Happy toddler on an airplane???

[c4alymom]

Here is something that I used and have heard nothing about it so far:

We got those special watercolor coloring books where you just used water and the "Paint" appeared. They are very similar to the Color Wonder Markers in that you don't have a mess. My DD(2@ the time) loved it on a 5 hour flight. She finished the book and I had to buy another for the ride home.

All we did was ask the stewardess for a small cup with just a little water in it. We used a small paintbrush and she LOVED it!

 

[Ilovefozzie]

I always buy the color wonder markers/paints. Crayola invented a wonderful thing when they made those. Also I have the kids pack a few things a month in advance of our trip. That way the toy/book/doll is "New" on the plane.

I don't need the pack in advance ploy as much anymore...but it really helped when they were younger.

 

[Princess Roo]

I definitely suggest a trip to the dollar store to buy some interesting new things. A lot of the toys they sell at the dollar store are not safe for toddlers in general (have parts that could break off as a choking hazard, for example) but they are PERFECT for a plane ride when you are watching them 100% of the time. DS has flown a BUNCH and I just keep adding to the 'stash' for each flight so there is always something new in the 'bag of tricks' as someone said. I always start with the older stuff and books and then escalate as needed
One thing that is a must-have, in my opinion, is stickers. I bring very small ones, so that they can't get stuck on anything and leave a mess. He likes to put them on himself, me, the dollar-store toys, etc. We don't let him play with stickers unless we're flying, so that helps.
Another thing that I don't think was mentioned is Play-doh. You can get that in small containers.

 

[itsagirlthing]

Isn't the play-doh pretty messy on the plane? My DD2 LOVES play-doh, but I'm afraid she might make too big of a mess with it.

 

[jenseib]

I wouldn't do play hoh either. i ahve heard it recommneded bofore, but I cringe when ever she palys with it at home, so no way in public for us. LOL!

 

[crashbb]

Isn't the play-doh pretty messy on the plane? My DD2 LOVES play-doh, but I'm afraid she might make too big of a mess with it.

Play-doh is generally frowned upon. It can make a huge mess and seems to have a strong smell. I don't notice it when they are playing with it at home, but something about the small enclosed tube of an airplane makes the smell very strong.

 

[Parksfamily5]

This is not a toy but one thing that I think really helps our kids is that we give them a decongestant when we get to the airport. This helps their ears stay clear. There is nothing you can do for a small child once their ears start hurting on a flight. The decongestant usually makes them fall asleep on the flight also. Of course we would never give our children medicine just to make them nap and make things a little easier on us Seriously though, It really has always helped their ears.

 

[Princess Roo]

Wow - I've never noticed Play-doh to have a strong smell and I'm usually pretty sensitive to smells. We have just used one of the small tubs (usually sold in packs of 4 to 8) and since the Play-doh is new (not crumbly), DS doesn't make a mess with it. We put the tray down and he keeps it on the tray.
No one has ever complained about it, but I don't want to bother people...

 

[emmismom05]

I don't think the Playdoh in the small tubs have an overly strong smell. We've taken one on a flight before and I didn't notice it at all. I think if you used a lot at once then maybe, but just a tiny tub of it isn't a problem, IMO.