HI Ladies- I need advice! My husband and I will be travelling with our 3 kids, ages 7,5 and 14 months to California next month on an airplane and I am looking for ways to keep the 14 month old occupied. Our older two didnt fly until they were over 3, and the last time I flew with the little one he was 6 1/2 months old and slept the whole way. Does anyone have any tips on how to keep him busy? We have a portable DVD player, but I am not sure how long that will hold his attention as he is very busy! He will be sitting on our lap as we werent willing to pay the $320 Southwest wanted for the infant fare. Thanks for your help!
Two things come to mind C.,
First, don't take the 14 m.o. onto the plane until last call, get the wiggles out much as possible before being 'trapped'. (Did this with mine at that age for overnight from Maui to DFW)
Second, SCOTCH TAPE, kept mine mesmerized for any length of time when she was that age.
Good luck and good job!
A.
If you are flying within 3 hours of naptime skip having him do it and he may fall asleep on the plane. Mine always did due to the sound I think of the engine.
I would make sure you have ample snacks and fluids, change of clothes and diapers and wouldn't worry too much if he is on your lap, that in itself may tick him off however not an option for him to sit still. The portable drawing boards that they have, portable aqua doodles are good. I say he may surprise you and fall asleep if you bypass the nap before, getting him up earlier that day or are traveling close to his already nap time. Mine would fall asleep within 20 minutes of take off. My daughter was on my lap and about 17 mos old and I put her against me and she fell asleep the entire 2.5 hour flight! :) Also, let him run around when you are that gate sitting there waiting, I chased my daughter around the chairs a few times, just to burn off steam before we boarded, hee hee.
Also have a strawed drink, pacifier if he takes one or sucker handy with take off and landing to help the pressure in his ears.
We fly a ton with a 7, 4 and 18 mo old. Adore movies for the other 2, but my youngest doesn't like to watch or listen with the headphones. Snacks, drinks, drawing pictures for him, little board books, and definitely a change of clothes for spills or blowouts ;o) A lovey or blanket helps calm him down. Good luck!
From traveling quite a bit with my 17 month old, I would recommend getting 1/2 filled cups of ice from the stewards - your 14 month old can put the cubes in and out of the cup, suck on them, and yes- throw them all over the floor. Books, snacks, crayons, puzzles and small musical instruments are also a must for our flights. Good luck!
