Flying with a Toddler

[Jenn Lynn]

Avery is taking her first flight this week. Does anyone have any tips for us?

I bought her a new backpack and have filled it with some new books, stickerbooks, colors, etc. Along with a few of her old favorites. I will have one of her spill proof cups and some snacks for her.

The main thing that I am worried about are her ears popping. I don't think the Earplanes (is that what they are called?) would work for her because she would not keep anything in her ears. Any tips for that? She will have her own seat and be in her own carseat (which she hates) but we are used to that! LOL! Hopefully she will be distracted with her new surroundings.

Thanks!

 

[SandraC]

We took our kids to WDW via plane three times with dd and twice with ds.

ds trip ages; 15 months old, 2.5 years old
dd trip ages; 4.5 years, 7.5 years, 8.5 years

Both my kids never had ear trouble on the planes. My son was a little frightened when he was 2.5 years old and sat in my lap on take off to Florida. But on return he was great. Just bring favourite toys and snacks. We pre-booked our seats to get the bulk head so there was extra room. Both my kids were happy to stay in their seats, but when we took potty breaks I would let them stretch out a little with all the extra room we had before having them sit down.

Our flight is only 2 hours and 20 minutes, so it's a good flight. Both my kids were fasinated with the earphones. S

 

[Mishetta]

I fed my son some small pieces of chips (salty) & then handed him a sippee cup right at the point we started descending. That helped with the ears popping.

Also, to keep him occupied, I had bought a walkman with cassette & got him some silly kid song tapes (found them at Target) & he loved them. He sang along (whatever words he could understand) real loud too. Made for some good entertainment to the people around us! They were all laughing.

Good luck!

 

[Laurabearz]

If ya check out the Family board here on the theDIS you will find a lot of info on this......

Here are some of my tip......

Drinking on take off works, as do lollipops or chewy things (granola bars, taffy etc) But I would wait until right after take off to give these items, since it takes a few minutes for the pressure to set in......Also ears tend to start popping 1/2 hour or so before landing as the plane starts its approach. I always ask the flight attnedant to notify us a bit ahead of time, before the plane starts to descend. That way I can wake a sleeping child, so they dont wake up with pain! Does that make sense?

An old stand by for us was scotch tape....... Kids love to tape things and we would always create this web from the seat in front to the window to their car seat...... and EASY CLEAN UP! LOL

By far the hardest part is getting on the plane and setting the seat up. I recomend reclining the seat just a bit which makes it easier to buckle AND when the seat is then brought up into the upright position the seat is nice and snug! (THis works nicely for cars too)

GOod luck, dont worry, and get a good nights sleep the night before. Well rested mommies deal with all this kinda of stuff much better...... well at least I do! LOL

 

[Curly Q]

I would recommend sitting as close to where the flight attendants hang out, front or near the back. They will get to know your child and will help you out (getting another juice, water etc.). I've only flown Spirit Air so maybe they are just extra nice!!!