My husband and I will be going to Puerto Rico this weekend with out 14 month old little boy. My nervousness about the flight is overshadowing my excitment about going to Puerto Rico. I almost don't even want to go! But I have to! So, does anyone have any ideas to make the flight easier? We already bought a portable DVD player, although he doesn't watch tv at home, so we'll see if that even works! The flight there is 4 hours then a layover then another 3 hour flight. On the way back, it's 5 hours, then another 2 hour flight, yikes! My doctor did say I could give him children's benedryl, but I'm hesitant to do that. Any advice please!
Thanks!
C.
Thanks everyone for the advice! Ian, my baby, did GREAT! I'm never flying American Airlines again however, 3 of our 4 flights were delayed at least an hour! :)
DVD player with favorite tv singing songs, books, colors!!!! Snacks and favorite toy.
C.,
My main suggestion is to make sure you bring his carseat. My daughter traveled at 1-year, and slept most of the way because she was so comfortable and familiar with her carseat. (Make sure it is approved for airplanes). Plus then you'll have it at your destination and won't have to rent one!
Secondly, try color-wonder markers and coloring books. They won't mark up the seats or anything, and hopefully it will be something new to play with.
Lastly, be sure you bring his favorite blankie or stuffed pal. Change your vacation expectations a bit... it's not like traveling as a couple, and enjoy your family time away from home!
E. G
I know it stinks to bring a lot of stuff with you, but do it! Bring books, of few of his favorite toys, crayons & coloring books. Just keep him active constantly! Also bring lots of snacks if you can. After security buy some drinks, because I think there is still the policy of no liquids till after security.
He may cry a little her in there, but keeping him entertained will make it so much easier. If you can get him to take a nap it will be even more pleasant. Also make the expirience fun if you can get a window do so, let him see outside etc.
Don't worry! Just take several different toys and different snacks to keep him entertained! I would suggest packing up some of his favorite toys a few days before the flight and then when you pull them out on the flight, he will be so excited to see them again that they may keep him entertained longer that they normally would! I have a 21 month old daughter and she had been on 18 different flights! Out of those 18 flight only 2 have been with my husband there to help, the rest was just my daughter and I! I do not see a problem with traveling with little ones, but I may just have an excellent traveler! I wish you all the luck that your son will travel as well as my daughter does! Enjoy your trip!
Take care and best of luck,
C.
Hi,
I am a mom who travels a lot with my 22 month old and I also am a nurse. I would try and give him childrens benadryl. This may not work though. I have not actually tried benadryl because I always forget to get it until its to late. We just traveled to NY and the DVD player worked well for a while but what I find best is see if there is someone who will move so that you and your husband and the baby can have the whole row to yourselves. Usually the flight attendents will help you with that if you ask. Hopefully he flies good. Have fun and I hope something I said helps you!!
C.
I would take lots of different little things, rather than one big thing you think he will play with. He will probably do the DVD for a little while but then move on, so you could bring 3-4 DVDs since they don't take up a lot of room. I would hide some of his toys now and then bring them out on the plane so they seem new, or buy some new ones. Take some treats, and of course hopefully he will sleep for part of it. Usually you can walk around with them once the plane is at its cruising altitude, and you and hubby can take turns. I never had to do Benadryl, but you could take it along in case. The trick is having lots of new things to capture his attention, since he can't move around during certain parts of the flight. If he goes to sleep with a bottle/sippy, take it along (but fill it after security) and try to get him to settle down a little before his normal nap time, because he will be more tired than usual. Also let him run and play between flights if you can. And relax--they pick up on your anxiety and you don't need that! Good luck--it will be better than you think!
Try one of those children musice players, books, and whatever favorite toys,stuff animal you can carry. A few snack are good, I'm not sure about the current rules for liquids, (juice and bottles). You can even have him carry a small backpack with the snacks or his blanky. Try to wear him out a little on the lay over then he can sleep on the plane.
I have traveled much with my kids since they were young, sometimes solo, sometimes as a whole family. I can relate to your tensing nerves at the thought of a long trip ahead. I always brought with us one favorite toy and also a new one. The new toy just has to be quiet, interesting enough for a few minutes, hopefully hours. I always brought a full size pillow so that my toddler could lay over it as it sat on my lap. The toddler would be much more comfortable that way. Have a great trip!
