Suggestions for take-off and landing for an 18 month old!

[fterie4u]

We are leaving this Saturday for Disney and are taking our almost 18 month old dd for her first trip! This is the first time flying with her and I was wondering what you do to help them with their ears and the pressure during take-off and landing.

I was going to give her a bottle during each time period, since she does still take one 2-3 times a day. She loves her sippy cups too, but I don;t know that she will continully drink from them like she does her bottle.
I am going to bring snacks for her as well. Other than that I do not know what else to do? Also, will I have a problem bringing her milk in her bottles on the plane? On the TSA website it says they make exceptions for babies and toddlers with milk, formula and juice.

Any suggestions/tips are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[monorailsilver]

If you aren't opposed to gummy type of snacks I would use them.

We gave them to our kids on their few flights they took.

I did rip the fruit snack/gummy bear in half & gave my oldest halves so they'd last longer.

Heck, I gave them to them the entire flight just to keep them content.

 

[fterie4u]

I am not opposed to gummy snacks for a special occasion. However, would I give her a tiny piece to chew on so as not to choke on it?

Any other suggestions out there? Thanks!

 

[Alesia]

Buy her some earplanes:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=12444&catid=13837

 

[Mickeys_n_me]

I agree with the children EarPlanes they are a life safer for me. I have major airplane issues, two flights ago I couldn't hear for a week after landing (no exageration) but them was intoduced to EarPlanes... I felt no discomfort at all during take off and decent my last trip!

My sister gave her "frequent flyer" children bottles during take off. That helped her. Now that they are older she gives them gummy candy and water in sippy cups. THey seem to do fine with them. As long as you make sure they are eating and swallowing anything it will help. My mom used to give us lolly pops back in the day!

 

[everylastbreath]

I don't know if I would give an 18 month old gummy snacks, I would be worried about choking. Lollypops work well, but I would watch the timing of giving to her, because if you wait too long and her ears start to bother her, she may not take it. When we flew with my grandson, once his ears started bothering him, there was basically nothing we could do for him but keep him from hurting himself, it was pitiful to watch, poor baby. On the way home we caught it before it got as bad. I think the pressure changes affect them before we notice. Good luck, landing seems to be worse than take off, don't know if there is a reason for that.

 

[CrusinLattas]

We have flown with my DD since she was 4 mo. old and my son very young as well. Our pediatrician perscribed us ear drops to use on the plane and they worked like a charm! I forget the name of them but before take off put the drops in and they should be good for the whole flight - unless it is international. Of course also take the sippy cups and encourage them to swallow during take off and landing.

 

[Texasmomof3]

We have travelled with our 3 kids (10, 6, and 2) almost every other month since they were born and had only one incident of ear pain the entire time. Found out later he had an ear infection. If they are not congested or sick they may have no trouble at all. I always kept Tylenol and a decongestant on hand though just in case.

 

[abirdd]

Our DS (now 19m) is a frequent flyer, and so far no issues. However, I have been on places with other little ones struggling - and lollypops were the best solution. Bottles are supposed to work better than sippy cups, but ultimately it's whatever your child prefers!!