How to keep a 12 month old quiet on a plane ride?

Question

My son is 12 months old.. too young to color or watch movies. We are going on vacation next month and will be on a 3-4hr plane ride. How can I possibly keep him calm and well behaved? He will be sitting in my lap for the flight and tends to get VERY annoyed if he is held while sitting.

I haven't flown in a very long time (since I was a child). Can I walk around with him once the plane is in the air? Can I bring snacks and a bottle on board? How many toys do you think I can carry on?

I heard a woman was recently kicked off a flight because she couldn't calm her toddler. I am worried. I also have a horrible fear of flying so my husband may end up doing all the work (I may need to take an RX). I do not agree with giving a child medication to calm them. What can I do?

joe c.. you are one bitter man. I would never take my child to a movie theater and I am looking for advice to avoid an issue with my son- not just going into it blind and hoping for the best. I don't think I'll ever be "ready" for a plane personally but I am trying to get through it.

Answer 1

I have flown internationally since my kids were 2 months old (now they're 7 & 5)

For take-offs and landings, the best think you can do is if the 1 old is still nursing, make sure to nurse the baby. If the baby is not nursing, give him a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take with you, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard with you, do not worry. However, you may be asked to taste the formula by the TSA officers (usually this will only happen when you are exiting the country. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

Another trick is that if the baby is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink or nurse, gently rub the neck of the baby from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie. And yes, you can walk around with your child once the seat belt signal is off.

Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets. The stewards/stewadess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request.

Under FAA regulations, children are not required to have their own seat until they are two. The steward/stewardess should place you in a front seat where they can give you a crib to put your son once you have reached cruising altitude. However, this is not the safest way for a child to fly and the FAA does recomend them to have their own seat, but does not mandate it because of the cost to the parents.
http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1

If you want to buy him his own seat, then I suggest buying an FAA approved safety seat to go along so that he can sit up correctly, and feel safer.

If I can be of any other help or assistance to you, feel free to contact me.

I hope that you have a happy vacation!

Answer 2

Snacks, drinks, books: Have plenty of snacks and drinks handy, and some of her favourite books to read to her. Books are "good value" because they don't take too much space. Not too too many toys because they're easy to drop and lose, but if there's a favourite that's hard to lose, or a favourite stuffed toy, of course bring that. A colouring book wouldn't hurt if she likes using them. Oh and try to stop her napping before the ride, so she can sleep a lot during it. And on that subject, bring her favouite blanket.