Travel tips/flying with toddlers

[easternshoregirl]

Just to put it all in one place....share your ideas here! 

[librarylady]

We have done a lot of plane trips with A. I think 6 round trips total. My advice for toddlers would be lots of snacks that they like and something cool (toy, activity book, etc) that you hide from them ahead of time so that the first time they see it is on the plane. The longest we have been on one plane was five hours and that was when she 9 or ten months old, more recently nothing more than a couple hours, so I don't have tips for really long flights.

[CestLaVie]

My biggest thing is to gate check an umbrella stroller. Having the option of strapping them into something in the airport is very nice.
Also headphones. My kids love watching the little tvs with their headphones. And snacks. And patience lol.

[shellyr]

We're flown probably 10+ times with C including a trip to Australia and another to Hawaii. I agree with CestLaVie, that gate checking a small stroller (we have the UppaBaby G-luxe) is helpful although can be a PITA through security.

We like color wonder markers, sorting flashcards, sticker books (you could also get re-usable sticker books), pre- downloaded favorite shows, snacks, a small etch-a-sketch toy.
Now that C is older, I would consider threading cards but we haven't tried those yet.

For those mom who aren't pregnant and enjoy a drink or two, I would also recommend to treat yourself...

[RunsforWineandCarbs]

i hear mini slinky's are a hit.

[easternshoregirl]

Could not find any damn mini slinkys.
We have a whole bunch of other stuff though and we have a kids play area near our gate, so hopefully he will burn off some more energy.
We borrowed a friend's umbrella stroller which has been s help here in the airport!