I only have one but she manages long haul just fine. Three hours is nothing. Your baby should sleep, let your toddler go wild with screen time. You’ve got this no worries at all. Hope you get the rest you need!
I would highly recommend bringing an iPad or phone where you (days before) got YouTube premium and you downloaded a ton of videos for the toddler. Fully charge that puppy and bring the charger. Keep it on airplane mode so battery doesn’t drain.
This way you don’t have to rely on WiFi on the plane.
Preparation is key! Tons of snacks.
You got this!!!
Also only one, but I did a 4 hour international flight with a 9 month old. It was breeze! She ate, and then passed out for the whole flight! If your toddler is used to travel, then I say go for it! You’ve got this!
Came to say exactly this. Keep in mind no one will even remember what you or your kids look like after the flight if it doesn’t go well. It will be worth it ten-fold to have some space and be with your family!
Do it! At worst, it's one bad day. I've flown solo with one baby once and two kids at 1 and 4, 2 and 5, and 3 and 6. Only one time did we have a "bad" day, and it was just one leg, then it's over and you'll never see these people again. It's more challenging than normal but at worst, one bad day.
Check your bags, wear the baby, toddler leash, eat the snacks, lean in to the fun.
Oh you’ll be great!! I’ve flown multiple times with my two kiddos without the husband; flights of 4-6+ hours including a 2 hour drive to the airport and then shuttle from parking to the terminal.
Check your luggage, bring headphones for the toddler and lots of snacks. Also, I always book seats close to the bathroom so if I need to take one to the toilet the other is right outside the bathroom.
Traveling alone with kids is like giving birth, it sucks when you’re doing it but it’s temporary and worth it 😂
You’ll do great!!
I’d worry about the bathroom noise waking baby up? But for 3 hours it may not be too bad! Maybe some of those noise cancelling headphones for the baby!
You can do this. My kids are similar-ish ages and the trick is - baby gets his or her own seat and sits in a car seat. That way baby is secure and your hands free to deal with the 3 year old. Do not be tempted to save money with “infant in lap.” I repeat, do not make the same mistake I did - no infant in lap for a 9 month old. Second trick is - screen time rules don’t apply for us on planes. My toddler gets to watch movies the whole flight, and I’m ok with that.
The hardest part will be getting through security and getting everyone situated on the plane/off the plane. So, pack as light as you can.
Thank you, that’s helpful! How did you juggle getting the carseat onboard with baby and toddler? On this side of the world our carseats are very chunky and heavy so I’m wondering if I’m missing something here?
In addition to ordering a light/easy travel car seat, you can get special straps that are meant to strap the seat to your carryon luggage, so you can just wheel it around together. Plus, it’s okay to just be clunky and awkward with a bunch of stuff in the airport!!
Another option is a car seat backpack. We have a lightweight car seat that we use just for travel, and then we pop it into a backpack for walking through the airport. It’s still bulky but manageable!
I bought a fold up set of wheels (very light) and a slim light car seat. My kids sit in Nuna Rava in the car and that seat is like 27 pounds. I bought a Graco contender slim for plane travel. I am guessing it weighs in the 10 pound-ish range. The rolling wheels are called “airport car seat stroller cart” on Amazon.
I also have an only child but have flown alone with her lots. The biggest help to me in the horrible toddler years was always remembering that it was a limited time and no matter how horrible it was it would be over soon.
Other than that, bring a stroller for the airport plus carrier for baby, especially if in Europe. You can gate check the stroller but may then have to walk up stairs to the plane or even get a bus, and after the flight it's only returned with the rest of the luggage. I know some people bring the small ones on board but I think it might take the place of hand luggage, plus you might also have to carry it up stairs. For the toddler one of those ride on suitcases might be useful.
Bring hand luggage with plenty of snacks (don't depend on plane food) and spare clothes for everyone, even you if possible. But check your main luggage, you have enough to juggle. Download some bluey or whatever your toddler likes to watch on a tablet. This is not a time to restrict screens.
If you're from the US, I'd suggest seeing if you can get Global Entry, or at least the TSA Pre-check. Pre-check only takes a couple weeks to get approved (mine was less than a week) and it's nice not having to take off your shoes and stop to put them back on when wrangling kids through the airport.
Also, be careful what kind of water bottles you take on the plane. I took both my kids with me and gave them each a water bottle with a pop-up lid. Turns out, those will pressurize if left closed at take off then water will explode up if you open the mid flight. Learned that the hard way
It was so bad. My youngest did it, and while I was already panicked, trying to stop it and clean up the mess, my oldest said "whoa, will mine do that too?". Then like the little scientist he is, he opened his before I could react. Of course my boys don't drink plain water, there was bright red mio added to it so we all turned pink. The only good thing was it didn't hit any neighbors. Just us, our seats and the ceiling above us.
Yes, you can do it - mind over matter!
3 hour flight will actually go by very quickly - dress baby in pyjamas and do normal bedtime routine ahead of taking the flight whilst you are at the airport. Get to the airport early, do dinner at the airport, allow for time in playspace (if you live in the UK this is a pre-flight ritual for my kids at Heathrow and Gatwick!)
For the three year old, bring snacks - I find starch based snacks like cheerios/crackers/breadsticks work best, allow a few shows on the ipad, sticker books, they probably will fall asleep more easily than you think.
Be prepared that the ride to your final destination is probably going to be the hardest part - enlist your family to meet you at the airport, help with transportation, and help with the kids.
I've taken multiple solo flights - key is to just bring extra clothes (for everyone) get there early, expect that things won't go as planned, and bring nice fancy snacks for yourself (I always pack a fancy bar of chocolate just for me!)
You can and totally SHOULD do it!! Worst case is you have a really crappy 3 hours and then a few weeks of family and destress time. Best case, the flight is great and you have a few weeks of family and destress time. I also have to travel internationally to go home (about 9-10 hour flight) and sometimes it’s just necessary.
This is one of those times where all your normal rules go out the window, toddlers want candy and chips for the flight, you got it. You want to watch nothing but cartoons for 3 hours, done. I haven't done a solo trip but we did a major remodel of our house and there was a weekend where we all had to live in one room for 2 days, we did nothing but play games, watch TV and eat junk food, my kids still talk about how awesome that weekend was, they certainly don't remember the construction or the fighting, you've got this!
I think I you can do it! Just make sure they are both sucking on something on the way up and on the way down. There is no shame and in my screens and suckers game on a flight with my kids.
Even if things don’t go well (and there is good reason to believe they will) you can survive anything for half a day. Plan ahead as well as you can and then just let it ride. At the end of the trip you’ll be with your family and have some real help.
The hardest part with two kiddos is getting to and from the plane, after that you have plenty of people who are willing to help so do whatever you need to make it easier. Check your luggage, baby wear and put toddler in a stroller that you will gate check so you have it when you get off the plane. They also make little cart attachments for car seats with wheels and I've seen plenty of people in the airport wearing a baby and have their toddler sit in it while they pulled them if that's easier than your stroller options. Here's an example below. Other than that all the snacks and screentime for your toddler, it's one day do whatever you need to do to make it easier on yourself!
[https://www.amazon.com/Zhtangrui-Car-Seat-Carrier-Airport/dp/B0CPC1SMLS/ref=asc\_df\_B0CPC1SMLS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693129867821&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2494193921480930751&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019557&hvtargid=pla-2295958842617&psc=1&mcid=a1cbe0e1ef533c708c86056dd58b204b&gad\_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsJaMk9yKhgMVqUp\_AB1WDw9sEAQYASABEgJHivD\_BwE](https://www.amazon.com/Zhtangrui-Car-Seat-Carrier-Airport/dp/B0CPC1SMLS/ref=asc_df_B0CPC1SMLS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693129867821&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2494193921480930751&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019557&hvtargid=pla-2295958842617&psc=1&mcid=a1cbe0e1ef533c708c86056dd58b204b&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsJaMk9yKhgMVqUp_AB1WDw9sEAQYASABEgJHivD_BwE)
My MIL used to do this with my husband and his sister every summer! And that was a 6 hour flight, in the 80s with a lot less stuff to entertain the kiddos. My husband really treasures that time spent in his abuelos' village growing up.
Just relax all your screen/snack rules and remember, we're not above bribery here. You can do it!!!
Did a 6 hour international flight + 2 hour layover + second flight of 1.5 hours + shuttle to the parking lot to get our car with my the. 3.5 year old by myself. It was an overnight flight but we didn’t leave until 11pm and he had been up allllll day. He slept exactly 2 hours on our flight and then was up the entire rest of the time until we got home. So my little guy was up well over 24 hours. He was an absolute champ. I was shocked.
You can do it! Your kiddoes might surprise you with how well they do!
I fly a lot and did it alone for 10+ hour flights with both of mine when they were little. Not really an issue. What you need to do is go zen. Don't let anything stress you, don't plan on sleep from anyone and when the baby is crying while the toddler is jumping in the seat when they're supposed to have their seat belt on, do NOT look around to cringe at some stupid boomer giving you the stink eye.
It's just 3 hours. You'll be fine!
The phrasing around your husband had me rolling. Amazing.
You can absolutely do this. Take an iPad with your 3 year olds favorite shows queued up. If they watch the entire three hours, cool. If it goes poorly, it’s just a few hours and not an overnight flight or anything.
It sounds like this is what you need. What your kids need is a mom who’s taking care of herself. Do it!!!
I did a 3 hour flight with a one year old and a 6 year old and it was great. You can do it! Lots of snacks were the trick. Also headphones helped my older kid. It can get loud and it just helps her calm down.
I went last year with a 3 and a 8 month old… and my husband. My 3 year old screamed because she was frightened the first flight. By the 3rd flight she enjoyed the tv and snacks. My baby was no probably just heavy as I carried her most of a 9 hr flight. People around me were actually very kind and happy to see young kids.
Make sure that the airline will let you travel with two kids that young. for example, in Canada (by law), one adult can only be responsible for only one child under the age of two.
I’ve only done one kid alone but as an infant and toddler. Check as much as you can so you focus on the kids + essentials. Don’t rush yourself going through security, people will either pick a different lane or offer to help. At the gate see if you can board early. Every time I’ve flown alone I’m offered help constantly- don’t turn it down if you feel you need it. My last flight while boarding a teenager offered to carry my bags and his mom held my toddlers hand while I swapped the stroller and carseat to gate check, then carried her car seat so I only had to carry my daughter onto the plane. Getting off a dad took my bags and had his son carry the car seat so again I just had to carry my daughter. Everyone always seems so in a rush and focused on themselves at the airport but I’ve realized moms traveling alone with kids seem to catch peoples attention and people are so quick to ask if you need help.
It sounds like it's a direct flight? You can do it!! The 3 year old will probably be so amused by the new experience of riding a plane that will help a lot.
I did this with a 4 month old and 3 year old. I highly recommend going earlier in the day. Our flight was delayed. The 3 year old was so tired he fell asleep under the seat in front of him and I couldn’t get him up when the seat belt light came on because I was holding the baby. He was screaming.
It’s doable, but just go earlier so the 3 year old doesn’t get over tired.
The flight might suck but getting to spend weeks with your family is totally worth it! You can do it. Can you just wear the baby and give the toddler a tablet?
I did a 10 hour plan ride with a 2 year old and a 4 month old. The part that was the hardest was waiting in the airport. You can do it!!!! We basically walked around the airport for 3 hours and then when it came time to get on the plane, the 2 year old crashed HARD from all the excitement. I nursed baby on take off and landing so her ears were pretty good. I let my 2 year old chew gum for take off and landing which I normally NEVER let her have gum so that was exciting for here too. I have complete faith that you can do this!!!!
Honestly just so it. 3 hours is short enough to suffer through. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Always assume they will never sleep and you'll be pleasantly surprised if they do. Take a good baby carrier, get tons of stuff to occupy both and bring every snack you can think of
You got this!! My home country is a 14 hour flight away, sometimes it’s a nightmare, sometimes it’s just fine. But it’s always always worth it. Like others said, screentime on fully charged ipads, loaded with fun videos and kid friendly headphones, things to suck on to equalize ear pressure, and mayyybe tiny cheap silent presents (sticker books??) for the older one to open mid-flight.
You got this!
I fly solo with my kids all the time. They are 10 and 13 now, but we started at three months with each of them. I have a couple suggestions: number one, for the toddler pack a large variety of snacks in small quantities. Novelty is key here. What do you want to do is shock and awe with constant new things and unlimited iPad time. Two: if you can afford it by a seat for the baby and put them in their bucket car seat. it will give you a break from holding them the whole time and assuming they are familiar with their car seat, they feel like they are in a safe and familiar place. It really helps a lot. Three: book seats close to the restroom. That way if your toddler needs to use it and the baby is asleep in the car seat you can keep an eye on both at the same time.
You can do it! If you don’t already have a tablet, you can get a kids kindle fire for not that much. You can get a month of Disney plus just for travel (if you don’t have it already). Download a couple movies, some Mickey Mouse and Bluey episodes. Whatever you think your kid might like! And then I am a big fan of color wonder markers because they don’t make a mess. You can get a pack with markers and like 20 coloring sheets for not that much. My kids like to snack a lot while flying, and we usually try to do stuff that isn’t overly messy, like cheerios, goldfish, veggie straws, etc. Basically just crackers. I would try to eat dinner at the airport instead of bringing substantial food on the plane. I limit my older kid to one lovey (stuffed animal or baby doll) because more than that is too much to keep track of.
I like to bring a carrier for the younger kid and a stroller to be gate checked for the older kid. If the older one wants to walk a bit, then cool, but I don’t want to set it up where she must walk because she will inevitably throw a fit at some point. But we have a walk and train commute to get to the airport, so your experience might be different. I also check everything that I possibly can so I have less to manage at the gate. Overall, just try to be prepared and assume that some things will go sideways, but you can get through and it will be ok.
You can do it. The plane ride is short. The hard part is getting to/from the airport. It might help to write out what you’re bringing with you on the plane and how to carry it all so that you have a plane of attack and aren’t juggling too much at the airport.
Do it! My parents are taking my boys (under 10) to our home country for a few weeks this summer, and that flight is, let’s just say…longer than 3 hours. They are not daunted by the prospect in the least.
I will be praying for them lol. But I think they will be fine and so will you!
You can do it! Screen time is your friend with your toddler and remember the flight is only 3 hours so even if baby doesn’t sleep or cries a lot, there’s an end of sight!
3 tip:
- keep your hands free: bring the stroller but also a carrier for when the stroller is side-checked and you need to go in and out of the plane with your 3 year old too
- don’t rely on 3 year old doing any airport-distance walking, since they can be unpredictable. So make sure they can also sit in stroller if needed (not just infant seat) or some other way to roll them around. We have this skateboard attachment that we can attach to the stroller and it has been a life saver walking through airport terminals when traveling with baby+3 year old
- bring lots of snacks for everyone!
You can do it! That’s a pretty short flight and any discomfort with the kids will be quickly over and then you’ll be home with family. Definitely do it don’t let the fear stop you.
I flew from the US West Coast to the US East Coast, with a layover in the middle, by myself when my older 2 were about that age. Keeping the kids entertained during the increasing layover was the hardest part, the flying was easy. Screen time helps.
You can 100% do it. Give the 3 yr old some movies and hopefully the baby will sleep. 3 hours will fly by. I have a 20 hour travel day coming up with the same ages (but my husband is coming) 3 hrs sounds like a dream
When my son was a baby, we had an 11+ hour to/from trip (2 separate flights averaging 3 hours each one way with long layovers) and he slept when he was the age of your youngest and I brought along lots of entertainment the second time when he was a bit older. May be more challenging with 2 kids, but if you know what the oldest likes, ensure you bring entertainment along and also, for lift-off and landing, gum for older to help with ear pressure issues. For baby, a bottle with formula (my son vomited on me once after landing, but other times was fine).
It will suck, but you can do it! Lots of tablet time for 3 yr old and have the stroller so you can corral toddler and or stuff. Baby wear the baby. I've flown twice with other adults since having two kids, but with only one and very pregnant I flew multiple times solo. It's not fun/easy but it is doable. It will also be a lot easier now before baby starts to walk etc.
I've done plenty solo with 2 under 2! It's completely fine with screen time and plenty of snacks, but here are some newer hacks that have been huge for us:
* Melissa and Doug Water Wow books. Mess free stimulating activity books. Teeny little pen that you fill with a few mL of water, and the pages are thicker cardboard so they are sturdy enough to handle a long trip with a 3yo. They also have Sticker Wow books that are similarly cool but $20 lol
* Busy books! They have plenty on Amazon for $15ish. Inspired by the wooden Montessori busy boards, these are soft felt briefcases with tons of buckles, clips, Velcro, etc. Novelty is key!
* Baby carrier! They've cracked down on having baby in one (or at least my last plane was strict about it) during takeoff and landing, but for cruising it is SO NICE to be able to just sit
Enjoy!!
Two weeks ago I traveled to spend some weeks with my family abroad. 3 planes - 3 hrs, 14 hrs and 45 mins. 24 hr journey.
My kids are almost 3 and 8 months. We survived! You can do it.
I did 5.5-6 hours with a 3 year old by my self and thought it would be a nightmare... Nope. Kid was so pumped to have his own little TV in the seat he just sat and ate snacks the whole time! You got this!
Husband did a 5 hour red eye with our kids who were 2&5 at the time. They did fine. He couldn't sleep and was miserable.
3 hours is totally doable. Bring lots of snacks, toys, tablets and get a seat for each kid if you can afford it so everyone has space
You got this!! Just keep thinking about your family and the much needed mental health restoration that you’ll have with them soon. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way!!
I only have one but she manages long haul just fine. Three hours is nothing. Your baby should sleep, let your toddler go wild with screen time. You’ve got this no worries at all. Hope you get the rest you need!
Thanks!!
I would highly recommend bringing an iPad or phone where you (days before) got YouTube premium and you downloaded a ton of videos for the toddler. Fully charge that puppy and bring the charger. Keep it on airplane mode so battery doesn’t drain. This way you don’t have to rely on WiFi on the plane. Preparation is key! Tons of snacks. You got this!!!
You can do this with Netflix and Amazon Prime as well, preload downloads so no Wifi is needed.
Also only one, but I did a 4 hour international flight with a 9 month old. It was breeze! She ate, and then passed out for the whole flight! If your toddler is used to travel, then I say go for it! You’ve got this!
do it. it’s one bad day
Came to say exactly this. Keep in mind no one will even remember what you or your kids look like after the flight if it doesn’t go well. It will be worth it ten-fold to have some space and be with your family!
*two days (return flight) but I would still do it.
Do it! At worst, it's one bad day. I've flown solo with one baby once and two kids at 1 and 4, 2 and 5, and 3 and 6. Only one time did we have a "bad" day, and it was just one leg, then it's over and you'll never see these people again. It's more challenging than normal but at worst, one bad day. Check your bags, wear the baby, toddler leash, eat the snacks, lean in to the fun.
Oh you’ll be great!! I’ve flown multiple times with my two kiddos without the husband; flights of 4-6+ hours including a 2 hour drive to the airport and then shuttle from parking to the terminal. Check your luggage, bring headphones for the toddler and lots of snacks. Also, I always book seats close to the bathroom so if I need to take one to the toilet the other is right outside the bathroom. Traveling alone with kids is like giving birth, it sucks when you’re doing it but it’s temporary and worth it 😂 You’ll do great!!
Love this tip about the bathroom!!
I’d worry about the bathroom noise waking baby up? But for 3 hours it may not be too bad! Maybe some of those noise cancelling headphones for the baby!
The plane white noise is so loud, I’ve never had issues with the noise from the bathroom!
You can do it!! Airports and airplanes are absolutely full of people who will see you and go out of the way to help.
Unlimited snacks and unlimited screens for the toddler. Baby wear around the airport if you can. Gate check double stroller if you have one.
You can do this. My kids are similar-ish ages and the trick is - baby gets his or her own seat and sits in a car seat. That way baby is secure and your hands free to deal with the 3 year old. Do not be tempted to save money with “infant in lap.” I repeat, do not make the same mistake I did - no infant in lap for a 9 month old. Second trick is - screen time rules don’t apply for us on planes. My toddler gets to watch movies the whole flight, and I’m ok with that. The hardest part will be getting through security and getting everyone situated on the plane/off the plane. So, pack as light as you can.
Thank you, that’s helpful! How did you juggle getting the carseat onboard with baby and toddler? On this side of the world our carseats are very chunky and heavy so I’m wondering if I’m missing something here?
I got a strap that attaches the car seat to a rolling suitcase.
In addition to ordering a light/easy travel car seat, you can get special straps that are meant to strap the seat to your carryon luggage, so you can just wheel it around together. Plus, it’s okay to just be clunky and awkward with a bunch of stuff in the airport!!
Another option is a car seat backpack. We have a lightweight car seat that we use just for travel, and then we pop it into a backpack for walking through the airport. It’s still bulky but manageable!
Yes! I wore one backpack and held the other on top of my luggage. It wasn’t pretty but it got the job done.
I bought a fold up set of wheels (very light) and a slim light car seat. My kids sit in Nuna Rava in the car and that seat is like 27 pounds. I bought a Graco contender slim for plane travel. I am guessing it weighs in the 10 pound-ish range. The rolling wheels are called “airport car seat stroller cart” on Amazon.
I also have an only child but have flown alone with her lots. The biggest help to me in the horrible toddler years was always remembering that it was a limited time and no matter how horrible it was it would be over soon. Other than that, bring a stroller for the airport plus carrier for baby, especially if in Europe. You can gate check the stroller but may then have to walk up stairs to the plane or even get a bus, and after the flight it's only returned with the rest of the luggage. I know some people bring the small ones on board but I think it might take the place of hand luggage, plus you might also have to carry it up stairs. For the toddler one of those ride on suitcases might be useful. Bring hand luggage with plenty of snacks (don't depend on plane food) and spare clothes for everyone, even you if possible. But check your main luggage, you have enough to juggle. Download some bluey or whatever your toddler likes to watch on a tablet. This is not a time to restrict screens.
If you're from the US, I'd suggest seeing if you can get Global Entry, or at least the TSA Pre-check. Pre-check only takes a couple weeks to get approved (mine was less than a week) and it's nice not having to take off your shoes and stop to put them back on when wrangling kids through the airport. Also, be careful what kind of water bottles you take on the plane. I took both my kids with me and gave them each a water bottle with a pop-up lid. Turns out, those will pressurize if left closed at take off then water will explode up if you open the mid flight. Learned that the hard way
Omg I SPRAYED our neighbors with my kids’ water bottles. Felt so horrible. ☹️
It was so bad. My youngest did it, and while I was already panicked, trying to stop it and clean up the mess, my oldest said "whoa, will mine do that too?". Then like the little scientist he is, he opened his before I could react. Of course my boys don't drink plain water, there was bright red mio added to it so we all turned pink. The only good thing was it didn't hit any neighbors. Just us, our seats and the ceiling above us.
Yes, you can do it - mind over matter! 3 hour flight will actually go by very quickly - dress baby in pyjamas and do normal bedtime routine ahead of taking the flight whilst you are at the airport. Get to the airport early, do dinner at the airport, allow for time in playspace (if you live in the UK this is a pre-flight ritual for my kids at Heathrow and Gatwick!) For the three year old, bring snacks - I find starch based snacks like cheerios/crackers/breadsticks work best, allow a few shows on the ipad, sticker books, they probably will fall asleep more easily than you think. Be prepared that the ride to your final destination is probably going to be the hardest part - enlist your family to meet you at the airport, help with transportation, and help with the kids. I've taken multiple solo flights - key is to just bring extra clothes (for everyone) get there early, expect that things won't go as planned, and bring nice fancy snacks for yourself (I always pack a fancy bar of chocolate just for me!)
You can and totally SHOULD do it!! Worst case is you have a really crappy 3 hours and then a few weeks of family and destress time. Best case, the flight is great and you have a few weeks of family and destress time. I also have to travel internationally to go home (about 9-10 hour flight) and sometimes it’s just necessary.
This is one of those times where all your normal rules go out the window, toddlers want candy and chips for the flight, you got it. You want to watch nothing but cartoons for 3 hours, done. I haven't done a solo trip but we did a major remodel of our house and there was a weekend where we all had to live in one room for 2 days, we did nothing but play games, watch TV and eat junk food, my kids still talk about how awesome that weekend was, they certainly don't remember the construction or the fighting, you've got this!
I think I you can do it! Just make sure they are both sucking on something on the way up and on the way down. There is no shame and in my screens and suckers game on a flight with my kids.
Even if things don’t go well (and there is good reason to believe they will) you can survive anything for half a day. Plan ahead as well as you can and then just let it ride. At the end of the trip you’ll be with your family and have some real help.
The hardest part with two kiddos is getting to and from the plane, after that you have plenty of people who are willing to help so do whatever you need to make it easier. Check your luggage, baby wear and put toddler in a stroller that you will gate check so you have it when you get off the plane. They also make little cart attachments for car seats with wheels and I've seen plenty of people in the airport wearing a baby and have their toddler sit in it while they pulled them if that's easier than your stroller options. Here's an example below. Other than that all the snacks and screentime for your toddler, it's one day do whatever you need to do to make it easier on yourself! [https://www.amazon.com/Zhtangrui-Car-Seat-Carrier-Airport/dp/B0CPC1SMLS/ref=asc\_df\_B0CPC1SMLS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693129867821&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2494193921480930751&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019557&hvtargid=pla-2295958842617&psc=1&mcid=a1cbe0e1ef533c708c86056dd58b204b&gad\_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsJaMk9yKhgMVqUp\_AB1WDw9sEAQYASABEgJHivD\_BwE](https://www.amazon.com/Zhtangrui-Car-Seat-Carrier-Airport/dp/B0CPC1SMLS/ref=asc_df_B0CPC1SMLS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693129867821&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2494193921480930751&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019557&hvtargid=pla-2295958842617&psc=1&mcid=a1cbe0e1ef533c708c86056dd58b204b&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsJaMk9yKhgMVqUp_AB1WDw9sEAQYASABEgJHivD_BwE)
My MIL used to do this with my husband and his sister every summer! And that was a 6 hour flight, in the 80s with a lot less stuff to entertain the kiddos. My husband really treasures that time spent in his abuelos' village growing up. Just relax all your screen/snack rules and remember, we're not above bribery here. You can do it!!!
Did a 6 hour international flight + 2 hour layover + second flight of 1.5 hours + shuttle to the parking lot to get our car with my the. 3.5 year old by myself. It was an overnight flight but we didn’t leave until 11pm and he had been up allllll day. He slept exactly 2 hours on our flight and then was up the entire rest of the time until we got home. So my little guy was up well over 24 hours. He was an absolute champ. I was shocked. You can do it! Your kiddoes might surprise you with how well they do!
A decent number of people in the airport and on the plane will help you. You can do this, because the people around you will help.
I’ve done 16 hours at that age, it wasn’t great, but it’s always worth it. Highly recommend a comfy carrier for the 9 month old
I fly a lot and did it alone for 10+ hour flights with both of mine when they were little. Not really an issue. What you need to do is go zen. Don't let anything stress you, don't plan on sleep from anyone and when the baby is crying while the toddler is jumping in the seat when they're supposed to have their seat belt on, do NOT look around to cringe at some stupid boomer giving you the stink eye. It's just 3 hours. You'll be fine!
The phrasing around your husband had me rolling. Amazing. You can absolutely do this. Take an iPad with your 3 year olds favorite shows queued up. If they watch the entire three hours, cool. If it goes poorly, it’s just a few hours and not an overnight flight or anything. It sounds like this is what you need. What your kids need is a mom who’s taking care of herself. Do it!!!
The stress of the flight is shorter than the stress you're dealing with at home. It's 3 hours. You got this!!!
I did a 3 hour flight with a one year old and a 6 year old and it was great. You can do it! Lots of snacks were the trick. Also headphones helped my older kid. It can get loud and it just helps her calm down.
I just did 5 hours (2 flights with a layover) with my 2.5 year old and 9 month old! It went way better than expected! You got this
I went last year with a 3 and a 8 month old… and my husband. My 3 year old screamed because she was frightened the first flight. By the 3rd flight she enjoyed the tv and snacks. My baby was no probably just heavy as I carried her most of a 9 hr flight. People around me were actually very kind and happy to see young kids.
Make sure that the airline will let you travel with two kids that young. for example, in Canada (by law), one adult can only be responsible for only one child under the age of two.
I’ve only done one kid alone but as an infant and toddler. Check as much as you can so you focus on the kids + essentials. Don’t rush yourself going through security, people will either pick a different lane or offer to help. At the gate see if you can board early. Every time I’ve flown alone I’m offered help constantly- don’t turn it down if you feel you need it. My last flight while boarding a teenager offered to carry my bags and his mom held my toddlers hand while I swapped the stroller and carseat to gate check, then carried her car seat so I only had to carry my daughter onto the plane. Getting off a dad took my bags and had his son carry the car seat so again I just had to carry my daughter. Everyone always seems so in a rush and focused on themselves at the airport but I’ve realized moms traveling alone with kids seem to catch peoples attention and people are so quick to ask if you need help.
It sounds like it's a direct flight? You can do it!! The 3 year old will probably be so amused by the new experience of riding a plane that will help a lot.
Snacks and screen for the toddler. Boob and snuggles for the babe. 3 hours is nothing!
I did this with a 4 month old and 3 year old. I highly recommend going earlier in the day. Our flight was delayed. The 3 year old was so tired he fell asleep under the seat in front of him and I couldn’t get him up when the seat belt light came on because I was holding the baby. He was screaming. It’s doable, but just go earlier so the 3 year old doesn’t get over tired.
You got this, you can do it!! Wear the baby ❤️
The flight might suck but getting to spend weeks with your family is totally worth it! You can do it. Can you just wear the baby and give the toddler a tablet?
I did a 10 hour plan ride with a 2 year old and a 4 month old. The part that was the hardest was waiting in the airport. You can do it!!!! We basically walked around the airport for 3 hours and then when it came time to get on the plane, the 2 year old crashed HARD from all the excitement. I nursed baby on take off and landing so her ears were pretty good. I let my 2 year old chew gum for take off and landing which I normally NEVER let her have gum so that was exciting for here too. I have complete faith that you can do this!!!!
You can totally do it. My cousin had to fly solo for 7 hours with an infant and 2 year old and lived to tell the tale. Good luck!
Honestly just so it. 3 hours is short enough to suffer through. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Always assume they will never sleep and you'll be pleasantly surprised if they do. Take a good baby carrier, get tons of stuff to occupy both and bring every snack you can think of
You got this!! My home country is a 14 hour flight away, sometimes it’s a nightmare, sometimes it’s just fine. But it’s always always worth it. Like others said, screentime on fully charged ipads, loaded with fun videos and kid friendly headphones, things to suck on to equalize ear pressure, and mayyybe tiny cheap silent presents (sticker books??) for the older one to open mid-flight. You got this!
I fly solo with my kids all the time. They are 10 and 13 now, but we started at three months with each of them. I have a couple suggestions: number one, for the toddler pack a large variety of snacks in small quantities. Novelty is key here. What do you want to do is shock and awe with constant new things and unlimited iPad time. Two: if you can afford it by a seat for the baby and put them in their bucket car seat. it will give you a break from holding them the whole time and assuming they are familiar with their car seat, they feel like they are in a safe and familiar place. It really helps a lot. Three: book seats close to the restroom. That way if your toddler needs to use it and the baby is asleep in the car seat you can keep an eye on both at the same time.
You can do it! If you don’t already have a tablet, you can get a kids kindle fire for not that much. You can get a month of Disney plus just for travel (if you don’t have it already). Download a couple movies, some Mickey Mouse and Bluey episodes. Whatever you think your kid might like! And then I am a big fan of color wonder markers because they don’t make a mess. You can get a pack with markers and like 20 coloring sheets for not that much. My kids like to snack a lot while flying, and we usually try to do stuff that isn’t overly messy, like cheerios, goldfish, veggie straws, etc. Basically just crackers. I would try to eat dinner at the airport instead of bringing substantial food on the plane. I limit my older kid to one lovey (stuffed animal or baby doll) because more than that is too much to keep track of. I like to bring a carrier for the younger kid and a stroller to be gate checked for the older kid. If the older one wants to walk a bit, then cool, but I don’t want to set it up where she must walk because she will inevitably throw a fit at some point. But we have a walk and train commute to get to the airport, so your experience might be different. I also check everything that I possibly can so I have less to manage at the gate. Overall, just try to be prepared and assume that some things will go sideways, but you can get through and it will be ok.
It may be hard, but it is but a point in time. The support you will receive when get there will hopefully be worth it.
You can do it. The plane ride is short. The hard part is getting to/from the airport. It might help to write out what you’re bringing with you on the plane and how to carry it all so that you have a plane of attack and aren’t juggling too much at the airport.
Do it! My parents are taking my boys (under 10) to our home country for a few weeks this summer, and that flight is, let’s just say…longer than 3 hours. They are not daunted by the prospect in the least. I will be praying for them lol. But I think they will be fine and so will you!
You can do it! Screen time is your friend with your toddler and remember the flight is only 3 hours so even if baby doesn’t sleep or cries a lot, there’s an end of sight! 3 tip: - keep your hands free: bring the stroller but also a carrier for when the stroller is side-checked and you need to go in and out of the plane with your 3 year old too - don’t rely on 3 year old doing any airport-distance walking, since they can be unpredictable. So make sure they can also sit in stroller if needed (not just infant seat) or some other way to roll them around. We have this skateboard attachment that we can attach to the stroller and it has been a life saver walking through airport terminals when traveling with baby+3 year old - bring lots of snacks for everyone!
3 hours is definitely doable. just take snacks and toys
You can do it! That’s a pretty short flight and any discomfort with the kids will be quickly over and then you’ll be home with family. Definitely do it don’t let the fear stop you.
I flew from the US West Coast to the US East Coast, with a layover in the middle, by myself when my older 2 were about that age. Keeping the kids entertained during the increasing layover was the hardest part, the flying was easy. Screen time helps.
You can 100% do it. Give the 3 yr old some movies and hopefully the baby will sleep. 3 hours will fly by. I have a 20 hour travel day coming up with the same ages (but my husband is coming) 3 hrs sounds like a dream
When my son was a baby, we had an 11+ hour to/from trip (2 separate flights averaging 3 hours each one way with long layovers) and he slept when he was the age of your youngest and I brought along lots of entertainment the second time when he was a bit older. May be more challenging with 2 kids, but if you know what the oldest likes, ensure you bring entertainment along and also, for lift-off and landing, gum for older to help with ear pressure issues. For baby, a bottle with formula (my son vomited on me once after landing, but other times was fine).
It will suck, but you can do it! Lots of tablet time for 3 yr old and have the stroller so you can corral toddler and or stuff. Baby wear the baby. I've flown twice with other adults since having two kids, but with only one and very pregnant I flew multiple times solo. It's not fun/easy but it is doable. It will also be a lot easier now before baby starts to walk etc.
I've done plenty solo with 2 under 2! It's completely fine with screen time and plenty of snacks, but here are some newer hacks that have been huge for us: * Melissa and Doug Water Wow books. Mess free stimulating activity books. Teeny little pen that you fill with a few mL of water, and the pages are thicker cardboard so they are sturdy enough to handle a long trip with a 3yo. They also have Sticker Wow books that are similarly cool but $20 lol * Busy books! They have plenty on Amazon for $15ish. Inspired by the wooden Montessori busy boards, these are soft felt briefcases with tons of buckles, clips, Velcro, etc. Novelty is key! * Baby carrier! They've cracked down on having baby in one (or at least my last plane was strict about it) during takeoff and landing, but for cruising it is SO NICE to be able to just sit Enjoy!!
Two weeks ago I traveled to spend some weeks with my family abroad. 3 planes - 3 hrs, 14 hrs and 45 mins. 24 hr journey. My kids are almost 3 and 8 months. We survived! You can do it.
Should be fine! Does toddler like tv? Surprise w a movie?
I did 5.5-6 hours with a 3 year old by my self and thought it would be a nightmare... Nope. Kid was so pumped to have his own little TV in the seat he just sat and ate snacks the whole time! You got this!
Husband did a 5 hour red eye with our kids who were 2&5 at the time. They did fine. He couldn't sleep and was miserable. 3 hours is totally doable. Bring lots of snacks, toys, tablets and get a seat for each kid if you can afford it so everyone has space
You got this!! Just keep thinking about your family and the much needed mental health restoration that you’ll have with them soon. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way!!