Advice for Little Ones on a Plane

[akclayton]

We will be flying in June to WDW from Houston. We will be traveling with our nephew (9), niece (7) and daughter (16 months). Is there any advice you can give me with traveling with these 3? They've never been on a plane before. Is there anything you can do or buy to help with their ears? Do you suggest I take advil or motrin for them in my carry on in case they end up getting a headache or anything?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

They shouldn't have any problems with their ears on the plane, unless they are ill. As for other medications, consult with the parents; for your daughter, bring whatever you usually need for her.

 

[Megsie1000]

If you have a seat for the 16 mo old, I would advise bringing your carseat on board and using it. My toddlers always did better on planes in their carseats at least until they were about 3. They are used to being strapped into a carseat in a car, so they accepted being strapped into their own carseats on the plane much more easily than just trying to strap them in with the airplane seatbelt (which most toddlers can figure out how to undo in less than 2 seconds

 

[goosedwn]

The landing and taking off sometimes would cause ear ache. I always give my kids gums to chew during these time. When they were younger, I gave them candy and lollipops. I always experience ear ache myself every time and I found chewing gum helps.

 

[Random Ninja]

Whenever we traveled by plane my mom would let me pick out one small new toy from a store the day before or from the airport shop if we didn't have enough notice. (My family was military so no notice wasn't unusual.) I wasn't allowed to open it until we got to the airport so it was brand new for the trip. Then I was allowed to pick a new pack of gum to chew for my ears. Really, anything that makes them swallow or move their mouths a lot will help with the pressure changes.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Three little words
. . . ben
. . . a
. . . dril

 

[Alesia]

They shouldn't have any problems with their ears on the plane, unless they are ill.

That's not necessarily true - my ears pop on the plane every single time. Do yourself a favor and buy some earplanes.

 

[RMAMom]

I always gave the kids Lollipops (suckers) on take off and landing. I helps tremendously with their ears because they can swallow easily.

 

[Dancing Queen]

Three little words
. . . ben
. . . a
. . . dril

Seriously, when I flew with my then 18 month old and 5year old, I did give them a little tylenol prior to flight. I also gave the older child chewing gum. It was fine.

I did load my i-pod up with kid shows and had lots of snacks. Glad we did - we got stuck on plane for an hour before take-off. Prepare for the unprepared.

Good luck!

 

[CarolAnnB]

Three little words
. . . ben
. . . a
. . . dril

Haha this is the first thing I thought of when I saw the title.

I would definitely bring gum for the older ones if they chew it, or at least lollipops, starburst, etc., something chewy. If the toddler can't have that stuff, bring a sippy cup and get them a drink after security to bring on. Then I would bring whatever keeps them quiet and occupied at home. For one of my kids, it was always new books. The other one liked to watch dvds. We always tried to get something new a week or two before and just put it away til the trip. Pack stuff for twice as long as your flight is supposed to be. And if you travel on a flight that has tvs, pack a backup in case they aren't working on your flight.