Keeping Toddler Occupied

My family lives in Canada and I fly with my kids (ages 2 & 3) up there frequently to visit. Though the flight isn't nearly as long as a flight to Europe - here's what I have used: magnetic board books, individual DVD players, snacks are ALWAYS a good idea, new "interactive" toys, board books, and lots of materials for "creative projects". To help him with the jet lag, you may want to start altering his waking/sleeping schedule about a week before you leave. Then let him sleep the majority of the flight if you get an early morning flight.

The magic doodle drawing board or interactive books occupy my daughter on trips. I would also bring gum or a pacifier if he still uses one as pressure will hurt his ears. As far as the harness, I would bring a small umbrella stroller. That way you can contain him and he won't slow you down when he tires.

I would ask your pediatrician if you could give him benadryl or something on the flight, so that he could get used to the time difference more quickly. Also, if he's sleeping, there would be less hours for you to occupy him and it might keep his ears from hurting, too. But ask the doctor for his recommendation.

I have a 22 month old son who is like the wind. I used a safety first harness in Lake Tahoe last fall and it was great. I still use it when we go to the arboretum, etc. so he can have a little more freedom. I had nothing but positive comments about it in Tahoe and here in town. Europeans use these, so you won't be out of place overseas.

First of all, congrats on your brave spirit and willingness to head overseas with your little guy! The things that have worked the best for my girls have been small magnadoodles, color wonders (esp the new explosions kind) and magnetic story books. They also liked to string large beads ( we also have made cereal neclaces fora combo tiem killer and treat) Be careful not to pack too many choices, as you end up with a carry on full of stuff that they really never play with! Of course a dvd player is a life saver as well as some M&Ms or a sucker for emergencies. It is OK in my world to bribe a child to be still or quiet for the sake of the other travelers :) As far as a harness, I have never used one either, but my kids have always been great about staying in the stroller at that age, so if that doesnt work, I agree that a harness is the way to go. It allows for a little freedom, but safety is always #1. Other than that my only other advice is to keep some things (toys or treats) hidden away to be given periodically throughout the trip. It just may save the day! Good luck!!!

We recently flew from Australia to the US on a day flight with an active 1-year-old. We had a bag full of wrapped gifts for her to gradually unwrap and play with - new books, puzzles, little dolls. The flight was hard work but at least she was amused by the gifts for a couple hours. The airline has age-appropriate gift-bags to give them, too, like colouring books and puzzles. Also, we use a back-pack when we travel which works a treat. Good Luck!!

I would use the harness in the terminals - I swear it only takes a blink of an eye or the turn of your head & they can get so far away from you so fast!! I learned the hard way, it's better safe than sorry!