Tips for Parents Traveling with Two: Air and Single Parent Travel

More and more often parents are traveling alone with two or more children. Sometimes it is because of divorce, a holiday or visitation travel. Other single travels occur because one parent doesn't have any time off but the children are out of school. Often it is a trip to visit the grandparents for the summer or a holiday. But no matter what the reason, traveling alone with two can be a challenge that many parents face.

In our family a "road trip" to "grandmother's house we go" isn't a possibility with over 1900 miles to go. We often have to wait for and find those airfares that are affordable, even if it means a last minute trip. As a result, I am traveling alone with the children while dad is keeping the "home fires burning.

When I first started traveling alone, I packed everything but the kitchen sink. However, I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way to avoid expensive travel charges as well as stress and mess.

Be armed - with knowledge

Visit the TSA site and be aware of their rules and recommendations. Everyone, including infants are required to go through the security checkpoints. Although the site states "We will not ask you to do anything that will separate you from your child or children," remember that what you consider separated may not be the definition you provide. One hint, is when you get your boarding passes ask to make sure that your child has not been marked for additional screening which would require a full body scan or pat down.

Backpack. . . backpack!

Turn your child into their own explorer. If your child is old enough then consider providing them with a backpack to carry on their own. This leaves your hands free to hold onto them and saves some wear and tear on your back because you are distributing the weight of the snacks and goodies you are taking along. If they can't carry it, then too much is packed.

Tag it -Your children and your luggage

In these 15 Unique and Life Saving Safety Tips for When Your Family is Out and About find out how to make an emergency contact information "necklace" or lanyard for your child. Consider providing them with a necklace or bracelet with a loud whistle they can use if they get separated.

Change it up

Either your bag or theirs should contain a change of clothing. Children can be messy and travel doesn't help. Food crumbs and stains as well as drinks that spill can make a child wet and uncomfortable. Of course this way if you have an unexpected flight cancelation you at least have a fresh change of clothing for your child in the morning.

Zip it up with a sippy cup

Take along an empty Sippy cup. If your child is older take along a cup with a screw on lid and straw. This serves many purposes. First there is no long delay at airport security as they do extra testing because it's a fluid. When in flight drinks are served the flight attendant can place them directly in there and without an open container on the lap tray you can avoid messy spills, especially with wiggly kids or turbulence.

Half the battle when traveling with two or more children is keeping them safe and entertained.

Use a bungee cord to strap your car seat to your rolling luggage. This way it is with you on the flight and you can use it to keep your child in their seat. The TSA recommends all children less than 40 lbs using a car seat to help them stay seated and safe. If you are not taking your car seat on the flight, remember that most airlines do not charge to check your car seat or stroller but they will charge for the packaging required to check it in.

Give your children the window and middle seat. Begin your flight with a game of "I Spy" to keep them seated and this avoids dropping items in the aisle or the bumps and bruises that can happen to hands and arms that are sticking out and reaching for the well stocked snack service.

Consider using a "harness" for your mobile child. This provides them with a little bit of independence and mobility but keeps them within site and an "arm's reach." You could also leave the full size stroller at home and use an umbrella stroller. It takes up very little space on the flight, stores easily in the overhead compartment and doesn't require being checked at the gate.

Use a larger than normal size purse. This way you are packed with goodies, entertainment and snacks not only on the flight but also when you arrive.

Purchase a portable DVD player. It fits easily in a large size purse or backpack and can provide not only "TV" time but with many you can play the bonus features games on children's DVD's.

Hit the dollar store hard! There is a wealth of toys at the dollar store including coloring books, mazes, word finds, crayons and even play dough. Purchase a few items and wrap them up. The extra time that it takes to unwrap them adds to the excitement of a new toy even when it is something that they have at home. Just the fact that it is "new" can buy you some entertainment time.

Give each child a different toy to open then have them trade off after X number of minutes. This maximizes novelty and minimizes expenses.

Leave the expensive electronics at home or in your suitcase. Consider using an inexpensive mp3 player or handheld electronic games priced around $10.00 as an alternative. This way if it is lost, stolen or forgotten it doesn't cost the same to replace as the ever more popular iPod or DSi.

Remember, safety first, comfort and entertainment next. No parent likes to have the child that is screaming on the flight in a tantrum, but even more importantly no parent wants to have the child that is screaming in fear, lost, or hurt. With these few simple tips you can keep both children safe and secure, entertained and enjoying their travel adventures.

***

Are you traveling with a child with special needs like Autism? Use these Traveling with a Child with Autism: Expert Tips and Advice for Parents and Airlines to help you get on your way.

Sources

TSA-Traveling with Children

Personal experience

Flying with Kids

Traveling with children information from United and Continental Airlines