1 year old's first time on an airplane

[jen-lynne]

We are flying for Thanksgiving and it will be my 1 year old's first time. If anyone has any suggestions or tips I would love to hear them. Thanks!!!

[momme2]

I understand your nervousness. We flew about a month ago to IL a 3 and a half hour flight. We learned from our beginning mistakes going there. First we lugged my daughters car seat into the plane, it was approved, but horrible to strap in and not worth it, she did not want to sit in it. We checked it on the way home. Next I purchased dum dum lollipops, we don't really do candy but since she can not pop her ears like we can and chewing gum, well that would be a horrible mess, I gave her the light colored ones (less mess on her) as we started to take off and she didn't mind it, the sucking kept her ears from bothering her and the lollipops were small enough that she finished it and was ok. I also brought crayola colorworks markers and coloring books. She doesn't really color much but it kept her entertained and doesn't draw on anything else. The ride home was much better once we had some of those things, favorite toy and snacks. Just don't overload yourself for the plane ride, it becomes to heavy and difficult. Hope it helps good luck!

[craftyashley]

Try getting those magna-doodle things. They are super un-messy. And give her a sippy or bottle to help with the pressure problem.
I have horror stories about plane rides with the twins. One of them even had an ear infection the day before we left. Total nightmare! Other people say traveling with small children is totally do-able. I'm a bit gun-shy to try again. I remember at one point saying "If they will just drop me off anywhere- I will live there. Middle of nowhere Kansas? Fine! Just let me off this plane!"