Air Travel - Redford,MI

Hi A.,
I just traveled for the second time with my 2 year old on the plane. The first time was a disaster. This time, I borrowed a portable DVD player and put Dora in. She was still as could be and the flight was a piece of cake. I went out and bought my own immediatly. Worth every penny for this situation and also long car rides. I wouldn't leave home without it!
-W.
Livonia

My son was fine on flights until he was old enough that he did not have to be in his car seat. We always bought my son his own seat when he was a baby because I was a nervous flyer and he seemed more comfortable and could sleep better in his car seat. Passengers seated near us would compliment us and say they were unaware a baby was present because my son was so quite and would sleep the whole time. Now at 3 years old everyone knows he is on the plane(LOL). He is very active and will unfasten his seat belt and try to get out of his seat to run around the plane. It dose not matter if the plane is experiencing turbulance. He is a handful and traveling with him is just exhausting.
If your 2 year old is anything like mine I would suggest timing his nap right before you get on the plane. Make sure the baby is sleepy before the plane takes off. Bring toys and books.

Hi A.,

I am mom of 2, 3rd on the way. Girl-3 1/2, Boy - 1, Unknown- May, 2008.
I suggest a new game and/or toy and maybe even a portable dvd player depending how long the flight is. Make sure to act as if you 2 are going on an adventure! Have fun with it and don't be nervous!
Good luck.

T.
West Bloomfield

bring toys, books, snacks..

I would try to travel inthe morning. my 2 year oldis best in the morning.

You have most likely already gone on your flight hope all went well My suggestion was to take a sippy cup or gum or a tootsie roll if your child is able to do that yet...

Bring a toy she's never seen before, and lots of snacks! I travelled by plane a few times with my daughter when she was that age and almost always she fell right asleep from the white noise of the plane. Good luck!

Remember your child picks up on your feelings, remain positive and relaxed. I have traveled many times with my son and he has always been great. I let him undo his seat belt at times he has even sat on the floor in front of me for awhile. Take toys, if you take noise making toys cover the speaker with duct tape so other passengers do not have to hear the toy. If your son will were ear phones use those to play the dvd player. Remember there are always understanding people and not so understanding people and a child is a child. Just be happy and that will help. We can only do the best we can. I found gummies good for the ears at take off and landing. Last time I was on a plane I had to give up all water and treats and buy new ones after I passed through security. You can even pack him his own back pack with his favorite books and toys. Good luck and have fun.

I think you have lots of good suggestions here. I have a 19 month old girl and she has flown probabl close to 19 times in her life. Make sure you talk about what you're going to be doing for a few days before hand. I always talk to Lucy about going in the plane the week ahead of time and we'll look for planes in the sky and talk about how we'll go on a plane to see...(whoever we're going to see that time). We do enjoy when she gets her own seat...which your son will since he's 2. I have a special backpack I use and I put her favorite books and some toys in it. I paid $7 for a toy airplane that looks like the airplane we go on...we fly southwest usually, so I picked up a southwest airplane for her to fly while we're on the plane.

Another big hit is Color Wonder magic markers by Crayola. They color on the page only and its a special treat for the plane to use markers...plus no mess! Bring lots of snacks and special treats...and be prepared to be busy the whole plane ride...travel with a child is always exhausting!!