Fyling

when my children were small and we traveled, i brought along a "tool box" filled with inexpensive toys, books, snacks (especially things that they usually are not allowed to have ex.candy and gum), cards, etc...I suggest a backpack for the 2 year old (easier to carry on).

Hi K.,
I have a 19 month old and have flown (to FL) with her 3 times. Bring a bottle/drink for take off and landing (or anything to suck on or swallow). I always pack new toys and photographs that she's never seen and bring LOTS of snacks - I'm big on organic and healthy food - but I don't much care when we're flying so long as she's happy! Also, a big one for us is a portable DVD player with a few favorite movies. Oh - and the 'thing' that calms them - for my little girl - it's her blanket. My last bit of advice is - you're never going to see those people again - so if it's awful - just smile and enjoy FL!

Hi K.

Flying is not as intimidating as it may seem. Packing your diaper bag appropriately might ease a lot. For example, a pair of extra clothes for each child. A toy and a book for each or a portable dvd with their favorite show/movie. Snacks like crackers, cheese sandwiches and or PBJ. I would dress them in layers so you can always peel off in case it gets hot. YOu can inspire your older child to help you so she feels grownupish.....Drink plenty of water, keep your skin well moisturized and it will be a fun trip. Watching ppl in the airport is all so exciting for kids. Have a great and fun trip to Florida

mm

K., as a mother of three and a grandmother of one, I know flying can be difficult. My suggestions are: buy the plane ears for the children. Leave them in and no worries about equalizing ear pressure. Also there shouldn't be any vomiting from drinking to much. Less cring for babies and toddlers. Other passengers won't be aggitated with you either. We adults can use them too! No more chewing gum. Second, if you have a carry on, make sure all your medications are in small enough bottles that the airlines allow in a zip lock baggie. Since your family has had a stomach bug, Pepto and amodium would be some choices to bring. Third, bring the two year old's favorite toy and maybe a coloring book with crayons. The 6 month old could be napping if you planned the trip with nap times in mind. The airplanes have the baby cribs that attach to the walls but you need to have seats in that area. Also, check with the airline if you can bring your own stroller.

Good Luck and hope this works!

That is the exact ages of my children when we flew to texas last year. I was totally stressed, and everything went smoothly. We brought a mini DVD player for my daughter and that kept her happy (also some coloring books and crayons). MY son I was most stressed about, everyone told me to feed him a bottle on the way up and on the way down. NOt so easy. First my son woulnt take a bottle unless he wanted one, which wasnt always when we wanted him too, and second tHe flight attendent couldnt warm his bottle up for me on the way up. But it turned out okay. He drank it luke warm right before we took off. He had no problems flying at all. We did get him on a pacifyer, which he never started taking till a month before the trip. I'm not sure if it helped, but it gave me the security knowing i could get him to suck on something to help with the air pressure. BUt it all worked out perfectly and the trip went very well. The only difficult part was the diaper change on the plane. No room. And he needed one. Good luck.

Hi K.,
I was super worried about flying for the first time w/ our little one too in the begining. We took our little girl to FL at 6 months, 12 months and again at 16 months and each time was a different experience! At 9 months we took her to Vegas (w/ delays it was about 8 hours!) and that was a miserable flight, I'm not sure if I'll ever be brave enough to take our little girl on a flight longer than 3 hours! But we brought along a portable DVD player when she was older and it kept her quite entertained! We got a couple of new dvds, books and toys just to keep her busy on the flights. Plus the flight attendents and some neighboring flyers (who are parents) are a big help, they come over and talk to them to keep them entertained as well. But stickers, coloring books, portable dvd player, story books are a super big help; and some of her favorite snacks or even a new snack. We're leaving again for FL in a few months, she'll be 29 months and since I'm a major pack rat when it comes to flying with her, I'll definitely have a bag full of tricks to keep her busy on the flight! Good luck, I wouldn't go w/ the Benedryl, just keep them busy...I'm sure everything will be fine.

Lots of distractions! Give the baby a bottle at takeoff so that her ears dont hurt and she might fall asleep and perhaps a sippy cup or juice box for your 2 year old (whatever you use...) so that her ears dont hurt. Have an array of snacks games and treats. coloring books, crayons, whateer she likes. We are from the east coast but lived for 4 years out west and traveled home ALOT with both kids when they were small. The babies usually slept but over 2 they need distraction! I have 2 boys and it always seemed that the little girls on the flights were content to color or look at books but with 2 boys I needed everything I could bring! (still do at 4 and 7!)
hope this helps!

Hey K..
We have been traveling with our kids since they were small...we live in Russia part time and have been on LONG flights and we have also flown from NJ to Florida and back a couple of times. When my babies were small and I was nursing, I would nurse during take off and they would normally sleep...if you can get their schedule to take the nap on the plane. As far as the 22 month old...it's a tough age to fly with. Too old to sleep (not always, but harder to put to bed when they're excited) and too young to engage them for long periods of time. I usually will buy a few small toys or activities to do on the plane and not let them see them until we are actually flying.
As far as Benedryl...one time i flew by myself to Russia when I was pregnant with my second and had morning sickness sooooo bad. I was willing to do anything to have my son (2 at the time) to sleep during the flight. So I took a friend's advice and gave him some benedryl...WORST MISTAKE EVER. What I didn't know is that some children actually get hyper and not drowsy...of course my son was in that category. WHAT A NIGHTMARE....

Anyway, don't worry too much. It's not a long flight and usually the flight crew is pretty helpful.

I have been flying by myself with my kids since they were 6 weeks old. They have been on over 30 flights with me (now ages 2 and 4). The most important bit of advice I can give you is to stay calm and approach it as a fun experience. Don't let them sense that you are the least bit stressed or they will sense it and it will make them stressed, too. Don't medicate - it's unnecessary and like another mother said it could have an adverse reaction. Keep in mind that even if both of them erupt into tantrums chances are you will never see any of the people on the plane again (though the flight may seem to take forever!). I have had my share of tired temper tantrums and simply apologizing to anyone looking in my direction seemed to diffuse their anger and frustration and I usually wound up getting a sympathetic nod. Acknowledge people - even if they are deplaning - and genuinely apologize for "all the noise".

Buy a few small, new toys for your older child and wrap them. Tell her you have some surprises for her, but that she needs to behave herself and listen to you. Hold to it - don't just give in and hand everything over to keep her quiet - condition her to behave and she will be rewarded. I love the "imaginetics" games - they have magnetic gameboards so the game pieces will stay on. There's a Mr. Potato Head and a dress up doll game. Color Wonder works well, too.

Check out www.jetwithkids.com. Lots of great advice!

In addition to the other great suggestions I read under your post you may want to pack an extra shirt and pants for yourself in your diaper bag. It's easy for things to spill on a plane and everyone and everything gets covered.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have any other questions. Have a safe and happy flight!

What is the sedation for?? To keep them quiet or calm?? I traveled on a plane with my son the first time when he was 6 months... he was terrific, he sat on my lap and he cooed alot. It was difficult when I had to change him, but we muddled through... They have these things called ear planes if you are concerned about pressure building up in there ears.. Here is a linkhttp://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/thumbnail.jsp?siteId=...

My kids are the same ages (27 mos and 6 1/2mos)and we fly often. We just had a flight to Florida last month. My #1 suggestion for a 2 year old is a portable dvd player. I also go to the toy store and pick up some small kid friendly toys and games like stickers, little puzzles, and a couple new books. He carries these things in his own backpack. The six month old is on my lap and I make sure I have a couple rattles and soft books for him to chew on. I breastfeed, so that makes feeding easy, but just bring a couple bottles if you don't-or one that you can wash out in the bathroom. We never change diapers in the bathroom-always at our seat. We do it quickly and quietly so that noone notices. I am grossed out by using the changing station in the bathroom. We take 3 carry-ons in addition to the 2 yr olds backpack. One bookbag with books, dvd player, snacks, one cup for 2 yr old, change of shirts for my husband and I (you never know), and all travel information, one diaper bag with diapers wipes, changing pad (Patemm Pad), burp clothes, pacifiers, rattles, change of clothes for both kids (2 for baby), and then one small duffle bag with extra diapers wipes, clothes, burp clothes-this is for the "newsworthy sit on the tarmac" emergency and just peace of mind. (again, you never know) THis bag goes in the overhead-the other two underneath. We have a lightweight Chicco stroller that we only use for travelling. Baby is in the sling, 2 yr old in the stroller, diaper bag over stroller and you and husband share other 2 bags. I agree with your pediatrician-sedating kids is just kind of weird, don't you think? Hopefully this rambling email has helped. If you have any more questions let me know-my oldest son had 12 flights in his first year. And remember, just relax and don't get stressed about stuff while in the airport-stuff happens and you don't need your kids freaking out too!! Safe travels!!

K.,

Over X-mas we flew my daugther (8 months old at the time) to Texas for the first time. she actually slept through pretty much the whole thing. My pediatrician said the best thing to do is have a bottle or pacifier for the baby because the sucking helps pop their ears.

Yes, they may cry, and it may be hard for the other passengers but that is the only way they can pop the ears. The 2 yo may be able to understand how to yawn or swallow but the baby may cry.

I also had a friend tell me to wear a necklace for the baby to play with to keep her distracted. Also letting them play with the lights overhead is fun.

I was really nervous about it but it was kind of like she was in a car and she slept.

If you are scared of flying though, DO NOT show your fear to your kids...they will pick up on that and be scared too...this is something I had to try to control. Definitely try to make it a fun experience... =)

Best of luck to you!

M.

brand new toys from the dollar store to give them to play with when they get bored - then pop out a new toy. give plenty of snacks and believe me, if you get stuck on the plane, people will understand since they're kids and you'r trying your best!
if you're nursing, nurse the baby while taking off/landing to help pressure in little ears.
i only flew once when my daughter was 18 months old - she loved being held and looking out the window...

Have fun!! It's tiring, but a positive, can-do attitude can help and let her walk/run around the airport if you have stops to let her get her energy out!!

Hi K.,
I don't know what airline you are on, but if you can request the bulk head seats when you check in, that would be great. There is no one in front of you so you do tend to have a little more leg room. Be sure to purchase extra drinks, milk, water,juice for the 2 year old, after the screening. you will not be able to have drinks with you. A DVD player can be a life saver if you child likes videos. Anything that works on a plane, works for me. Even some special sweet treats. A afety lollipop could help in keeping your 2 year old swallowing. Swallowing is great for relieving ear pressure. Good luck, enjoy your trip.

Go to the dollar store and buy a couple of new books, coloring books, and/or little toys for your 2 year old (no need to spend more than $5). Present one at the beginning of the flight, and then any time that she seems bored or fidgety. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks for the kids, too. Hungry kids are cranky kids. Dry cereal, crackers, cheese sticks or whatever they like. You can pack them each in small zip lock bags. A few juice boxes, too, but maybe the airlines won't let you bring them through security. If that's the case, bring an empty sippy cup, then you can fill it at a water fountain after you have gone through security. Also, have each child in a stoller right up until you board the plane. You can leave the strollers right outside the door to the plane, and the crew will put them on the plane for you. Then they'll be waiting for you right outside the door as you get off the plane in Florida as well. This will allow you to keep the kids contained and keep your hands free to juggle IDs, boarding passes, etc. Don't worry - it won't be that bad! Enjoy your vacation.

Hi K.,

I too have 2 girls (3 and 9) and will also be flying out to Florida this weekend. Here are a few tips that have helped me to have a peaceful journey.

I purchase a special toy or activity that they love and pack it in my carry on. I have been lucky with Polly Pocket sets or something that has a few pieces so they can play (you are right next to her so you can monitor pieces), coloring books, or interactive books. I absolutely do not bring it out until we are on the plane (not even in the airport). Beleive it or not they are so intriqued by their new toy that it occupies their time for quite a bit. Also, I pack their favorite flavored juiceboxes and snack size bags of goodies. Between a NEW toy and food what child wouldn't be happy. As for your lttle one I would time her feedings that day so she eats RIGHT before she boards. If you are lucky she will sleep through the whole thing. I don't know if these will help you but they ahave proved successful for me. Good luck and enjoy your vacation!!

Bring extra clothes for EVERYBODY :-))

Good luck!

K.,
Lots of advice on bottle/cups for take off and landing – do NOT give it to them to early. WAIT – don’t give them drinks and such when waiting / in security or when you board. Our rule was “when the front wheels are off the ground” THEN you could give her the cup/nurse or bottle. If you give it to them early they will fuss throughout the flight. THAT in mind, do not let them drink A LOT – as you want them AGAIN to be thirsty when it is time to land.
If your child IS CRYING during the flight – [and you have remedied all the ‘usuals’ <changed diapers etc>] it usually means they are trying to ‘unplug’ their OWN ears. Kinda like adults that YAWN a lot or chew gum……. Little ones NEED to cry to open their jaw. Usually they don’t cry HARD enough to pop them so they cry for LONGER.
We were on a flight once where a baby kept crying and crying and crying and finally I looked at the parents and said “want him to stop”? OH-YEA, the father said – I said PINCH him. They thought I was nuts. About two minutes later (baby still crying) the man pinched the child – He cried REALLY hard, for about a minute and then relaxed and went right to sleep. Ears cleared, all set. The crew loved me.
BTW - <Our youngest has more frequent flier miles than most adults I know, as my husband took a ‘traveling’ job a month after she was born. We travel with him. She had done about 27 flights by the time she was three; in school now and can’t travel with us, but loves to fly.>
Good Luck and have a safe trip.

Now, a SAHM of six children, ages 22 – five.

I don't believe in sedating children either and I find it hard to believe that a teacher would want to do that anyway!
I fly abroad quite often with my two boys (almost 3 and 7 mos)and, first of all, remember to find a quiet and new toy for the older one,maybe crayons, or a doodle board or a book.Make sure you have snacks and drinks, too. Make sure you nurse, or give a paci for the baby during the take off and landing. Pack some changes of clothes for each person (even you. And don't stress out about other passengers if your kids cry or are louder - if they are that sensitive, they are free to fly private jets.
Good luck and have a safe trip.

Hi K., I too am a teacher working in a K-8 school. I flew with my son when he was 6 months old. I was fortunate enough for him to fall asleep (with no benedryl) for the majority of the flight. The only time he woke up was to eat. I brought toys and books for us to read. He is a thumb sucker so that kept the equilibrium in check. For your two year old, I would suggest bringing her favorite toy, books, and coloring stuff to keep her busy. I'm sure she'll want to walk around and check all the people out. I hope this helps. Have a great trip.

L.

Hello K.,

When My daughter was 2yrs. old we flew for the first time. Her Ear Nose and Throat DR. told me to give her Children's Dimetapp Elixir 1 hour before the plane took off. I also had her sip on a sippy cup while we were taking off. Give the baby a bottle while your taking off also so she swallows making her ears pop and not have pressure in them. I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip.

I agree with the other Mamas - snack & entertainment are KEY to a peaceful flight!!!

My dh & I flew with our (then) 13 month old son to Italy (8 hour flight). He did great with watching videos, snacking, & we just gave him lots of TLC.

Also we brewed Chamomile Tea & served it to him before we took off & it calmed him down naturally. Maybe some Chamomile Tea instead of the Benadryl? It also works great to soothe belly aches so if you guys just got over a bug...this could be your saving grace :) Ask your Dr.

Good Luck!!!

For Take-offs and landings, a bottle for the 6 month old and gummi bears for the 2 year old.

Bring books, coloring books, stickers, a few action figures, her favorite stuffed animal, blankie, do you have a portable DVD player?, snacks you wouldn't normally give her(Like i do not buy cookies, but every oncein a while when we are out my daughter will get a snack size thing of oreos and this keeps her occupied forever!).

Good Luck, i hope I did not just repeat everyone else's responses, i am sorry if I did, I did not read them all.

K.,

I have flown with my children numerous times...my middle son began flying when he was 5 weeks old.

As for the baby: Sippy cup/bottle/breast for take offs and landings. Make sure you have a couple of her favorite toys and food if one of her meals is going to coinside with your travel time (airport, airplane, trip to hotel, etc.) It's better to have it with you and not need it than vice versa.

As for your older daughter: Sipply cup for take offs and landings and snacks as well as some favorite toys. I used to take the Crayola Wonder books with me so my sons could scribble and I only had to worry about keeping track of the caps vs. them coloring on the seats or trays. I highly recommend taking a portable DVD player if you have one and some of her favorite movies along with a pair of headphones. Listen to the volume yourself first obviously. This was a real lifesaver to us! If she is ok with it, I'd let her sit next to the window so she can look out.

I would not medicate at all! I worry about how many parents (not saying you) are quick to turn to medicine for everything. Sucking will help the girls on the take offs and landings but remember that it takes a bit even after you are in the air or as you are coming down when they can feel the pressure. It isn't just when the wheels come off the ground or touch it. I would take dry burpees with you and if they seem to be uncomfortable, ask the flight attendant to wet them with warm water. Hold them behind their ears and it will help. (This was per my pediatrician and I've used it for myself because sometimes I have more trouble with my ears than others and it does work.)

Definitely take changes of clothes and even if your older daughter is potty trained, take pull ups just in case! You don't want her needing to go while you are boarding or can't get out of your seat. I also got one of those monkey backpack straps the children wear like a backpack to keep track of my then 2 year old at the amusement parks. Also, let your older daughter move around at the airport. The airplane is where you will want her to sit still.

Hope these help!

L.

Hi - okay, a couple of ideas.... First, Benadryl is a great way to knock them out if you are really nervous. Your two-year old will probably be harder - they just don't want to sit still. Keep drinks on hand so they can drink to help their ears. If the older one chews gum, that will help with going up and down on take-off and landing. Also, pacifiers or nursing up and down work great. Walk the aisles if he/she is fussy - that helps when all else fails. Bottom line - we've all been there. Do your best, but worry too much about other people. Do what's best for your kids, and know that you'll learn as you go. I've been traveling with my two kids (16 month old Jayden and 3 1/2 year old Naomi) since Naomi was 6 weeks old. The family lives all over the country. Naomi went out of country at 6 months old. Just go for it! You can do it - Oh, also, do diaper changes and let them run off energy before you get on the plane. Keep extra food in your bag to snack on the plane. They don't give much on the plane.

Hope it helps!

Hi K.
I flew to Florida by myself with my twin boys. They were 8 months at the time. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks. For the older one - plenty of toys and maybe buy something new for entertainment. My trip was great and everyone was well behaved.
Good luck
S.

Hello K.,

I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old and my 5 year old has been flying with me since she was 13 months old. I nursed and that helped with the take off and landing but if you dont nurse keep a bottle or sippy on hand and if with uses a pacifer that might help too. Another thing I bring with me is lollipops the little ones. The sucking seems to help. Lots of snacks and water as well as a good supply of toys/puzzels.

Hello!

I have a 2 1/2 year old that has gone on probably 20 round trip flights since she was 5 weeks old. You have lots of good advise on this site. When she was little I did the bottle/pacifier on take off and landging. And now she is great with drink and a DVD.

My suggestion is to take the Benadryl for emergencies. There were a couple trips that we used it. We found that once she got to about 8 months and if she didn't get enough sleep on our trip, she would be really wired. The Benadryl doesn't just help to calm them because of the ear problem. The airplane with all the strangers can be really stressfull for little kids. We used it a couple times on the way back from a trip, when we knew she was not in a happy place to begin with. It just calmed her down so she could sleep a bit (not the whole trip). If you can go without it, great! But it really helped a couple times. That is the only time we've ever used the medicine, so how terrible could it be? I'm not one to give cold medicine or other stuff when not needed.

Just remember to try the Benadryl before going on the trip. Our doctor said that it makes 1 in 10 kids hyper.

Good luck

Hi K.. A couple years(3)ago my husband and I took our two little boys to Florida. At that time, they were 2 and 4 years old. I was nervous about it too. But surprisingly, they were both very good. I found that by bringing things for them to do, it was okay. I went to the dollar store by myself and bought 'surprises for them' and we also made sure we had enough sippy cups. That was our biggest concern! The hardest part was waiting for the plane to take off. They got a little antsy waiting. But once we were in the air, the little one went to sleep and we were able to entertain the other one fairly easy. Bring new books they haven't seen, my kids always loved that. Good luck! We are also going on a trip. On friday we are driving to Myrtle Beach, SC. Its a long drive from here, and we haven't done it before. My boys are now 5 and 7. Have a great trip!

Hi...I took my children across the globe few too many times since they were baby, so Florida is absolutely nothing for my kids. When they were little (now they are 8 and 5) the only part that you should watch is when a plane going up and down, changing altitude is h*** o* kids when they don't know how to clear their ears. Ask them to keep on drinking (milk, water or juice) or chew on something, the action of moving jaws and swallowing will help clear their ears. If your 6 months old still on bottle that is the best, delaying feeding until the plane starts to go up, it'll take a few minutes for the plane to get to the point of air pressure changed. If they could sleep through the altitude changes that would be the best. Florida is only a few hours flight, bring snacks, small toys and blank note book for your 2 years old. It will go fast and have a good trip.

We have been traveling with our 13 month old since she was 3 months without trouble... she is already a veteran with 7 trips under her belt, and one overseas! The key is to make sure they are drinking when the place ascends/descends and we had great success with having a few new toys to play with...books were especially helpful because they are quiet. We also found stuffing her helped to tire her out and that she would nap, plus it took up some time that could have otherwise been filled with boredom. I recommend bringing anti-bacterial wipes - we wipe everything down then playing with the tray, seatbelt and window shade isn't as disgusting as it could be. The flight staff is always very accomodating so don't be shy to ask them for help whether it be for pre-boarding or in-flight. GOOD LUCK!

we tried the benadryl for our first trip, attempting to time it for her naptime, etc. didn't bother the second. didn't work. definitely the bottle or nursing and sippy cup. that worked great. even if for your toddler you have to put special juice in it you don't normally give her. my husband had the dubious honor of changing her several times between our two trips. there isn't much room in there. also, keep your changing supplies together in a neat little pack-plastic baggie or something for a 'grab and go'.

Hi K..

I've flown with my daughter, who just turned 3 last week, 4 times now - sometimes alone and sometimes with my husband. My advice is to bring lots of low-suger snacks and drinks (they let you bring one bottle/sippy cup for each child and can pick up anther beverage once you're through security). This will help if their ears are sensitive to the pressure. If you haven't flown in a while you might not be aware that there are new rules about fluids. All carry on fluids, from juice to makeup to mascara, must be in a small container - less that 3.5 ounces I think - and must be together in a clear zip lock bag for them to inspect. The only exception is the bottle/sippy cup rule.

Second, if you're not paying for seats for everyone, I suggest you check ahead of time to see if the flight is full and have a $20 ready when you check in (at curbside if possible) so you can slip it to the guy who is checking you in as you politely ask if you can have an empty seat next to you. He'll do it if he can. Also, if you have a baby carrier, wear your 6 month old. And take a cheap umbrella stoller for the 28 month old. You can check it in as you board the plane. It will be much easier to keep track of them if they're both strapped to something! : )

Finally, have lots of projects to work on, books to read, etc. Oh, and don't board the plane early when they say you can. Let the 28 month old run around as long as possible. Board at the very last minute and she'll be much happier than if you have to make her sit an extra 15-20 minutes while the rest of the passengers board.

Hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy FL!

Hi K.! I have four kids and we are leaving for Florida on Saturday too! Bring snacks that will keep them excited and occupied...also anything they can suck on like a bottle, sippy cup, lollipop--it will help their ears during take off and landing. My littler ones bring their Leapster--it's cute, they can draw on it and play little games. Good luck and have a great trip. Rebecca C.

We just returned from a trip with our 15 month old daughter. A few tips for the trip. Make sure snacks and small toys are easily accessible while in the air. Be prepared to play small 'games' to keep them busy. For the pain in the ears use a sippy cup/bottle/ or pacifier. Mostly when you are landing. Some children are not affected by the pressure so you may have an enjoyable time.

When in the airport look for the line for special assistance. If you are using a stroller you can go through that line.

Hope this helps.

Bring an empty sippy for the 2 year old and pack only a small thing of diaper cream in your carry on or they will take it away. Pack a special toy for the plane (magna doodle works well and is not too expensive to get the travel one or crayons and a new coloring book) If you have an infant carrier, it makes it easier to take care of the older one and you can gate check the stroller so you don't need to carry kids through the airport. I just did Florida with a 5 month old and 4 year old. Good luck.