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Step 1
Try to plan your trip around naptime. This can be tough, but if you know your toddler takes an afternoon nap at the same time every day, book a flight that coincides. That way you can spend the majority of the morning and early afternoon getting to the airport and onto your flight, all of which will be very exciting for your little one. By the time you are all seated, the combination of the white noise of the plane and the motion of takeoff may be enough to send them to dreamland. If that happens you're in luck! I didn't think it could happen to me, but it did!
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Step 2
This may sound obvious, but bring along a few favorite books and small toys. Just make sure the toys don't make noise! Those can be very annoying to those seated around you. Bring them out one by one, you don't want them to see your entire bag of tricks all at once!
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Step 3
Think about bringing along your iPod or other handheld video player, pre-loaded with some favorite Thomas the Tank Engine or Dora episodes. Even without the sound on, a small video screen can be quite entertaining in desperate situations. Even a cell phone loaded with pictures from home can work!
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Step 4
Pack some Hyland's teething tablets. They have been a life-saver for my toddler, and are an all-natural, botanical tablet that soothes teething or otherwise upset infants and toddlers.
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Step 5
Don't forget their favorite snacks, especially those considered 'treats.' These may be the fun-shaped graham crackers, grapes cut in half, or squares of cheese. Bring them along when they start losing interest in the above-mentioned entertainment and they'll be pleasantly surprised. My son loves his snacks, and it is always a way to keep him busy.
Comments
flor2729 said
on 1/11/2009 Excellent advice and planning.