Kari Skelton

  • Shop
    • My Style
    • Kids Style
    • Gift Ideas
  • At Home
    • DIY Projects
    • Gardening + Outdoor Design
    • Home Style
    • Recipes
      • Snacks
      • Treats
      • Meals
      • Cocktails
    • Seasonal Decor
  • Motherhood
    • Parenting Chats
    • Self-Care
    • Time-Savers
  • Our Life
  • Adventure
    • Travel Guides
    • Instagrammable Places
    • Trip Albums
  • Local Love
    • Local Love List
    • Shop Local
    • Dine Local
    • Play Local
  • About
You are here: Home / Momlife / Flying Solo With A Toddler – You Can Do It!

Flying Solo With A Toddler – You Can Do It!

February 21, 2017 By Kari 2 Comments

Flying Solo With a Toddler-1

I’ve flown solo with my son Wyatt several times. Each experience has been completely different, depending on his age and what he was going through at the time. Flying solo with a toddler is all about survival. Toss out your normal rules of parenting.  Your only goal is to make it to your destination intact, annoying as few people as possible along the way.

These tips aren’t the be all and end all of flying solo with a toddler; more so a few tried, tested, and true strategies that work well for us.

A few tips:

  • Keep your kid confined. Be hands-free to deal with the security process, be able to find snacks, and fish out your boarding pass ten different times. Wyatt is always in a carrier or his stroller. Remember, you will likely have to take your babe out at security no matter what.
  • We check his car seat and Pack’n Play (if we even need to bring those items) and gate-check the stroller.
  • Carry-on: I have a cross-body diaper bag and small roller suitcase (which I pack with his diapers and wipes for the trip along with an emergency change of clothes for both of us). When Wyatt was forward-facing in the front, I packed a backpack instead of the diaper bag.
  • Your diaper bag is your bag of tricks – your arsenal of items to keep your little one happy. Snacks, toys, movies, and stickers are life savers. The key is to unveil the items throughout the travel time. If you bring everything out right away, you’ll run out of options quickly!
  • To avoid discomfort and pain from ear popping, bring something for your little one to suck on for both take-off and landing. Use your boob, a bottle, or a squeezy pack.
  • Avoid overpacking! My biggest mistake when flying with Wyatt was packing more than I actually need. Having too many things can be stressful, especially when you’re parenting alone in the air.
  • Dress comfortably. You don’t have to rock your gym clothes, but wear something you can move around in. I like to wear my hair up and out of the way.
  • Book your seats either at the back of the plane and be the first ones to board, or at the front of the plane and be the last ones to board. Either way, you’re disturbing as few people as possible, and you have room to unload and reload. (You’re also likely close to a washroom.)

 

 

Keep your toddler occupied during the flight:

  • Bathroom visits. I know…odd suggestion, right? Trust me. Don’t rush the diaper changes. We make faces in the mirror, take our time washing hands, etc. Look for anything to help pass the time and change the environment for your kid, while being respectful of others in line waiting to go.
  • Don’t let him run the aisle. I know it’s tempting, but once he knows it’s an option it’s all he’ll want to do. I walk with Wyatt in my arms through the aisle for short periods of time, but he’s never allowed to run free.
  • Accept help! The woman who wants to load your carry-on in the overhead compartment? Let her! The flight attendant who wants to hold your baby while you get settled? Absolutely! The man in front of you who is playing peek-a-boo with your kid? Bring it on. Any opportunity you have to take a break…accept it!

Flying Solo With a Toddler-3

Squeeze Pack | Favourite Book | Heys Roller Carry-on | Stokke MyCarrier | Skip Hop Change Pad | Crossbody Diaper Bag

More than anything, try not to stress if your little one is losing it. I’ve found the majority of people I share the plane with are kind and sympathetic to my situation. Whatever challenge arises, remember: this too shall pass. You’ve got this!

What are your survival techniques to flying solo with a toddler?

xx

Related

Filed Under: Adventure, Momlife, Parenting

Comments

  1. Colette says

    February 21, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I actually to board last no matter where I am sitting that way that’s less time on the plane. Also when choosing snacks check the sugar info. We took things like cheese and fruit, nothing worse then sitting with a hyped up on sugar kid. And we had a small suitcase that was things that our daughter hasn’t seen, new book new movies !!! Also as they get around 2-3 search and find books are amazing and can entertain over and over. Happy travelling

    Reply
    • Kari says

      February 21, 2017 at 10:57 am

      Great ideas! Especially the no sugar rule. I’m going to keep that in mind for next time. Thanks Colette!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to kariskelton.com! I would love to hear from you. Click here to email me.

Subscribe via Email

My Pinterest

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

kariskelton

fun finds | decor + organization inspo | style hacks
🌷
Mama 👦🐶🐶
Blogger ⌨
Doing it all from our heritage home 🇨🇦
Tap the link below for more tips 👇

Kari Skelton | Lifestylist
It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm de It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm definitely feeling it. Still processing much I've what I've watched, seen, and heard.

There's a lot to sift through online, but here are a few videos that are definitely worth the time - to bring perspective, some joy, and some love. I've posted some in my stories this week but wanted a permanent place on my feed. The links are all clickable in my bio. 

Watch @marielle.elizabeth's video "Being Healthy Doesn't Make Your Life More Valuable" https://www.instagram.com/p/CNoItr8ANtC/.

Watch @celeighcardinal's new music video which celebrates community, friendship, and all forms of love.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6wSWUXgXkg8&feature=youtu.be

Meet a remarkable family. The family of Rob White - the man who presumed drowned after trying to save a dog in the river last week - spoke on love, kindness and legacy on #RealTalkRJ. I was honestly bawling the whole time (starts at the 1:20 mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG7s3JsUT6Q

I'm also heartbroken to hear about another unnecessary loss. Daunte Wright. To the black community - I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this again. 

Hugs to you, friends. ❤
Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳 Alth Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳

Although this photo is from a year ago, the setting will be exactly the same for Ry's second pandemic birthday: cocktails 🥂and Crispy Crunch Cake 🎂. It's all you truly need, isn't it? Your family, delicious food, and fabulous cocktails! 😊

I won't get too mushy but I love this guy so much. He LIVES life to the fullest. Always bringing the fun, he cares deeply, and loves unconditionally.❤❤ If you haven't already done so check out his show Real Talk at RyanJespersen.com. 

Oh - and the cake recipe is at KariSkelton.com (link in my bio). Only three ingredients! 🕺🙌

.
.
.
#crispycrunchcake #cakegram #cakerecipe #easycake #easycakerecipe ⠀
#cake #crispycrunch  #yegfood #yegblogger #cakepost #canadianmama
Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In h Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In human years she's 19, and it turns out she's just like me at that age: wild, getting into all sorts of trouble, sleeping most of the day, and boy crazy (ball crazy for her).😅 Swipe for the latest Roe pic.

Do you celebrate your dog's birthday?

.
.
.
#newpuppy #labsofinstagram #labstagram #lovelabs #labsofinsta #yegdog #yegdogs #fab_labs_ #dogstagram #blacklaboftheday #dogofinstagram #labrador #retrieverstagram
Curious- how are you handling planning for summer? Curious- how are you handling planning for summer?🏖 I'm hoping we'll be at a place in this pandemic where we can road trip with friends, but I don't know.🤷‍♀️ 

Are you booking or have you already booked everything just in case and then will cancel if need be? 

Last summer we rented a motorhome and camped in Kananaskis and it was amazing!🏞 If you're still trying to convince your spouse that the family needs a trailer (like I am 😊), check out RVezy.com - an RV rental marketplace where you rent from private owners (kind of like Air BNB). We had a great experience! 🙌🤍

.
.
.
.
#kananaskis #camping #campalberta #explorealberta #explorecanada #canadianmama
Load More… Follow on Instagram

kariskelton

fun finds | decor + organization inspo | style hacks
🌷
Mama 👦🐶🐶
Blogger ⌨
Doing it all from our heritage home 🇨🇦
Tap the link below for more tips 👇

Kari Skelton | Lifestylist
It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm de It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm definitely feeling it. Still processing much I've what I've watched, seen, and heard.

There's a lot to sift through online, but here are a few videos that are definitely worth the time - to bring perspective, some joy, and some love. I've posted some in my stories this week but wanted a permanent place on my feed. The links are all clickable in my bio. 

Watch @marielle.elizabeth's video "Being Healthy Doesn't Make Your Life More Valuable" https://www.instagram.com/p/CNoItr8ANtC/.

Watch @celeighcardinal's new music video which celebrates community, friendship, and all forms of love.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6wSWUXgXkg8&feature=youtu.be

Meet a remarkable family. The family of Rob White - the man who presumed drowned after trying to save a dog in the river last week - spoke on love, kindness and legacy on #RealTalkRJ. I was honestly bawling the whole time (starts at the 1:20 mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG7s3JsUT6Q

I'm also heartbroken to hear about another unnecessary loss. Daunte Wright. To the black community - I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this again. 

Hugs to you, friends. ❤
Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳 Alth Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳

Although this photo is from a year ago, the setting will be exactly the same for Ry's second pandemic birthday: cocktails 🥂and Crispy Crunch Cake 🎂. It's all you truly need, isn't it? Your family, delicious food, and fabulous cocktails! 😊

I won't get too mushy but I love this guy so much. He LIVES life to the fullest. Always bringing the fun, he cares deeply, and loves unconditionally.❤❤ If you haven't already done so check out his show Real Talk at RyanJespersen.com. 

Oh - and the cake recipe is at KariSkelton.com (link in my bio). Only three ingredients! 🕺🙌

.
.
.
#crispycrunchcake #cakegram #cakerecipe #easycake #easycakerecipe ⠀
#cake #crispycrunch  #yegfood #yegblogger #cakepost #canadianmama
Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In h Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In human years she's 19, and it turns out she's just like me at that age: wild, getting into all sorts of trouble, sleeping most of the day, and boy crazy (ball crazy for her).😅 Swipe for the latest Roe pic.

Do you celebrate your dog's birthday?

.
.
.
#newpuppy #labsofinstagram #labstagram #lovelabs #labsofinsta #yegdog #yegdogs #fab_labs_ #dogstagram #blacklaboftheday #dogofinstagram #labrador #retrieverstagram
Curious- how are you handling planning for summer? Curious- how are you handling planning for summer?🏖 I'm hoping we'll be at a place in this pandemic where we can road trip with friends, but I don't know.🤷‍♀️ 

Are you booking or have you already booked everything just in case and then will cancel if need be? 

Last summer we rented a motorhome and camped in Kananaskis and it was amazing!🏞 If you're still trying to convince your spouse that the family needs a trailer (like I am 😊), check out RVezy.com - an RV rental marketplace where you rent from private owners (kind of like Air BNB). We had a great experience! 🙌🤍

.
.
.
.
#kananaskis #camping #campalberta #explorealberta #explorecanada #canadianmama
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Designed by: Mike Johnston (Mr. KitchenMagpie)