Friday, June 6, 2014

Help on traveling with a 2 year old?




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Im planning on going to Mexico from salt lake city in the summer with my 2 year old son. I dont have experience traveling, but Im thinking everything is just going to be complicated and horrible I don't know how to keep my son still for the whole flight what if he wants to get up and run around? also when we stop and switch planes I dont know how to keep him still so I can grab my luggage and switch to another plane? traveling time ranges from 8 hours to 24 hours and Im trying to go cheap


Answer
No personal experience on planes but me and my son travel on buses alot. First put him in pjs and no shoes. put the shoes in your lugage or your carry on bag. its comfortable to wear pjs while traveling but not shoe. Take a small kids backpack with a change of clothes (incase he pukes or poops) some snacks if you can... crackers, fruit snacks, anything you can take on the plane without a fuss. a coloring book with 3-5 crayons. that way he cant throw millions of them everywhere or fuss about thousands of different colors. pack some extra diapers (pullups, underwear or whatever he uses). and his favorite toy and some dinky cars... maybe just two. if you can bring a drink as well. you cant keep your son still for the whole flight. you can try but if he cant do it let him walk in front of his seat just block him from going further (a window seat would be best for him cause he can stand and you being in the next seat can keep him confined) if he screams and crys do what you would usualy do to calm him down but dont get stressed about it. if people didnt ant to fly with annoying kids they wouldnt fly.playing with him works or bring a book. if you can keep him from being bored it would be easier. but when the plane stops buckle him up and maybe wait for everyone else. that way your not holding up the line when you grab your stuff and him. especialy since you dont want him getting lost in the confusion. because its a small backpack he can carry it on his back. (if you can get one that will buckle around his waist it would give you something to hold on to him by unless he is good with holding hands, mine isnt) bring something easy for you to cary a backpack or somthing with weels cause your last concern should be your lugage. let him walk to the next terminal cause it will help him blow off some steam. I hope it goes well.

I am traveling on a 5 hr flight (+ layover) with a 2 year old. Any suggestions?




meg m





Answer
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and 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 babys documents in order. Generally do not need an ID for a child when traveling domestically, but it is always good to keep a notarized copy of his/her birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) Since your child is at an age where you have to buy him/her a seat, I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not. http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1

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. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child a something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

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 limited amount of non-perishable snack items like goldfish, cheerios, dried fruit, etc.

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' 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 child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

4.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets. The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of other non-perishable snack items, such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, etc.. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.

5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his/her favorite toys, books, a portable DVD player and 1 or 2 movies, and any comfort things such as a blankie.

You may also consider taking him/her to the store and letting him/her pick out his/her own carry-on back. Buy her a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to buy a few without him/her knowing so he/she will have a surprise when he/she opens her bag.

6.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

7.) If you still use a diaper bag, be sure to keep it 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.

8.) 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.

Also it is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his 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.

9.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes 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 child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

10.) When in the airport for your layover, walk around with your child and let them explore. Consider taking them into a book shop and buying him/her a new book, or taking him/her to buy a kids meal or an ice cream. Try to let him/her expend any excess energy that he/she has.

11.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.


I hope they have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me




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