Any advice on traveling with a 16 month old on a plane????

Answer 1

We have traveled with our son, who is now 26-months-old, frequently since he was born both internationally and domestically. So we have had some long flights together. And let me say it is very possible to do and have a positive experience.

My first recommendation is to try to have as few layovers as possible. The more stops you make, the longer the trip and the more up and down which can be tough on baby's ears. I know long flights sound daunting, but the quicker you get to your destination the better.

Although it is possible to carry any child under 2 in your lap on a plane, we have always purchased a seat for him as we believe this is the safest way to fly. I know it can be costly but I highly recommend it!! Try keeping a squirmy child in your arms for 6 hours and you'll see that it is neither comfortable nor practical. Turbulance on a flight can cause harm to your child and it's best to have a seat to strap him or her into. Also in the event of an incident, you may not be able to physically hold on to your child. We've found that being in his own seat puts our son to sleep, much like going on a car ride, which is bliss for a long flight.

If your child is still in a backward facing car seat they are easy enough to carry onboard (even better if yours clips into a stoller, that way you'll have it up to the door of the airplane, where they will check it and bring it to you as you deplane). Be sure though that you have one approved for airplanes. See the FAA link below. If your child is no longer in a backward facing seat, you can either bring your child's bulky car seat (tough to carry) or invest in a seat that turns into a stroller. We have one that we love and it makes it so easy to go from plane seat to the airport and move around. See the link below for Hammach Schlemmer for a great stroller/seat.

Now for how to handle your child onboard:

1. Be sure to bring favorite snacks (we always have cheerios on hand) as many airlines don't serve food anymore and those that do either serve things kids won't eat, can't eat (peanuts) or serve junk food. (We order a kid's meal on one flight and it consisted of potato chips, candy bars and a sugery drink -- things we don't give our kid anyway, but a disaster to pump them full of sugar on a plane). If the flight is short enough to avoid having a full meal on board all the better -- feed your child right before you get on the plane, they will be more likely to sleep. If not, bottled water is plentiful on board so you can always bring dried cereals that can be rehydrated and heated by flight attendants, who in my experience have always been willing to help. Remember that there are limits on liquids that you can bring on through security these days -- including baby foods -- but whatever you buy after security is okay. Look for easy to carry, easy to eat foods in the airport. I know not always easy but even applesauce is a good choice.

Here is a recipe for a meal I always carry on board and flight attendants have been more than happy to heat up for me: cook some small pasta (I use something call acini de pepe, but any small pasta will do) and just as it is finished cooking, drain excess water, add butter or olive oil and then crack an egg and stir till it is fully cooked. Then add a little parmesan cheese. I let it cool and put it in a small ziplock bag and then put that bag in a larger one filled with ice. That keeps it cool until you are ready to have it heated. It's a meal in one and my son loves it. Be sure to bring a plastic bowl with you as they don't always have extra plates onboard.

2. Before the flight, go to a dollar store and pick up some cheap toys. I usually get one thing for every hour of flight. A new toy is a novelty and will keep your child entertained longer. Also pack in a few favorites from home, especially some good books your child loves to read or have read to him. If your child has an irreplaceable toy (a favorite teddy bear he has to sleep with for example) either don't bring it or don't bring it out during flight in case it gets lost. Your child will be desperate! (Don't pack it in your checked luggage either -- if this gets lost, same problem).

3. To deal with pressure on the ears for your child, be sure they have something to suck on. This can either be a bottle or a pacifier, if your child uses one, or a sippy cup. This is the best way to relieve the pain of the pressure that they are too young to deal with on their own. Be sure your little one drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated as well (you too!).

4. When booking your seat, ask for seats in the bulkhead. That is the area right in the front of the plane. It has more room and will allow you to easily change your child or let him/her play when it is safe to do so. One note though: Because there are no seats in from of you, you'll have to stow all your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments during take-off and landing and that could impede access for necessary items like baby food or drink.

5. I don't think you have to drug your child to fly with them.

Hope this is all helpful and that you have a great flight and vacation! Buon viaggio!!

Answer 2

hi, do no longer regulate a sixteen month old youngster's slumbering conduct for the airplane holiday. it is going to easily lead them to irritable and grumpy. persist with your frequent habitual as much as attainable. i've got taken the two my young toddlers an many airplane rides. Get some new (or new to him/her) toys. Novelty is a sturdy distraction. Snacks are stable too. utilising snacks as a bribe for rare airplane rides won't harm in the long term and might easily help in the fast term. I additionally love my portable DVD participant. lower back, I continuously commerce shows with friends to get one the youngsters have not considered before. Paper and cleanable crayons are additionally relaxing suggestion on a thank you to bypass a while. stable success!

Answer 3

My doctor recommended I give my young daughter elixir. It worked tremendously well and she had everyone on the plain eating out of her hand. We flew when she was 1 and 2, and many times after that. It worked like a charm. I gave it to her about 45 minutes before we flew. Talk to your doctor if you like.

Answer 4

Fly the redeye, you want to do this while the child is asleep. Either that or don't go with.