Prepping For Portland
Amidst all of the photoshoot stuff, we’ve also been prepping for our trip to Portland on Tuesday. Part of that prep work involved readying Clara for six hours on a plane (yikes). We’ve been reading books with airplanes in them (Knuffle Bunny Free has been getting a work out) and working up her endurance just sitting quietly and watching a video (Toy Story 2 at the moment). We’ve even got her wearing the pink children’s headphones we snagged at Target. Don’t want to disturb the other passengers now do we!
Wish us luck! And perhaps cross your fingers that you’re not sitting near us on the flight.
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Have an amazing time! Us Portlanders are excited to have you here. :-)
I just saw a blog post full of ideas for traveling with kids. http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/07/travel-activities-for-kids.html Have a great trip!
A few months ago we flew from Europe to Texas with my 22 month old son and my 4 yr old girl and we were afraid about the flight(just imagine 12 hour flight plus a layover in Chicago for 4+ hrs) but they behave wonderful we tried to stay super calm so they wouldn’t feel the anxiety and as a result they were great, they eat, use the Ipad, color , and nap for a couple of hrs. And I couldn’t be more pleased with them , even the crew were so happy and playful with both , so I guess the clue for you is just stay calm and enjoy the flight :)
My three kids have flown quite a bit and they’ve all love it. And some of the flights have been really long ones, too. We’ve noticed that at younger ages they sleep for most of the flight. We don’t know if it’s the white noise of the engine or the subtle movement of the plane, but all three would sleep. The only trouble we’ve had is ear pain. We pack lollipops for them to suck on or bring an empty sippy cup and have the flight attendant put some water in it. Last year, our 18 month old loved to draw so I packed three crayons and some paper and she was thoroughly entertained while we circled because of weather. Her older brothers, however, were not so easy going about the delay. They weren’t disruptive, just tired of being on the plane. But so were we!
Awww, you’ll do great. You think of everything! So looking forward to meeting you!
When you get back will you do a post on your tips to grow blogs for those of us unable to attend the Portland event? I’d be super appreciative. Also, I’d give Clara something to drink during take off and landing to help her ears pop. She’ll probably love looking out the window if she has a window seat. Are you bringing a car seat on the airplane, holding her, or do you have one of those fancy airplane harnesses?
We actually did a whole week on that stuff during our blogiversary this year, so if you click the sidebar button on Young House Love that says Blogging FAQs all that stuff is covered! Hope it helps! As for on the plane, Clara will be sitting on our lap just because that’s how she’s most comfy (we thought about getting her own seat, but she always says “mommy’s lap” so we figure whatever makes her feel calm is the way to go!
xo,
s
So excited you are coming to PDX! I will be at the show to see you. I will be in the back…feeling awkward! Good luck and I hope you get a chance to see something besides the show and eat good food. We have such awesome food here..don’t miss out!
Screen Door (Southern)
Por Que No (Mexican)
Apizza Scholls (uh, pizza…)
Yeah, I could go on. And on.
Thanks for all the plane tips and Portland tips guys!
xo,
s
Portland is a great city. My best friend lived there for 6 years while getting her PhD so I got to visit several times. I wish you were going to be there for longer so you could see all the cool stuff in Portland and also outside the city. The Columbia River Gorge is gorgeous (pun partially intended) and Multnomah Falls is spectacular. If you like hot sauce and happen to be out to eat (almost anywhere in Portland) try the Aardvark Sauce. So delicious. Just curious, while you’re busy talking blog stuff, what does Miss Clara get to do? Do they provide day care?
Check out our post on Young House Love this morning for that info (John’s parents are actually coming with us).
xo,
s
We live in Kansas. Our son is adopted from Russia, Siberia to be more specific. Our parents live in Massachusetts. Our son is an awesome flyer!
-run around the airport like crazy before boarding, you look nuts but it’s worth it!
-snacks
-new never seen before toys
-more snacks
-a couple favorite toys
-a few more snacks
-silly putty
-cup of ice from the stewardess
(at least that’s what works for us)
Our son is now 2 so he gets his own seat and we use a special harness made by CARES to keep him strapped down, safe, and not bothering other people. We only let him get up for potty breaks.
It will be fine!
If you start having a rough go of it think of this story, and say “well it’s not that bad”….
I flew home from Russia with our son by myself. He didn’t sleep for ANY of the 10 hour flight, despite having to rise at 6AM and despite tons of laps around the terminal. UGH. By the time movie number 4 was playing on the airplane TVs and EVERYONE else was a sleep, I thought I was going to go crazy. All Oliver wanted to do was sit on the floor. So there he sat on the floor and I tossed him cheerios in my semi-with-it state. 21 hours of travel and we made it home to Kansas City….we were both awake the whole time.
Safe trip! Clara will be perfect :)
Not that you guys probably need any advice at all, but when I have flown with my very active preschooler, new gifts (tiny wrapped dollar target toys), pipe cleaners, stickers, pretzels and especially bubble wrap saved me from much embarrassment, and the other passengers from irritation
This past October we did a trip down to Hawaii (from Seattle) with our not-quite-2-year-old. He did great! His grandparents would put on the Bose noise-cancelling headphones and he’d zonk out (it wasn’t a fluke; it happened both on the way there and back!) I’ll bet she does great :)
Won a ticket to the blogging seminar and I am so pumped! We’re going to be taking a road trip with our little guy this summer and we were planning to do the whole practicing “sitting quietly and watching a video” thing too since he normally has zero screen time. I’m sure you guys are going to do great on your trip! But, I don’t think anything can quite prepare you for the precariousness of changing a diaper in an airplane lavatory…except for maybe finding a nice 2′x2′ closet somewhere to practice. Probably one of our most interesting diaper changing experiences to date. Lol, good luck and safe travels!
Haha, we were just talking about that challenge! Should be interesting…
xo,
s
I thought it was your policy not to mention trips until you’re already back…? Hope your home stays safe.
When we have public speaking gigs that are public knowledge, we have no choice. We have great peace of mind because this house has a killer alarm system (motion sensors, cameras, the whole nine yards) and will also have a house sitter at our house the entire time we’re gone (along with vigilant neighbors who know who is coming and going). So we’re all set! Not to mention our barky and ferocious chihuahua who single-handedly believes he’s in charge of security. Haha.
xo,
s
I’ve done Australia to the UK (24 hours) with various combinations of one and two small children under 3. I’ve even had friends do it alone with two kids. And I regularly fly 3 hours with the two myself.
I advise many small presents wrapped up for her to open up. Just little things like stickers and wee toys. Lots of tape to occupy her opening them. And no rules about TV or food – give her as many sweets, chocolates and crips as she likes. Hah And I let my boys wander round as much as they like too … anything for peace and quiet!
Honestly, you’ll have a two to one ratio – you’ll be fine!
The iPad is a lifesaver!! My kids adore it. We’re thinking about getting a second for our trip to London because of the seat configuration but I think it might be a waste of money. Constant snacks of all varieties. Also pack some dramamine just in case, as well as an extra set of clothes (even running clothes to save space) for each of you in the carry-on. We’ve learned that lesson more than once sadly :(
Good luck with Clara on the plane!
Clara will do great! I think generally kids love airplanes for all the excitement they provide. The only problem might be if their little ears hurt. We always bring Benadryl (helps to unclog painful ears and also eases our son to sleep as an added benefit). Have only had to use it once and had flown with him a dozen times. Good luck!
Seriously – so freaking cute!!! Love her little pink headphones and how she’s just chillin’ :)
We recently did a long haul trip (13.5 hours on just one of the flights) and a good toy I found for our little girl was pipe cleaners. First off, they are the quietest toy (I was nervous about the girl annoying other passengers) and with a good imagination they keep being fun to play with. Making jewelery was her favorite one. Good luck on the trip and on the public speaking!
We travel often with our 20 month old (she’s been to France, Australia and Florida in the past six months) – and she’s mostly really good. Our tips are to get to the gate really early (ie at least 1 hour before departure) so that she can run around a lot before we get on the plane, we have a doodle toy with pen attached, and lots of food that she likes and doesn’t get daily (Goldfish, chips etc.) as well as fruit etc.- and a few of her favorite toys. And we talk, cuddle etc.
I recommend a stash of dum-dum suckers. They are really tiny, so not a big choking risk, and not a ton of sugar. :) helps ears too!
Awe! That’s so adorable (with the headphones). Good luck on that flight! Hopefully she’ll sleep for most of it!
i’m sure the flight will go great for all of you! just make sure you’ve got plenty of snacks and a sippy cup for clara. sippy cups or a sucker will help her during take off and landing… something about the sucking helps keep their little ears clear. we traveled overseas with our 18 month old last summer. we found that picking up a few surprises(a couple of new toys and some stickers) at the dollar store before leaving helped. we waited until she got fidgety before pulling one out of her travel bag. it’s amazing how long a $1 can of silly putty can entertain a child. and who knows… you may just luck out and she’ll take a nap for part of the trip. safe travels!
Have a safe trip and I am sure Clara will be a good little girl on the plane- fingers crossed :)
I’m a mom, I know it doesn’t always work out that way. :)
I just came across your blog and it is wonderful! Wow if I could only do what you have done to my own house one day!
But my favorite part by far is your daughter’s name, CLARA! I have the same name and I never meet anyone with it! So cute!
LOVE the name so much! It was John’s grandmother’s name so we named our daughter in her honor!
xo,
s
The iPad is amazing for this job. We used it on a 7-hour car ride and it (along with Elmo and Mandy Ptatinkin) was our hero. I need to find a substantial rubber case for ours like you have there. Its life is imperiled daily.
Aw she is so cute with those little headphones on. Smart idea to introduce them BEFORE the flight.
My 2 year old little man is currently into Cars 2, and before that was Tangled. He goes through phases of watching one movie for about 3 weeks to one month before he moves on to the next one.
Good luck with the travels. I am sure she will do great.
No young kids here, but I’ve heard that from other parents that the pressure on their ears can be an issue. So.. Having things for her swallow might be good (snacks, a sippy cup). And if she has any congestion, maybe some kind of decongested. It seems like kids really suffer when they’re sick.
Good luck speaking! And safe travels! Hope this is a fun little trip for you guys!
I generally fly alone with two kids, one easy going traveler. My oldest can best be described as cranky, travel adverse and a nonsleeper to make her even more fun. We manage and usually leave the plane with positive comments.
Most advice concerns what happens once on the plane. I’ve found what happens in the terminal to also make a difference. First, I make sure we have seat assignments even if it means going to the airport the night before to get one of the seats that can only be assigned by a desk agent.
If you purchased a seat for Clara weigh the value of the bulkhead row. I avoid that row because the arm rests are fixed. We seem to have more space to move where the armrests can be put up and kids can stretch out. I check bags. Carry-on luggage is limited to a diaper/snack bag and activity backpack. Because I have to travel with a computer I found a computer bag with room for what would normally go in my diaper bag and purse.
I carry at least 2 easy on outfits with extra socks for each child, diapers and training pants. Knee socks rather than tights or leggings if it is cold. Pants of any type are a pain to get off and on in a tiny airplane bathroom or at your seat. My daughter traveled in a dress for easy diaper access. Once she was potty trained a dress was still easier. If things get messy there is only one item to take off or put back on. It worked best if the dress was a jumper that I could put a long sleeved shirt under (not a onesie). The onesie is another layer to go through. With a shirt under the dress, if the dress is soiled that is all that has to be changed.
My son is still at the age where anything with a full length zipper or snaps work. He travels in a one piece sleeper with a shirt and socks underneath. That way he is not naked on a chilly plane if I have to undress him. He will be in a one piece sleeper until he is old enough to insist on real clothes. In my mind a cute blanket sleeper makes a perfect travel outfit.
Once at the airport I use the stroller for things, not my daughter. I let her walk everywhere. When we get to the gate I do not sit or encourage her to participate in quiet time activities. Those are saved for the plane. I keep her moving letting her run and explore and be noisy. I look for areas away from other passengers. I figure better active and noisy in a large space that absorbs her noise than on the plane. We wind down with a visit to the restroom, diaper change for the baby and one last hand and face clean up with real water just before boarding starts.
Finally, I do not rely on the airline for anything. I fill a water bottle once through security. I take partially frozen drink boxes (milk and juice)through the family security line, sandwiches, crackers, cheese– any finger food that is not messy. If the airline offers treats great. If the kids cannot wait with our own wipes, paper towels, disposable bibs, snacks, toys and activities we are as ready as can be. For everything else repeat, “this to shall pass” as often as needed.
All fabulous advice. could not agree with it all more!
It’ll be a piece of cake. My suggestion is buying her a ticket and bringing her car seat on board. (If it’s too late for that, definitely gate check the seat – it’s a bit safer for the seat and then it’s guaranteed to be there when you land!) I just did a four-hour flight solo with my 11-month-old and it was easy – she spent most of the time standing in her (rear-facing) car seat flirting with the people behind us (strapped in for take-off, naps, turbulence, and landing). Even if she doesn’t have a seat, with two people to trade off, it shouldn’t be too bad.
My other suggestion is to let your neighbors help if they want – the women behind my daughter offered to hold her, and the woman next to me let her play with her watch! I’ve flown with the baby several times and don’t worry about annoying people – 98% of them are sympathetic and super nice (and the other 2% just huff and/or roll their eyes). I also agree with snacks, but the iPad should be great (mine is too young to be interested and hates not moving around, so I just funneled snacks into her when she wasn’t sleeping).
You can also bring basically anything for her through security, so you could bring milk or juice from home, applesauce, etc, – declare it to security and they’ll just wave an explosives detector over it. And go by your own ears – if they don’t hurt, hers will be fine. I offer a sip of something whenever I start to feel mine pop.
Okay, baby jeggings are probably the cutest thing ever.
Aww she’ll do amazing! Have a wonderful, safe trip!
Yep. We took our 1 and 1/2 year old on a trip from NY to CA while being 6 months pregnant! I highly recommend buying a few toys from the Dollar Section at Target and surprise her with them on the plane with new toys that she will be shocked and intrigued to play with (for at least 5 minutes before boredom sets in) and then you just do the switch out every couple of times. It’s a juggling act, but you must, must, must watch Up All Night from this week because they go flying with their baby for the 1st time and it’s hilarious. Happy trails guys and tell us how many hacky sackers you see in the parks out there!
My best, Lynn
We just came back from a whirlwind trip to India-my in-laws live there. And our 18month old did great for looonnnnnng trip. First leg was 12hours , a 2 hour layover then another 3 hour flight. We were able to bring cups with her milk and water through security. They just asked us to remove them from the bag while going through. Then our airline gave us (well my daughter) a mini etch a sketch for the flight along with some stickers and a coloring book and pencils. Luckily there was also individual TVs for each passenger with shows like Dora and Elmo, my daughter’s favorites. I’m sure you guys and Clara will do just fine. Oh and we were also seated near other families. We survived so I’m sure you will too. Hope you guys have a great time! Can’t wait to read all about it!
Clara in jeggings = cutest picture ever!
We’ve flown four different times with our two-year-old son, and each time it was a different experience because of his age. The only thing that remained consistent is that he was always entertained by something novel that he didn’t have at home. Sometimes it was a new toy we brought. Sometimes it was the safety card in the seat backs — ya never know! But if you do bring new toys, I suggest wrapping them in tissue paper. She can open up the new presents on the plane without too much mess, and that activity in itself takes up some time! We also brought fruit loops and shoe laces on the last flight. It doubled as a toy and snack since he could string them on the lace and still eat them later.
Kids love routines and this routine has always worked for our many long flights with small children:
Activity (color, read, toys, games)
Movie
Snack
Walk up and down the aisle
Repeat ad nauseam.
Is Clara in to stickers yet? For my daughter, I cut a bunch of scrap white paper into fourths and stapled twice at the top, making her own “book”. Stashed a couple sheets of stickers with it and let her turn the pages and decorate! Like all distractions, this buys you about 5 minutes, but it can be nice when you’re in all those lines!
Oh yes she loves them! Thanks for all the tips everyone!
xo,
s
Nobody says you have to use it, but bring some Children’s Benadryl along just in case! Let us know how changing a baby diaper in an airplane bathroom goes!
The dvd player worked wonders on our 4 hour flight with my then 16 month old rambunctious little boy. 2 dvds and we were to our respective destination!
I saw this blog post today and the paint samples made me think of a future valentie from Clara :)
http://kaseybuick.com/2012/02/i-love-you-pink/
Cute!
xo,
s
Dear John and Sherry, don’t worry, Clara will do just fine. We travel with our six all the time and have done so since they were all litle. Now the older kids can amuse themselves with games or watching the movie,and they love to eat on the plane. We only let them eat what was prepared at home, don’t need sick tumtums on a trip. The twins, who are just days older than Clara, usually fall asleep after a couple of hours into the flight. The twin who sucks her thumb has never had a problem while the other has fussed a few times on descend with pressure changing, apparently the sucking helps equalize the pressure for her sister. I believe in initiating children to travels of all sorts as young as possible so as they grow older you can pretty well talk them into going anywhere and behaving well.
Tons of good luck in Portland. Poor Burger all alone :(
Good luck with your flights tomorrow! Let us know how it goes and if you figure out any new tricks. I’m flying alone with my 23 month old next month and already am stressing about it.
I’m sure she’ll do great! You’ll have to share any travel tips once you’re back though! I’ll be doing a one hour followed by a two hour flight with my (then) almost 1 year old in a couple months. I’m thinking the ipad will be a lifesaver! I didn’t even think about headphones though…hmmm… I am going to get a few new (small) toys and my coworker suggested the ones that suction cup to the tabletops so I think I’ll go that route.
There’s just so much stuff to bring! Luckily you can take snacks and drinks through security as long as you go through the “family lane” and you can check their carseat and stroller for free!
Not to make my very loving and awesome parents sound…well, not so very loving and awesome, but they always had one trick for air travel: Grape dimetapp :)
I am so sad I am not able to come see you guys! I was dead set on being there, and then I got a job. Seeing as Wednesday will be day #2, I think it’s a touch too early to try to bend the rules. Hope you enjoy our lovely city!
Aw thanks Marie! I’m sure we’ll meet someday!
xo,
s
We flew from San Diego to Hawaii, with a screaming-bloody-murder child right behind us – the entire way! I wish those parents had prepared like you guys are!! I’m sure your neighbors will appreciate it :)
You guys already have tons of great advice on here for taking Clara on the plane… thought I’d share a little more! I was a really anxious little kid, so my parents would bring some of my tried-and-true favorite old movies on trips (things like Cinderella, where I had watched it enough times to know that it had a happy ending). Having something familiar to watch was really comforting when I was staying in a new and unfamiliar place. I LOVED plane rides, but maybe having some of her favorite movies or shows on hand would be helpful in case she gets a little nervous!
I know you are probably getting more tips than you can read before leaving for the flight, but I have a few for what helped with my 1-year old on my 5+hour flight from LA to Baltimore (by myself, with him on my lap). I had a bag of small toys, and I only took out one at a time every 20 minutes or when it appeared he had COMPLETELY exhausted his interest in the toy. I tried to take lots of deep breaths, focusing on just the current toy or looking out the window. I apologized in advance to the passengers next to me (who were happy to play peek-a-boo with him anyway), and I even offered them candy I’d brought for that purpose. :)
Also, someone recommended bringing cheap dental floss – he enjoyed pulling that out for a little while, and it was easy to clean up.
My husband and I flew to Portland, OR a few months back with our daughter who was 13 months old. We bought a separate seat for her and brought her car seat since it was such a long flight and we knew we’d need it since we were renting a car. My Em slept for the majority of the trip but when she got antsy we made sure to let her listen to music, play with the iPad and just generally kept her busy.
Be careful in Portland, we stayed in a hotel right on the river and it was beautiful but there are a lot of homeless in that city. It’s kind of scary, particularly at night. Stay safe!