Best Ways to Entertain a Toddler on a plane

[Tracey1974]

My son is now 9, but here is a true story of when he and I flew from Nashville to New Orleans to visit my in-laws when he was about 18 months old.

He didn't need any toys, drinks, or food. He was perfectly content, strapped into his car seat, stroking the thigh of the pretty, young woman sitting on the other side of him! Apparently, he loved the way her pantyhose felt! Thankfully she was a very good sport about it, because, try as I might, he would not stop!!!

Maybe you could wear hose (just kidding!)???

So funny! DS will be 17 months when we go in Dec- these are great tips!

 

[mom_of_5]

We just got back two weeks ago and had to do the same thing with our 18 month old. We brought a portable DVD player and her Dora movies, this was a life saver for us, we used it during down times at the hotel as well.

 

[sgmom]

Be careful with the AquaDoodle pens that you refill. Before my DD2 turned 2, she learned to take the tops off and thinks it's fun to pour out the water! Just be prepared to refill them. Be prepared for crankiness and try to stay calm!

I received an email recently that included packing tips. Way too many to list, but if you are interested, PM me. Here are a few:

Items to have in your toddler's backpack or treasure case:
Comfort item (favorite Teddy, toy or blanket)
Pack of crayon (best to put a few crayons and markers in zip lock baggie)
Coloring book or Activity book (Check out our Activity Books by Klutz)
Small Cars, animals or dolls (best to separate them in a zip lock baggie)
Snacks (crackers, M&M's, or Cheerio's in baggies)
Chewy sweets for take-off and landing
Small light weight books.


Items to have in your big kid's carry-on:
Books
CD/Cassette player with Headphones
Handheld games
Deck of Cards
Activity or puzzle book
Books on Tapes
Music CDs/Cassettes
Snacks

 

[monorailsilver]

I didn't read all the threads but do you have a window seat? My kids like to look out them.

The 2 times I have flown with my kids I brought tons of stuff & last year all my dd did was watch a movie & my ds just drove me crazy (he was 22 mo & she was 4).

Whatever you bring just make sure if it drops it is something you can easily pick up off the floor.

I'd probalby stick with an Ispy book & color wonder (markers not the greasy paint!).

That along with snacks should tie you over for most of the trip. Oh & if you have a DVD player I'd bring that too but bring it out when your son gets ancy vs when he is being good because when he gets ancy then you won't have anything left to keep him sitting still.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

My DS6 has both a small Magnadoodle (maybe 4"x6"?) with a magnetic pen on a string, and an even smaller Etch-A-Sketch, so we'll bring both of those. (DS2 loves the Magnadoodle!)

A friend swears by WikkiStix, which are pieces of string covered in colored wax (you can bend and stick them similar to pipecleaners.) She gave me some for a trip to Maui 4 years ago, but DS(then 2) didn't want to play with them, he wanted me to make him different shapes! (I was still his source of entertainment, but at least he was happy and quiet.)

I also bought little write-n-wipe type notebooks, they each have 6 - 8 hard pages. I think the one for DS6 is Where's Waldo? and the one for DS2 is... Elmo? I think we got them at Costco.

 

[smacky1]

This may sound a little wierd, but my DD (22 months) stays entertained for long periods with a small square of bubble wrap!! We recently discovered this when I recieved something in the mail that had been wrapped in it. I snapped a few bubbles to see her reaction and of course she wanted to do it too. I cut a small square of it out for her (so it wouldnt be a hazard) and watched her work her small fingers on the bubbles. I just had to video tape her b/c it was so cute. I am flying with her on the 10th and am going to hide it for the next few weeks and refresh her memory on the plane when things get hairy! Good luck!

 

[momofprincess]

you can tailor this for the 17 month old, but when we travel, the "Travel Fairy" always knows where we are and she drops wrapped, small $1-$5 toys for the DDs to find and play with. Somehow, she always knows where my carry on is. Most Disney stores have small items (like the twirly thing that lights up, coloring books w/crayons on a key chair, etc.) that work well.

This has been a lifesaver. Especially when I've had to travel without DH but with the 2 DDs (4 & 6)