tips for flying with a 2y/o needed

[ntburns22]

We were going to drive to WDW. SInce the gas prices are out of control DH thought we should just fly. We did book with SW, but now I am worried about my DS2. He is a very active child. I am worried about him staying in his seat the whole time. The only thing that may help us is that our flights are at 7;15 am. So with having to get up so early he hopefully will sleep. Any tips you have used with your own toddler would be great.

 

[Colinsmom]

We travel with our car seat since DS (3yo) knows that he has to stay buckled into his car seat when the car is moving - we just set the same expectations when we are flying. I think that he'd be a lot harder to contain if we just used the lap belt (which is a breeze for kids to unlatch themselves). Snacks, games, stickers, portable DVD player, books, Barfy (the barf bag makes a great hand puppet in a pinch) all keep him occupied for the relatively short flight to Orlando (we're near Chicago).

 

[rchristiansen]

Yuppers! We use the car seat for my DD too (She's almost three). She understands that it's just a like a car and never makes a fuss about sitting in her seat.

 

[laughinplace199]

I agree that bringing his carseat is very important. Also, some small toys - especially ones he's never seen before - can be a great distraction. If he likes to color, Crayola Wonder paper and markers are great. The markers are clear and only show up as colors on the Crayola paper. When we fly we also bring small containers of Play Doh and lots of books. Bring some snacks and drinks too. Oh, and if he has a blanket or stuffed animal that he sleeps with, having that on the plane might help him to take a little snooze.

Have a great time!

 

[tlbwriter]

Ditto on the carseat - if he's used to it in the car, it will be a familiar setting for him and he'll understand what it means.

A portable DVD player might be helpful - my DD wasn't much into TV at that age, but Baby Mozart always held her attention!

 

[100AcreWood]

Using a car seat worked for us too. DD was more comfortable in her seat the flight attendents gave her a lot of compliments on her special chair!

Don't forget to bring a lot of lollipops (if you're okay with giving treats). This not only kept dd busy but it helped her ears!

Good luck!

 

[ntburns22]

Thanks for this I was thinking what he could use for his ears. He hasn't mastered chewing gum yet. Even though we are using ME I think we will lug the carseat for the flights. We just decided we were going to fly instead for the first time with the kids. I know DD will be ok with everything. She has wanted to go on a plane like her aunt (flight attendant). Oh one more thing, will the tray still work OK with the carseat. We are flying SW and I am very nervious about it. I couldnt get DH to extend 2 more days so we could fly my sister's airline.

 

[tjmw2727]

I echo the sentiments of those who suggest a carseat, as with the others my kids were aware that once in the carseat they must stay put, it also feels familiar and comfortable.

For ears we used lollypops and gerber graduate type fruit chews as well as the spillproof sippie cup as they had to suck to get the liquid. Stay away from milk however, it won't make him sick but if he does get airsick you will be glad you avoided dairy! We stick with water/juice or lemonade depending on the time of day.

My girls are older so we didn't have color wonder but my neice loves it. We used colorforms, coloring books and books on tape if your 2yo will keep headphones on. One trip my youngest played with a roll of scotch tape for an entire 3 hour flight!!

I also try and put away some of the more intersting happy meal toys and other things that if dropped and lost won't be missed to much.

As for using the tray table it depends on the pitch of the seat and the type of carseat you use. I would plan not to use it just in case and then if you can its a bonus. Bring a clipboard or large coloring book for activities and use your tray for both of you if you must.

TJ

 

[mel63]

I have heard giving Benedryl. I never used it with mine, they were older than that on the plane. I think I read that it will help with the ears, and it should make them a little drowsey. Talk to your pediatrician about it first before using it.

 

[liamandcaili]

My mother traveled frequently with my brother when he was a toddler...also an active child...and she found that various finger puppets would keep him entertained for quite a while. Or, if you can afford it on top of all other Disney expenses, my DD really enjoyed the My First Leappad. I know it says 3 and up, but she had no problem with it, and actually still uses it, even though she now also has a regular Leappad. Many of the books offered have characters your DS is already familiar with, like Pooh, and if you're concerned about the sound, he can use headphones...the music can be a little annoying, but not as annoying as a screaming child. Also, if the tray does not work with SW (I don't know as I've never flown them) then the Leappad can sit in his lap.

 

[nicdanh]

Benedryl will help ears and may help him to sleep. My doctor recommended it when we flew with our children and they never had a problem with there ears and they sleep a good part of the flight.

 

[Colinsmom]

If you do the Benadryl, test drive it before your trip. Some kids get hyper on Benadryl, and you don't want to find that out on the airplane!

 

[Dizneydaz]

My DD was almost 3 on her first trip. (She's now turning 6) We didn't take the car seat in the cabin as I was concerned about the comfort of those around her (the car seat is quite large and Southwest seats are pretty small) Also I don't think the tray table would have worked. She did take a little nap laying across my lap and it was fine. Also, since it was her first trip she was very excited and without the seat was able to move between me, my mom, and my niece. (You may not want your DS to move around) However, my DD is not overly active, she can sit for along time and keep herself entertained with things. I brought her a surprise on the trip and when she started to get bored I gave it to her. It was a small Cinderella bag with stampers, stamps, paper, markers, etc. It kept her entertained for several hours.

Now that she's a seasoned traveler (her 5th trip is this month) she handles everything fine. I can carryon enough items to keep her interest and now she can write her own stories-I also remember to bring lots of paper. I don't, however, rely on her taking a nap. Last year we took a redeye from LAX and she only slept for about 1 hr. (my mom and I only catnapped) It really messed us up for the day.

Anyway, I guess it depends on your child, you know best. If keeping him in a car seat will make it easier, then do it. If you think he can handle being "free" then check the seat. Have fun.

12 days and counting!!!!

 

[alacazander]

My son has always been very active and it's always been a challenge to contain him in that seat!

Here are things I pack to bring on the airplane with us!
DVD with several movies (one new one I know he'll like)
Video now Jr.
window clings (they are reusable window stickers and they make them with just about any theme)
boards with magnets my son has dora and the wiggles
magna doodle travel (small just the right size for travel)
coloring books with stickers
pipe cleaners in assorted colors (we make bracelets, rings, etc.)
snacks - special stuff in travel size that you know he'll just love, including emergency treat and juice box
flash cards
books

Since we travel several times I year I don't let him play with the "airplane" toys. They are new each time.

Hope this helps!

 

[alacazander]

Also!

Three tips!

One:
Try not to let him out of his row. Once they realize "hey I can walk around the airplane" it's over for you. You'll get the two year old trantrums to cruise around the plane.
and
Two:
Don't teach them to push the flight attendant call button.

Three:
Sometimes their ears bother them on landing. Have a sippie cup out with something in it incase he doesn't understand to swallow to pop those ears.

 

[CheriePenguin]

My DS was 16 months old for his first flight last month, and he'll be 20 months for our Disney trip.

The travel sized Magna Doodle was a hit for us. (He likes magnets on the fridge - so I brought some neat shaped magnets along - they work on the Magna Doodle and can also be stuck to a small metal box.)

So was the Felt Board I made for him (used the stiff "Easy Felt" for the board - set in a thin box, and cut out felt shapes to stick on it - let me know if you want more details)

The Crayola Wonder markers didn't go over for him, but he was probably just too young yet.

Finger puppets, and other small (especially new) toys were good. I also got books about planes from the library (and store) to read before we went (took one along).

Lots of snacks were good - and drinks in a non-spill cup. (DH accidentally packed all DS's snacks in the checked bags coming home! I almost freaked out! But it was fine, we got some crummy animal crackers at the airport and he ate some of the chewy granola bar the airline brought - plus he slept a good deal.)

He also liked standing on our laps and playing "peek-a-boo" with people in the rows behind and beside us. (We did have his car seat, but he's not used to being in it for more than 40 min or so, and he got antsy and wanted out after a while.)

Our pediatrician suggested ibuprofen prior to the flight, to help prevent ear problems. Check with your doctor.
And I read it was a good idea for everyone to use a saline nose spray before the flight - helps prevent catching germs.

Hope some of these ideas are helpful! I got lots of great ideas on these and other online boards before we went. Have a great trip !

 

[Amyality]

The carseat is a total pain to lug around but, it was a must when our youngest was 2. He is very active and we knew he would need to be immobilized. This works great because, they then equate it to a car trip and know they can't get up. I just threw some juice box's, fruit snacks and a couple of toys in my backpack along withs a couple of diapers, wipes and a CHANGE OF CLOTHES> even if it is just a onesie and some socks (I'm a minimalist, sort of) it can save your butt. We didn't need it but, ya never know! He was fine the whole time (MD to FL is just a bit over 2 hours). He slept the whole way home, so that was nice.

 

[gabbysmom04]

I love all these tips I am flying alone on wed with my DD14 months from NY to WDW. I am going to pick up a magna doodle and maybe a new dvd.