We're flying with our 2 yr old son for 1st time. 3 hr flight then a 3 hr drive. He is very active! Any ideas?

Answer 1

Containment is key! Make sure he has his own seat on the flight, and bring your car seat on the plane and buckle him in. He will be more comfortable, and he can't get out to run up and down the aisles. He's also more likely to sleep. (My son is wild, but almost always sleeps on the plane -- something about the noise and motion, I think.)
Get him his own little carry-on bag with wheels and stock it with healthy snacks, small toys, crayons and paper, and a spare change of clothes just in case -- and, if he's not sound asleep, keep him busy during the flight. If he's in a car seat, he'll have to sit next to a window, so you can also look out the window together.
Between the flight and drive, make sure to give him some serious running-around time, a clean diaper and a good meal or snack.
He might be cranky when you get to your destination, but a good night's sleep should fix him right up.
Have fun!

Answer 2

While I would bring a long a plether of things to try to keep him happy, think about how he is at home. A lot of times, kids that age are happy with things that make no sense like a child safe tape measure or things they can pull in and out or back and forth. A lot of two year olds don't play with toys, persay, they like different things that they can explore and "do". Don't be afraid to bring lots of different things. Also, snacks and drinks that are different - not too different. Things to keep the curiosity there. The thing you have to remember is that you won't be the first person nor the last to travel with a toddler. You will get through it and the people around you will get over it if he is not perfect. Just do the best you can to make it pleasant for him and for you but don't stress. You will probably never see those people on the airplane again :)

Answer 3

The best thing i did when travelling with my son is, go to the dollar store, or walmart. Pick out 1 thing for every 30 minutes. Do not let him see them, and make them things he can be very entertained by. I found some felt playsets (felt board with a scene and removable/stickable things to place in the scene), coloring books, magnetic playsets, books, etc. Give them to him every 30 min, then he will stay entertained! Also, its kind of pricey, but my 4 yr old loves music and we got him the Fisher Price FP3 player, costs bout 70 bucks, but you download kids music and stories onto it like a kids IPod, he lovessssss that

Answer 4

A lot of the above eg: "I Spy" mainly for car trip as there is more to see on the ground , as for things with wings , flight attendants are trained to help with parents needing a break as a 3hr flight can seem longer for both parents n children alike but most of all enjoy your experience

Answer 5

bypass to a public waiting room and take a seat there which incorporate your son on your lap for 3 a million/2 hours for a flavor. i might deprive the little guy of sleep earlier the flight. he would be cranky till he is going to sleep. the different end of the spectrum is he's unsleeping, in an excellent temper and needing all the way down to play and detect & make acquaintances. you will exhaust your self wrestling with him.

Answer 6

Definitely bring the car seat. It is much more comfortable for them. However, be warned that the car seat raises them up, so their feet are closer to the deat in front of you. Take off his or her shoes and try to keep him or her from kicking.

Also, bring gummy candy for take off and landing- its relieves the effect of pressure changes (and makes them happy).

I agree that you should keep them awake before hand and encourage sleeping. If the kid is awake, then you need to keep them active. Put the seat between Mom and Dad so you can take turns. Read books, play with finger puppets or just look out the window.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Don't let him nap before the trip. Make sure you have lots of his favorite things (books, small toys, etc.) maybe get a few new fun surprise ones! Also make sure you have plenty of snacks and goodies. Take some of those things you would normally let him have (suckers, gummies, etc.). Also don't be afraid to give him some Tylenol or something just to take the edge off and help him relax it will also help with his ears!!

For you.....lots of patience!!

Answer 8

I had to take my son on a 15 hour drive. I swear by bringing a DVD player and junk food. Krispy Kreme dougnuts especially. (Ok, don't use them unless you have to)

Answer 9

coloring books, maybe a portable dvd player with his fav movie (check to see if they allow that on the plane).

then there is always Nyquil. knock out the little tyke.

Answer 10

Bring lots of books, games, crayons & paper, juice and snacks. If you have one, bring a protable DVD player.