Flying with Toddler???

[Reese]

We'll be taking our kids on their very first flight but it's the 19month old that frightens me . He's too young for gravol and I don't think that will be an issue as he doens't get car sick but what can I do to help his ears in take off and landing? He doens't drink from a bottle, he's too young for gum. Any ideas? Also what kind of things do you do to keep your toddler occupied? We didn't get him a seat since we didn't want to have to store his car seat the entire stay and also he's not a happy car seat traveller and would be much happier in arms. We've booked the flight in the evening so hopefully he'll sleep but just in case.

 

[muntzfab4]

First of all relax. I have been taking my kids on flights since they were 6 months old and they always did amazingly well. My pediatrician always recommended an antihistimine before take off. I used Dimetapp or Benadryl because it also makes them drowsy and they sleep for a good portion of the flight. Have your child drink from a sippy cup or a juice box during take off and landing. Just as long as they keep swallowing during take off and landing they should be OK.

As fas as keeping them occupied, bring something new for you child to play with, as well as some books, etc.

Over plan, in case of delays, etc. Extra diapers, snacks and drinks in your carry on.

Good Luck!

 

[Alexander]

Pediatrician said Benedryl. It will make them tired and help with any pressure. Sippy cups or juice boxes are great. Just put them in the seat pocket in front of you before take-off, you won't be able to rummage through a bag.

DS has been flying several times a year since he was 16 months and the only problem we had was when he kicked DH's tray and sent a full glass of Coke into his lap. I laughed so hard I cried. We were 25 minutes into a 2 hour flight! DH had a pair of shorts in his carry on and he sat on the diaper changing pad (waterproof) so all worked out well.

 

[minnie29uk]

I first took my son at 11 months...no problems.Just take plenty of juice and rice crackers are great as not messy!A few books and a cuddly...he was very content.
Im sure yours will be too.
Have a great holiday,
Lynn

 

[HLAuburn]

First let me say that I don't agree with medicating your kid unnecessarily only for your convenience, but that's just me. I've flown with DD several times, by myself, and it was not bad. Her ears never gave her problems, but even a sippy cup (especially one with small holes that you son really has to sip hard) would do the trick, or even just a snack he has to chew and swallow. I find "new" snacks work well to keep them entertained...baby Goldfish , pretzels, animal crackers.
If you don't have one, a portable DVD player might be worth the investment. You can buy ones with rechargable batteries and headphones. Just think, Finding Nemo would take up almost 2 hours! Also, buy a few small, cheap new toys that you can carry on the plane. I found the little travel magnadoodle works well for drawing, playing games.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[meloneyb21]

We're taking DD1 in April and we plan on bringing a portable DVD player, some coloring books, and a couple toys. I also got her some EarPlanes from www.onestepahead.com.

 

[zdesiree]

First let me say that I don't agree with medicating your kid unnecessarily only for your convenience, but that's just me.

I'm in that line too. What I did is that I asked to my pediatrician because I was worried of earache and he gave me Antipyrine & Benzocaine Otic Solution from Bausch & Lomb. He told me to use it 20 minutes before takeoff, and it worked, and is a medicine specifically for earache.

My little girl is extremely active but I didn't want to give her Benadryl if she doesn't need it. We tried to keep her busy with her toys, that means playing and talking to her. Hey don't worry you will do great!!

 

[Reese]

Thanks for all the suggestions. We have several small new toys to occupy him. I'll hunt down a sippy cup and get him a little familiar with the concept before we leave.

Zdesiree where would I find Antipyrine & Benzocaine Otic Solution, is it just in the drug store?

 

[lynninpa]

Since it is the actual chewing of the gum that can help ears when taking off and landing, try a chewy granola bar! We stumbled on this by accident, yet it really worked for my son! Good luck!

 

[zdesiree]

Thanks for all the suggestions. We have several small new toys to occupy him. I'll hunt down a sippy cup and get him a little familiar with the concept before we leave.

Zdesiree where would I find Antipyrine & Benzocaine Otic Solution, is it just in the drug store?

Yes. But you will need a prescription, I think, you should try calling to the drug store and ask if OTC is available. When we arrived to Orlando I left the bag with the medicines in the airplane and I had to call to the pediatrician because one of the kids was taking Rynatan, he sent me a prescription for the Rynatan and the Otic Solution and I was able to get it at Walgreens.

 

[kinntj]

I fed my daughter Cheerios and I waited until right before the wheels were off the ground. That way, she wasn't full and wouldn't eat anymore.

Enjoy the flight. Both my DD's did great on their international flights with 13+ hours of flying.

Tammy

 

[NUHuskies#1]

Here's our guy! Benedryl, his favorite blanket and a portable DVD with "The Incredibles" and "Barney" is how we travel!

Good Luck!