Has anyone any ideas how to keep a two yr old happy on a plane journey?

Question

We're going on a 2 & 1/2 hr plane journey in a couple of weeks and i'm not sure how my 2yr old is going to keep still for long enough!! Not only that but now they've changed hand luggage rules i'm not even sure what we can take to keep him amused! Please Help!!? Thanks xxx

Answer 1

Just the experience of being on a plane (boarding, take off and landing) will make at least 1 hour fly by. Take a few treat snacks (something that takes a while to eat!). We found Aquadraw mats (small version) were fantastic for inflight entertainment (you can fill the pen from that tap in the loo on board). And make friends with the cabin crew - they will entertain your little one for free! I wouldn't stress, it's only a short flight! We took ours on a 14 hour flight to Japan - now that took some planning!

Answer 2

When we went on our first flight with our two year old, we took books, food, toys (quiet toys), etc. We also practiced with her before the flight with how to be quiet for longer periods of time. We played the "quiet game" and the longer she was quiet and played nicely, the more little treats she got.

You might also want to get a couple little "dollar store" or cheap toys. That way, if he starts to get bored with the toys you brought from home, you can pull out the new toys. Also, make sure you bring something he can chew or suck on for when you're landing. I know that at 2, you can't really give him gum or hard candy, but they have those little Gerber Graduates fruit snacks - they would work. Just something to keep his ears from popping. That was the worst part for my daughter the first time.

Also, you may want to take your son to the doctor, if possible, to make sure he doesn't have an ear infection. That's what our doctor told us. Because if he has any fluid in his ears, it will be extremely painful for him when the pressure changes and his ears pop. If you have him checked now, there would be enough time to give him antibiotics and clear up the fluid before your flight.

Just one more thing - and I never had to do this, but our doctor actually recommended it - if he's just absolutely restless and fussy, you can give him a half a dose of Benadryl to help him rest. I know that sounds awful, I thought it was, too, but that's what our doctor told us. Like I said, we never had to do it, though, because the 3 hours went by pretty quickly with all the toys and snacks we had brought for our little girl. I hope this helps, and good luck with your flight.

As far as the luggage - from what I understand, you can't bring any liquids or gels on the flight - toothpaste, bottled water, etc.) I do know that they said the only exception is formula for infants. Everything else should be okay as long as it fits the airline's size requirements.

Answer 3

Get an airline that has activities onboard for children, like toys, cartoons, etc.

Also make sure the child is well rested before the journey because a tired chld would be more than restless when confined to a little area (seat) for that period of time.

Hope you do have a safe trip

Answer 4

2 and 1/2 hours not long but you may get delays. If you can't take anything and it sounds as if you may not be able to I would suggest trying to wear your son out beforehand. Plenty of physical activity and fresh air and then 30mins before you board a light meal and a hot drink; make sure he is comfortable and then get him nessled down on the flight and tell him a really long story.

Answer 5

Before we went on the trip, with the the wonderful help of our local library staff in making an age appropriate selection, a few books about kids going on an airplane and read them to him in advance to prepare him for the trip.

When I had to take my then 20 month on son on a plane trip, I packed a coloring book & crayons and a few of his favorite books to read, but we never ended up taking them out as he was so interested in all the new and different people he had never seen before. I got an aisle seat because I thought if he looked out the window he would be afraid, but he was excited to go over to the friendly people sitting next to us and look out the window and it was all a big adventure to him.

Answer 6

you can take some of his toys, just take an empty sippy cup and ask for some juice as soon as you get on the plane to put in it.

i'd take some books and anything that may hold his attention. portable DVD player maybe??

oh, and ask your doctor, but i've known some parents to give their kids a little benedryl to make them a little sleepy.
some parents would be SHOCKED at this prospect, but seriously...sometimes we do what we have to do to get through certain situations.
anyway...ask your pediatrician, but i think a little benadryl can go a long way on a plane trip!

take care and have a good trip!

Answer 7

in case you have a transportable DVD participant that facilitates, or a transportable game platforms alongside with Nintendo DS or PSP. you will get a Gameboy or Gameboy develop rather much less costly presently. otherwise in case you will get on a Boeing 777 on the long runs which will help for the reason that each and every chair has an entertainment equipment with video clips and exhibits on various channels and various video games which you get to savour by using out your flight. Seattle to Okinawa on one end? sounds like the Patriot exhibit by Yokota on AMC (Air Mobility Command). if so i assume you circulate at this type of airplane they determine.

Answer 8

2.5 hours really isn't so bad. I regularly fly 7 hours with my baby and 3 year-old and even that isn't a problem.

They will usually give you a little toy or book. As insurance, bring just one sticker book to keep him busy. Don't bring any other toys as they will just get lost or forgotten.

And, I recommend that as soon as you are seated that you give your little one some children's Gravol in case of turbulence. Then, he may sleep for most of the journey.

Answer 9

The airline will probably give your kid a "kiddies pack"...and by the time you get the plane food...you'll be nearly there. Take some boiled sweets to save the ear popping scenario...and let the kid sit next to the window...make it sound like an adventure!

Answer 10

Tell them if they make too much noise the pilot throws them off the plane with a parachute. As a 2 year wouldnt wouldnt be fully matured in intelligence this works well as it plays on a primal instict - fear.