Flying with kids

A few weeks ago I talked a little bit about our flight to SLC with Henry.  We had flown a lot with Henry but it had been a while and this was our first flight at an age that he wants to be moving all the time.

When Henry was younger I had flights worked out.   Most of the time we would fly at night, this was tough on who was picking us up because it was late but Henry would sleep.  I could get through security lines quicker than someone who was alone and I had milk, stroller, and baby.  I even had one guy ask if he could go in front of me because I was going to be awhile.  It was pretty entertaining when I was standing there waiting on him.  Henry would sleep through the whole flight it was heaven.

I thought I could easily get through a flight with Henry now, I did it easily when Henry was younger (right!).   I wanted to be prepared (maybe a little over prepared) I downloaded movies to the ipad, bought kids headphones, got lots of stickers, and lots of snacks.  I bought Henry a Melissa & Doug Trunki to keep all his flight stuff in.  I thought about a backpack but felt that would be too heavy for him.   We decided to fly around lunch which is Henry’s nap time.

Image from Trunki website.  This give you an idea, this obviously is not Henry

So we are off, I got my purse that had both mine and Ryan’s flight necessities, a diaper bag, and Henry’s Trunki.  WHAT! 3 bags I am crazy what was I thinking.  No leg room for us, ugh mistake number 1.   We always get to the airport with 2 hours before our flight.  This is perfect we have time to let Henry burn some energy (wave bye bye to planes).  We can get food if we need it.  Then this is where I made mistake number 2, if his feet can’t touch the ground (like in picture above) don’t pull him on the Trunki.  Let’s just say thank goodness for the lady who had an extra zip lock bag for me to put ice on Henry’s head.   Henry was fine no blood just a few seconds of cuddle time and he was off again waving bye bye!  We had tested out the headphones a few weeks before the flight and he didn't mind them.  Of course once we get on the flight he was no longer interested in watching movies and definitely didn't want to wear the headphones.  For those of you that really know me you know I was sick on all that money I just wasted on the headphones and movies, 30 dollars down the drain.  Henry wasn't loud and really didn't bother anyone, he did walk the aisle a few times holding my hand (seat belt sign was off) but Mom and Dad were exhausted by the end of the flight.

On the flight home it was a different story.  Henry had developed a rash and that weekend it really started to bother him.  Pediatrician told us to give him children’s Benadryl.  We gave him medicine and it made him tired, he took the best nap that day.  Ryan and I knew immediately we were giving him Benadryl before the flight.  Judge all you want but guess what Henry slept through that flight and it was a whole lot less stressful on us and everyone around us.

Alright, so drugging up my kid before my flight is not my solution to flying with a child. I obviously need advice on how to get through a flight with a very active toddler.  Do you have any suggestions on how to narrow down my bags? Should we go back to flying at night?  Is there anyway I can get him to just sit peacefully in our laps or sleep without medicine?  I love traveling and I want to travel with Henry so I will take all the advice I can get!