Seeking Advice for Flying with a 14 1/2 Month Old

The first time I took my (now)3 yr old to Boston she was just about that age. It was actually the easiest trip because we were still nursing. I made sure that on take off and landing (when ears need adjusting and hurt the most)I either gave her something to chew on or else breast fed her helping her to swallow and therefore taking pressure off the eardrums. During the flight I tried to get her to sleep by putting her on a pillow across my lap...she did sleep a lot. I made sure I brought different treats that are usually off limits (candy, cookies, chips...whatever might do the job of keeping her in her seat). Books, mommies makeup bag, new toys she hasn't seen before. And whenever poss take walks up and down the isle and try to visit other children on the plane.
Have a safe trip! SAHM in Largo

Hi L.,
I flew with my daughter several times already, most recently when she was 16 months. On that last trip, I was saved by having a multitude of different snacks that were easy to travel with- goldfish, cheerios, gerber toddler snacks, other cereal like quaker oatmeal squares... I also brought a dvd player with me with her favorite shows- backyardigans, dora, sesame street. We had a much longer flight so I think you will be fine. I also tried to time our flights during her nap time or late at night to encourage her to sleep. I was still nursing to so I nursed her during takeoff. I also had her sippy ready in case she preferred that. Her ears didn't bother her at all. Try to get a window. There is less temptation for them wanting to get down.
You'll do great!
A.

Definitely invest in a portable DVD player with his favorite cartoons/programs. My two and a half year old absolutely loves his Noggin DVDs and it was an absolute GODSEND on the plane for us :)

Hello L. !
Here are a few things i did when we traveled. Bring yourself a back pack of his favorite Blanket , lil bear & something new (toy or something but dont give to him til after you leave and are on the plane), quite toys & coloring books / books , story telling with maybe Lil ear pieces / headphones also little ear sets with a Cd player with kid songs That way he can listen to the music and you wont bother anyone around you . Make sure you have a bottle Or something for him to munch on for departure & arrival so he wont feel the pressure in his ears. Keep him up as much as poss before you have to leave so he will be tired & try to not feed him until you get in the plane so you can spend that time feeding him as well. Before you know it you will be landing and hopefully he will have eaten , played , napped & ready for your vacation. Good luck and hope this helps !
T.

Hi L.,
I flew with my son on an 5-7 hour flight (from Tampa to Seattle)when he was 3 months and then at 2 years. I too, was *extremely* nervous each time! However, I was pleasantly surprised that at 3 months he slept the entire time and at 2 years, he was a little scared at first in getting on the plane, but after being on and getting in the air, he was actually fine. I had looked up lots of advice ahead of time as well and remember that giving him a bottle at take off and landing can be helpful for the ears, and that making sure you have some small little toys or books to keep him occupied would be helpful as well. I really don't think you should have too many problems on only a 2 hour flight but I completely understand your apprehension!!! Good Luck!!

I had a 9 hour flight w/ my daughter when she was 9 months old. The best advice (that worked) that I got was to buy new toys (that she has never seen before) and give them to her during the flight. I had about 5 new toys that I gave her one at a time. When she got bored w/ one, I gave her another one. That helped to keep her busy. She didn't have any problems w/ her ears so I don't have any advice to give on that. She didn't even notice that we were taking off or landing. Good luck to you!

L. - Rest easy. You will be just fine. I flew all of the time with mine. Make sure you take him in the stroller through security as you get to use the special line and avoid the crowds. My advice to keep him entertained is to pack a backpack with a myriad of different items - you know how quickly their attention span fades at this age. Pack things he can do alone as well as things you can do together and alternate as the trip progresses. Some ideas are a few books, crayons, hot wheel cars, his favorite stuffed animal, and some toy people like the Little People. Anything that you can use to foster different imaginary scenarios works multiple times throughout the trip as you can change the scenario. Just don't take anything that makes noise or everyone around you will stay irritated. Regarding breast feeding, my advice would be to try it on take off but also have a bottle or sippy cup available as that will work just the same most of the time. If there is any chance you have (or could borrow) a portable DVD player or a laptop with that DVD capability, take a few videos like Baby Einstein. Even if your angel won't wear the headphones, you can turn the volume low. The folks around you would much rather here the faint voice of Julie Clark than a crying child. Good Luck!!!
A.
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