Tuesday, September 10, 2013

What are good "travel" toys for a 3-4 year old girl?

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sprite


My niece will be 4 this May and will be traveling to Florida with my sister-in-laws family. I am getting her a very cute little fuzzy luggage bag on wheels to take on the plane for Christmas, but I would like to get her a couple of inexpensive things to put in her luggage case to entertain her on the plane. Other than books, what would be some good travel-type games or toys for a 3-4 year old girl?


Answer
I make a binder with paper, a crayon case that fits into the binder and holds crayons and stickers (no markers, we learned that the hard way!). Besides regular paper, I put some mazes, dot-to-dots, and coloring sheets printed from the internet. Beyond that, put two stuffed animals, plastic animals or people, or puppets (so they can play "together"). You can also get a small magnetic version of simple games like chutes and ladders or checkers ... whether your niece is ready for games like that really depends on her (some almost-4-year-olds are, some aren't) ... either way, it's only a good idea if someone is going to be willing to play it with her. There are also those little plastic games where you shake it around and try to get the ball into the middle; most 3-year-olds would be entertained with those for a while. And if she's not reading to herself, you can always add some lift-the-flap type books.

Any tips for traveling on air plane domestic flight with a 3 year old?




Bailey


I will traveling with my 3 year old to Little Rock, AK from Jacksonville, FL does anyone have any tips to make sure she does not get uncomfortable as far as her ears popping etc? Also do I need any special ID for her to get on the plane? I asked Delta via email and waiting for them to get back to me. I want to make this fun and comfortable for her.


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 and I hope will help you:


1.) You will need to have all your babys documents in order. Generally do not need an ID for a child when traveling domestically, but it is always good to keep a notarized copy of her birth certificate with you. There is no other special ID you will need for her to get on the plane other than her ticket. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) Since your daughter is at an age where you have to buy her a seat, 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, and gives both of 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/

3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child a something to 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 child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or 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.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets. The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of other non-perishable snack items, such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, etc.. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.

5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of her favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie.

You may also consider taking her to the store and letting her pick out her own carry-on back. Buy her a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to buy a few without her knowing so she will have a surprise when she opens her bag.

6.) 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.

7.) If you still use a diaper bag, be sure to keep it well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.

8.) 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.

Also it is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If she has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his 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.

9.) 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 rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

10.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.


I hope they have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me




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