Mytwo kids and I will be flying From TX to CA next week this is the third flight we have made this year the first one was great the second one was horrible so I thought this time I'd get some advice. My daughter is 4 and the last two times i have been able to entertain her with coloring and this time i think i will print out some preschool worksheets but if there is anything else you could suggest that would be great! My son who is 1 1/2 i have no idea he will color for a little bit but what else can I bring him to do? Also the last two times we flew i was still breast feeding and so during take off and landing I would feed him to help the pressure in his ears....he just had tubes put in last month so I want to keep him comfortable during the flight any suggestions will a sippy cup help?? Any and all advice is welcomed!
If you have an iPhone or iPad you could download some movies for them to watch (in airplane mode)
Silly putty
Sticker books
Snacks
Two suggestions:
1. Portable DVD player (for them)
2. In flight beverage service (for you)
Also to make everyone around you more comfortable - I gave my kids "the talk" when everyone in the row of seats in front and behind us was seated. We talked about the chair directly in front of the kids - who's SPACE it was and that it belonged to the person seated IN the chair (I stood and pointed to the chair and the person) and said when they moved, kicked or pulled on the chair that it was disrespectful to the person that the seat belonged to, that they could feel it. Next, I showed them how the tray worked and that although it was their space, it was also attached to the seat and therefore the space of the person in front - then we talked about the air space belonging to everyone on the plane and they needed to keep their voices low because the space belonged to everyone. Then I asked the people sitting directly in front if I could buy them a beverage!!! I've had people clap and cheer, some even asking me to give the talk to everyone on the plane!! I've never had anyone take up my offer of the drink, but always showed more patience with my children when they see that I truly cared about the others on the plane. Seems to change everyone's attitude!!!!
My kids each have their own backpack and I fill it with new activities and some we already have. They are always excited to see what is in their bag. I keep it a surprise until we are on our travels.
-Portable DVD player w/ child headphones, new video
-sticker books, coloring books, dot-to-dot books, color wonder
-a variety of snacks
-books to read
-leapster w/ a few cartridges
My 1 year old had tubes put in 2 months before we flew and had no problems with her ears at all. The tubes actually keep the ear open so they don't pop or pressurize, which is a godsend for kids.
Make sure you have their favorite toys and books that is what i did with mine.
If you have not already booked your plane seats, this is a GREAT site, to choose your seats. Good for families with kids.
Even the airlines and Travel agents refer to it.
We have used it.
It is accurate.
Ask your Pediatrician, per your younger son's ears/tubes... if that will affect him etc. and what you can do/use.
My main suggestion would be lots of stuff and rotate frequently so there isn't boredom.
DVD player with earphones works for awhile with both those ages- get a new movie and some old favorites. Do it in half hour segments to give you a break and so the kids don't tire of it.
Do you have an iphone or leapster? - games on iphone for both ages, leapster for your daughter
Snacks- a variety that are not too messy.
Does your four year old like crafts like making beaded necklaces? You could just put some beads and plastic string in a baggie.
My 1 1/2 year old likes those magnetic erasable baords, where you write with a stylus and erase and rewrite. They have travel sized ones.
Books that are light and adored by your kids- Dr. Suess ABC is a favorite of my 1 1/2 year old. He likes green eggs and ham too. If you have a e reader, you can download kids book on there to save space.
Your daughter may like magazines for kids? Like the Highlights for young kids, Ladybug, Sesame Street- check the local bookstore.
Hope something above helps you out. Happy travels.
If your son has tubes he doesn't need anything during takeoff and landing- the tubes act as a natural pressure release. My daughter got tubes at 10 Mos and I flew about 8 times with her after that. I suggest a portal DVD player and movie for some of the time for the 4 yo and books, cars, trains and the magic color markers and coloring book for the little one- they don't color everywhere liked crayons- just on the crayola magic paper. My kids are 4 -DD, 2.5- DS and 11 weeks. I flew with the older 2 about 6 times alone :) even stranded on snow/iced Tarmac for 5 hrs, delayed, changed planes for mech difficulty etc! Good luck :)
My friend used to fly from Germany to NY frequently. She would bring a huge bag of candy for her son (she had an infant as well). A little candy will go a long way. And since TX to CA is not such a long flight, you should be fine.
Bring a sippy cup and put anything in it that he will drink.
I always but some new little toys for my daughter - new things hold her attention longer.
Whatever works should be your motto.
DVD and NEW toys/books/snacks.... the novelty will keep them interested. Also, the tubes should elimate the ear plugging - so that's good news!
If you have a ds handheld game bring that or borrow one. Even if they arn't good at it, it's fun to push buttons and the screen does something.
Yes, a sippy cup will help. I always brought a small thing of bubbles for entertainment. They LOVED that, Just pull it out as your back-up plan, or if someone starts crying or those "awkward moments". Have fun!
