pochis
Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). 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 children's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of their notarized birth certificate with you. It sounds like you are traveling international, in which case you will need passports for them both and possibly visas. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). Only one lap child is allowed per adult.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Since it is a long flight, the Flight Attendants should give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you cannot uses this during take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.
2.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) for both children because it is safest for them - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives all of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
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. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your baby is nursing, nurse him/her. If you baby is not nursing, and for your toddler, give them a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
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
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 non-perishable snacks such as cheerios, goldfish, dried fruit, etc, and 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 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 children are not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink or nurse, gently rub their necks 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 things to entertain your toddler, such as toys, books, and some comfort things for both of them such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your toddler 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/her carry on.
5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for each of your children. You will need this in case they get sick, spill something on themselves, or in case your luggage gets lost.
6.) 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.
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.
7.) 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 children are healthy enough to fly. If they have even a slight cold, the pressure in their ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave their 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.
8.) Bring any medications that you might need for your children should they get sick or that they take 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 children medicine with the hopes of it making them sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
9.) 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
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). 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 children's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of their notarized birth certificate with you. It sounds like you are traveling international, in which case you will need passports for them both and possibly visas. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). Only one lap child is allowed per adult.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Since it is a long flight, the Flight Attendants should give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you cannot uses this during take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.
2.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) for both children because it is safest for them - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives all of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
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. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your baby is nursing, nurse him/her. If you baby is not nursing, and for your toddler, give them a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
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
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 non-perishable snacks such as cheerios, goldfish, dried fruit, etc, and 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 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 children are not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink or nurse, gently rub their necks 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 things to entertain your toddler, such as toys, books, and some comfort things for both of them such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your toddler 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/her carry on.
5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for each of your children. You will need this in case they get sick, spill something on themselves, or in case your luggage gets lost.
6.) 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.
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.
7.) 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 children are healthy enough to fly. If they have even a slight cold, the pressure in their ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave their 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.
8.) Bring any medications that you might need for your children should they get sick or that they take 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 children medicine with the hopes of it making them sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
9.) 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
Traveling on plane with toddler for 5 hours?
dreamzz_ch
I will be traveling tonight from Hawaii to Los Angeles for 5 1/2 hours on a plane. What can I give my 18 month old son to sleep that is safe? The plane ride to Hawaii last week was a nightmare. He had a small cough at the time so I gave him Robitussin night time and I thought that might knock him out, but it seemed to have the reverse effect. He was yelling, crying, and full of energy on the plane. When we landed after 5 1/2 hours, I had a headache and people gave me dirty looks. I had snacks and toys for him, but nothing worked. He's 18 months, but 32 pounds. So he's not a tiny toddler and Doctore already told me when I give him medicine of any kind I can move from infant medicine to Children's and dose him as a 2 year old because of his weight. so I hope this helps anyone with what he can take.What can I give him to sleep at least half the ride?
FYI ...I tried putting on blues clues on the plane and it didn't work.
Answer
Do NOT plan on giving your child medicine with the hopes of it making him sleep on the plane. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
1.) If possible, buy a seat for your son. Here I talk about it's importance:http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuzCyPcceRfxbsmok0f_jRPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081016015002AASP55j&show=7#profile-info-qgIGOJQOaa
2.) Pack plenty of things to entertain your son. My children bring coloring books, a Doodle Pad, Leap Pads (+ booklets), & scrap paper. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear & my son likes to bring along action figures. A Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books & sheets, & stickers. http://www.megabrands.com/en/products/description.php?product_id=1031&brand_id=36&cat=4&age=.
I take the contents out of the box & place them in a travel pack. Here is my sons:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577667314/ - outside
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577681352/ - inside
Let your child (I let mine start at age one) pick out his own carry on bag & a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without him seeing so that he has an extra surprise when he opens his carry-on.
You can also play games with your son such as I-Spy, Patty-cake, etc. Children love stories, so if you choose to tell him a story, try to make it interactive so he has a part in it.
Usually on long flights the Flight Attendants will come around with a small toy for the children. My children never really cared for the toy (unless it was crayons and coloring book, or playing cards), but it might interest him for a short while.
Movies are also usually played on board, and cartoons are offered for children. Your son might enjoy watching the cartoons, the flight monitor, or even listening to the music.
You could also bring a portable DVD player from home or let him use your laptop. Be sure to bring a few of his favorite movies. As with the carry-on, go to the store and buy him one or two that he would like but has never seen before and save those for the trip as well. If you choose this option, be sure that your laptop is fully charged, or that the DVD player has fresh batteries (you might even want to bring a spare set just in case). Also make sure that you have a headset (headphones) for your son to use so that he can hear without distraction and he doesn't bother you or the other passengers.
2.) Liquid and powder formula, milk, juice, baby food, and water are allowed in quantities over 3oz (100ml). Here is a link that will give you all the details:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApaVhxxUaNiiEsDfths2ADjty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081002064751AAqUtKH&show=7#profile-info-Y3IuVmeiaa
Bring Snacks! Just add water packets of food, cheerios, pretzels, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. You can also bring a limited amount of yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
3.) Many parents are concerned about pressure changes in their childs ears, but honesty, I've never had problems with my children. In fact, not all children have problems with pressure changes in their ears. The "popping" is what helps to equalize the pressure changes, so it is actually the result you want. What you do *not* want, is for them not to be able to "pop" their ears.
Make sure your child has a check-up with the doctor to ensure he is healthy enough to fly. Doctors recommend that anyone sick (stuffed up or already having an earache), not take the flight. My husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick. If your child seems to have problems equalizing pressure in his ears, here are some ways to help:
For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent - about an hour before landing), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
1. If your child is nursing, nurse him
2. Give him something to drink (formula, milk, juice, water - it doesn't matter)
3. Give him a pacifier to suck on
4. 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
5. Gently but with some pressure, rub his 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.
6. Give him something to eat.
4.) Other tips:
-Keep your diaper bag well stocked with what you will need
-Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your son
-Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he get sick or that he takes regularly.
-Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child
-Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder
-Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 9&6, 11 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Do NOT plan on giving your child medicine with the hopes of it making him sleep on the plane. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
1.) If possible, buy a seat for your son. Here I talk about it's importance:http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuzCyPcceRfxbsmok0f_jRPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081016015002AASP55j&show=7#profile-info-qgIGOJQOaa
2.) Pack plenty of things to entertain your son. My children bring coloring books, a Doodle Pad, Leap Pads (+ booklets), & scrap paper. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear & my son likes to bring along action figures. A Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books & sheets, & stickers. http://www.megabrands.com/en/products/description.php?product_id=1031&brand_id=36&cat=4&age=.
I take the contents out of the box & place them in a travel pack. Here is my sons:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577667314/ - outside
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577681352/ - inside
Let your child (I let mine start at age one) pick out his own carry on bag & a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without him seeing so that he has an extra surprise when he opens his carry-on.
You can also play games with your son such as I-Spy, Patty-cake, etc. Children love stories, so if you choose to tell him a story, try to make it interactive so he has a part in it.
Usually on long flights the Flight Attendants will come around with a small toy for the children. My children never really cared for the toy (unless it was crayons and coloring book, or playing cards), but it might interest him for a short while.
Movies are also usually played on board, and cartoons are offered for children. Your son might enjoy watching the cartoons, the flight monitor, or even listening to the music.
You could also bring a portable DVD player from home or let him use your laptop. Be sure to bring a few of his favorite movies. As with the carry-on, go to the store and buy him one or two that he would like but has never seen before and save those for the trip as well. If you choose this option, be sure that your laptop is fully charged, or that the DVD player has fresh batteries (you might even want to bring a spare set just in case). Also make sure that you have a headset (headphones) for your son to use so that he can hear without distraction and he doesn't bother you or the other passengers.
2.) Liquid and powder formula, milk, juice, baby food, and water are allowed in quantities over 3oz (100ml). Here is a link that will give you all the details:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApaVhxxUaNiiEsDfths2ADjty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081002064751AAqUtKH&show=7#profile-info-Y3IuVmeiaa
Bring Snacks! Just add water packets of food, cheerios, pretzels, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. You can also bring a limited amount of yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
3.) Many parents are concerned about pressure changes in their childs ears, but honesty, I've never had problems with my children. In fact, not all children have problems with pressure changes in their ears. The "popping" is what helps to equalize the pressure changes, so it is actually the result you want. What you do *not* want, is for them not to be able to "pop" their ears.
Make sure your child has a check-up with the doctor to ensure he is healthy enough to fly. Doctors recommend that anyone sick (stuffed up or already having an earache), not take the flight. My husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick. If your child seems to have problems equalizing pressure in his ears, here are some ways to help:
For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent - about an hour before landing), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
1. If your child is nursing, nurse him
2. Give him something to drink (formula, milk, juice, water - it doesn't matter)
3. Give him a pacifier to suck on
4. 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
5. Gently but with some pressure, rub his 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.
6. Give him something to eat.
4.) Other tips:
-Keep your diaper bag well stocked with what you will need
-Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your son
-Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he get sick or that he takes regularly.
-Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child
-Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder
-Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 9&6, 11 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
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