Flying with a 2yr old any advice ???

[allie5]

Calpol gives my boy an upset tummy - didnt want to be changing 27 of those nappies at 37000 feet!! Medised is a better alternative as it is a mild sedative and I find it milder on their tummies as well. Available over the counter and is quite effective.

 

[Queenie]

Sorry to be the one bringing the bad stories but it's only fair to get another side to the story. My sister took her then almost 2yr old to FL last year and she said the flights were basically two 8 hour tantrums. The kid didn't stop screaming from take off to landing both times. The only way they could even get her to stop kicking and screaming for a short time was to give her double doses of calpol and obv you cannot do that often at all, they just needed a short break. Thing is she's normally the most well behaved, polite little girl you could wish for, hardly some little hellian like you see in town having tantrums cos mum won't buy them a sweet in ASDA! I'd say be prepared for the absolute worst 8 hours of your life, then anything else can only be better and a big relief!

 

[alisonbestford]

DD can't take Calpol either - she has a mild lactose intolerance which causes the tummy upset in her case so we go along with a paracetamol based syrup, that doesn't contain lactose, or paediatric Ibuprofen Same principal. Above all yes, be prepared for some aggro but try not to get too wound up about it. The main thing you have to remember, which has been said repeatedly I know, most of the parents on the flight - and they will make up probably 85% of the whole plane-will be just as worried as you are!
Above all have a great time. Holidays are precious and the memories need to be treasured
India? I'm on a mission now
Alison

ps, all 3 of my labours were pretty lowkey so the flights can't have been too bad

 

[gilld]

Calpol is NOT a sedative, it's an analgesic, anti-pyrexial/anti-inflammatory and shouldn't be used as a sedative. Sorry if this upsets but doubling the dose is actually dangerous. Too much can damage the liver, and it is a very fine line between the correct dose and an overdose. If you really must sedate your child then you should discuss it with your doctor.

 

[fizz13]

Just one more thought that worked for my 18mth old. One of the seat-back tv channels is where they show the progress of the plane, I think its their travel channel. he was mesmerised by it and fell asleep tracking our plane on the tv! Also, when we went in January, there were 3 different disney films on show, and my kids really enjoyed these.
I was going to say play-doh, but you already have the maize stuff, but avoid pens/ pencils as all they do is roll under the seat, causing frustration for all concerned. Aaarggh!
What about transfer stickers on the picture background sets you can buy? That was a good distraction for an hour or so.

Hope it all goes well, and honestly, it really won't be as bad as you think. I had worked myself up to the point I couldn't sleep about taking our 3 on the plane this time (ages 1, 3 and 5). The tantrums were worse when we got there to be honest and the plane journey went amazingly fast. Just enjoy and make sure daddy does some work too!!

Claire

 

[alisonbestford]

Yes, stickers are good, as are the magnetic story boards you can buy and change around.

 

[buzz for boys]

Hi,
firstly I have to say that all talk about sedation is just a joke but I do think that if he suffers from ear ache when the plane reaches altitudfe then a bit of Calpol would not do any harm - and I would never double it up just for an easy life as has been implied!!

I have to say that I did think about taking playdoh but thought it might be a bit messy and not really that practical for a plane am I wrong ??? All 3 of my boys love playdoh but they cant half make a mess with it !!

I have also took on board that nearly everybody on the plane will be a parent so they will hopefully understand our predictment !! And trust me dad will be walking round the plane with Ds wether he likes it or not !!! I need to be relaxed to handle the drive from the airport on unfamiliar roads but thats a whole different question !!

Thanks for all the advice that has been given I really apprecite it !!

 

[gilld]

Hi,
firstly I have to say that all talk about sedation is just a joke but I do think that if he suffers from ear ache when the plane reaches altitudfe then a bit of Calpol would not do any harm - and I would never double it up just for an easy life as has been implied!!
QUOTE]
Sorry, as I said I wasn't trying to get at you or anyone else, but Calpol should never be "doubled up" for any reason. Even if a child is in pain or has an extremely high fever then the correct dose should be given. More in this instance doesn't mean better, ever.

This is meant as information, not a lecture - I have seen too patients many with severe liver damage from Paracetamol, often unintentional.

 

[alisonbestford]

Yes, paracetamol for earache is a big help.
The first time I ever flew with my parents I had terrible ear pain and have never forgotten it! DD seemed to suffer with ear problems when she was tiny so I always carry paracetamol in the hand luggage. Thankfully she seems to have grown out of it as she's got bigger so we rarely need it

I've taken a little playdoh on planes before but I've only had to manage the mess from one table, not three....

Anyway, nowadays we're encouraged to mobilise around the plane so sometimes it gets pretty congested in 'them there' aisles As someone posted earlier the worst problem is if the seat belts signs go on - somehow kids, however settled they were when they could move around, develop fidgetty bums when they have to sit still

 

[Halo]

Medised is the medicine of choice if he needs help sleeping.

We have always found the tip of taking one of those childrens folding stroller toys great as it gives them something to push AND slows them down/stops them running away at the airport. It is easy to stow in the overhead.

As for the flight I would simply echo the other comments re a multitude of different toys and lots of patience

Our DD4 has been to Florida twice, our DD2 once, and we took both to Australia last may (26 hours!). The latter makes a trip to Florida seem tame....

Good luck.