what do u do on a plane with a toddler?

[kacaju]

I would not do a night time flight. My brother and sister in law took our 7 year old on vacation with them over Easter. They had a midnight flight and granted, my dd was flying without me,but she had a tough time with the flight being so late at night. On top of that the plane was delayed so they ended up not leaving until after 2 am.

 

[EthansMom]

First, you and your child will be much more comfortable on a long flight if you get her her own seat and take her carseat. By strapping her into her carseat on the plane, you will be able to keep her in one place (not jumping up and down all over) during most of the flight. Take her out every once in a while for a walk around the aisle (bathroom stop, etc.).

For my kids, I tend to pack a couple of favorite books, coloring books, stickers, snacks (animal crackers, lollipops), a sack lunch (pbj sandwich, raisins, juice box), small toys (3-4 Hot Wheels cars, small plastic animals). Don't forget any "comfort" items like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.

With two kids, DH usually takes one child and I usually take the other. That way, each kid has one parent to keep him/her entertained.

 

[KristiKelly]

We flew to WDW with our 15 mo. old. Not a very long flight only about 1 hr. 45 min. We just made sure for both flights that she would be ready for a nap. She was asleep both times before the plane ever took off. We got really lucky with that (and so did everyone else on that flight ).

I would take a video that she enjoys, snack, drink, and a few little toys & books.

 

[disney_fan_fam]

I'll be watcing this thread hopefully more will comment and have more advice. I have a 10 hours flight ahead of us..... My pede said that we don't exactly know what the air pressure does to little ones eardrums and so it's OK to medicate. So I'm not totally against it. if it's going to make them more comfortable, and most times if they're sleeping they're comfy if you kwim.

 

[jennilouwho]

We recently flew with our 11 month old. I took a portable DVD player with a Wiggles show and I was suprised he actually kept the headphones on and watched it. I think when we fly to Disney, I will bring copies of our home movie DVD's as he's quite fascinated with watching videos of himself.....

I also brought a few lift the flap books and he sat and looked at those over and over.

The masking tape is a great idea! We'll have to try that.

 

[staticgirl50]

I need tips too, Traveling with an antsy 2 year old soon!

 

[kstinw19]

I think the key is to just keep pulling out new stuff. Whether it's snacks, toys, crayons, tape, etc., when they start to get antsy, just pull out something new. It really works

 

[Mkrop]

I think the key is to just keep pulling out new stuff. Whether it's snacks, toys, crayons, tape, etc., when they start to get antsy, just pull out something new. It really works

And make sure you save some of the "new" stuff for the trip home too! Made that mistake once and had nothing "exciting" in my bag of tricks and he wasnt happy!

 

[Hahawillis]

We tend to put a few small fovorite toys away of the few weeks before the trip and bring them out when things start to get a bit testy. Small snacks are good. OUrs loves lollipops and like someone else said the sucking is good to healp with ear pressure. My usual plan is to keep pulling out a new toy or treat and shuffle them around a bit. My little one also loves to look at little magazines. Even though he can't read, he loves the pictures of the Disney magazines.
Good Luck!

 

[deejohn]

Here's some of the things we did in the past:
1. Bring bottle/sippy cup to equalize their ears
2. Bring snacks
3. Don't pay for a seat, because they WILL be in your lap
4. My wife hates flying, so she gets the Oscar for acting like it is "no big deal". Kids smell your fear....
5. Any type of confort thing - blanket, stuffed animal, toy, ect....

Flying with kids is stressful for everyone, make sure you get your sleep and are able to destress.

Good luck, and always fly Non-Stop!!!

 

[lillygator]

These are great tips which I am going to write down! Next May (2008) my girls will be going on their first plane ride....from California to FL! They will be 3 and 5 at the time....I see I will need to invest in a portable DVD player...maybe even one with dual screens! I wonder if we should all sit in a row together?