Traveling with a toddler?

Jo

I'm going on an 18 hour flight with my daughter who will be 2 in a couple of months. Insane, yes, I know. Any ideas of what to bring with me to occupy her during the waking hours? I'll be bringing some books, and videos on an iPod, and thinking of a travel magna-doodle. I'm looking for ideas that have worked with you and your kids.

Answer
The best thing to do for your toddler is to get her prepared for the flight. Tell her about the plane , takeoff, noises to expect etc. Bring her pajamas to sleep in and favorite toys etc. It's a good idea to have a variety of toys and games so that she is constantly excited about new things. You might even like to bring some phenergan which is a mild analgesic sedative ( not sure what you call it in the US) that a lot of parents give to their children to help them relax inflight. There can be so many distractions that it can be difficult to settle them.
You might like to invest in some eye shades and air plugs not only for her but for yourself. Have a favorite pillow etc and all the things you will need in a handy carry on bag that you can have at your feet (under the seat in front of you).
Also you might like to get some assistance to board the plane. They pre board a lot of mums and wheelchair bound passengers which will give you time to settle into your set well before the other passengers get on board.
Good luck it won't be as bad as you think. Other people around you will help out if the see your struggling.
PS I was an international flight attendant with Air New Zealand for 25 years

Toddler travel toys? ?

Malibu_Jen

Compact travel toys, suitable for a train journey to keep a 14 month old quietly occupied?

So far I can only find aquadoodle!

Answer
The "Haba Dragonstone Castle" is a nice toy; you can set up all sorts of scenarios and stories to play out. The dragon rattles, but very quietly. It comes in a little plastic zippered case, easy to take along.

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Has anyone traveled on a plane with a 20 month old?

Kelly S

I leave in 10 days on a plane ride with my 20 month old and im nervous, what should i bring? how did youre kids react to the taking off anf landing? any advice would be great thanks

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three kids. My oldest was very active and I remember at 20 months, he slept 20 minutes of a 11 1/2 hour flight. I was pregnant and very tired when we arrived!

This is a tricky age to travel. They like to run and hate to be confined.

One "sanity-saver" is to get him his own seat. Children are much more comfortable and settled in their familiar car seat. If you have not booked a place for him, try to see if they can arrange an empty place next to you and bring his car seat to the gate. Be nice but they often do this for families if the flight is not full.

Bring your car seat to the gate and if you are not successful, it will be gate checked with the strollers and wheelchairs. Never check a car seat in as luggage. It could too easily be lost and/or broken in transit.

It would be very hard to hold a 20 month old calmly in your lap!

Make sure your car seat is approved for air travel. If you are flying a U.S. company, here is the FAA's page on the subject;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

If you are flying a non-U.S. company, see your airlines' website.

Don't worry about the ears. This is an over-rated problem and quite frankly, in 13 years, I barely remember any children having problems going up or descending. If you are concerned, visit the doctor in the next few days and make sure his ears and clear and infection-free. Flying with an infection or other blockage could be painful, if not damaging. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes.

If you want to give him something to drink, by all means offer but please don't wake him or force. The critical time is not landing/touch down but the TOP of descent, when everyone's ears have to reverse pressurization. The AAP suggests simply that the child be *awake*. Just moving his head, talking, etc. helps the ears.

http://www.aap.org/patiented/flyingbaby.htm

For entertainment, I found at that age, less is more. Coloring things, play dough, pipe cleaners, stickers, small plastic toys like cars or animals and chunky books with openable flaps work well and keep them busy.

Get him a couple of new toys and surprise him during the flight. Something new will occupy him longer.

I can't recommend a portable DVD player for such a young age. Usually they wont wear the earphones (do NOT play it over the speakers in the plane). Experiment at home if you think it would work.

Don't fixate on getting him to sleep. Other passengers will not complain about him if he's quiet and playing. They will also not complain if he's crying and you're trying to do something about him.

Bring a change of clothes for you both and at least 1/3 more diapers than you think you'll need. Learn to change him standing up because the changing tables on airplanes are tiny and most toddlers hate to lie down in a strange place.

Don't worry about security. Most exempt liquids meant for a child. In the very unlikely case that they would take a something away, they'll just take it from you.

Get plenty of sleep, both of you, the night before. During your journey, let him drink, eat and sleep as he wants. Be a "good parent" once you get to your destination but just get through your trip sanely.

For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

Have a good flight!

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What dogs make the best (air) travel companions?

Q. I'm trying to compile a list of small dogs that can easily fit under the seat when flying. Preferably this dog would have few health issues as well, so it is safer in the air. As much as I love them, I know that frequently traveling with a pug or bulldog would pose a challenge to their health no matter their size.

I'm looking at Yorkies, Toy American Eskimos, and the Cairn Terrier primarily. I'd like a dog that is more "durable" and wouldn't stress out too easily. I think the Papillon is adorable, but it seems much too delicate.
I should probably clarify that I'm not planning on adopting anytime soon, and I know I won't be able to bring a dog everywhere I go. However, it would be nice to be able to bring my dog when I fly to visit my parents, and other short domestic trips.
I just really like to think ahead.

Answer
you are going to be looking for a dog under ten pounds to travel in the cabin of a plane ... i think the toy american eskimo and cairn terrier would be too large as adults to fly in cabin ... a papillon would most likely fit under the seat in front of you on the plane ... and to be honest, it is not a breed thing that can make a dog more "durable" or less easily stressed ... it is all how you train and socialize your dog ... i have flown a few times with my little guy and he is only five pounds and he is super relaxed traveling but that is because i trained and socialized him well from the day i got him ... twice now the airport staff have made me take finnigan out of his carrier to walk around so they could see he was not sedated ... and i told them, he was not sedated, just easy-going and mellow about traveling ... and there are lots of dogs that can travel the same way ... but regardless of the breed you choose, you will have to train and socialize the dog, not treat it like a baby, and then pretty much any dog can travel in the cabin (if under ten pounds :O) ... and do know if your pup grows to even a size that makes the carrier snug, the dog will not be traveling in cabin ...

http://youtu.be/bi30-YLUJAE - finnigan in his sleepypod air :O)

Air Travel With Baby Coming Up...Advice Needed?

Q. In July my son will be 9 monthes old and for my mom's birthday we're flying to Pennsylvania to tour Philly for a few days....I myself have ever flown on a plane before but I'm more concerned about traveling with Max.Is there any advice you can give about air travel with an infant?I hear nothing but that it's a pain in the butt.
A few things I'm concerned about are:
Is a diaper bag considered carry on?I don't use a purse,everything's in the handy dandy diaper bag we need.
It will be a few hour flight-we're flying from Portland,OR to Philadelphia,PA,what should I bring for him to keep him busy?
What do I do about his ears popping?
Does an infant require his own ticket to board?Sounds silly and it's not an issue of money I'm just wondering.
Anything else that may be helpful?I'm amking a little booklet of tips and and such helpful things,for when the time comes.
Thanks.:)

Answer
Hello. Here are a few thoughts re your concerns:
It doesn't have to be a pain in the butt. It largely depends on how you can flex his feed/sleep timings around the flight. I used to try and keep my little one awake until the flight, then she'd take a bottle of milk, fall asleep, then wake for lunch which all in all takes up a fair bit of time already.
- Bags. A change bag is fine to take on, within the normal limits of the airlines policy. Some will allow extra baggage for an infant (under 2) but many expect you to have one bag between you.
- Keeping him busy - take a few toys that you know he enjoys playing with - ones that don't make noise! Of course things that pack easily.
- You can get your baby to take a milk bottle during landing and take off (or a pacifier), but with luck he may even sleep through take off.
- He will need to a ticket - but under 2s can travel on your lap - so you'll need to pay an infant fee but not pay for an extra seat. Some people prefer to take pay for an extra seat and take a car seat on board, but you would still need to have him on your lap for take off and landing.
Take as much milk and babyfood as you need for the flight plus a little extra in case of delays. Take snacks that he'll enjoy. Take enough nappies, etc. Wipes are a must, and an extra change of clothes for him and if you have room a spare top for you - just in case!

Happy flying.

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What was your experience traveling with your baby/toddler?

Q. Any tips from your personal experience would be great. Can you also say what age your baby was the first time you traveled with him/her & how you prefer to travel? Etc...

Also, what are some items you would recommend (or you think are absolutely necessary) for traveling with a 6 month old baby? & Do you think it would it be better to drive or take a plane or train?

Thanks :)

Answer
We have traveled by plane and car several times with our infants and toddlers. Very often we visit my parents in Toronto during the winter break, and with seven children, we have brought our fair share of small children back and forth at least once every year.

My tips are pretty common-sense and are probably things you have already considered, but here they are:

1. Bring some plastic bags that are easy to reach during the trip. Why? Because children get messy and a garbage container isn't always close by. Dirty undies, half eaten goodies, wipes, wet clothes... all these things are likely to happen with little ones and you don't want to be puzzled and grossed out while trying to put these things away.

2. Make sure you pack medication in an easy to reach place in your bag. Prescriptions meds go without saying. Things like tylenol, cough syrup, aspirin for you, a thermometer and band-aids could be your life savers. I don't always use them, but the few times I forgot to bring them were the time I needed them urgently.

3. Do not stuff your bags or trunks with toys, coloring books and movies for the children. By the end of the trip you are likely to realize that most of the stuff you carried went unnoticed and it only robbed you of space and energy by having to carry them around. Plus, some things might get lost if you bring tons of things. If your child is old enough, involves him or her in choosing which toys will come and which will wait at home. If your baby is too little, bring a blankie or something to help him or her sleep and a small trinket to keep them entertained.

4. If you are flying and/or if it is desirable, divide the family into two groups for the trip. We do this when we need to be very practical. My husband or I leave first with most of the luggage and the older children, and the other one follows a few days later with the little children. It isn't the idealized image of a happy family trip with road-trip songs and fun, but it gets us where we want to go quickly and more relaxed. That way, we only have to focus on a few things instead of having to juggle everything at the same time.

5. Bring fresh, comfort food for the trip. We always bring our own lunches and fruits, regardless of the means of transportation. Something dry and easy to eat for the kids is my best bet.

6. If your child is old enough to understand, explain the logistics of the trip. Even if it seems pointless, it helps a little to run over the new things they will be facing (airport crowd, homeland security, long hours sitting inside the car) and also announce that potty time is going to be trickier than usual.

7. If you are traveling by plane or train, ask the travel agency about family-friendly seats. I prefer them. Sitting with other children keeps the kids happier and also spares us most of the anguish of facing annoyed adult fellow-travelers.

I love to travel by train, but the chances are rare and far-between. Driving is fun for certain occassions. If we have plenty of time to get to our destination and it is reasonably close, we will get the old suburban out of the garage and enjoy a family trip. I love the plane because it is quick, but the overall experience of airport, airport security and the plane itself isn't fun for the kids or for us.

Have fun and good luck with your trip.

Any tips on travelling with babies/toddlers?

siwso

I will be taking a 5hr flight when my son is 12months and again when he is 15months. What is your experience of flights with kids? What is the best time of day to fly? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
If you're son is a calm baby, you should be ok. If he gets cranky often and screams his head off, you have to be careful. They COULD kick you off the plane! Dr. Phil had a guest on yesterday, that was kicked off a plane before it even took off! Crazy! Just take a bunch of little toys and snacks. Things you KNOW that he likes.
AND, he probably will sleep, if he usually sleeps in the car. My toddlers sleep on our 6hr car ride to Delaware and do really well with it.

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Which baby things do you which you had bought or that you did buy after you had your baby?

Q. I want to start preparing to buy stuff for my baby, I have tons of checklist but is there anything you wish you had bought or that you didnt think you would need but got when you had your baby? I want to be completely prepared!

Answer
swing
good swaddle blanket (The Ultimate Swaddle Blanket by Swaddle Designs is the BEST)
Aquaphor (for diaper rash and dry skin)
TONS of squeeze tube Vaseline (if it's a boy and you are having him circumsized...you put gobs of Vaseline on to keep the diaper from sticking until it is healed)
hand sanitizer - one for each room so you can make sure everyone is "clean" before holding your new little one!
music maker for crib (we have a fisher price "aquarium" that is great)
lansinol cream (if you are nursing)
Sheet savers (little things that go under the baby's head in the crib so if he/she spits up it doesn't ruin the whole sheet...and they will spit up...constantly)

Also, if you are nursing, find out about breast pump options/lactation consulant options in your area AND where to get good nursing bras. Check to see if your insurance will pay for the pump purchase or rental and visits from a consultant - those visits are priceless if you are nursing for the first time!

when it comes to the stroller - get a snap and go type thing (where the car seat can just pop in to it) to get yourself started - then buy a "real" one later once you have a better idea of your needs.
DON'T bother with a travel system - the stroller that comes with is always a little hoakey - I'll give you mine if you really want one! LOL! :-)

Check out the book Baby Bargains (or the website babybargains.com) for great parent reviews/recommendations.

Oh - I thought of more :-)
baby wipe warmer (some people think it's silly, but I liked it and I think it made late night diaper changes easier on my son)
Some sort of carrier (some people LOVE the ERGO - works with newborns through toddlers) but other people say you should wait until you have your baby to pick one, since different babies like to be carried in different ways)

First time mother-to-be needs advice about baby products?

KookiePenn

Hi everyone. I am 18 weeks pregnant with my first & there are SO many products out there, different brands, etc. Do any of you out there know of a website or some sort of resource which will have a checklist of everything you need for a new baby & which products are rated the best? Thank you :)

Answer
I know what you are going through it is overwhelming so many things. Iâm a mother of a 3 months old baby girl. I looked around in the internet and compared a lot of checklists, same are so long oh no. I think one of the best is Wal-Mart because it has the important things for baby 0-3 months checklist.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=584911
And later when the baby is born you can check the 4-12 months checklist. The only thing I would buy for 4-6 months right away is some cloths or better put it on your baby registry when you have one.
What I also like at walmart.com is the costumer reviews. So you can see how the products are, not from some company, no from real people who use it.
What I really recommend to get is a baby swing, a bouncer chair and a baby gym. This will be enough for the first couple months. I used the baby swing in the first 2 months everyday. The bouncer chair is good when you go somewhere so that the baby is not always lying on the floor. It is light und easy to take with for example to you parents or parents in law. Also I like to use it at home when Iâm in the kitchen. So the little one is not is with me and is not on the floor. The one I have is âFisher Price - Rainforest Bouncerâ you can easily detach the front part so that you have only the chair.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5420734
The baby gym is good so that the baby is entertain while you have to do other things at home and it is not only in is crib/basinet. I have the âFisher Price - Rainforest Melodies & Lights Gymâ my girl really likes the mirror, the butterflies and the rattle on it. Also she enjoys the lights and music on it.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5420733
The baby swing I have is "Fisher Price - Baby Papasan Cradle Swing, Nature's Touch" I'm very happy with it. I really like it that it swings two ways and more important my baby loves it.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4241567
For strollers I would go with a travel system where you have a stroller and baby car seat. This car seat is enough for a while, later when the baby is bigger you can get another one for older babies and toddlers.
One more thing receiving blankets get the oversize ones not the regular size they are too small. My baby girl likes still go get wrapped in the receiving blanket and the regular would be already to small after a weeks, the oversize is still big enough to wrap her into.

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what are some "must have items" for a 12-24 month old toddler?

Q. my son is 12 months old and I just wanted to know what were the thing that you had to have when your child was that age?

Answer
Very little is truly "must have", but here are some things that we loved at that age.
We didn't have to have them, but they made life easier and more fun!

Meals:
-Sippy cups - we adore Safe Sippy brand
-Finger foods - O-shaped cereal, goldfish crackers, diced apples, etc.
-Snack Trap food bowls or similar
-Child-sized eating utensils - spoon and fork a toddler can manage
-Booster seat as we outgrow the high chair
-Disposable placemats and travel pack of wipes, if you dine out

Toys:
-Balls of every shape and size; Gertie balls are fantastic!
-Play kitchen with cups, spoons, play dishes, food containers
-First doll, for boys or girls; it is very empowering to get to play the parent!
-Duplo bricks
-Nesting cups, sorting and stacking toys, and containers to dump and fill
-Tub toys
-Low, scoot-on wheeled toys without pedals, such as the Radio Flyer Scoot About
-Large trucks
-Push toys - first walker-type toys, later grocery cart, lawnmower, popcorn popper, doll stroller
-Sleep Sheep
-First wooden puzzles, with large pieces and knobs
-Bubbles!

Other:
-Floor mats or floor pillows, or extra soft, cozy rugs - kids play on the floor a lot at this age!
-Board books
-Quality shoes - this is a time for learning to walk and run, so shoes, if worn, should be comfortable and supportive. Pedipeds are one example of a "cute" shoe that is also practical.
-Wagon with seat backs- a great transition from stroller for family outings; consider one with an umbrella attachment.
-Potty chair, pull ups, and training pants for when he/she is ready
-Large crayons, to be used with close supervision. Also consider chalk, stickers, fingerpaint, and a drop cloth to protect the floor.
-Soothing nightlight
-Tide Stain Remover pen or Resolve stick to keep in the purse, glove box, or travel bag
-Step stools to promote independence at the sink and for looking out the window
-Baby gates, electrical outlet covers, cabinet locks, and Command hooks to keep cords from curtains and blinds out of reach. Double check your baby-proofing now that your kiddo is old enough to get into everything FAST!

Please help me overpack for camping with a toddler?

Q. My mom insists on a family camping trip this summer with all my siblings and step-siblings and stuff. That is all well and good, but she wants it to be for 5 whole days, which is just excessive with a toddler in tow.

I'm not a fan of camping, we never went camping when I was a kid... what on earth will I need for my daughter and I for 5 days/4 nights of camping?

Please, help me make a list of every possible thing we could need. I'd rather have too much and lug it around then be without. My daughter is 19 months old.

Suggestions for bug spray stuff, first aid, clothes, all that, please.

Answer
Diapers
One for every two hours,
Pad to put under your baby during diaper changes
You can buy disposable changing pads at supermarkets or reusable ones at baby stores
Blankets
Bring a few â you'll use them to lay your baby on, cover her, cover yourself if you're nursing, protect your clothes from messy burps, shade your baby, and more
Plastic bags
Carry a variety of sizes for storing soiled diapers, clothes, and blankets
Diaper rash cream
Wipes
Small bottles of disinfecting hand gel, baby wash, and baby lotion
Tissues
Extra pacifiers (if your baby uses one)
A few of your baby's favorite toys
Clothes, socks, and booties or shoes
One to two outfits per day is a good guideline
Washable bibs
Sun hat
Lightweight plastic feeding set with utensils, and baby food
If your baby's eating solid foods
Formula, water, and juice if appropriate
Extra bottles and sippy cups if appropriate
Energy-boosting snacks for you to munch on
Flashlight
So you can keep the room lighting soothingly low during middle-of-the-night diaper changes
First-aid kit
Baby pain reliever and supplies for treating minor injuries
Sling or front carrier
Lightweight, hands-free way to keep your baby close in crowded places like airports
Portable crib or play yard
A safe place for your baby to sleep or play
Inflatable baby bathtub
Can make bath time easier at your destination
Collapsible stroller
* tooth paste, toothbrushes, dental floss (packed together, in a Ziploc bag)
* shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, etc.
* contact lenses paraphernalia
* glasses
* reading glasses
* sunglasses
* skin cream, makeup
* nail clippers
* tweezers
* foot powder
* ear plugs
* sleep aids
Health Items

* band-aids
* children's fever medicine, cold medicine, etc.
* allergy kit, if needed
* blister kit: moleskin for blisters, elastic tape to go over the moleskin, scissors, band-aids
* feminine hygiene products
* prescription medicines
* vitamins
* health boosters such as Airborne

Technology - Packing List Extras
-cell phone (probably this will also be your travel alarm clock)
-digital camera, and batteries,

"Miscellaneous" Packing List Extras:

* notebook/journal
* guidebooks--buy the best! It's a small investment, compared to the cost of your vacation.
* ziploc bags (that actually zip.) Use for toiletries, wet swimsuits, crayons, etc.
* maps
* binoculars
* batteries
* needle and thread
* plastic food containers: fill with snacks such as raisins to eat; later, bring one to restaurants in case your kids won't eat their food (though they' be hungry ten minutes later...)
* -cereal! Save money and time by eating cereal in your room for breakfast. Buy fresh milk, or use powdered; don't forget the plastic spoons.
* wet wipes, for cleaning hands, faces, etc. There's even a special brand for removing stains from clothes.

Packing List Extras

* Ipod
* magazines or books
* snacks and drinks
* any medication that might be needed,
* lip balm, skin lotion-- planes

Packing List Extras,
* snacks and drinks
* motion sickness preventatives
* handy to have: a cooler for drinks; plastic cups

Beach Gear Packing List Extras

* swimsuits (two, per person)
* sandals
* aqua shoes
* swim goggles
* face masks, snorkels
* beach toys
* waterproof disposable camera
* sunhats
* sunglasses
* lip balm with sunscreen
* ear plugs if your child needs them when swimming

Packing List Extras: Rain Gear

* umbrellas or poncho
* raincoat, rain-pants
* appropriate footwear
* extra socks

Packing List Extras: Outdoors Gear

* insect repellent
* After bite, for insect bites
* allergy medicine if needed
* good shoes for hiking
* layers of clothes, especially fleece
* socks that will "wick" (draw moisture away from the skin)

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What are some good toddler friendly things to do, see and places to stay in Melbourne, Australia CBD?

Dlee

Our baby will be about 13 and a half months at the time. As far as accommodation goes, cheaper would be better. My husband and I have done a lot of travelling in our time but havent done any with a baby. We always went on a very tight budget and roughed it, but we probably cant do this with a little one. Any suggestions?

Answer
Federation square with its really cheap cinemas, and the stage which regularly holds child friendly performances. Melbourne Zoo is really nice as well as the Melbourne aquarium with its amazingly cute penguins. The Eureaka Skydeck is a great place to go 'The highest public viewing platform in the southern hemisphere.' Take a scenic boat ride up and down the Yarra River. Thats just off the top of my head, i'm sure you can find heaps of other things to do as well. Good luck with your journey.

Travel plan Paris???

Puppy

I want a child-friendly travel itinerary in Paris for Dec. 26- Jan 3, appropriate for a toddler and an infant.

Please give me a good itinerary .

Thanks

Answer
If you have loads of money and time take taxis.
Otherwise, put your infant in a child carrier or sling and take a small, collapsable pram for the toddler.
Dress the kids warm, but in such a way you can easily remove a layer of clothing when you go into a building. (I found that most places in Paris are rather warm when you come in out of the winter-cold in your wintergear.)
With your kids easily transported you can use the Metro, that system has been designed with transport of children and luggage in mind, lifts at most or all stations, level entry into the trains and so on.

I do not expect your children to appreciate being in Paris, other than being with you all the time.
But that is no reason for you not enjoying Paris.

Make a list of things you want to do, half the amount and take a map to see how to combine them.
Paris is perfect for walking if the weather is clement, otherwise, short walks, dashing into cafes, museums, monuments and metro stations.

If you want to go up the Eiffeltower you will have to leave the pram behind outside the building, so do not take an expensive one and make sure you can take your gear off when needed. (Maybe also bring a lock, like used for a bike?)

I do not know what your toddler will like, as all children are different, so I can not suggest many things, but ask your hotel staff or go to an tourist information office and ask for activities that are suited. I am sure many Parisians will bring their small ones into town too.

The smaller side roads often have low profile places to eat.
As French families take their children with them with when they go out for dinner, many places will be geared for them with high chairs and small portions.
And in case all else fails, Mc Donalds does have a presence in town.

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