11 replies to this topic

[MurmursAdministrator]

I'm scared out of my mind. 5 hours on a plane with a hyper toddler.

Any advice? Going to load the ipad with sesame street and a few other things that make him happy, but I'm terrified nonetheless.

We're going for some company parties, the tree lighting, etc.

[Ivana]

Shouldn't be a huge problem. Even the most hyper kids tend to fall asleep as soon as the plane takes off. However, if Eli wakes up and wants to get up and walk the aisle of the plane, let him do that! The kid deserves to stretch his legs, and most flight attendants won't object to that, as long as he is not disturbing other passengers.

And yeah, having an iPad stuffed with Scooby Doo, Sesame Street, Noddy, Thomas the Tank Engine etc. certainly helps.

[In the Corner]

MurmursAdministrator, on 24 November 2010 - 08:55 PM, said:

I'm scared out of my mind. 5 hours on a plane with a hyper toddler.

Wuss. We once flew to Japan with a toddler and an infant.  They probably annoyed a few people but one does what one has to do.  No iPads back then.

Have fun with that adorable little dumpling of yours!

[trix]

In the Corner, on 25 November 2010 - 07:15 AM, said:

Wuss. We once flew to Japan with a toddler and an infant.  They probably annoyed a few people but one does what one has to do.  No iPads back then.

Have fun with that adorable little dumpling of yours!

I am with Ethan with the fear.  1 year old and 4 year old, NZ-LA-San Antonio Texas, this coming January.  We don't have an Ipad, but the International flight will have those personal TVs for us, with a kids channel.   Lucy will get to see in person how traumatized we are.

[Internet Legend]

Well, it's all over now, right? How'd it go?

(It's just as well I didn't get to this any earlier. My experiences with toddlers and airplanes gave me absolutely no useful insights into how to best minimize the horror. Sit near a grandma? Just be thankful that the flight will, someday, somehow, end? As I recall, it was all up to luck - or the lack of it.)

[MeanCat]

Distractions/entertainment for your little one are definitely a good idea. Also, make sure to relieve the pressure buildup in his ear, you can find several useful tips for that on the intarweb
I thought this little article was pretty good:
http://www.suite101....n-infant-a70240

Personally, I wouldn't take a small child on a long-haul unless it was really necessary and there was absolutely no way around it. It can be stressful for the parents, the kid, passengers, and the cabin crew. Babies might be scared the many people so close around them, and the altitude/cabin pressurization can cause them pain or at least discomfort. Most babies will fall asleep at some point, but what happens until then is anyone's guess. I've been on quite a few long-haul flights with kids who were screaming for freaking HOURS. It was absolutely nerve-racking, for everyone. Flying itself is an uncomfortable experience for many people, and having a crying kid close to them in addition can bring them to the edge.

A 5-hour-flight shouldn't be too bad though. It's the 8hr.+ flights that can be a real drag, methinks.

However, if people around you see you making an effort for your kid and being friendly/considerate to your fellow passengers, they might be more forgiving. I felt really sorry for the last couple with a baby that must have been in considerable pain during the flight, they did everything to distract the poor thing and get him to sleep.

[In the Corner]

trix, on 25 November 2010 - 10:17 AM, said:

I am with Ethan with the fear.  1 year old and 4 year old, NZ-LA-San Antonio Texas, this coming January.  We don't have an Ipad, but the International flight will have those personal TVs for us, with a kids channel.   Lucy will get to see in person how traumatized we are.

Can't wait to see traumatized you and your cute little ones.

It was easier flying with the baby and toddler than with two toddlers (ages 2 and 4).

[MurmursAdministrator]

We have 13 episodes of Sesame Street on our iPads, some big headphones for Eli, toys, assorted goodies and hopefully he'll be fine. We have a car service meeting us at baggage claim and a suite near Central Park.

I think we're mentally prepared.

[mrocks7]

MurmursAdministrator, on 28 November 2010 - 03:30 PM, said:

We have 13 episodes of Sesame Street on our iPads, some big headphones for Eli, toys, assorted goodies and hopefully he'll be fine. We have a car service meeting us at baggage claim and a suite near Central Park.

I think we're mentally prepared.

Hope it all worked out. I understand, though, after just having a rougher than normal day at home with my two kids. On a regular basis, though, going out to eat can prove to be less than relaxing. But, its all good as soon as they go to bed and I can see them resting peacefully.

[Hezalin]

So how did he fare on the plane rides?

[MurmursAdministrator]

Hezalin, on 07 December 2010 - 06:51 PM, said:

So how did he fare on the plane rides?

He did really well. We kept him busy. He was a dream in NYC.

http://www.facebook....eb88&id=3613665


And even met Michael, which was fun.

[trix]

MurmursAdministrator, on 14 December 2010 - 08:44 AM, said:

He did really well. We kept him busy. He was a dream in NYC.

http://www.facebook....eb88&id=3613665


And even met Michael, which was fun.

Wonderful photos. Great that he is still so happy in the stroller.  Sadie (14 months) always wants to get out, even though she can't walk yet.