I might be flying from El Paso, TX to Springfield, MO on a plane with a 2-year old. Advice please!?

Question

Has anyone else survived a similiar flight? How did you occupy your little one? Serious answers only please.

Answer 1

I did a 13 hour flight with a two year old. most people recommend benadryl, but that is not good because some children get hyper on it instead of calm! I just went to the dollar store and bought a whole lot of stuff to keep her entertained and only let her have it while on the plane. little things like the green army men, but different. also coloring books and colors. put them in a clear backpack, for the little on to carry on, include snack size treats like baby oreos or fruit snacks. stuff to chew on to help pop the ears, a sippy cup, and a favorite toy or blanket, but not one that makes noise! you will drive everyone crazy! lastly when they offer you the option of boarding the plane first, don't do it! It just means an extra hour on the plane. you should wait and be one of the last to board, stay and play in chairs until you gotta go, then make an adventure of it!

Answer 2

Its likely that you'll need to buy them a seat, so since money is not an issue, go ahead and do it. It'll be easier to be able to sit them in the carrier in their own seat while you try to breastfeed another or whatever. At only 2 months, the movement of the plane should hopefully make them sleep. However, getting up to those higher altitudes is going to make them uncomfortable. Have bottles, pacifiers and the breast ready for them to suckle on. It'll help their little ears. Bring entertainment things for the older children. New books, travel games, a music player, a portable DVD player. Things like that. They should do fine. I think a stroller would be best for maneuvering through the airport with so many children. You can take it all the way to the gate and they'll check it for you once you're on. When you land at your destination, it'll be taken off the plane first and will be waiting for you at the gate. Other than that, try your best to be conscious of all the other people on the plane. Some people get really pissy about having to be on a plane with a lot of children. That being said, the children ARE going to get cranky, so don't let the negative comments or hateful glances from other passengers get to you. They'll just have to get over it. As long as you are doing everything possible to keep them calm and quiet, then that's all anyone can really ask. *Other than having more room, there isn't really much of a difference between first class and coach when it comes to traveling with children. Since money isn't an issue though, then why not?! If you have to fly for that length of time with that many children, the extra room may be worth it. You also need to think about whether you want a flight with no stops or not. It may be nice to fly straight through, but switching planes would give you the chance to get off the plane, stretch your legs, let the kids run around a bit and change the babies more easily. Just a thought.

Answer 3

I'm flying with an almost-2-year old on Wednesday, from one coast to the other!


While I haven't survived it yet, here's our "battle plan":

* We're bringing ONE carry-on. The only things in it (aside from things like my wallet) will be baby supplies. That way, if we have to suddenly dart after him in the airport, we don't have a ton of stuff to keep track of.

* I went to Target and bought a bunch of small, cheap toys. A Doodle-Pro pad (well, actually a knock-off). Some magnets. A puzzle. A kalidascope. Etc. All stuff that's new, so still novel. All of it small, so he can play with it on the plane. Each item DIFFERENT from the last. (Only one drawing toy, only one doing toy, only one looking toy.) They will all be in the carry-on, and will be brought out one by one as new distractions are needed.

* We're also packing a good supply of books, and a personal DVD player. (One occasion where the kid sitting in front of the screen is the lesser of evils.)

* Food, diapers & wipes (even though he's potty-trained), and his favorite stuffed animal (which is blessedly small) will be in the bag as well.

* We've been telling him bedtime stories about going to the airport, getting on the plane, and flying.

* We found a book called "Flying is Fun" (it was in a stack of old Little Golden Books someone gave us) and have started reading it. (It's got fairly accurate pictures of what an airport is like, for example.)

Wish I could share with you how well these things worked... I'll be checking back to see what folks with experienc say. (I could use the tips, too!)

Answer 4

Speaking from the point of view of the 2 year old, my mom always made sure we had a bottle or sippy cup for take-off and landing (sucking on stuff makes the cabin pressure-change a lot easier on the ears! same with chewing gum). She used to pack crayons, new coloring books, story books, and card games for us to play. We didn't fly during the day: it was always a red-eye. That way, my little brother was more likely to sleep through it.
A word of caution, though. If this is your baby's first flight, DO NOT overload his/her tummy. Air sickness isn't fun- especially in mid-flight and far away from the lavatory.
Enjoy your flight and have a safe trip!

Answer 5

Yes, as a matter of fact, I flew from Virginia to Dallas, Texas on several occasions. The last time I had a 2 year old and a 5 year old. Just make sure that you keep their favorite toy as a carry on. Have books about airplanes with you and bring extra juice and snacks. Don't make too big a deal about it with them and just act like it is a everyday thing. The more anxious you are the more anxious they will be. It is really not that bad. You will do just fine.

Answer 6

WHATEVER IT TAKES!!! If it means letting them eat something you wouldn't normally, or buy a new toy when you wouldn't...You need lots of choices-to avoid boredom. It can mean an entire carry-on devoted to new, or interesting items. Try crayons and coloring books, a small bag of farm animals, two or three action figures (all age appropriate) remember you not only want to preserve YOUR sanity but your fellow travelers. I recommend a car seat that you get PREAPPROVED to avoid issues and delays. Also many snack and juices-make sure you control what it seen and how it comes out of the bag as to not overwhelm the child. Also if you are concerned about travel sickness there is infant Dramamine-and then you may not have to worry about toys or snacks at all-as it will probably put him straight to sleep!!!

Answer 7

we are also in El Paso... and recently flew to Chicago with our almost 3 year old.

Suggestions i have are:

1. get on the plane as close to the last as you can. Cuts the down time.
2. bring snacks, books, crayons etc to pass the time.
3. if you are toilet training your young one... get a seat near the bathroom.
4. bring lolipops/juice/milk whatever to have on take off and decent to limit popping ears.
5. put a coat in the carryon... MO will be cooler than here.
6. if you've got one...by all means bring a portable DVD player. We didnt have one, but another family did and allowed our daughter to watch too.

Hope this helps... have a safe trip!

Answer 8

A portable DVD player will do the trick. Some airlines even have TVs at each seat. Delta affiliate Song and Jet Blue both have them. In addition,some quiet toys and books and finger foods help to keep them occupied. For my daugther's 1st flight,I bought a few new toys,books and new DVD and didn't show them to her until she stared getting restless. Worked like a charm!

Answer 9

Talk it up. Make it sound cool. Bring snacks that your little one likes. If at all possible can you pick a time when he/ she will be the most likely to be in a good mood? Like early or late in day. Maybe even ready to zonk out?? Maybe if you aren't against tv watching they have those little dvd players that he/she could watch a favorite movie. Just a few ideas. You just never know with kids.

Answer 10

As for myself, I always bring a couple bags of candy on a flight to keep me occupied. Also, bottled drinks that you buy in the secured area of the airport are a liquid that is now allowed on planes.