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I am going to be flying overseas with our 13 month old. It is a ten hour flight and our 13 month old has hit the screaming stage...you know when he gets excited or mad or whatever. Any suggestions on keeping him quiet and occupied? Thanks for the suggestions.
To the person who doesn't know why we would fly with a 13 month old...my husband is military and we are flying home to see family. That's what happens when you are in the military.
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children, transatlantics and other flights.
This can be a tough age, especially if your little guy can run. Communication is limited and they can't really understand what's going on (why they have to stay seated or wait, or whatever). Most other passengers understand this and will not complain if they see you are trying to attend to your little one's needs.
I do recommend that he have his own seat and that you bring his carseat along. This is the only way to fly safely with any baby. If you're military, they usually pay for a seat for each member of the family.
Check with the airline you're flying. If it's a U.S. company, which you probably are, since you're military, this is the relevant page;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If, for whatever reason, you haven't booked a seat for him, call the airline and see if the flight is full. Then, at check in, ask nicely if you can have an empty seat next to you to place your carseat in. They often do this for families.
I will say that my toddlers were much more settled and much easier when they were in their familar seat. I will admit that I've strapped down an unhappy little one more than once. Toddlers hate to be confined and simply don't understand that they have to be seated sometimes. Firmly anchored in, I could then consol them while we landed.
To get through the airport, there is no need to carry a car seat. There are all sorts of gizmos sold like these;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html
I simply use a small metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord and it works great. I skip on the stroller and she can even ride in it. She usually prefers to walk and then I load the carry-ons abord.
Besides, taking your car seat onboard virtually guarentees that it'll be there at your destination. Checking them risks damage and loss. Wont you need it when you get there?
For entertainment, get her a new toy, anything, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Keep it and give it to him once you're on the plane. I found that stickers, coloring stuff and books were better at occupying them at this age. No one will mind if you read to him.
I actually don't recommend a portable DVD player *unless* he can watch it without sound. I doubt he'll wear the headphones at this age but you can try it at home. If you opt to bring it, make sure it either has a battery life of at least 5 hours or you have a second battery. Bring the recharger in your carry-on and any adapter you need in case of a delay.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring at least one change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-Learn to change him standing up (don't try to fit him on one of those tiny babychangers and toddlers hate to lie down in strange places)
-Bring an empty sippy cup to fill during the services. This will prevent spills in the air.
-Get up and move around with him but keep an eye out. Those carts the F/A's use are the perfect height for hiding little ones
-Bring snacks. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!
It's actually a myth that children need to suck on something for take-off and landing. I rarely saw problems in my 13 years as a Flight Attendant and I have never, ever done anything special with them for take-offs and landings.
ENT specialists simply recommend that the child is awake for at the top of descent (not landing, which is too late);
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude/htm
This is usually 40 minutes to an hour before landing and everyone's ears have to reverse the pressurization.
Please don't wake your son unnecessarily during take-off or landing to force him to drink, and don't make him if he doesn't want to.
Basically, for the whole trip, let him sleep, eat and run when he can. Be Good Parents when you get to your destination but let whatever slide while in transit. Don't keep him up at any stage to make him sleep. I've seen this backfire too many times!
The BEST way to avoid ear issues is to take your little boy to the doctor a few days before flying. My son was good at getting symptomless ear infections. The doctor will look in his ears and make sure they're clear and infection-free. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes.
For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
An edited version appeared on the Expat Women website in December;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying_with_children.php
All of you get plenty of sleep the night before and have a good flight!
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children, transatlantics and other flights.
This can be a tough age, especially if your little guy can run. Communication is limited and they can't really understand what's going on (why they have to stay seated or wait, or whatever). Most other passengers understand this and will not complain if they see you are trying to attend to your little one's needs.
I do recommend that he have his own seat and that you bring his carseat along. This is the only way to fly safely with any baby. If you're military, they usually pay for a seat for each member of the family.
Check with the airline you're flying. If it's a U.S. company, which you probably are, since you're military, this is the relevant page;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If, for whatever reason, you haven't booked a seat for him, call the airline and see if the flight is full. Then, at check in, ask nicely if you can have an empty seat next to you to place your carseat in. They often do this for families.
I will say that my toddlers were much more settled and much easier when they were in their familar seat. I will admit that I've strapped down an unhappy little one more than once. Toddlers hate to be confined and simply don't understand that they have to be seated sometimes. Firmly anchored in, I could then consol them while we landed.
To get through the airport, there is no need to carry a car seat. There are all sorts of gizmos sold like these;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html
I simply use a small metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord and it works great. I skip on the stroller and she can even ride in it. She usually prefers to walk and then I load the carry-ons abord.
Besides, taking your car seat onboard virtually guarentees that it'll be there at your destination. Checking them risks damage and loss. Wont you need it when you get there?
For entertainment, get her a new toy, anything, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Keep it and give it to him once you're on the plane. I found that stickers, coloring stuff and books were better at occupying them at this age. No one will mind if you read to him.
I actually don't recommend a portable DVD player *unless* he can watch it without sound. I doubt he'll wear the headphones at this age but you can try it at home. If you opt to bring it, make sure it either has a battery life of at least 5 hours or you have a second battery. Bring the recharger in your carry-on and any adapter you need in case of a delay.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring at least one change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-Learn to change him standing up (don't try to fit him on one of those tiny babychangers and toddlers hate to lie down in strange places)
-Bring an empty sippy cup to fill during the services. This will prevent spills in the air.
-Get up and move around with him but keep an eye out. Those carts the F/A's use are the perfect height for hiding little ones
-Bring snacks. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!
It's actually a myth that children need to suck on something for take-off and landing. I rarely saw problems in my 13 years as a Flight Attendant and I have never, ever done anything special with them for take-offs and landings.
ENT specialists simply recommend that the child is awake for at the top of descent (not landing, which is too late);
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude/htm
This is usually 40 minutes to an hour before landing and everyone's ears have to reverse the pressurization.
Please don't wake your son unnecessarily during take-off or landing to force him to drink, and don't make him if he doesn't want to.
Basically, for the whole trip, let him sleep, eat and run when he can. Be Good Parents when you get to your destination but let whatever slide while in transit. Don't keep him up at any stage to make him sleep. I've seen this backfire too many times!
The BEST way to avoid ear issues is to take your little boy to the doctor a few days before flying. My son was good at getting symptomless ear infections. The doctor will look in his ears and make sure they're clear and infection-free. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes.
For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
An edited version appeared on the Expat Women website in December;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying_with_children.php
All of you get plenty of sleep the night before and have a good flight!
can drs give toddlers meds to help them relax on airplane rides?
Beth P
I'm just trying to get some information about if its true or not because I'm to scared to do that to my child. and if any of you have traveled on a plane with a 1 year old longer than 9 hours as a lap child what are some ideas to occupy them?
Answer
I'm a fomer Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children. While I've never given any of mine any sort of medication to sleep, I've seen it done many times. Usually it's worked but twice, the children had the opposite reaction and went wired. I have an antihistimine allergy and it's runs in my family so since I ended up in the emergency room at age 7 unconscience from Benedryl, I can't risk giving them to my kids. This is a common allergy so it's important to try it home first.
If your flight is less than 6 hours, I think it's kind of an extreme measure for such a young baby. I saw it used more often on long international flights with toddlers who walked (and ran!)
I do recommend that she have her own seat and that you bring her carseat along. Try to get an extra seat next to you if the flight isn't full.
This is the only way to fly safely with any baby. Lap children are allowed because statistically, flying is so safe, there's very little chance of anything going wrong. If it does though, these babies have no protection.
First check that your seat is FAA approved;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If you are not flying a U.S. company, check your airline's website for information on what car seats are allowed. I will admit that often they don't check the details and I've flown many times with seats that weren't strictly approved by a foreign airline (and had them taken away and checked a couple of times).
Since you haven't booked a seat for her, call the airline and see if the flight is full. Then, at check in, ask nicely if you can have an empty seat next to you to place your carseat in. They often do this for families.
I found that my toddlers were much more settled and much easier when they were in their familar seat. Not to scare you but some parents haven't been able to keep a hold of their little ones and have been "off loaded" as a result.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2007-01-23-airtran_x.htm
I confess that I've strapped down an unhappy little one more than once. Toddlers hate to be confined and simply don't understand that they have to be seated sometimes. Firmly anchored in, I could then consol them while we landed.
To get through the airport, they sell all sorts of gizmos like these;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html
I simply use a small metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord and it works great. I skip on the stroller and she can even ride in it (and she's 3 1/2). She usually prefers to walk and then I load the carry-ons abord.
Besides, taking your car seat onboard virtually guarentees that it'll be there at your destination. Checking them risks damage and loss. Wont you need it when you get there?
For entertainment, get her a new toy, anything and it doesn't have to be expensive. Keep it and give it to her once you're on the plane. My son at that age liked anything with wheels. Once, I simply had a package of plastic animals. Kept him busy for ages!
I actually don't recommend a portable DVD player *unless* she can watch it without sound. Even played quietly, it'll drive the other passengers batty. I doubt she'll wear the headphones but try it at home if you already have one. Check your DVD player's battery time and turn the screen to dim to prolong it on board.
I found that stickers, coloring stuff and books (especially chunky ones) were better at occupying them at this age. No one will mind if you read to her. My daughter made a mess with PlayDough but many parents swear by it.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring a change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-wrap everything bulky, like clothes and extra diapers in plastic bags, and use rubber bands to reduce the bulk and save space in your carry-on
-If you formula feed, use the kind of bottles with plastic liners. Premeasure the powder, roll them up and put them in a ziplock bag. Airplane bathrooms have bad sinks for washing traditional bottles.
-Make sure you baby is used to a room-temperature bottle. I warmed many a bottle in my career but I saw first-hand what a pain it is. The baby isn't getting any health-advantage to the warmed bottle and no one will do this task while you're in the security or check-in line.
-Learn to change her standing up, assuming she can stand with support (don't try to fit her on those tiny babychangers and babies at that age hate to lie down in strange places)
-Bring snacks she likes that aren't too messy. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!
It's actually a myth that children need to suck on something for take-off and landing. I rarely saw it in my 13 years as a Flight Attendant and with all the flights I've made with my children, I have never, ever done anything special with them for take-offs and landings and we've never had any ear issues.
ENT specialists simply recommend that the child is awake for landing;
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandalt...
The delicate time is not during take-off or landing/touchdown but at the *top of descent*. This is usually 40 minutes to an hour before landing and everyone's ears have to reverse the pressurization. I can confirm that when I worked, if any passengers had ear problems, this was the time. Not just children either! They actualy felt *better* as we got closer to landing.
The BEST way to avoid ear issues is to take your little guy to the doctor a few days before flying. My son was good at getting symptomless ear infections. Make sure yours' doesn't have one of those! The doctor will look in his ears and make sure they're clear and infection-free. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes.
For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
Both of you get plenty of sleep the night before and good luck!
I'm a fomer Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children. While I've never given any of mine any sort of medication to sleep, I've seen it done many times. Usually it's worked but twice, the children had the opposite reaction and went wired. I have an antihistimine allergy and it's runs in my family so since I ended up in the emergency room at age 7 unconscience from Benedryl, I can't risk giving them to my kids. This is a common allergy so it's important to try it home first.
If your flight is less than 6 hours, I think it's kind of an extreme measure for such a young baby. I saw it used more often on long international flights with toddlers who walked (and ran!)
I do recommend that she have her own seat and that you bring her carseat along. Try to get an extra seat next to you if the flight isn't full.
This is the only way to fly safely with any baby. Lap children are allowed because statistically, flying is so safe, there's very little chance of anything going wrong. If it does though, these babies have no protection.
First check that your seat is FAA approved;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If you are not flying a U.S. company, check your airline's website for information on what car seats are allowed. I will admit that often they don't check the details and I've flown many times with seats that weren't strictly approved by a foreign airline (and had them taken away and checked a couple of times).
Since you haven't booked a seat for her, call the airline and see if the flight is full. Then, at check in, ask nicely if you can have an empty seat next to you to place your carseat in. They often do this for families.
I found that my toddlers were much more settled and much easier when they were in their familar seat. Not to scare you but some parents haven't been able to keep a hold of their little ones and have been "off loaded" as a result.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2007-01-23-airtran_x.htm
I confess that I've strapped down an unhappy little one more than once. Toddlers hate to be confined and simply don't understand that they have to be seated sometimes. Firmly anchored in, I could then consol them while we landed.
To get through the airport, they sell all sorts of gizmos like these;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html
I simply use a small metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord and it works great. I skip on the stroller and she can even ride in it (and she's 3 1/2). She usually prefers to walk and then I load the carry-ons abord.
Besides, taking your car seat onboard virtually guarentees that it'll be there at your destination. Checking them risks damage and loss. Wont you need it when you get there?
For entertainment, get her a new toy, anything and it doesn't have to be expensive. Keep it and give it to her once you're on the plane. My son at that age liked anything with wheels. Once, I simply had a package of plastic animals. Kept him busy for ages!
I actually don't recommend a portable DVD player *unless* she can watch it without sound. Even played quietly, it'll drive the other passengers batty. I doubt she'll wear the headphones but try it at home if you already have one. Check your DVD player's battery time and turn the screen to dim to prolong it on board.
I found that stickers, coloring stuff and books (especially chunky ones) were better at occupying them at this age. No one will mind if you read to her. My daughter made a mess with PlayDough but many parents swear by it.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring a change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-wrap everything bulky, like clothes and extra diapers in plastic bags, and use rubber bands to reduce the bulk and save space in your carry-on
-If you formula feed, use the kind of bottles with plastic liners. Premeasure the powder, roll them up and put them in a ziplock bag. Airplane bathrooms have bad sinks for washing traditional bottles.
-Make sure you baby is used to a room-temperature bottle. I warmed many a bottle in my career but I saw first-hand what a pain it is. The baby isn't getting any health-advantage to the warmed bottle and no one will do this task while you're in the security or check-in line.
-Learn to change her standing up, assuming she can stand with support (don't try to fit her on those tiny babychangers and babies at that age hate to lie down in strange places)
-Bring snacks she likes that aren't too messy. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!
It's actually a myth that children need to suck on something for take-off and landing. I rarely saw it in my 13 years as a Flight Attendant and with all the flights I've made with my children, I have never, ever done anything special with them for take-offs and landings and we've never had any ear issues.
ENT specialists simply recommend that the child is awake for landing;
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandalt...
The delicate time is not during take-off or landing/touchdown but at the *top of descent*. This is usually 40 minutes to an hour before landing and everyone's ears have to reverse the pressurization. I can confirm that when I worked, if any passengers had ear problems, this was the time. Not just children either! They actualy felt *better* as we got closer to landing.
The BEST way to avoid ear issues is to take your little guy to the doctor a few days before flying. My son was good at getting symptomless ear infections. Make sure yours' doesn't have one of those! The doctor will look in his ears and make sure they're clear and infection-free. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes.
For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
Both of you get plenty of sleep the night before and good luck!
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