Air traveling with a toddler! Help?

Live.Laugh

We are going on a trip soon with our 18 month toddler. It is a 7-8 hour plane ride. Is there anything we can do it make this trip easier, and any tips for entertaining her? She is very active, and is always on the move, how can we get her to sit in a seat for that long?
Any advice would be great!!

Answer
I took my daughter on a 3 hour plane ride at that age. 10 days later, we were all sick (she really had a bad sickness, fever and bronchitis and ear infection...) so keep that in mind.

What I did was to first make sure she had her own seat. It helped because she was used to having to sit in her car seat for a long period of time, so she just chilled.

If you can, make the appointment for your plane to fly late at night or early in the morning or during naptime. It helps if they'll fall asleep.

We put ourselves in the very back of the plane. This gave us the ability to go slow getting out without holding people up, better access to the bathrooms, and at one point the flight crew even let her run around in the back area and play a bit. :) The very last row doesn't recline though, so it wasn't as comfy for us. If I did it again, I'd choose the row right before.

Pay the money for the inflight movie, or bring a DVD player or something. Put on cartoons. I know that normally we don't allow a child to watch too much TV, but... this is a time when it helps.

Bring a binky/pacifier if possible. I know by now your 18 month old is probably past that, but the take off messes with their ears and can give infections. Getting them to suck on a binky or bottle or something like that will help with that, and save you a nightmare later.

Bring snacks, juice, interesting toys, books, whatever you can think of. Baby juice in those little containers aren't counted towards your liquid allowance on board, so take advantage of that. Also, bring your own cup. They didn't even have a normal sized straw she could use. Ugh.

Bring your own little speaker or headset for her. All they give you on flight are ear-buds, and I had to put that behind her seat and turn it all the way up so she could hear but also not mess with them. If I had to do it again, I'd get something more appropriate for that.

It was very helpful to have a harness/leash for her when we were waiting in the lobby. She ran around losing energy, and exploring and having a great time, while I watched so many kids having to just sit in their carseat/stroller or read books. Let them run it off there.

Be very ready to apologize to the guy in front of you. Your child will at some point kick the chair. There's no way avoiding it that I found. :/ But, again, by picking the seats way in the back, you tend to avoid most of the people who would get angry at you.

Traveling with a toddler?

hellothere

My son is 2 1/2 years old. He still sleeps in a crib, but is small for a portable crib. We would like to take him to the beach this summer. But what should I do about the sleeping? I know he could sleep in my bed, but I would like him to sleep in his own. Are there any good traveling beds for toddlers? Any suggestion?

Answer
You can get toddler air beds with attached sleeping bag. They are usually about £30ish, and come with different designs that I'm sure your son would love (cars, toy story ect..)
I advise you get an electronic pump though, as blowing them up by mouth can be a bloody nightmare!

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Any tips for air travel with a toddler?

max's mamm

I am going alone to visit my parents. My 20 month old has flown before, but my husband and in-laws were with. I have packed a number of special toys, a video IPOD and snacks. What I would love are specific things that have worked for you. Especially people who have traveled with new restrictions. He is super busy!! What would not be appreciated are suggestions not to fly (not an option) or use Benedryl (he reacts)

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 some tips and advice that have always worked for me:

1.) 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 him/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 s/he 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 his/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 him/her seeing so that s/he has an extra surprise when s/he opens his/her carry on.


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#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.

3.) 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 him/her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Give him/her a pacifier to suck on
*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 his/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 childs needs. I personally have found pain relief medications don't really help, and at least in my experience, decongestants are a waste of money.

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 child. You will need this in case s/he gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

Bring any medications that you might need for your child should s/he get sick or that s/he 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 child 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 medicine 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 change your childs diaper (or have him/her use the restroom) 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.) Don't worry about what the other passengers are going to think or say should your child cry. This will only add stress, which your child can pick up on, and it could make him/her cry longer and harder. Instead, just relax, and handle the situation like you would if you were at home. Most times the other passengers are very understanding anyways and some will even try to help you. Which reminds me, if help is offered to you, TAKE it!


I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives airport security rules and regulations for the US, EU, and UK, plus 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.

Air travel with infant/toddler - help!?

SamieT

I'm going to be the only adult on a 3 hour day flight with my 2 year old and my 6 month old. My 2 year old will have a seat and my 6 month old will be on my lap. Does anyone have travel tips to help me stay sane? Thanks.

Answer
Since your 2-year-old will have a seat, he will also have a carry-on allowance. I usually pack a small backpack full of new items to keep my kids busy on the plane. You can get things like Play-Doh, Matchbox cars, coloring books, sticker books, small magna-doodle toys, story books, etc. Take them out one at a time as he/she seems to be getting bored or antsy. You can also bring a portable DVD player or laptop to play a movie if he or she will wear headphones.

For the baby, I'd recommend bringing a front-carrier so that you can have your hands free to tend to your kids more easily. The baby won't need as many things to be occupied, but you could get some new small stuffed toys or teethers.

Both kids will want to be either sucking on something or drinking something during take-off/ascent and descent/landing, which will help with the pressure on the ears. It can be a cup, a bottle, a pacifier, a sucker, etc.

Bring extra diapers/wipes (more than you think you'll need) and extra changes of clothes too.

Pack some snacks because the airline offerings aren't typically things that kids like. The TSA allows you to bring juice, formula, and milk for kids - enough to get through your travel for the day. You'll have to declare it at security. You can also buy some juice or milk in the airport after you go through.

Bring a stroller for the airport - you can check it at the gate and it will be waiting for you when you get off the plane at your destination.

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Which seats are the best for a 20 hour flight, with a 2 year old?

air travel toys for toddlers image

somi

my toddler has known lung problem, had phnemonia attack just 4 months back. It's her first air travel and has never travelled for such long long duration.
yes, I am with my child after consulting her paediatrician.

Answer
I would stay toward the rear of the plane. 1st class may complain about noise, etc. from child. The rear the attendants MIGHT be able to help out and give child little toys or things to preoccupy. Some airlines will let the child see cockpit (another might) and give a toy plane or wings or both. Also the might be more seats for the child to spread out crayons/books/toys. The draw backs are the people moving back and forth and at times smell and poor air circulation. Hope this helps, have a great trip.

Suggestions of activities for a toddler and a preschooler on a long trip?

myfirstbab

I'll be traveling with my 3 1/2 years old daughter and my 19 months son next week. The flight will take about 7 hours followed by a 14 hours transit time then another flight of about 2 hours. Any suggestions about any activities mainly during the transit time (The first flight is at night so my kids will for sure be sleeping during the whole flight)
Thanks a lot for your help.

Answer
I don't have to say what you already know, which is that this could be a difficult trip if you are unprepared.

My first piece of advice is to let the both kids have thier own seats and a car seat (make sure it is approved for use on an airplane, not all are). Even though your son is under two and qualifies as a "lap baby", this will be a very difficult task on this long a trip.

It would be useful to allow the kids some time to run around a bit before boarding, so try to arrive a little early. Don't worry if they are too hyper at this point; let them blow off their energy. See if the airport you are departing from has a children's play area, and let them run loose. Don't skip any naps, but maybe only allow a short ones to keep them ready to sleep during the flights. Skipped nap = cranky toddler; short nap = sleepy toddler... :)

Here are a few other things to consider... First is hydration! The air in the cabin comes in from a source on the engine (called "bleed air"). Being from the ambient air outside, it is remarkably dry. It is around ten to twenty percent relative humidity, if that much at all. The problem here is breathing. We lose water normally from sweat, urination, etc; but in an airplane we also lose a lot from just breathing. The moisture comes out when we exhale.

Any adult can easily become dehydrated if not taking in adequate water, but for a small child, this is an even greater concern. As long as your flights are, you should make sure they stay well hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, of course; but water, sugar-free, etc. would be useful here.

You will likely have to purchase the water or juice inside the terminal as they do not allow sufficient quantity of liquid through security screening. Also, I do not trust the "tap" water on airplanes; drink only the bottled water...

A bottle or sippy cup, pacifier, teething ring, etc to suck on is also a must. During ascent and descent, the cabin pressure will change and as a result, it is easy to get an ear block. These can be very painful, but are relieved by negative pressure in the mouth and throat. If it is really bad, you can try to yawn with the kids looking at you, the yawn reflex is strong and it often results in equalizing the pressure (ever yawn after watching someone else yawn? or did you just yawn because you've read this?). You can also try gently massaging the forehead, neck, and around the ears if it doesn't clear.

I've flown so many sick kids, I'm pretty good at recognizing the "ear block" before it really becomes an issue; and it during the early onset that it is easiest to treat. Look for fidgetyness, reaching for the ear, changes in breathing patterns, etc. Even slight, subtle clues would be enough to try the "yawn reflex", or give her a sippy cup, bottle, etc. The combination of yawning and sucking give enough negative pressure to the ear canals to prevent a true ear block from developing.

If it does develop, it can last for days, so be vigilant here.

Also, some people fret about pacifiers or bottles at this age. If either uses one, don't hesitate. In this case, it is a blessing! Potty training is also not encouraged on long flights. While enroute it is usually possible, there are long periods where the "seat-belt" sign is on, or the line is long, and the child "has to go now".

Toys and distractions are also requirements. Nothing big or fancy, just something that might occupy them for twenty or thirty minutes at a time. You can recycle them throughout the flight.

Coloring books, toys that beep or vibrate, Be creative, but you don't have to go too crazy either. You can even go so far as setting a small budget for them and letting them pick something out at the airport shop; but remember not to give it to them until you're in the air.

Finally, see if you can get a bulkhead row seat. This will give them the opportunity to have a play area on the floor without being able to get away as easily. Just put a blanket down and some toys, and they will have thier own space.

I hope this helps! I'm a flight paramedic and have transported many children. I am also a frequent traveler, including many international destinations. I speak from both a professional medical provider and a frequent flyer. I've seen dozens upon dozens of parents travel with small children. Some preparation in advance will go a long way in making the flight a comfortable one.

Cheers!

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Can someone suggest small toys for a 16 month old to use on a plane trip?

air travel toys for toddlers image

LOVE

We have a 14.5 hour flight to Tokyo and I know that I will need lots of entertainment for my little man.. Of course I can't bring big toys, but does anyone have ideas for small toys that I can bring on board?
P.S. My baby is a boy..

Answer
This is a tough age!

I was a Flight Attendant for 13 years and whenever we saw a toddler come onboard, we knew it could get tricky. After 10 years of working on airplanes, I then found myself one of those mothers. I fly, usually alone, with my three children between Europe and California about twice a year, starting when each was 4 months old.

Not to scare you but the hardest trips for me were when mine were this age. They don't like to be confined. You can't really reason or negotiate too well with them ("If you stay seated now...") I had one 11 1/2 hour flight when my son slept all of 20 minutes. Get a good nights' sleep yourself before leaving!

For entertainment, what does he like to play with at home? Probably tons of toys which are big and noisy! My trick was to bring new things. It worked for my mom when I flew as a toddler and I did it with my own kids.

Remember that it only needs to be new to them. Some moms get creative with second hand toys. Have several and pull them out as the flight goes on. My son especially liked things he could take apart and open up. He loved anything with wheels and those cheap plastic animals kept him busy for ages. Buy a whole container of them and divide them up in small bags. Keep pulling out the bags as the hours go by. If you lose one or two, it's no great tragedy.

Books are good, especially those with chunky pages. Coloring pads, magnadoodle pads worked well. Please don't get into drawing things for him. My mistake! I once drew cats all the way across the Atlantic (or at least felt like I had...)

Whether to bring a portable DVD player is up to you. Is he a big "screen watcher"? I only had one of those. The other two had the attention spans of knats so I never bothered. Will he wear the headphones? Perhaps practice at home first. What about watching the imagines without the sound? I never brought one but other moms swear by them. He seems a bit young but by all means, do what you think will work.

I do hope you have a seat for him. I suggest you bring his carseat and use it onboard. Check to make sure it's FAA certified if you're flying a U.S. carrier. Here's a site that explains more;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

If not, check with your airline and/or aviation authority of the the airline's nationality. Huge variations of rules regarding car seats onboard.

He'll probably be more comfortable in his familar seat and he's much safer than in your lap. Having said that, commercial air travel in the industrialized world is very safe and there's very little chance of anything happening. You'll be grateful to have the extra space and be able to put him down when asleep.

Try to book "bulkhead" seats. These are the ones with the wall in front. They are located throughout the cabin. This will give you more freedom to get in and out of your seats and prevent him kicking the seat in front of him. Toddlers are good at this! Unfortunately, you can't sit in exit rows with a child.

He'll want to move so try to do that when there isn't a meal service (or those pesky duty free carts) in the aisle. All the carts are super-heavy and the perfect height to hide a toddler. Keep an eye on him at all times.

If turbulence hits while you're up and about, don't go back to your seats unless it's steady enough to make it safely. Sit on the floor if you have to, one hand to hold on and the other around him.

A great tip I got from a cousin and used myself is to learn to change them standing up. The changing tables in airplanes are small and at this age, they hate to lie down in strange places. Practice at home and then you can use the bigger handicapped lavs instead of trying to cram both of you in the little ones. Keep him away from the emergency button. They are attracted to the red color and love to press it.

A few years ago I wrote an article for a local newsletter. I later expanded it and put it on a blog to share with other parents. Many of them in turn, gave me some more great tips. It's totally non-commercial so feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

I go more into packing, getting that car seat through the airport and feeding tips. Information from someone who actually worked in the industry!

Have a great trip to a very child-friendly country!

Any Tips for air travel with a toddler?

max's mamm

I am going alone to visit my parents. My 20 month old has flown before, but my husband and in-laws were with. I have packed a number of special toys, a video IPOD and snacks. What I would love are specific things that have worked for you. He is super busy!! What would not be appreciated are suggestions not to fly (not an option) or use Benedryl (he reacts)

Answer
Bring along new items that he has never seem before. I have taken toy cars (Hot Wheels) , playdoh, & coloring books. Make a trip to the Dollar tree before you go and stock up on small items you think he would like. A good friend of mine is traveling to Australia next month from the eastern US with two toddlers and a newborn. Imagine that. Hopefully your trip is not nearly as long! Good luck.

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