How to Keep Kids Quiet on an Airplane

One of the toughest parts of the holidays is taking young children on cross country flights to visit relatives. Here are some tips for keeping them quiet and occupied, so your trip will be less stressful.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A handheld DVD player or DVD capable laptop
• DVDs of your child's choice
• Snacks that fit in your carry ons
• Handheld games
• An iPod or other MP3 player

1. Make sure the kids are well fed before the flight, and that they haven't eaten any sugar, which can make them anxious.
2. Pack the DVDs and snacks in your carry-ons.
3. If possible, play with them a bit to wear them out first.
4. In the beginning of the flight, after the captain allows the use of electronic devices, set them up with a DVD and DVD player.
5. Airlines are no longer providing food on long flights, so make sure to offer them snacks at regular intervals to keep them from being hungry and cranky.
6. If they become tired of watching movies, put some soothing music on your iPod and let them listen to it. Hopefully it will put them to sleep.
7. If not, then try the handheld games. If others are sleeping, be sure to turn off the sounds on the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Low salt snacks are the best, as they don't create the need for more liquids.
• Don't give young children sleeping pills.