RBK
I am taking a eight hours flight with my almost 2 1/2 year old. It is a overnight flight and I am afraid she will have a hard time falling asleep in such a small space. Any advice? or any safe drugs I can give her to help her sleep? :-)
Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) I always suggest preparing them for what to expect so that they are not caught off guard and scared on the day of travel. You want to make sure that you tell her what is going to happen from the time you get to the airport until the time you arrive at your destination. You don't need to go into any great detail here, but give her something that they will be able to reference when actually traveling. If you are able to, I always suggest doing a dry run of the airport. This provides you with an opportunity to explain to your child what is going to happen while she can see first hand what it looks like.
Here is a link to a question I answered about what to expect when flying (also includes information about what to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnuyJVZLZSuuQXP6rCWLSLvty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071108205522AAKqKgt&show=7#profile-info-a15ae544077933e44570caf0403c65abaa
2.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -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, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#9
3.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let her use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your child as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your child has a part in it so she stays interested.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child (I let my children start this at the age of one) pick out her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry on.
4.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
* Give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
* Give her hard candy, mints, or a pacifier to suck on
* Give her gum to chew
* Tell her to yawn
* Pinch her nostrils shut, have her take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose (gently, but with pressure) as if trying to blow her nose.
* 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
* Gently but with some pressure, rub her 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.
You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childrens needs.
Do NOT plan on giving your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep on the plane. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well. I have also seen where it backfires; a parent gives their child a dose of Benedryl to make them sleep, but instead it gets the child more hyper and the parents get absolutely no rest on the flight (and neither does anyone else).
I wrote a small article about this if you would like to reference it. It gives more in-depth information, and rules for airport security in the US EU and UK, plus some other tips and tricks to help make the travel easier on you and your children. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Plane + toddler?
Umma K
I will soon be embarking on a 16 hour flight with my husband and 17 month old. She abhors her car seat and can't sit still for more than 1 minute.
Any helpful hints or tips? I'll take anything.
Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5 and baby number 3 was born 23 December). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips and suggestions:
1.) A car seat is not mandatory, but a CRS (Child Restraint System) is highly recommended for children under 40lbs to use on airplanes because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, restrains them properly (they may still be too small/thin for the regular airplane seatbelts) and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. A booster seat is NOT approved for use in an airplane.
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. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.
Here is a picture of what the sticker will look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg
There is also a new device that is approved by the FAA for airline use ONLY. It is called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) and costs $75. It weighs 1 pound, is certified for all phases of flight (taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing), adjusts to fit ALL size airplane seats, and is approved for kids 22â44 lbs.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
2.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let her use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your children as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your daughter has a part in it so she stays interested.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child (I let my children start this at the age of one) pick out her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry on.
3.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -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, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
As long as your child is with you, you are able to take as much formula, breast milk, or regular milk that you will need for you child for the duration of the time you will spend in the airport and on the flight (as long as it is within reason).And no, you will NOT have to taste it - no matter what form you bring it in.
All that you must do is:
1. Separate the milk from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size (1 liter) zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of the Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
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.
4.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to be vigilant.
Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your daughter. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Do NOT give your daughter medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well. I have also seen where it backfires; a parent gives their child a dose of Benedryl to make them sleep, but instead it gets the child more hyper and the parents get absolutely no rest on the flight (and neither does anyone else).
Try to have your daughter use the bathroom as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make your child feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).
5.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
*Give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Give her a pacifier to suck on
*Tell her to yawn
*Pinch her nostrils shut, have him take a deep breath in through the mouth, then tell him to (gently) blow as if trying to blow her nose
*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
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her 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.) Before you travel, I always suggest preparing child for what to expect so that she is not caught off guard and scared on the day of travel. You want to make sure that you tell her what is going to happen from the time you get to the airport until the time you arrive at your destination. You don't need to go into any great detail here, but give her something that she will be able to reference when actually traveling. If you are able to, I always suggest doing a dry run of the airport. This provides you with an opportunity to explain to her what is going to happen while she can see first hand what it looks like.
Here is a link that talks about what to expect when flying (also includes information about what to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoNbNcE8sjrr0zYCWcY9Jgnty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080128182201AARbdSv&show=7#profile-info-3Oxpfqegaa
http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/plane_travel_basics.html
I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and 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.
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