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.
Toddlers and airplanes?
daddyjohnd
Im leaving in 1 week for vacation with a 17 mo old toddler and need advice on keeping him occupied, and what to do about his ears during landing and takeoffso hes not too uncomfortable with the pressure changes.
It a 2.5 hr flight.
Answer
Thank goodness it's a short flight! This is a tricky age to travel...
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 my third child, 3 1/2, just finished her 7th round-trip transatlantic flight. That's not counting all the flights I've made with her older brother and sister before. All have flew for the first time at 4 months of age 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 landing;
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude.htm
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.
Meanwhile, 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. Lap children are allowed because statistically, flying is so safe, there's very little chance of anything going wrong. If it does though, a lap child has no protection.
First check that your seat is FAA approved IF you are flying a U.S. airline (check with your non-American airline if not).
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If 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. 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 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, they sell all sorts of gizmos like this;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.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 him 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. 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* he can watch it without sound. I doubt he'll wear the headphones but try it at home. It's such a short flight, I'm sure he'll be fine without.
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.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring a 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 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!
Just be grateful that it's short. My son was 20 months old and slept just 20 minutes of an 11 1/2 hour flight. It was just so fun for him! Not so fun for mom but I survived... Even the calmest, most placid children are not good on planes at this age. Take heart. You're not alone.
For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids, mine and other people's! It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
It'll be fun. Both of you get plenty of sleep the night before and good luck!
Thank goodness it's a short flight! This is a tricky age to travel...
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 my third child, 3 1/2, just finished her 7th round-trip transatlantic flight. That's not counting all the flights I've made with her older brother and sister before. All have flew for the first time at 4 months of age 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 landing;
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude.htm
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.
Meanwhile, 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. Lap children are allowed because statistically, flying is so safe, there's very little chance of anything going wrong. If it does though, a lap child has no protection.
First check that your seat is FAA approved IF you are flying a U.S. airline (check with your non-American airline if not).
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If 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. 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 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, they sell all sorts of gizmos like this;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.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 him 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. 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* he can watch it without sound. I doubt he'll wear the headphones but try it at home. It's such a short flight, I'm sure he'll be fine without.
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.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring a 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 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!
Just be grateful that it's short. My son was 20 months old and slept just 20 minutes of an 11 1/2 hour flight. It was just so fun for him! Not so fun for mom but I survived... Even the calmest, most placid children are not good on planes at this age. Take heart. You're not alone.
For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids, mine and other people's! It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
It'll be fun. Both of you get plenty of sleep the night before and good luck!
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