I want to take a trip with my husband and my 2 year old. I'm trying to decide between flying (about 3 hours) or driving (about 20 hours). If you've done either of these with a 2 year old, please share your experience. Thanks!

I'm sure different children are different, but if it were my younger daughter--now a charming 18-year-old--I would definitely have gone for the plane ride based on length alone. She simply COULD NOT stay in her car seat for any length of time, and a 4.5 hour trip was about the maximum our family could stand until she was at least 7. When she DID fall asleep, we would drive nonstop, foregoing bathroom breaks, food breaks or any other kind of breaks to take advantage of the blessed silence.

Hi Delaney-I have done both. Flying is quicker and more convenient. Make sure you buy a seat for your child and bring along their carseat. Kids are used to being in their carseat. Have one of you, pre-board, if your airline allows with the car seat. Take snacks, books, travel magna doodle, crayons, coloring books, sticker books etc. to amuse your child in flight. Let your child, drink something while taking off and landing to relieve pressure in the ears. Try to get a direct flight if possible. If that's not possible, check to see if the airport has a children's area, or simply walk around with your child to burn off excess energy. On your return flight, don't book a late flight if possible. Later flights are usually the ones that are delayed or cancelled. Try to take an earlier flight. I have heard of parents giving children Benadryl or something to make them sleep or alleviate the ear pressure, I would be very leery of drugging my child. Sometimes, Benadryl or another medication, can make a child extra hyper. The last thing you need on a crowded flight. I also took a collapsible umbrella stroller and gate checked it. It was waiting on the jetway when we de-planed. It definitely made walking through the airport trouble-free.

As for driving, you will have to stop every couple of hours to let your child stretch his/her legs unless you drive at night.

IMO, flying is the best way to go with a toddler. Hope this helps.

Wow! I never even thought about bringing a car seat on the plane. Thanks, both of you, for your advice. It was extremely helpful.

We have travelled extensively with our three children and our policy has always been Quicker is better. The novelty of the trip wears off fast so the quickest way is the lest stressfull on everyone. Tell the airlines a head of time and they make a special meal and let you board first. I hope this helps

I'd drive (with caveats).
I'll never forget our 25 hour trip with 2yr old to Florida in our Honda Accord. We stopped each day for a picnic lunch. He loved to 'toddle' around the picnic area, and got into the water fountain. We have many photos of this trip. We stopped at a Best Western overnight. Outside our room was a tree filled with birds; one baby fell from its nest. All we heard was constant chirping. We tried to return the tiny bird to the nest. All along he was saying "the burdies, burdes..." On our way back home we taped him talking about his visit to Disney, with "Ducky Duck.." The car provided a great excuse for us to spend close, uninterrupted time together. He was never really a bad car passenger; not a screamer... so we were fortunate.

I'd drive so you don't have to pay for the 3rd airline seat (why we drove after he was 2). I'd fly if you don't want to spend 2-4 days travelling there and back. The 3 hour flight is actually much more when you add the pre and post airline chores. You will really lose a day flying anyway - which could be a real PITA.

We've done both. We drove when he was little to save money and to have the time together. Plus, we turned the trip into a fun time (we stopped at zoos along the way for the first few years). We've also flown to get more time at the destination. This is very nice since you get there fast!

Delaney-Make sure your car seat is FAA approved. Most of the new ones are. As for taking it--it is a very good idea. Seat belts do not always fit a child that age very well and a car seat will protect your child especially during turbulence. Both the FAA and The Association of Flight Attendants recommend car seats for children.

My kids' doctor has always suggested that I give the kids a little cough syrup to calm them down for car or plane travels. The kids sleep, but aren't drowsy like they would be from Benedryl.

To Mom above-Some over the counter medications have side effects and can affect kids differently. Why risk the side effects to put your kid to sleep. If you plan carefully you will not need to drug your child! Too many parents today, give their kids unneccessary medication and then when they are really sick, it doesn't work.

By the way, I would find another pediatrician! Or, find out how many times he has had lawsuits filed against him. (That is public record) I don't care if he is a doctor, he sounds like he is unethical!

Thanks for all of your advice. We are going to fly. I appreciate the tips!