car travel toys for 2 year olds image
seashelly1
I Need some serious advice!!! I will soon be traveling 8 hours on a plane for the first time with my three year old daughter. Please can anyone give some advice on how to make this smoother and simpler for me and my child. Also how can i help lessen the pain and pressure on a three year olds ears during take off and landing thanksss to hear from you all.
Answer
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me:
1.)Since you already have to buy a seat for your daughter, I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not.
http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1
This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
2.) The best time of day to fly is whenever you are comfortable. If you can find a flight that will take off around your childs nap or bedtime, that would be easier, but of course we all know it doesn't always work out that way. The main thing is that you pick a day that you are comfortable with and try to be as relaxed as possible because your daughter will be able to pick up on any anxiousness or anxiety you might have.
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do is give her a drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, OR beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
Another trick is that if your daughter is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
4.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your daughter. A few of her favorite toys, books, a portable DVD player and one or two movies if you have one, and any comfort things such as a blankie. The Fa's will also provide you with a toy or coloring book for your daughter also.
5.)Take your daughter to the store and buy her a small carry-on bag of her choice. Let her pick out a few new (but inexpensive) toys that will be used only once she is on the plane. Be sure to buy a few without her knowing so she will have a surprise when she opens up her bag.
6.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food and a few other non-perishable snack items. Dried fruit make a wonderful snack (and they're healthy too!). Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.
7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your daughter. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Also bring any medications that you might need for her should she get sick. Do NOT give your daughter medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
8.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
I hope you have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me.
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me:
1.)Since you already have to buy a seat for your daughter, I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not.
http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1
This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
2.) The best time of day to fly is whenever you are comfortable. If you can find a flight that will take off around your childs nap or bedtime, that would be easier, but of course we all know it doesn't always work out that way. The main thing is that you pick a day that you are comfortable with and try to be as relaxed as possible because your daughter will be able to pick up on any anxiousness or anxiety you might have.
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do is give her a drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, OR beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
Another trick is that if your daughter is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
4.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your daughter. A few of her favorite toys, books, a portable DVD player and one or two movies if you have one, and any comfort things such as a blankie. The Fa's will also provide you with a toy or coloring book for your daughter also.
5.)Take your daughter to the store and buy her a small carry-on bag of her choice. Let her pick out a few new (but inexpensive) toys that will be used only once she is on the plane. Be sure to buy a few without her knowing so she will have a surprise when she opens up her bag.
6.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food and a few other non-perishable snack items. Dried fruit make a wonderful snack (and they're healthy too!). Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.
7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your daughter. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Also bring any medications that you might need for her should she get sick. Do NOT give your daughter medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
8.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
I hope you have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Any suggestions on air travel with a 1 year old?
Renee A
So I'm travevling with my 1 year old from San Diego to NY for Thanksgiving. We werent able to get her a ticket so she'll be on my lap. I dont have to worry about bringing any big items as our family back east has everything. My question is what is the easiest way to get through the airport and if there are any ideas on how to keep her entertained as I think we are stuck in a middle seat too.
Answer
-First off, even if you did not buy a ticket for your daughter, you must inform the airline of your intent to travel with an infant. This is done so that they can better asses the situation with oxygen masks on board the plane (making sure that they have enough for all passengers).
-The easiest way to navigate the airport is to go to the ticket counter, check you bags and get your boarding passes, then proceed to your gate. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to do this. The earlier you get there, the less crowded the lines will be, and the more relaxed you will be.
-Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (or a laptop) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit from Target (about $5 for the small one and $10 for the large one) is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your child as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your child has a part in it so she stays interested. This is also a good time to explain things that are happening or going to happen on the plane, and ask questions, such as what do you think the weather is going to be like when we land? etc.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry on.
Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let her stretch her muscles. In fact, this is good for everyone to do.
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone, and we do 8-10 other flights (internationally and domestically) as a family each year. Here are some other tips and advise that have always worked for me and I hope will work for you too:
1.) Prepare your child on what to expect. Talk to her about the experience before hand. Tell her about what is going to happen when you get to the airport, when you are on the plane, and when you arrive at your destination.
Here is a link to a question I answered about what to expect when flying (also includes information about what to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqRwTFqrvYN.iAfC_oy6CHPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071019044251AA76vkg&show=7#profile-info-t6KmZpK4aa
2.) You will need to have all your child's documents in order. Like I said above, it is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well. You can also do this with your car seat if you'd like.
Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
4.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat (Car Seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (most car seats have this). Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
There is also a new device that is approved by the FAA for airline use ONLY. It is called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) and costs $75. It weighs 1 pound, is certified for all phases of flight (taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing), adjusts to fit ALL size airplane seats, and is approved for kids 22â44 lbs.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
5.) For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent)
The best ways are to alleviate the pressure are to:
*If your daughter is nursing, nurse her.
*Give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Pinch his nostrils shut, have him take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose (gently, but with pressure) as if trying to blow her nose.
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childs needs.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
6.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food,yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#9
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
8.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
9.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
Make sure you have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If your child has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave her ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
10.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
11.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.
12.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
-First off, even if you did not buy a ticket for your daughter, you must inform the airline of your intent to travel with an infant. This is done so that they can better asses the situation with oxygen masks on board the plane (making sure that they have enough for all passengers).
-The easiest way to navigate the airport is to go to the ticket counter, check you bags and get your boarding passes, then proceed to your gate. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to do this. The earlier you get there, the less crowded the lines will be, and the more relaxed you will be.
-Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (or a laptop) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit from Target (about $5 for the small one and $10 for the large one) is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your child as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your child has a part in it so she stays interested. This is also a good time to explain things that are happening or going to happen on the plane, and ask questions, such as what do you think the weather is going to be like when we land? etc.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry on.
Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let her stretch her muscles. In fact, this is good for everyone to do.
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone, and we do 8-10 other flights (internationally and domestically) as a family each year. Here are some other tips and advise that have always worked for me and I hope will work for you too:
1.) Prepare your child on what to expect. Talk to her about the experience before hand. Tell her about what is going to happen when you get to the airport, when you are on the plane, and when you arrive at your destination.
Here is a link to a question I answered about what to expect when flying (also includes information about what to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqRwTFqrvYN.iAfC_oy6CHPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071019044251AA76vkg&show=7#profile-info-t6KmZpK4aa
2.) You will need to have all your child's documents in order. Like I said above, it is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well. You can also do this with your car seat if you'd like.
Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
4.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat (Car Seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (most car seats have this). Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
There is also a new device that is approved by the FAA for airline use ONLY. It is called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) and costs $75. It weighs 1 pound, is certified for all phases of flight (taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing), adjusts to fit ALL size airplane seats, and is approved for kids 22â44 lbs.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
5.) For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent)
The best ways are to alleviate the pressure are to:
*If your daughter is nursing, nurse her.
*Give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Pinch his nostrils shut, have him take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose (gently, but with pressure) as if trying to blow her nose.
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childs needs.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
6.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food,yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#9
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
8.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
9.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
Make sure you have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If your child has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave her ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
10.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
11.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.
12.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
No comments:
Post a Comment