Flying with 16 Month old--Please Help!

Someone suggested to me once to bring a roll of masking tape. Let them tape up their toys, make bracelets, etc. Also, you can wrap some of their little toys in newspaper and tape so that they can work on unwrapping their suprise. It is only a little thing, but since it doesn't take up much room, I thought it was worth a try. Hope that this helps!

K.

I traveled with my daughter a lot and that age was one of the hardest. Here is my list of things to bring:
A coloring book(or paper) and WASHABLE crayons
Fun snacks that they normally don't get..fruit snacks, colorful goldfish, fruit leather, srting cheese...
stickers & paper
a new book or 2
Ask for a cup of ice...my daugheter always likes playing with and eating the ice
Let them go to town coloring on/tearing apart one of the free magazines in the back of the seat.

Those are the suggestions I can offer..the food thing was always the best...she's 2 now and I still go to the store to find fun, new things for her to eat.

Good luck!

I would NOT do the Benadryl thing either. It will NOT put my duaghter to sleep in fact it winds her up even more. Our solution, lots of snacks, something to suck on during take off is a must, a binky, a lollipop that you hold, a bottle, if he drinks out of a straw have a bottle of water and use a straw for him to drink it. Those ideas will keep his ears more comfy and that alone will help the trip. At that age my son loved the novelty of crayons, pens, markers and a blank pad of paper. Now they have twist up crayons and flip top markers both great for young children. I hope that you asked for both window and isle seats for you and your husband. Rarely does the middle seat fill and then you will have a seat for the baby, that or fly at an odd time when the plane is unlikely to fill. There are usually empty seats doing you and your plane mates a favor. I love kids, I have 4 but I really do not like being kicked or pinched by the kid next to me and airline seats are really small so make sure that whoever holds the baby is opposite any seatmates if the plane is filled. I think you will be surprised at all the ways other people are willing to entertain a cute well behaved baby so relax and enjoy your trip.

Just a FYI. Moms you really don't seem to realize that the more worried you are or upset about something that child KNOWS! They even know in the womb!!! The calmer you are the better the flight. Don't just focus on the baby also focus on you!

Ditto the other moms so far: Relax. He may or may not scream and cry. My husband just took our 15 month old on a flight and it wen just fine. The worst she did was "talk" and "sing" a lot. One tip though: A lot of times the reason babies are screaming on flights is because of the pressure change in their ears. When they're young, they don't know how to "pop" their ears yet, and it can get very uncomfortable. A trick for helping pop the ears is if he takes a pacifier, give it to him as you're taking off so he has something to suck on. If not, give him a bottle or a sippy cup as you're taking off and changing altitudes. That will help him swallow and pop his ears and at least that won't be the reason for his being fussy if he is. He may not be. He may really enjoy the plane ride and be interested in the new environment and all the cool stuff on the plane. And maybe even the cool new "friends" all around! Good luck.

Benedryl never worked for my kids. I used dramamine--a med that is used for motion sickness. Check with your doctor,but it worked great for my kids! Good luck!

I agree with the previous poster... relax! it will be what it will be... granted, 16 mos is a difficult age, but you'll survive. I've mostly found pretty kind hearted people on flights who remember being in your shoes... so try not to worry too much. plus the flight attendants have seen it all, and are usually pretty helpful.

try to get a seat in the bulk head... there will be a little more room so he can at least stand up or sit on the floor (bring a blanket). bring a variety of his favorite snacks... (just be sure it is stuff easy on the tummy... kids can get a little barfy on planes. bring a change of clothes for him (as well as a shirt for you and your husband... my daughter barfed on my husband last christmas... fun stuff).

toys that are new to him are great... will he watch a dvd? those portable dvd players aren't terribly expensive (or make it an early xmas present) and might buy you a few minutes of peace. be prepared to sing his favorite songs... maybe teach him some finger games (where is thumbkin, church & steeple, etc.)... gate check your stroller (best thing to have when you get off the plane at your destination).

relax, breathe.. good luck!

I have flown with both of our children, and a couple of times my husband flew back home before us (visiting my parents) and I have also done the trip by myself with both kids. I found that most of the passengers are very helpful and empathetic when it comes to fussy babies (with the exception of a few young or old people who have never had kids). Just make sure you have a tote or back pack filled with enough snacks, toys and books to last through the flight. Also, you know your son's schedule...if it helps, keep him awake as long as possible to tire him out. Even though he only likes his crib(my son did too)mommy holding him on the plane when he is exhausted will really help. Last thing...make sure you bring a sippy cup or bottle(whichever he uses)to drink when he is irritable. Just like we chew gum when our ears need to pop, little ones can suck on a sippy cup or bottle to pop their ears. You can also buy ear plugs for little ones specifically for flying, but I think my other suggestion will work just fine. I tried the ear plugs for flying with my oldest, and he didn't like them. I was as stressed out as you the first time I flew with my son, but in the end it wasn't too bad. I got a lot of support from some of the older ladies on the flight, and didn't feel like such a burden to the rest of the passengers. You will do fine, and who cares what the other people think. Imagine those impatient people just trying to do what you do. I can't tell you to relax because you won't, but just do what you are good at...be a loving mom and you will do great! Have a great trip!

The other ladies gave great tips... just one I would give that has been amazing for me. If you are traveling with another adult. Either you or that person load the plane first (talk with the gate workers) when they call for small children. Let that person get the bags packed in, goodies out, change seats if needed etc. Then the other one stays off the plane until last call with your son. This allows him a good half hour to keep running around (burning energy) but also not stuck in his seat. I really recommend being the last to load just remember to talk to the gate folks. It really helped us. I have never had a grumpy person respond to my kids. Most people enjoy the kids on planes. Enjoy the flight and he will to.

Sometimes the most basic is the best. When our little guy was getting restless we tried all of the things we had brought with us, nothing worked. Then a great flight attendant handed me one of those clear plastic cups, placing it upside down on the tray table. He batted that thing back and forth for over an hour.

I flew 4 times with my daughter by myself and it is very hard. I won't do it again. But things that helped were Cheerios, Smarties, if you give them one at a time they last longer. New books and toys might occupy him more than you think. Don't hesitate if someone offers to help. They mean well. You could try crayons if he has never used them before. Stickers also really work get the little cheap ones. Put them on his legs, arms, hands let him pick them off. Show him how to stick them to paper. Borrow or purchase a portable DVD player. Let him watch a show or movie. Good luck!

wow!! what an exciting time for you. i understand your fear. get him a new toy that he has never seen before. this will make it last that much longer... try a trip to the dollar store to see if you can get a few things. crayons, washable markers, playdough, magna doodle,. think of the little things he might enjoy.... suckers, gum, gummie bears, tooth brush, these are all things that he might enjoy . good luck and god bless

Don't be worried. I flew alone with my daughter when she was 18 mos. I had strawed cups and had the stewardess fill them up for me with water or juice and make sure he sucks during take off and landing or suck on a lollipop to prevent pressure in his ears. You will be surprised how the sound of the engines help relax them, my daughter fell asleep 10 minutes after take off and slept through the whole 2 hour flight!
If it is a flight around naptime, have him skip napping at home so he will be tired. If you have a portable DVD player bring it along, or you can rent them for like $5 from most airlines. I wouldn't worry too much, just make sure he isn't bothering everyone around him, keep him on your laps, bring snacks and something to drink out of that is mess free, bring books to read quietly to him. I flew three times with my daughter. Once at 9 mos, 14 mos and 18 mos, everytime she fell right to sleep during the flight. Didn't even get the toys out! :)
Sometimes Benadryl can backfire on you and wire them out, your best bet is just to make sure he may be sleepy at the time of take off and bring whatever he sleeps with from home. Also when at the gate waiting for the plane, let him run around and take him for a walk to wear him out. Sitting for that long can make them restless, I just got my daughter out of her stroller and let her run around the chairs in the waiting area! :)
Good luck.

Hi M.-

I'll second what several others said (NO benedryl, relax, bring new toys), but will also give you a couple tips I've learned. My 20 month old has been on flights at least a dozen times now--mostly across the country and once to Europe, and always on my lap. I'm always a little nervous, but being calm does help. I try to set up on the plane while my husband lets her roam in the airport until most are on the plane--that helps. I put a couple of diapers, a snack baggie of wipes, a bag for disposal and a couple of binkies in a big ziplock and put that in the seat back--that makes sure what you need is right there. I will change her in the seat across both our laps if it's only pee (controversial for some, but do it if you need to). I also get one or two clear, zipped bags that toys or Robeez come in and put an assortment of toys, some new & new & favorite books. Parent Magazine has a great toy cell phone (at Target, etc) that rings & lights up, but on a plane, it's only loud enough for you to hear. If the bag is clear, he can look at the outside and pick the toy to play with (he can also play with the bag itself). I usually ask for about 3 plastic cups from the flight attendant and have some figurines like fisher price little people. She can spend an hour putting them in & out of the cups. I also bring on a water bottle & give it empty (or almost empty) to her and she'll play with that for a long time. Little containers of playdough are fun too. Avoid balls or toys that role. Make sure you have a bottle or binkie for take off and landing (I nursed, which is also perfect). A last resort I've used once or twice--bring a bib and a lollipop. (bend the end so he doesn't choke). He'll be so excited about a new yummy taste, it can occupy his time for a while. Just have the wet naps/purell handy for clean up! Best of luck. -J.

First of all, calm down. The worst thing that could happen is that he screams for a little bit and then the trip is over. I have only been on a plane once (5 hour flight) where a child screamed the WHOLE time. In other words, you are worrying for naught.

Take some new toys - go to the dollar store and find little balls and whatnot. Fill a backpack with the toys and some snacks he likes. Take a bottle or sippy cup for him to drink out of while taking off and landing (kids don't know how to pop their ears). My kids never used pacifiers, but I take one for them to suck on during these times.

Let him run around as much as possible before you board to get energy out. Try to sit at the front of the plane - there is more leg room in the front rows for him to get down and play a little. Board first when they call for small children - take your time settling in.

Enjoy your trip - it will be fine!

Don't be tense - he'll feel it.

How far are you flying? I flew with a 15-month-old to Germany in my lap, with a plane change, so it is possible. Bring not only new toys but a favorite. Does he use a pacifier? The sucking motion will help little ears with the pressure change. Lots of little snacks are a must too. I would highly recommend a portable dvd player with some favorite kiddie shows, which I did not have. Otherwise, be prepared to sing his favorite song 101 times. When the seatbelt sign is off walk up and down aisles with him sometimes, if you can trust him not to run away and run wild all over the plane. Good luck, have a great trip.

My daughter is almost 15 months old and we will be flying in a few weeks as well, but this is about her fifth time flying. I've always booked the times around her nap or bedtime, mostly b/c it was just me flying with her and not my husband. We've done a trip where she was up for some of it and it's definitely more challenging. It's easier when they're infants b/c they sleep more often, but at this age, you really have to keep them occupied, especially since it's all about walking and exploring now. My best advice is to try to book a nighttime flight, as this is what we're doing for Christmas vacation. On the way back from vacation though, Bella will be up for ALL the flight, so it's going to be a good challenge to keep her busy. Luckily, my husband will be with me. I have a later flight, but with the time change from west to east coast, it's two hours earlier than it would be here. That's what stinks about flying back east and then flying back..time change! EEK! haha. I'm sure it'll work out as it always does. So, if you can't get an evening flight, take a ton of snacks, toys (Bella loves her play laptop and is all into books), books, whatever you can manage to carry with you! It'll be a long flight if you don't =-) GOOD LUCK =-)

When flying with my daughter - she was under a year, I have gotten the bulkhead seat...HUGE difference because she could move around when we were not taking off or landing. The flight that I could not do that, we were cramped, and unfortunately the plane was delayed on the ground, so the ability to move around and play would have been helpful. I did nurse or give her a bottle when taking off and approaching landing...that helped the ears. Good idea on the new toys. Don't bring them out all at once. Hopefully your flight won't be a real long one, because keeping them entertained without moving around is only possible for so long. Hope that helps. D.

When I flew with my kids at that age, my standby's were big Sticker activity books. The seemed to keep their attention for a good period. A small magna doodle is also a great one. But by far my best lifesaver was the small portable DVD with a favorite barney, little people video in it. It really helps if you have something new that they haven't played with before. With my first she was obsessed with pop up books, I would go out an buy her a new one each time we travel. The books would be destroyed after the trip but a $15 investment for 6 hours of priceless sanity is not bad. Also make sure to pack lots of snacks too! Have a fun trip!

I travel by myself with toddlers often. We have 3 kids 4 and under and all of our family lives out of state.
I read lots of great advice- do not stress....
Things on a string are easy to keep from hitting the floor- use dental floss to make cherrio/fruit loop necklace (you can wear), pacifiers through the end of the blanket, magna doodle with the pencil on a string etc..
Plastic cups/ spoons/ ice cube/ straws are all free and can be replaced if dropped
Dollar tree for a few NEW toys-
A pen that clicks, draw on the barf bag if you need to, tear it open for more space :)
Small color wonder coloring book/markers
Play eye spy with the catalog/magazines on the plane

I have found most airports have a kid play area. Run hop, jump and play before the fight....

I have flown with my son many times from the age of 8mths. I was really worried the first time because I didn't want him to cry the whole time. I used baby tylenol and that seemed to work plus I know that it was helping his ears from the pressure (recommended by doctor). As he gets older 19mths now I do worry what to do with him on the plane. I took a lap top computer and babyeinstien videos and that worked. Plus I think you will be amazed at how well the white noise will effect him and his sleeping.
Good Luck, try not to stress that only adds to the already stressful situation of travel.

I have made a few trips with my little girl who is now 17 months. When she was 11 months old I took her to Australia on my own and although it was exhausting, the trip was a huge success! Our most recent was just a three hour flight about a month ago and I packed a special bag of toys for her to unpack on the plane. It was stuffed with small things (easy to carry on)- but not choking hazards - including a little plane and a car, a coin purse (no coins),plastic animals and whatever odds and ends I could find that she might be interested in. I also took lots of snacks (preferably things that are not too messy but take a little time to eat - like a sandwich, cheerios, freeze dried apple pieces). We also took a few favourite books and flipped through magazines that are on the plane. Count on spending some time out of your seat - we strolled the aisle and hung out at the back of the plane for a chunk of time. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!