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T3Vs
We are taking a long road trip (about 15 hours drive) with a 4 year old and 1 and a half year old.
Answer
Bring plenty of not messy snacks. So crackers might be good even though they are crumby, but applesauce would be bad because you can't just vacuum up a sauce stain. Fruit is also good. You may also want some meal type things such as lunch meat and bread, because the kids may need to eat a meal 6 times a day and you only want to stop for meals 2 or 3 times a day.
Bring a portable DVD player if one is not attached to your car. Bring a few DVDs from home that you know they love. Also bring a few new ones that you think they will like.
Bring 2 coloring books and 2 packs of crayons. If you make them share, there WILL be fights and thats just not something you want to happen on the road.
Bring each child a blanket and a small pillow for the car as they will fall asleep. One of those neck pillows would be best for the little guy, so his head doesn't flop to the side.
Bring each child a bag of toys from home. Put these toys away a week or two before you leave for the trip, so they will seem new to them in the car. Be sure not to hide their favorite toy though, or you will have melt downs. Chances are if it's their favorite, they will still like it in the car. Buy a few new toys for each child, wrap them up and keep them up by you and hand them out in intervals as melt downs begin.
Remember to save some tricks for the way home too.
For snacks, things like goldfish, teddy grahams, and cheerios can be fun for little ones to eat so they will take longer to eat them. Also things that they can dip like those little crackers with cheese are fun for little guys. They aren't very good for you, but what is one day going to hurt? My kids are very healthy eaters, but while traveling I allow unhealthy snacks and fast food. If you go to a fast food place like McDonald's, get them each a happy meal. This way, they each get a toy. Plus it makes them feel grown up to get their own meal.
Stop at parks along the way every once in a while so the kids can run around. Make sure to have a few things on hand that they can play with outside such as bubbles, a ball, and a frisbee. This would also be a good time to have a picnic. You can pick up things to eat at a grocery store and make a little picnic.
If you have run out of tricks and your kids won't stop crying and complaining, stop at the nearest Walmart or Target, run in while your husband stays with the kids in the car, and grab a toy for each of them. It's cheap and those stores are everywhere. If you see a snack or drink they would like while in there, grab that as well.
Be sure to have plenty of drinks on hand such as 100% juice boxes, small bottles of water, small bottles of milk, and other things.
Remember to bring a cooler for all of your drinks and food. You can either fill it up with ice at the hotels and buy ice at gas stations or buy a plug-in cooler.
I could go on and on, but that pretty much covers your bases. Have fun and good luck!
Bring plenty of not messy snacks. So crackers might be good even though they are crumby, but applesauce would be bad because you can't just vacuum up a sauce stain. Fruit is also good. You may also want some meal type things such as lunch meat and bread, because the kids may need to eat a meal 6 times a day and you only want to stop for meals 2 or 3 times a day.
Bring a portable DVD player if one is not attached to your car. Bring a few DVDs from home that you know they love. Also bring a few new ones that you think they will like.
Bring 2 coloring books and 2 packs of crayons. If you make them share, there WILL be fights and thats just not something you want to happen on the road.
Bring each child a blanket and a small pillow for the car as they will fall asleep. One of those neck pillows would be best for the little guy, so his head doesn't flop to the side.
Bring each child a bag of toys from home. Put these toys away a week or two before you leave for the trip, so they will seem new to them in the car. Be sure not to hide their favorite toy though, or you will have melt downs. Chances are if it's their favorite, they will still like it in the car. Buy a few new toys for each child, wrap them up and keep them up by you and hand them out in intervals as melt downs begin.
Remember to save some tricks for the way home too.
For snacks, things like goldfish, teddy grahams, and cheerios can be fun for little ones to eat so they will take longer to eat them. Also things that they can dip like those little crackers with cheese are fun for little guys. They aren't very good for you, but what is one day going to hurt? My kids are very healthy eaters, but while traveling I allow unhealthy snacks and fast food. If you go to a fast food place like McDonald's, get them each a happy meal. This way, they each get a toy. Plus it makes them feel grown up to get their own meal.
Stop at parks along the way every once in a while so the kids can run around. Make sure to have a few things on hand that they can play with outside such as bubbles, a ball, and a frisbee. This would also be a good time to have a picnic. You can pick up things to eat at a grocery store and make a little picnic.
If you have run out of tricks and your kids won't stop crying and complaining, stop at the nearest Walmart or Target, run in while your husband stays with the kids in the car, and grab a toy for each of them. It's cheap and those stores are everywhere. If you see a snack or drink they would like while in there, grab that as well.
Be sure to have plenty of drinks on hand such as 100% juice boxes, small bottles of water, small bottles of milk, and other things.
Remember to bring a cooler for all of your drinks and food. You can either fill it up with ice at the hotels and buy ice at gas stations or buy a plug-in cooler.
I could go on and on, but that pretty much covers your bases. Have fun and good luck!
Travelling on a plane with a three year old?
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.
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