I am leaving with the kids next thursday to be gone for over a month. We are flying out of the springs and have a 1 and 1/2hr layover in Atlanta. I have 2 stroller options to bring. We have a graco(I think) mostly plastic and moderately light wieght and a sit and stand which is a bit heavier but DS could sit on the back. I will have 2 carry ons to battle as well as keeping up with 5yo DS who has a tendancy to wander.

So for questions, which stroller? Should I nurse Autumn during take off and landing? What do I do for Hunter for take off and landing? What would you pack in Hunters carry on? Anything special you'd put in Autumns diaper bag? (we are using sposies for the trip)
Also HS mama's what would you do? Continue HS'ing in some manner or take a break? This vacation will be pretty packed with family since we haven't been home in almost 2yrs.

I've done this !!!! lol ;)

How old are your kiddos Jennifer? Gonna NAK but I'll come back to give you our experience lol

I'd do the heavier stroller as even if DS walks there is more room to throw your bags on. Are you bringing carseats? Last time I didn't for #1 and wished I had as she didn't sleep in the big plane seat. Consider a sling for the younger one too.

The hardest part is security as you have to take everything out of the stroller. Wear shoes (for everyone) that slip or velcro off.

Take along: snacks you'll get basically nothing onboard; I wrap all snacks & drinkboxes in wrapping paper for extra fun. Bring small quiet toys (markers, etch a sketch, puzzle), wrap them too. Something new or forgotten about. A drink during takeoff/landing should help Hunter.

Ask in layover if they have a playground. Some airports do & it's worth the walk.

If you can fit everything under your seats (which is easier to get to stuff), get on the plane last so that it's less time cramped up.

I am leaving with the kids next thursday to be gone for over a month. We are flying out of the springs and have a 1 and 1/2hr layover in Atlanta. I have 2 stroller options to bring. We have a graco(I think) mostly plastic and moderately light wieght and a sit and stand which is a bit heavier but DS could sit on the back. I will have 2 carry ons to battle as well as keeping up with 5yo DS who has a tendancy to wander.

So for questions, which stroller? Should I nurse Autumn during take off and landing? What do I do for Hunter for take off and landing? What would you pack in Hunters carry on? Anything special you'd put in Autumns diaper bag? (we are using sposies for the trip)
Also HS mama's what would you do? Continue HS'ing in some manner or take a break? This vacation will be pretty packed with family since we haven't been home in almost 2yrs.


Take the big stroller; you will be so happy you did. I second the little snacks and games; I have done little mini playdoh even(the tip down tray is perfect for it), which was a big hit, as well as stickers, coloring stuff, mini games, etc. I usually go to the dollar store and get a selection, as well as a few yummy treats that aren't normal, and then I doled them out whenever it looked like the situation was about to deteriorate into complete whiny boredom. That way they lasted longer, and I always had some distraction on hand, and they were happy.

Also, consider packing food that the kids will like if there is a possibility that they won't like the airline food. I have done that a few times, and it is a lifesaver. You don't end up listening to constant complaints of "I'm HUUUUNGRYYY!!!", because they didn't eat the meal provided.

Yes, nurse the baby during take off and landing; it is the best thing for them. For the older one, I always bought a little pack of sugar-free gum, and gave during take off and landing, which was a hit, since I don't usually allow gum.

For HSing, I usually dump all formal stuff, but make a point of taking advantage of visiting interesting spots, and checking out the native flora and fauna, etc.


HTH! FWIW, I usually have people tell me my kids are angels, after a big long trip, and they most def are NOT! LOL And most of my trips have been 9 hour plane trips, or 14 hour bus trips.


Murali

I have been traveling with the Boys since they were infants (they are 10½ months apart). If I had to do it again, and I had an older child (Hunter's age) that could walk close to me I would not bring a stroller at all & put Autumn in a carrier & only carry a diaper bag (check everything else) with changes of clothes for both of them, diapers of course, a shirt for YOU in case of a baby vomit episode, games & snacks for Hunter. Strollers were a major PITA at airports when I was alone ... especially if I had to change planes. I just prefer bringing the minimum.

If I had a long layover I would bring a stroller for Autumn to sleep/lay in & to give my back a rest. With Autumn as young as she is & the time it takes to get from gate-to-gate I personally wouldn't consider 1½ hrs that long of a layover.

Is Autumn getting her own seat on the plane? A carseat AND a stroller are nearly impossible for one person to handle on top of a baby & a young child.

I usually balk at those leash things for kids, but in this case it might be a good idea if you decide not to use the stroller.

HTH!

I have been traveling with the Boys since they were infants (they are 10½ months apart). If I had to do it again, and I had an older child (Hunter's age) that could walk close to me I would not bring a stroller at all & put Autumn in a carrier & only carry a diaper bag (check everything else) with changes of clothes for both of them, diapers of course, a shirt for YOU in case of a baby vomit episode, games & snacks for Hunter. Strollers were a major PITA at airports when I was alone ... especially if I had to change planes. I just prefer bringing the minimum.

If I had a long layover I would bring a stroller for Autumn to sleep/lay in & to give my back a rest. With Autumn as young as she is & the time it takes to get from gate-to-gate I personally wouldn't consider 1½ hrs that long of a layover.

Is Autumn getting her own seat on the plane? A carseat AND a stroller are nearly impossible for one person to handle on top of a baby & a young child.

I usually balk at those leash things for kids, but in this case it might be a good idea if you decide not to use the stroller.

HTH!

Oh, yeah. Def changes of clothes for food spillages, etc.

On the stroller, though, I did it once without the stroller, and it was AWFUL, esp trying to lug my carryons and the baby..ugh! The next times, I took the stroller, and it was soo much better, imo! They take it off you at the door, and put it in baggage, and in the meantime, you have something to hold everything, instead of breaking your arms!

Anyway, there you have it, take your pic, lol!


Murali

I like having the stroller to carry the stuff. The last time we flew, Daniel walked (4.75 yrs), Nico was in the Ergo (2 yrs - I love that thing), and I had to carry my backpack and Nico's carseat. Not again! We didn't need the stroller at the destination, but it would've been MUCH nicer to wheel the Marathon thru the place, rather than carry it (along with a 35 pound kid on my back). Daniel had a wheeled kid carryon thing, so he was in charge of his bag.

My other advice, if you haven't purchased your ticket yet, is to fly mid-week. We've flown on Wednesday (Tues, Wed and Sat are the cheapest days to fly southwest, typically), and the airport has been calm, and we've gotten lots of help, and not felt rushed.

Also, do ask at Security if your DH/SO/person bringing you to the airport can go with you to the gate. You might be able to ask when you check your luggage, but they'll probably say it's up to security. Never turn down the extra help :)

~amey