Wednesday, November 27, 2013

How do you travel by plane with a three year old?

travel toys children on Brainbox Travel | Educational Toys for Children
travel toys children image



D


I want to fly home with my three year old but I am worried about him having a tantrum. Ever since I saw that story on the news about those people who got kicked off the flight becasue their 4 year old had a melt down, I have been super stressed about trying it. I want some advice from people who have flown with children and some tips. Did your child lose it? What did you do?


Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. 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 child's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of this notarized birth certificate with you. If it is an international flight, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your son as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) 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.

3.) Since your child is at the age where he/she has to have 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 a hard-backed child 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. 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.

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.

4.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child something to drink (milk, water, juice- it doesn't matter), a candy (I prefer sugar-free) to suck on, or gum to chew.

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 bring just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. with you also. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

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.

Another trick is that if your child is not wanting to drink, suck on candy, or chew gum, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

5.) 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.

My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper so 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.

You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out his/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 your child seeing so that he/she has an extra surprise when he/she opens his 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 him/her stretch his/her muscles. It's actually a good idea for the whole family to do!

6.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

7.) Keep your diaper bag 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.

If your child is still in diapers, you should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.

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.

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 he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/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.

9.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/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 him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

10.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.

11.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it. Try to get your older child to help from time to time as well.

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

What is the best dog breed for small children?




:( .Adrian


We already have 2 rottweilers, and we want a more child-friendly pet for small children, around 2-6 years of age. A smaller dog would be better.

Thank you!



Answer
I have a Beagle and a Jack Russell. They are both great with my three year old. And they both like to lay down next to my 6 month old when he plays on the floor.
They are not only smaller, but they are also sturdy enough in case they get under foot.
The most important thing I did was make sure my daughter is fully aware that she has to "pet nicely". I would say that while i held her hand and would show her how to pet nicely.
Plus they will be nice for them to walk when they get older, and they are travel size. And they are great with my cats, and my birds.
Two other good dogs are toy poodles and collies.
Good Luck




Powered by Yahoo! Answers

No comments:

Post a Comment