View Full Version : Airplane ride with a 2 year old: any tips?
mudweiser
Oct 20, 2009, 09:37 AM
I've been on a plane with Rachel many times, the last trip was last year and she was only 1 and I could control her with cookies [basically treats], and the kids channel on the airplane's TV.
However, now she is going on 3 and she is a heck of a lot more active and I'm a little scared of tantrums [she doesn't really throw them], screaming, jumping around... basically being out of control.
I'll be going from Ontario to Alberta. The trip to the airport will be about 4 hours then the flight there will be another 4 hours [I think?].
So if you have any ideas or suggestions on what to bring to keep an active 2 year old steady on a flight I'll be more than appreciative!
Side note: I leave to the airport at midnight, so I know she will be sleeping on the way there.
Thanks!
Sarah
tickle
Oct 20, 2009, 09:41 AM
Get her really really tired before the airplane ride. No just kidding. I feel for you Mud, I haven't done that in years ! Have a great trip you two ! Even if I didn't have any constructive to say.
Hey, you can visit Alty !
mudweiser
Oct 20, 2009, 09:52 AM
Get her really really tired before the airplane ride. No just kidding. I feel for you Mud, I havent done that in years ! Have a great trip you two ! Even if I didnt have any constructive to say.
Hey, you can visit Alty !
That would be neat to see Alty: I'm going to Grande Prairie... I don't know what city she will be in!
I make one stop from Ontario to Edmonton though...
:)
Thanks for even responding Tickle --- hehe even if you didn't have anything constructive to say;)
Sarah
NowinWisconsin
Oct 20, 2009, 02:04 PM
Bring a sippy cup--buy juice and add it to the cup after you pass security. Give it to her during/after takeoff to help with the pressure (swallowing will help her release the pressure on her ears); alternatively, you might try a lollipop (again the swallowing action).
If you have infant acetamenophin, it may help with the pain of the increased pressure (use only the recommended dosage for age/weight).
mudweiser
Oct 20, 2009, 05:34 PM
Thanks for the tip Now!
I so far have this list:
Sip Cup
Raisins
Coloring Book with new crayons
Favorite stuffed animal
Anyone know anything else I can add to the list?
Sarah
stevetcg
Oct 20, 2009, 06:15 PM
We brought a portable DVD player with headphones. A few hours with her favorite show or movie passes a lot of the time. We played games, did a little controlled exploration (the flight attendants were great - showed him how to stow trays and make coffee), colored. 3 1/2 hours passed with little issue.
jmjoseph
Oct 20, 2009, 06:17 PM
My wife being a flight attendant, we get to fly free, so we do, a lot.
Have you got one of those small personal DVD players? They work really well. Books, a small game, playdough, kiddie cards, an Ipod, definitely the coloring books. Take plenty of snacks, and maybe a stuffed animal to enjoy the trip with her. I would fill a bag with her favorite stuff.
I'm sure you two will have fun. Have a safe trip.
jmjoseph
Oct 20, 2009, 06:30 PM
stevetcg agrees: They made us throw the play dough away at the security gate.
Sorry, I just threw that one in because we just made some at home for Halloween. Black and orange. Things have changed since the events in London with the shampoo bottle explosives haven't they?
stevetcg
Oct 20, 2009, 07:05 PM
stevetcg agrees: They made us throw the play dough away at the security gate.
Sorry, I just threw that one in because we just made some at home for Halloween. Black and orange. Things have changed since the events in London with the shampoo bottle explosives haven't they?
Yeah. It was a good idea... ours loves it. And apparently it makes a handy snack for the younger ones too. We had no idea.
jmjoseph
Oct 21, 2009, 01:25 AM
Hey "Muddy", Here is the TSA website that lists prohibited items:TSA: Prohibited Items (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm)
Just in case you had something you weren't sure about. Like a cattle prod, for "playing".
tickle
Oct 21, 2009, 02:06 AM
Just in case you had something you weren't sure about. Like a cattle prod, for "playing".
Jm, you come up with the dardnest things ! I thought cattle prods were out though, now its tasers.
Tick
stevetcg
Oct 21, 2009, 04:05 AM
jm, you come up with the dardnest things ! I thought cattle prods were out though, now its tasers.
tick
Hey - sometimes the classics are the best. My kids still play candyland and 'club each other in the head with whatever stick is handy'
Old skool baby!