Amy27
I will be taking a 3 1/2 flight with my two preschoolers by myself and am trying to come up with toys that may hold their attention for part of the flight. I'm hoping they will sleep some, but am trying to come up with fun ways to pass the time. We have lots of toys, but nothing that holds their attention for that long. Any ideas from frequent travelers?
Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. 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 children's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of their notarized birth certificates with you. 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. There is only one lap child allowed per adult.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on the airline, the Flight Attendants might 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). If they do not give you a bassinet, you and your husband will have to hold the children the whole flight.
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.
For your oldest child, you will need to buy him/her a seat.
3.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) for both children 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, especially since you will be traveling by yourself.
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.
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.
4.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is: if your youngest is still nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, and for your older child, give them a bottle or 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, just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. with you also. 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.
You can also 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 to help with the ear popping.
Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your children, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (or a laptop) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper so 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 from target (about $5 for the small one and $10 for the large one) is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color.
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 they have a part in it so they stay interested. You can also explain things that are happening or going to happen on the plane to them, and ask them questions, such as what do you think the weather is going to be like when we land? etc.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your children (at least your older one) pick out their own carry on bags 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.
If you are not in a hurry to get off the plane first, towards the end of your flight, ask the flight attendants if you and your children may be able to view the cockpit. This is something that is usually reserved for the end of flights because before the flights pilots are too busy preparing for the flight. Here are some pictures I took one time when I sat in the cockpit with my husband last year. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/sets/72157594552581082/detail/
Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your children. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let them stretch their muscles.
6.) 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.
7.) 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 youngest is still in diapers, you should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.
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.
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.
9.) 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.
10.) 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). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. 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 children's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of their notarized birth certificates with you. 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. There is only one lap child allowed per adult.
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on the airline, the Flight Attendants might 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). If they do not give you a bassinet, you and your husband will have to hold the children the whole flight.
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.
For your oldest child, you will need to buy him/her a seat.
3.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) for both children 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, especially since you will be traveling by yourself.
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.
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.
4.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is: if your youngest is still nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, and for your older child, give them a bottle or 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, just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. with you also. 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.
You can also 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 to help with the ear popping.
Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
5.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your children, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (or a laptop) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper so 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 from target (about $5 for the small one and $10 for the large one) is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color.
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 they have a part in it so they stay interested. You can also explain things that are happening or going to happen on the plane to them, and ask them questions, such as what do you think the weather is going to be like when we land? etc.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your children (at least your older one) pick out their own carry on bags 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.
If you are not in a hurry to get off the plane first, towards the end of your flight, ask the flight attendants if you and your children may be able to view the cockpit. This is something that is usually reserved for the end of flights because before the flights pilots are too busy preparing for the flight. Here are some pictures I took one time when I sat in the cockpit with my husband last year. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/sets/72157594552581082/detail/
Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your children. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let them stretch their muscles.
6.) 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.
7.) 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 youngest is still in diapers, you should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.
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.
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.
9.) 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.
10.) 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.
Any tips on traveling with a toddler (23 month old)?
ckieldy05
We're moving to Florida in 2 months and and we're driving .We'll be in the car for 3 days and my son has never been in the car that long! Does anyone have any tips for me?! SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY PLEASE!
Answer
We got a 4 CD set, the colors are red, blue, green, and yellow, and they have all of the big time toddler/preschooler hits -- wheels on the bus, itsy bitsy spider, it's raining/it's pouring, etc., etc. My daughter loved it, and there were enough songs that it didn't... COMPLETELY... drive us nuts. I think it was called 101 Toddler Favorites (Hits). You can get it at Amazon, it's $13.99. My husband also enjoys Trout Fishing in America's Family music Party. Finger-play songs such as row, row, row your boat and itsy-bitsy spider make my son really thrilled (but I confess I am really, really sick of them) :)
We totally recommend keeping a small box of small toys accessible between the seats so that when your son chucks one toy into the here-beyond and can't get to it, you can grab another one quickly out of the box.
If he uses pacifiers, have a stock of them everywhere. Be able to pull them from car doors, the glove compartment, the magazine holders behind the seats, wherever, because our son loses them in the car faster than we can find them, and Lord help us when he has a meltdown and we can't find a paci.
DVD player is helpful if your son can focus on one.
Tylenol is a must have for the inevitable earache that will arise during the trip. It also has the nice side effect of making the little one sleepy.
Rest stops are necessary for EVERYONE to get out and stretch a while. Try to find ones with grass.
Many McD's have play areas -- those can be welcome for the little ones, too.
Quick remedies -- a circle of scotch tape with the sticky side out, stuck to his finger. Good for a couple of minutes. A rubber band, good for a minute or so. If your car interior can stand it, you can blow bubbles at him from the front seat. Driving at night has it's possibilities, while the boy is asleep. I can't stand this, but my husband likes it, and our kids don't seem to mind. For me, I can't sleep in a car, so it doesn't work for me.
If you can sit next to him, this has worked for me, get the video game "Zoo Tycoon" with the "Marina Tycoon" expansion pack. You can show him all sorts of animals on the laptop computer, teach them to do tricks, and let your son look at the animals. My son loves to look at the zoo tycoon animals. Unfortunately, he also likes to press the buttons. (If you bring a spare keyboard, you can both "play" at the same time).
Keep him hydrated with a spill-proof sippy cup, we've ended up with lethargic dried-out kids before.
Snacks -- "GORP" is a family favorite -- Granola, O's (cheerios), Raisins, Peanuts (you can make them peanut m&m's if you want) -- high energy, has protein and carbs. My kids do in fact eat Luna bars, which have a lot of protein, so that's helpful to us, may or may not be to you.
Good luck to you,
Take care,
J
PS, one last thing, found out as an oops last year, they CAN get sunburned through the window, so put sunblock on even though you'll be in the car.
We got a 4 CD set, the colors are red, blue, green, and yellow, and they have all of the big time toddler/preschooler hits -- wheels on the bus, itsy bitsy spider, it's raining/it's pouring, etc., etc. My daughter loved it, and there were enough songs that it didn't... COMPLETELY... drive us nuts. I think it was called 101 Toddler Favorites (Hits). You can get it at Amazon, it's $13.99. My husband also enjoys Trout Fishing in America's Family music Party. Finger-play songs such as row, row, row your boat and itsy-bitsy spider make my son really thrilled (but I confess I am really, really sick of them) :)
We totally recommend keeping a small box of small toys accessible between the seats so that when your son chucks one toy into the here-beyond and can't get to it, you can grab another one quickly out of the box.
If he uses pacifiers, have a stock of them everywhere. Be able to pull them from car doors, the glove compartment, the magazine holders behind the seats, wherever, because our son loses them in the car faster than we can find them, and Lord help us when he has a meltdown and we can't find a paci.
DVD player is helpful if your son can focus on one.
Tylenol is a must have for the inevitable earache that will arise during the trip. It also has the nice side effect of making the little one sleepy.
Rest stops are necessary for EVERYONE to get out and stretch a while. Try to find ones with grass.
Many McD's have play areas -- those can be welcome for the little ones, too.
Quick remedies -- a circle of scotch tape with the sticky side out, stuck to his finger. Good for a couple of minutes. A rubber band, good for a minute or so. If your car interior can stand it, you can blow bubbles at him from the front seat. Driving at night has it's possibilities, while the boy is asleep. I can't stand this, but my husband likes it, and our kids don't seem to mind. For me, I can't sleep in a car, so it doesn't work for me.
If you can sit next to him, this has worked for me, get the video game "Zoo Tycoon" with the "Marina Tycoon" expansion pack. You can show him all sorts of animals on the laptop computer, teach them to do tricks, and let your son look at the animals. My son loves to look at the zoo tycoon animals. Unfortunately, he also likes to press the buttons. (If you bring a spare keyboard, you can both "play" at the same time).
Keep him hydrated with a spill-proof sippy cup, we've ended up with lethargic dried-out kids before.
Snacks -- "GORP" is a family favorite -- Granola, O's (cheerios), Raisins, Peanuts (you can make them peanut m&m's if you want) -- high energy, has protein and carbs. My kids do in fact eat Luna bars, which have a lot of protein, so that's helpful to us, may or may not be to you.
Good luck to you,
Take care,
J
PS, one last thing, found out as an oops last year, they CAN get sunburned through the window, so put sunblock on even though you'll be in the car.
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