Air travel with a toddler

We have traveled two other times on a plane with Neil and each time I've been nervous but have found it hasn't been quite as bad as I was anticipating. This time I was even more nervous- at least the other two times Neil wasn't walking and was content to sit in our arms during the flights, for the most part. Now he is not only walking but running, and seems to want his own seat. We have a hard time sitting still when we go to Pirates or Penguins games and don't get to see much of the game.

We loaded up with toys- taking advice to bring new things for Neil to do. I even made a last minute trip to Target to buy some things. This turned out to be way more than we needed to do. I do get that Neil is a pretty laid back kid and we're lucky so we'll see how things go with the next kid.

We let Neil have one stuffed animal and his blanket. That might have been a bad idea, because the blanket was just dragged all over the place. And he kept setting both down in random places so they are probably both really dirty right now.

Both flights on the way out we just kept him busy with books, an empty cup, and he dozed off briefly.

On the way back, we had a little bit of time in the Savannah airport, so we let him run around. It wasn't crowded at all and I could follow him and let him go wherever he wanted to. I figured it was good to let him get as much energy out as possible.

He loved the big rocking chairs, and we had some muffins at Starbucks.

There was another kid a little younger than Neil and Neil was fascinated with him.

On the first flight we let Neil watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We were trying to keep him awake because it was before naptime and I was hoping he would take his nap on the 2nd flight.

We stopped in Charlotte and Neil was literally falling asleep in my arms. I tried carrying him on my shoulders but he was even falling asleep there so I finally let it happen (put him in the stroller and pushed him through the airport). Thank goodness he stayed asleep most of the flight, waking up towards the end of it. This was the most peaceful flight for us.

He was tired of traveling by the time we got back to the airport and didn't want to drive home in the car. He whined most of the way in the car and the only way I could get him to stop was to hold his hand. He kept his turtle with him most of the trip as well.

This was probably the last trip we will be able to take him as a lap child (have to be under 2) and I think it's about the right time anyways. I think he would be a lot happier in his own seat at this point although I still think at times he liked being held as well. I'm hoping this was the worst stage for travel because as he gets older he'll be able to communicate and understand more but I am a first time mom with him so maybe I'm dreaming haha.