many airlines don't even let you use your car seat on the plane, even if the child has his or her own seat.

Flying with a Toddler Tip #3: Give your child something to suck or chew during takeoff and landing to ease the air pressure buildup on sensitive ears.

We were finally settled in. My babe was strapped to me with the extra seatbelt, and the airplane took off. Babies all around us were crying their little hearts out, but my kid was Zen. Why? I nursed him on takeoff. Covered us up with a pashmina and he was a happy camper. If that's not an option, be ready with a bottle, a pacifier, a sippy cup, whatever works.