Jennifer
We are going on a road trip and it will take us about 12 hours to get there. We plan to start driving at night, a couple of hours before his bedtime. We will have a cooler full of snacks and a DVD player, along with a bunch of toys. My hope is that he will sleep through the majority of it, as he sleeps for about 10-12 hours at home. Am I kidding myself here or will he actually sleep about the same amount of time that he normally does? What are some tips/tricks that you found worked for you?? Oh he is 20 months old by the way.
Answer
Yes, he can. I get sleepy in the car! haha. My advice is to keep the routine as close as you can to what you do at home, eg with snacks, drinks (eg. bottles if he has them) and his body clock will register. Read here for everything relating to trips with toddlers from routines to planning. http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/holidays.html/context/353
Yes, he can. I get sleepy in the car! haha. My advice is to keep the routine as close as you can to what you do at home, eg with snacks, drinks (eg. bottles if he has them) and his body clock will register. Read here for everything relating to trips with toddlers from routines to planning. http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/holidays.html/context/353
Flying with toddlers?
hawk
I have packed tylenol,, dramamine, crayons, books,ther blankets, sugar-free gum (for those popping ears), and some snacks. Any more cheap ideas to keep them occupied?
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 (very generalized because I don't know the ages of your children):
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 certificates with you. If you are flying international, you will need passports and possibly visas for them as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) 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). You will need to inform the airline ahead of time that you will have a small infant traveling with you. Only one lap child is allowed per adult.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Because of the length of flight, the Flight Attendants should also give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, 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.
I do advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) though 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 a hard-backed child safety seat (car seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
Booster seats are not allowed or approved for air travel.
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 children are nursing, nurse one of them. You can also give your children something to drink (formula, 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 limited amount of baby food and non-perishable items such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, just add water packets, etc, 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 wanting to nurse, taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, 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 of things to entertain your children, such as a few books or toys, a portable DVD player with at least one movie, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your children pick out their 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 children seeing so that they have an extra surprise when they open their carry ons.
Most airlines will also offer your children something to entertain themselves, such as a coloring book and a few crayons, a puzzle, playing cards, or a small toy.
5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for 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.
If your children are still in diapers, you should be respectful of other passengers and always change their diapers 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 (very generalized because I don't know the ages of your children):
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 certificates with you. If you are flying international, you will need passports and possibly visas for them as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) 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). You will need to inform the airline ahead of time that you will have a small infant traveling with you. Only one lap child is allowed per adult.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Because of the length of flight, the Flight Attendants should also give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, 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.
I do advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) though 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 a hard-backed child safety seat (car seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
Booster seats are not allowed or approved for air travel.
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 children are nursing, nurse one of them. You can also give your children something to drink (formula, 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 limited amount of baby food and non-perishable items such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, just add water packets, etc, 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 wanting to nurse, taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, 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 of things to entertain your children, such as a few books or toys, a portable DVD player with at least one movie, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your children pick out their 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 children seeing so that they have an extra surprise when they open their carry ons.
Most airlines will also offer your children something to entertain themselves, such as a coloring book and a few crayons, a puzzle, playing cards, or a small toy.
5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for 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.
If your children are still in diapers, you should be respectful of other passengers and always change their diapers 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.
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