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Taking Flight with My Toddler
A Frightening "First"
By Alene S. Sen
Since I became a parent more than a year ago, life has been filled with many "firsts." This past summer, I tackled one of my most feared "firsts": flying alone with my 17-month-old son, Mitchell. It was his first time on an airplane and my first time traveling alone with him.
Mitchell was younger than 2 years old and had the option of traveling for free. Like most families who plan a vacation, I had a tight budget and cost was a factor since most airlines charge by the seat. It would save me money to have him sit on my lap, but would it be practical?
For weeks, I was torn between what I wanted ideally and what I could afford. Finally, after a tug of war of pros and cons, re-budgeting and thoughtful consideration, I purchased the extra seat for three reasons: 1) Since I was traveling alone, I needed the extra space, because I would not be able to pass him off to anyone nor would I be able to handle 23 pounds on my lap for six hours; 2) I needed reassurance that Mitchell would be safer in case of turbulence or any unexpected emergencies; and 3) I knew he slept well in his car seat, so I gambled, knowing the odds were with me, that he would likely sleep through most of the plane ride.
When friends, family, and acquaintances discovered I had purchased an extra ticket, they were all surprised. Most of them felt I should have saved the money, but their opinions did not discourage me, because I knew I had made the appropriate decision to accommodate my circumstances.
Once the ticket was purchased, the planning began. I requested a kids' meal for Mitchell, but made doubly sure to pack extra goodies and snacks in case the kids' meal did not work out. I made a list of things to pack for him, things that would entertain him and keep his mind occupied. It was a long list, which I narrowed down to fit into my backpack.
