best toddler toys plane image
klatu80
Any ideas of toys or things I can bring to keep her from crying and being bored?
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children.
With little ones, less is more. What does he like at home? Often simple toys work the best.
Not all of these tips are mine but some have worked for me as well;
-Something to write and draw on. My kids like those small Magadoodles and other erasable boards. Paper and chunky crayons work too.
-Stickers. Always a winner and with so many age groups.
-Pipe cleaners, although you want to keep an eye on him while he's twisting away.
-Play dough. Don't bring too much and don't make my mistake. Take fresh play dough. I had some sitting on the shelf a bit too long (saved especially for a flight) and we had crumpled bits all over the floor!
-Books, chunky books and those with flaps are especially appreciated.
-Small plastic toys, things with wheels work well but anything without too many small parts.
No toys which make *any* noise. Not even a little, quiet noise. Played over and over and over again, your fellow passengers will not appreciate it.
Bring at least one new thing she has never seen before. Give it to her at some point when she's bored. Works like magic. If it's a long flight, you may want to bring more than one.
I have a portable DVD player but only got it once my youngest was three years old. This is a great suggestion for older kids but the problem at this tender age is that they wont wear the headphones. You cannot play it through the speakers on the aircraft (unless there's no one else in your entire section). If you are connecting and have a long layover, it might be worth taking it for your wait.
If you already have one (don't buy one unless you have other ideas for it), experiment at home. Will she wear the headphones? Or will she watch it without sound? Either will work but it is a heavy item to drag along, if you're not sure it'll earn it's place in your carry-on bag. If you do, make sure you also have the recharger (in case of delays).
I do have to admit that the babies on flights who had their car seats were calmer and slept better. This is also much, much safer than having her in your lap and guarentees your car seat, if you need it at your destination, doesn't get lost and/or broken in the hold. Ask nicely for an extra seat if you didn't purchase one.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring a change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-Learn to change her standing up (don't try to fit her on one of those tiny babychangers and toddlers hate to lie down in strange places)
-Wean her off the bottle if she's still drinking from one (easier said than done!)
-Bring an empty sippy cup to fill during the services. This will prevent spills in the air.
-Get up and move around with her but keep an eye out. Those carts the F/A's use are the perfect height for hiding little ones
-Bring extra socks to put over her hands if she mostly crawls. This will keep her hands clean and keep her from picking up nasties on the floor.
-Bring snacks. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!
For more information, about 9 years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
An edited version appeared on the Expat Women website in December;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying_with_children.php
Good luck and have a good flight!
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children.
With little ones, less is more. What does he like at home? Often simple toys work the best.
Not all of these tips are mine but some have worked for me as well;
-Something to write and draw on. My kids like those small Magadoodles and other erasable boards. Paper and chunky crayons work too.
-Stickers. Always a winner and with so many age groups.
-Pipe cleaners, although you want to keep an eye on him while he's twisting away.
-Play dough. Don't bring too much and don't make my mistake. Take fresh play dough. I had some sitting on the shelf a bit too long (saved especially for a flight) and we had crumpled bits all over the floor!
-Books, chunky books and those with flaps are especially appreciated.
-Small plastic toys, things with wheels work well but anything without too many small parts.
No toys which make *any* noise. Not even a little, quiet noise. Played over and over and over again, your fellow passengers will not appreciate it.
Bring at least one new thing she has never seen before. Give it to her at some point when she's bored. Works like magic. If it's a long flight, you may want to bring more than one.
I have a portable DVD player but only got it once my youngest was three years old. This is a great suggestion for older kids but the problem at this tender age is that they wont wear the headphones. You cannot play it through the speakers on the aircraft (unless there's no one else in your entire section). If you are connecting and have a long layover, it might be worth taking it for your wait.
If you already have one (don't buy one unless you have other ideas for it), experiment at home. Will she wear the headphones? Or will she watch it without sound? Either will work but it is a heavy item to drag along, if you're not sure it'll earn it's place in your carry-on bag. If you do, make sure you also have the recharger (in case of delays).
I do have to admit that the babies on flights who had their car seats were calmer and slept better. This is also much, much safer than having her in your lap and guarentees your car seat, if you need it at your destination, doesn't get lost and/or broken in the hold. Ask nicely for an extra seat if you didn't purchase one.
Just some other small tips;
-Bring a change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-Learn to change her standing up (don't try to fit her on one of those tiny babychangers and toddlers hate to lie down in strange places)
-Wean her off the bottle if she's still drinking from one (easier said than done!)
-Bring an empty sippy cup to fill during the services. This will prevent spills in the air.
-Get up and move around with her but keep an eye out. Those carts the F/A's use are the perfect height for hiding little ones
-Bring extra socks to put over her hands if she mostly crawls. This will keep her hands clean and keep her from picking up nasties on the floor.
-Bring snacks. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!
For more information, about 9 years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
An edited version appeared on the Expat Women website in December;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying_with_children.php
Good luck and have a good flight!
How to deal with toddler on a 4 hour airplane ride?
girlk
Any advice if you traveled with a toddler? The only problem is that she'll get bored too easily and start throwing a tantrum, she doesnt cry at all, only when she doesnt get what wants lol.
she will be 13 months,
Noo! Shes only 13 months she cant watch tv, are you crazy.
Answer
I once went on a 21/2 hour plane ride with my husband and 18 month old. We didn't buy him his own seat to save money. That was mistake #1 lol....get her a seat to buckle her in. She doesn't have to sit there the whole time but it will help. Bring toys, books, snacks, drinks,etc...actually not sure if you can bring a drink but you know what I mean...and lolipops! Break out one thing at a time, not all at once so she has enough to entertain her the whole time. Try to get her a window seat. That might be entertaining to look out the window. :)
I once went on a 21/2 hour plane ride with my husband and 18 month old. We didn't buy him his own seat to save money. That was mistake #1 lol....get her a seat to buckle her in. She doesn't have to sit there the whole time but it will help. Bring toys, books, snacks, drinks,etc...actually not sure if you can bring a drink but you know what I mean...and lolipops! Break out one thing at a time, not all at once so she has enough to entertain her the whole time. Try to get her a window seat. That might be entertaining to look out the window. :)
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