Thank you Curious George for helping my son get through two 8-hour flights!
In July, I took two overseas flights (New York to Geneva and back) with a two-and-a-half-year-old and I would almost describe them as pleasant. We were lucky in having smooth, on-time flights on a nice SwissAir plane. We’re also lucky in that my son is a pretty good (and experienced) flyer despite being very active. But, as they say, you make your own luck. So here are some tips that may help you get lucky with some good flights with your two-year-old.
1. Use Your Carseat: I can’t stress this one enough. The cushy Britax Boulevard transforms the barebones coach seat into one of those plush first class seats. My son sleeps very well in his carseat on the plane. He slept for most of the redeye flight to Geneva (which is more than I can say for myself) and took a long nap on the flight back home. There’s no way he would have been comfortable enough to fall asleep in the plane sear without his carseat.
The carseat also keeps him in his seat, as he’s buckled in and really can’t get out. Since you’re required to buy a seat once they turn two, you want to make sure they stay in that seat! Not only is it better for the parents, but it’s the safest way for him to travel.
2. Hand Over Your iPad: If you don’t have an iPad or similar tablet, then just give them iPhone or smartphone. If you don’t have any of these gadgets, consider investing in one for overseas flight. In addition to some fun apps like Elmo Monster Maker and Wheels on the Bus, we downloaded some episodes of Curious George (his favorite!) and vintage Sesame Street episodes. I felt a little guilty as to how much screen time he had, but planes are a special situation.
3. Remember Toys and Books Too: While the iPad can be addicting, our toddler did need to take breaks from it. He would play with his trains on the tray table, look at books (or let us read them to him) or draw in his Melissa and Doug Surprize Ink Book, which has one of those invisible ink pens that won’t get all over the place.
4. Remove the Shoes: This way, if your toddler kicks the seat in front of him it’s not as bad. Which is not to say that he should be kicking the seat! But if he does, it won’t be as big a deal. Also, it’s much more comfortable and better for his circulation. Make sure he’s wearing socks though, as planes can be cold.
5. Bring 100 Pacifiers: If your toddler still uses pacifiers, then the plane is one place where you actually want to encourage pacifier use. Why? It’s because sucking on the pacifier can help his ears adjust to the air pressure. Bring as many pacifiers as you own (and perhaps buy a few new ones for the occasion) because it’s amazing how many pacifiers can be thrown on the floor or just dropped accidentally. And the plane floor is quite germy!
6. Load up on the Snacks and Water: I’ve left this one for last because going anywhere with a toddler usually means bringing lots of snacks. Water is especially important because a plane is very dehydrating.
Looking for more flying tips?
Interview with ABC News About Flying With Kids Under Two
What are your tips for flying with a toddler?
Saving these tips for the future! 🙂
Excellent advice! Here are just a few other things:
+Lollipops are a good treat for take-off and landing and help with air pressure problems. I favor DumDums because they are tiny and do the trick.
+Receiving blankets are always a much have item for me–they can be blankets, changing tables, or clean-up tools for spills. They are light, small, and can be tucked away anywhere.
+I know this is controversial, but I think it is a good idea to check with your pediatrician about whether or not Benadryl would be appropriate for your little flier. For those babies with ear problems, flying without an antihistamine can be torture.
I read this post a few days ago and immediately went to the baby store to pick up an airline approved carseat. Thanks for the tips!
Ann Belle recently posted..IGTravelThursday: Bike Races
These are great. I no longer have toddlers, but lollipops are still a must in our travel bag. They last a long time and the kids love them. We would also bring brain quest along for more verbal games.
Heidi Wagoner recently posted..One Year Abroad – Alan’s Thoughts
great tips!! we bring lots of colored pencils and paper, too – even now that our daughter is 11!
wanderingeducators recently posted..Getting Around Rome: The Advantages of the Roma Pass
I am the opposite on the car seat, we never fly with them at that age, they are big and bulky, they can’t use the tray table (which is an awesome built in toy!) and they can kick the seat in front of them. But I guess I am lucky that my kids have always been able to sleep on overseas flights without them.
Andrea, Passports And Pushchairs recently posted..Bosnia With Kids
we bring junk food, gotta let them indulge once in a while, why not a plane! It makes it a huge treat.
Also, we sit all the way in the very back, I feel it gives us more freedom.
Marina K. Villatoro recently posted..Boston Trivia – Fun Facts About Boston
I never traveled with our car seat when my daughter was younger but I can see how that would help. I also usually got one new book or small toy as something new to explore and play with. Now that my daughter is almost 9, between the kindle and ipad, she is golden.
Elena recently posted..Why Do You Travel: Confronting Cancer