hellothere
My son is 2 1/2 years old. He still sleeps in a crib, but is small for a portable crib. We would like to take him to the beach this summer. But what should I do about the sleeping? I know he could sleep in my bed, but I would like him to sleep in his own. Are there any good traveling beds for toddlers? Any suggestion?
Answer
You can get toddler air beds with attached sleeping bag. They are usually about £30ish, and come with different designs that I'm sure your son would love (cars, toy story ect..)
I advise you get an electronic pump though, as blowing them up by mouth can be a bloody nightmare!
You can get toddler air beds with attached sleeping bag. They are usually about £30ish, and come with different designs that I'm sure your son would love (cars, toy story ect..)
I advise you get an electronic pump though, as blowing them up by mouth can be a bloody nightmare!
Any tips for a 16 hours air plane travel with a toddler and a 4months baby?
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
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
No comments:
Post a Comment