Mom to Rai
So Tuesday we're leaving for an 11 hour trip.My girls are 3,15 months,and today my youngest is 11 days.We're going to family's house for Thanksgiving,but I am staying there with the girls all the way until Christmas.What do I need to bring for the trip?I know like clothes and food and everything.We are leaving at 8pm Tuesday,so the whole time that we are driving the girls will be asleep(except the baby).
Answer
what helps on a long car ride for the lil' ones? in my experience it goes in this order: 1) Snack Food (finger food that isn't gooey like crackers or apple slices, cereal such as cheerios - just in case they don't go to sleep like you want them to, or if they wake up too early) 2) Drinks/Bottles (with tops that don't leak; they will be thirsty from eating the snacks) 3) Toys (preferable not loud annoying ones that you can't stand... coloring books are a bad idea because they WILL drop their crayons and will not be able to reach them, and then start to cry) 4) Even if your 3 year old is potty trained put at least a night time diaper on him/her just in case they have an accident and you couldn't pull over in time/ or if they go in their sleep) 5) LOTS of wed wipes - not just for diaper changing, but for cleaning faces, hands, car seats, spills and any other messes that might happen. also, they are great for YOU too while you are driving and eating food that might leave your fingers sticky or messy. 6) a kids sing-along song CD for them (or a lullaby CD for the nighttime in case they have trouble sleeping) 7) blankets and pillows (pack extra just in case they pee, poop, vomit or get food/drink on them) 8) keep changes of clothes handy in the car so that you don't have to open the trunk and your suitcases everytime they spill something/vomit/leak pee or poop on themselves
at night it's best just to put them in the car in their pj's so that they are most comfortable while strapped in to their car seats. the kind with the footies are the best just in case they kick off their blankets you don't need to stop to tuck them in again so that they don't get cold and wake up. also, if you're planning on roughing it and driving straight through the night then pack some stimulant drinks - such as coffee or red bull (however, just a warning, cafeene will make you pee more often) i have driven across country several times (20 hour trips straight through) with my kids from age 6 months to 9 years, and this is what worked for me!
what helps on a long car ride for the lil' ones? in my experience it goes in this order: 1) Snack Food (finger food that isn't gooey like crackers or apple slices, cereal such as cheerios - just in case they don't go to sleep like you want them to, or if they wake up too early) 2) Drinks/Bottles (with tops that don't leak; they will be thirsty from eating the snacks) 3) Toys (preferable not loud annoying ones that you can't stand... coloring books are a bad idea because they WILL drop their crayons and will not be able to reach them, and then start to cry) 4) Even if your 3 year old is potty trained put at least a night time diaper on him/her just in case they have an accident and you couldn't pull over in time/ or if they go in their sleep) 5) LOTS of wed wipes - not just for diaper changing, but for cleaning faces, hands, car seats, spills and any other messes that might happen. also, they are great for YOU too while you are driving and eating food that might leave your fingers sticky or messy. 6) a kids sing-along song CD for them (or a lullaby CD for the nighttime in case they have trouble sleeping) 7) blankets and pillows (pack extra just in case they pee, poop, vomit or get food/drink on them) 8) keep changes of clothes handy in the car so that you don't have to open the trunk and your suitcases everytime they spill something/vomit/leak pee or poop on themselves
at night it's best just to put them in the car in their pj's so that they are most comfortable while strapped in to their car seats. the kind with the footies are the best just in case they kick off their blankets you don't need to stop to tuck them in again so that they don't get cold and wake up. also, if you're planning on roughing it and driving straight through the night then pack some stimulant drinks - such as coffee or red bull (however, just a warning, cafeene will make you pee more often) i have driven across country several times (20 hour trips straight through) with my kids from age 6 months to 9 years, and this is what worked for me!
Suggestions of activities for a toddler and a preschooler on a long trip?
myfirstbab
I'll be traveling with my 3 1/2 years old daughter and my 19 months son next week. The flight will take about 7 hours followed by a 14 hours transit time then another flight of about 2 hours. Any suggestions about any activities mainly during the transit time (The first flight is at night so my kids will for sure be sleeping during the whole flight)
Thanks a lot for your help.
Answer
I don't have to say what you already know, which is that this could be a difficult trip if you are unprepared.
My first piece of advice is to let the both kids have thier own seats and a car seat (make sure it is approved for use on an airplane, not all are). Even though your son is under two and qualifies as a "lap baby", this will be a very difficult task on this long a trip.
It would be useful to allow the kids some time to run around a bit before boarding, so try to arrive a little early. Don't worry if they are too hyper at this point; let them blow off their energy. See if the airport you are departing from has a children's play area, and let them run loose. Don't skip any naps, but maybe only allow a short ones to keep them ready to sleep during the flights. Skipped nap = cranky toddler; short nap = sleepy toddler... :)
Here are a few other things to consider... First is hydration! The air in the cabin comes in from a source on the engine (called "bleed air"). Being from the ambient air outside, it is remarkably dry. It is around ten to twenty percent relative humidity, if that much at all. The problem here is breathing. We lose water normally from sweat, urination, etc; but in an airplane we also lose a lot from just breathing. The moisture comes out when we exhale.
Any adult can easily become dehydrated if not taking in adequate water, but for a small child, this is an even greater concern. As long as your flights are, you should make sure they stay well hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, of course; but water, sugar-free, etc. would be useful here.
You will likely have to purchase the water or juice inside the terminal as they do not allow sufficient quantity of liquid through security screening. Also, I do not trust the "tap" water on airplanes; drink only the bottled water...
A bottle or sippy cup, pacifier, teething ring, etc to suck on is also a must. During ascent and descent, the cabin pressure will change and as a result, it is easy to get an ear block. These can be very painful, but are relieved by negative pressure in the mouth and throat. If it is really bad, you can try to yawn with the kids looking at you, the yawn reflex is strong and it often results in equalizing the pressure (ever yawn after watching someone else yawn? or did you just yawn because you've read this?). You can also try gently massaging the forehead, neck, and around the ears if it doesn't clear.
I've flown so many sick kids, I'm pretty good at recognizing the "ear block" before it really becomes an issue; and it during the early onset that it is easiest to treat. Look for fidgetyness, reaching for the ear, changes in breathing patterns, etc. Even slight, subtle clues would be enough to try the "yawn reflex", or give her a sippy cup, bottle, etc. The combination of yawning and sucking give enough negative pressure to the ear canals to prevent a true ear block from developing.
If it does develop, it can last for days, so be vigilant here.
Also, some people fret about pacifiers or bottles at this age. If either uses one, don't hesitate. In this case, it is a blessing! Potty training is also not encouraged on long flights. While enroute it is usually possible, there are long periods where the "seat-belt" sign is on, or the line is long, and the child "has to go now".
Toys and distractions are also requirements. Nothing big or fancy, just something that might occupy them for twenty or thirty minutes at a time. You can recycle them throughout the flight.
Coloring books, toys that beep or vibrate, Be creative, but you don't have to go too crazy either. You can even go so far as setting a small budget for them and letting them pick something out at the airport shop; but remember not to give it to them until you're in the air.
Finally, see if you can get a bulkhead row seat. This will give them the opportunity to have a play area on the floor without being able to get away as easily. Just put a blanket down and some toys, and they will have thier own space.
I hope this helps! I'm a flight paramedic and have transported many children. I am also a frequent traveler, including many international destinations. I speak from both a professional medical provider and a frequent flyer. I've seen dozens upon dozens of parents travel with small children. Some preparation in advance will go a long way in making the flight a comfortable one.
Cheers!
I don't have to say what you already know, which is that this could be a difficult trip if you are unprepared.
My first piece of advice is to let the both kids have thier own seats and a car seat (make sure it is approved for use on an airplane, not all are). Even though your son is under two and qualifies as a "lap baby", this will be a very difficult task on this long a trip.
It would be useful to allow the kids some time to run around a bit before boarding, so try to arrive a little early. Don't worry if they are too hyper at this point; let them blow off their energy. See if the airport you are departing from has a children's play area, and let them run loose. Don't skip any naps, but maybe only allow a short ones to keep them ready to sleep during the flights. Skipped nap = cranky toddler; short nap = sleepy toddler... :)
Here are a few other things to consider... First is hydration! The air in the cabin comes in from a source on the engine (called "bleed air"). Being from the ambient air outside, it is remarkably dry. It is around ten to twenty percent relative humidity, if that much at all. The problem here is breathing. We lose water normally from sweat, urination, etc; but in an airplane we also lose a lot from just breathing. The moisture comes out when we exhale.
Any adult can easily become dehydrated if not taking in adequate water, but for a small child, this is an even greater concern. As long as your flights are, you should make sure they stay well hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, of course; but water, sugar-free, etc. would be useful here.
You will likely have to purchase the water or juice inside the terminal as they do not allow sufficient quantity of liquid through security screening. Also, I do not trust the "tap" water on airplanes; drink only the bottled water...
A bottle or sippy cup, pacifier, teething ring, etc to suck on is also a must. During ascent and descent, the cabin pressure will change and as a result, it is easy to get an ear block. These can be very painful, but are relieved by negative pressure in the mouth and throat. If it is really bad, you can try to yawn with the kids looking at you, the yawn reflex is strong and it often results in equalizing the pressure (ever yawn after watching someone else yawn? or did you just yawn because you've read this?). You can also try gently massaging the forehead, neck, and around the ears if it doesn't clear.
I've flown so many sick kids, I'm pretty good at recognizing the "ear block" before it really becomes an issue; and it during the early onset that it is easiest to treat. Look for fidgetyness, reaching for the ear, changes in breathing patterns, etc. Even slight, subtle clues would be enough to try the "yawn reflex", or give her a sippy cup, bottle, etc. The combination of yawning and sucking give enough negative pressure to the ear canals to prevent a true ear block from developing.
If it does develop, it can last for days, so be vigilant here.
Also, some people fret about pacifiers or bottles at this age. If either uses one, don't hesitate. In this case, it is a blessing! Potty training is also not encouraged on long flights. While enroute it is usually possible, there are long periods where the "seat-belt" sign is on, or the line is long, and the child "has to go now".
Toys and distractions are also requirements. Nothing big or fancy, just something that might occupy them for twenty or thirty minutes at a time. You can recycle them throughout the flight.
Coloring books, toys that beep or vibrate, Be creative, but you don't have to go too crazy either. You can even go so far as setting a small budget for them and letting them pick something out at the airport shop; but remember not to give it to them until you're in the air.
Finally, see if you can get a bulkhead row seat. This will give them the opportunity to have a play area on the floor without being able to get away as easily. Just put a blanket down and some toys, and they will have thier own space.
I hope this helps! I'm a flight paramedic and have transported many children. I am also a frequent traveler, including many international destinations. I speak from both a professional medical provider and a frequent flyer. I've seen dozens upon dozens of parents travel with small children. Some preparation in advance will go a long way in making the flight a comfortable one.
Cheers!
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
No comments:
Post a Comment