Flying for the first time with a toddler?

Question

Lots of ideas on how to keep my toddler happy/amused throughout a 3hr flight? Especailly for take off and landing as he has to be strapped into his own seat!

Answer 1

I don't know your views on tv for kids, but you can get a portable DVD player for under $100. A disney movie could pass most of the time for you. Keep in mind during take off and landing the tray table has to be up, so perhaps bring some books for that time.

Answer 2

GUM!!  Have gum. They need to chew in order to pop their ears. Sometimes it hurts when they cant pop them on their own.  I would also take a favorite blanket or toy.  Make it like roller coaster, when the plane takes off he/she can put her arms in the air and say "weeeeee" type stuff.  If you have an IPOD or head phones with a cd player....load it or get children's cds.  Let them sit by the window and do not sit near the jets.....Tends to be a little loud and they might get even more scared.  Oh, and color books/crayons and snacks/sippy cups.

Answer 3

i have a 3 year old sister who actually loves planes, she has been all over the US

here are some ideas:

magnets and paper clips, little kids love that!

stickers/ temp. tattoos

those gel shapes you can stick on the plane window

colorforms, books

coloring/activity books

Magna-doodle

mini games like that fishing game, matching

scotch tape--im serious!

keychain flashlight

matchbox cars

plastic animals

crayons (not markers)

those color wonder paints from crayola are good

sticker books with dinosaurs/cars or whatever his favorite things are

a favorite stuffed animal

a small photo album with some pics of your family/him

i would suggest wrapping a few new dollar-store toys in layers of wrapping paer (the more the better) and hand them out during the flight. not all at once! it makes it special

to open a new toy

snacks!!!

don't worry, he will be fine!! especially if its his first time, he will be fascinated with the tray table going up and down, all the buttons on his armrest and the little things like getting a drink and packet of peanuts

Answer 4

I flew with my daughter when she just hit 2 months old it was a three hour flight,I had to change planes,and wait 2 1/2 before plane #2 was ready to go.

  It was just my daughter,and my self.

Answer 5

Well last year we went on our first plane ride 5 hours with a 2 year old and a 2 month old!!!!  pack gum and suckers for the ears.  games books favorite stuffed animal ect.  You should take a real early flight out!  he will sleep mine did thewhole flight home!

Answer 6

Take books, coloring books and crayons, and toys that keep your child occupied.  

FYI.........many children have problems with ear aches, because of the pressure, during take off and landing.  If this happens take 2 plastic cups and cover your child's ears, it is a silly but simple way to help relieve some of the pressure.

Answer 7

play little games. my niece flew to Australia at 9 months old from UK. and she flew out again last week at 3 years old she did fine both times. im also takin my son to oz in January he will be 10 months must admit im dreading it

Answer 8

You need to pack:

Change of clothes

Diapers and wipes and trash bags for used ones

Bottle or sippy cup

Snacks, snacks and more snacks

1-2 favorite toys

1 new toy that he's never seen before

...and the single greatest invention ever:  portable DVD player and lots of DVDs!

Don't get on the plane at the beginning of boarding, either...your kid will just get fidgety and impatient while everyone else boards.  Get on at the end of the boarding process.

Answer 9

I would be more concerned about ear pressure. Babies on planes cry a lot during take-offs and landings because the change in pressure is painful for them too and its harder for them to pop their ears, as opposed to an adult. Chewing on something or drinking help because they stimulate the muscles near the ear canal causing the pressure to eventually be relieved.

Answer 10

You could pack a little back pack for him to put under his seat.

Things you can put in it::

Coloring Books/Pages

Crayons/Colored Pencils

An MP3 player/iPod that you could control

You could (depending on his age) bring a video game like a gameboy

If he can or can't read (again depending on age) bring a few books that you could help him read

A pillow and his stuffed animal/blankie, he will get tired

Kisses,

Meghan

Answer 11

i recently flew with my 16 month old. i piled my bag high with toys, raisins and snacks and drink, and all she wanted to do was  play with the ashtrays (clean of course) in the arms of the chairs, and peeka boo with the lady behind..!!

i think just be prepared for everything,, but he will probably surprise you and be taking so much in he will forget to be naughty!!

Answer 12

Nintendo DS?

Magazines?

Travel size board game?

Answer 13

bring coloring books, books, toys he likes. Make sure to bring food and drinks to keep him happy :). Maybe a portable dvd player wouldn't be that bad, but I think you could live without it.

Answer 14

get a small rucksack that they can wear and take on the flight, wrap up little books (mister men are ideal), small boxes of raisins, baby eistein do fantastic animal / picture flash cards

good luck - failing that buy some crisps and juice from the trolley