Infants and Toddlers

PACIFIER/LOLLIPOP/BOTTLE

Image credit: Eva Wilson

One of the sure fire things to get a little one screaming on a flight is ear pain because of the pressure changes. Infants and toddlers don’t understand when you tell them to swallow so that it won’t hurt, and are too young for gum. Make sure to have something on hand that that will make them swallow. Consider pacifiers, bottles (check current TSA guidelines for liquids), breastfeeding, sippy cups, sugar free lollipops (with close supervision), or their favorite toddler cookies. Bring plenty in case of flinging, dropping, etc. If you use something tasty or comforting, they are not as likely to opt for screaming. If they usually have a hard time adjusting to the changes, ask your pediatrician about using an over the counter pain reliever before boarding.

“Have a snack bag handy with snacks that your kids like to eat. I like to keep snack packs of pretzels and goldfish handy. Cheerios are also good. You never know when you or your child will be hungry or what the airline food will be like.” ~ Karla, Traveled with kids to Barbados and Grenada. Blogger at IBakeAtHome.com and onmygiftlist.tumblr.com, on twitter at @kgsmith78 and @ibakeathomeblog.

NEW TOYS/OLD TOYS

Bring a couple old, familiar toys for comfort – planes can be noisy and scary, and some new ones that could grab their interest. Babies can actually get bored. Bored babies can get cranky. Don’t forget to pack small, washable toys to keep them occupied. For some reason, toddler toys can be very noisy and disturb other passengers. Sensory books with different textures, and paper and crayons for little hands can also be a quiet alternative to the usual beeping, talking, clanging toys made for toddlers.

“Our most recent trip to Jamaica was March 2014 when Ethan was almost 3. This wasn’t his first flight but as he gets older I anticipated he’d be more active and restless. Before we got on the plane we talked about what’s going to happen – that we will all sit down with seat belts “so we can be safe” (Thanks Dora!) We allowed him to still move around until the flight attendants did the last check because at 2/3 sitting in a seat for 3+ hours is torture. We then take out the tablet with his headphones so he can play his games. (The trick is not to show him this before we get on the plane). Once the plane is in the air, it’s keeping him occupied, tablets, have him look through the window, snacks, coloring etc.” ~ Kerry, from Jamaica, Blogger at CarryOnFriends.com, on twitter at @carryonfriends, on Facebook, and on iTunes.

MINE!

Traveling with multiple kids? That “MINE” shriek is quite possibly your fellow passenger’s least favorite utterance ever. This is the one time that you may want to preempt the arguments, and invest in identical toys, books, and snacks. It will be worth it.

“My daughter was (and still is) a busy body, when she was young I utilized her being able to fly free under 2 (she traveled to Georgia, Florida, Jamaica and California all before 2!) I really hate connected flights, but it turned out to be a saving grace because it allowed her a chance to unwind outside of the small constraints of the plane. She got to yell, walk around, talk to random strangers, do a diaper change and just not feel claustrophobic.” ~ Mikelah from Jamaica, Blogger at StyleandVibes.com, @styleandvibes on Twitter and Instagram.