flying with a 2 1/2 yr old?

Question

i am going on a 3 hr flight with my daughter, who has never flown. any ideas on how to keep her occupied for that long of a time?
shes at the running around/very busy stage and getting her to sit still will be a challange

people have suggested giving her benadryl to knock her out which i dont wanna do

anybody whos been in this situation and has suggestions plz help and thanks!

shes pretty good for being two and i dont want to medicate her unless shes sick

im a big fan of just giving meds if needednot cause other people will be annoyed

Answer 1

I have flown twice with my daughters once when they were about 18 months old and then another when they were 2. And both were flights over 2 hours long. We got little backpacks for the trip and put their stuff in it- they got excited about this, we brought books, coloring books- special ones for the trip, some of their favorite toys, laptop/DVD player and some DVDs, the small little magnadoodles and snacks.

Answer 2

I just dealt with this issue in March when my grandfather died. We not only had a long flight but a 4 hour layover in Atlanta for both halves of the trip. It was more than a little challenging! Here are a few of the things I did:
1) We have a portable DVD player. I bought a two new movies that she hadn't seen so they would better keep her interest (one for going and one for coming home). If you don't have the portable player, see if you can borrow one from a friend. You could also borrow DVD's she hasn't seen to save money. While we were at the airport, I found a seat by the wall to plug in and recharge.
2) Barnes and Noble has these preschool workbooks to learn colors, numbers, matching, categorizing, etc. I bought one along with some washable markers but I didn't let her know I had them until we were on the trip. You could also buy new books or coloring books that she hasn't seen before.
3) Ditto above with flash cards. Barnes and Noble has letters, colors, numbers and even just picture ones. They are small and fit into your bag easily.
4) Go to the dollar store and buy several toys and a timer. Gift wrap the toys/treats and put them in a special bag. Set the timer for 1/2 hour and then every time it goes off, let her open something new. Of course, she has to behave during that time to get the new toy. However, the new toy will keep her occupied for at least 15 minutes of that time.
5) Yes...I even resorted to bribes. My daughter loves ice cream and Atlanta has Ben and Jerry's. So, she knew that being good qualified her for ice cream after lunch.

The good news is that during one part of the flight, we sat close to the back. The engines were so loud that she fell asleep to the noise before we ever took off. I lifted the arm rest and let her lay sideways on my lap and she slept the entire time.

Answer 3

My son is 2 1/2 also and he has flown probably 7 or 8 times. We carry a magna doodle, sippy cups (the flight attendents will give you as much drink as you want to keep them quiet), lollipops (takes a while to eat usually and keeps their mouth busy), let them pick out a special toy for the plane, don't underestimate explaining what will happen to them. they understand!! I usually explain what will happen several times a day for the week before we go. Then when we're doing it all i remind him about what I told him and what we're seeing. He is also into books with pop ups so we bring those. Other than that, just deal with the inevitable tantrums and remember that people paid the same amount for the tickets as you did and they should expect that a kid might cry!!! By the way, I try not to board when they say kids can board first but instead wait until the last minute so he can walk around for as long as possible. good luck!

Answer 4

Let her sit by the window and look outside. Also, you can bring her carseat on board and use it like you would in a car which will keep her still. I wouldn't do benedryl but I would try to postpone her nap until you get on the plane so she'll sleep on her own.

Toywise, anything that's small and quiet...I tried to be very mindful of the other passengers. Coloring books, Mr Potato Head, story books....we brought along a portable DVD player and unfortunately the battery ran out BUT it worked like a charm while it lasted. Be sure to let her drink something during take off and landing so her ears will pop. Two of my children ended up with ear infections on the last trip too which the Dr said was most likely because of the plane.

Good luck!

Answer 5

My son was just over 2 when we first flew him to California from Iowa. We had a layover in colorado so we had to take off and land twice going each way. I took everything I could think of, from a binky (which he hadn't had in well over a year) to snacks, candy, anything to help him with the elevation. He was so upset. He cried anytime the elevation changed. To keep him in place, we took his car seat. We were going to need it anyway when we got there. We also took a portable dvd player which kept him pretty busy, except for that we had to turn it off quite a while before we landed. I would say just be prepared, and very patient. If your child cries, people might get angry. OH WELL!!! Flying is scary enough without stressing the child out more trying to keep her a perfect angel. You and I both know they're not going to open the door and push you out cause your kid is crying:)

I would also suggest a stroller for airports. Even if you have no layover, you'll have to get from the terminal to baggage and back. We flew Delta and they took my stroller right at the door of the plane. They put it wherever, and it was sitting at the door when we got there. They just had a baggage tag on it. Be prepared to put it through security though. We had to fold it and run it through the machine.

Answer 6

I would also like some ideas on that. My son is 19 months old and does not like to sit still for anything. We are going on a 2 hour flight and it will be his first time flying. And I am not drugging my child just so other people dont have to deal with his crying.

Answer 7

Crocs or the fake ones for getting back on after security checkpoint.

Toys which we liked were a viewmaster, scratch and sniff stickers, and a puzzle by Melissa and Doug where the pieces were actually attached and moved around this farm maze. Also got them one of those pens, where you clicked on different colors, all in the same pen.

Also we got our kids those candy buttons. The little dots stuck on paper - took them forever to eat!

Other toys that would be good would be a magnadoodle. Id draw farm animals and let them guess or color them in. Finger puppets and make up stories or a little play. The portable DVD player is good, but kind of a hassle to lug.

Answer 8

DON'T GIVE YOUR CHILD ANY DRUGS!! I fly regularly with my three and a half year old son who has been flying since he was 9 weeks old. His first trip was to Egypt (from Sydney) Since then he has flow to Egypt at 2 years old and many times from Cairns to Sydney and return. He has a great time fiddling with the TV or radio. Looking out the window. Talk to him/ her about where you are going, who you will see, about the plane, about birds etc. You'll be amazed how time will fly past once you eat something, go to the bathroom. And don't worry about anyone else... we were all kids once!

Answer 9

I tried the benadryl thing under a doctors advice (was flying my twin 1 yr. boys to the philippines) and this did the just the oposite, they were jumping around all over the place, do not recommend.

Answer 10

yeah toys are great also how bout her tunes in a Walkman that way she has something familiar, just follow airline safety guidelines and ask what you can bring.

And when to listen to it.

Also purchase some snacks she will like cuz I don't know if they will let you bring them on.

And of course her favorite stuff animal.

Maybe see about a good kids movie too.

Hope this helps.