Plane ride with a 3 year old?

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sinaquinn

There are a few things you can do when traveling by air with a 3 year old or any child for that matter.
- If you can, travel first class or business class.
-Try taking a late evening flight that normally begins an hour or two before their bed time. They might sleep through most of the flight. For shorter trips, you can try to schedule near nap time, but this could work against you due to possible crankiness prior to the nap.
- Try to avoid any deviation from your child's normal schedule prior to the flight and during the flight to help insure a good mood. Keep meal times on time.
-Bring along a portable DVD player and some of your child's favorite DVDs. I would put away the DVDs that keep your child's attention the most, for a few weeks before the flight so that they are even more apt to watch it on the plane.
Just a note on portable DVD players: Some models have a very short battery life (1.5-2 hours max). You might have to pay a little more, but go for one with a long life battery and charge it up before heading to the airport. If you are able, purchase a second battery pack for it. It can come in very handy if you're flight is delayed.
-Bring an assortment of some of the child's favorite small toys like cars, crayons and paper, a small doll, or some blocks. Hide these toys a few weeks before the flight so they are excited to see them when you pull them out on the flight.
-Snacks, snacks, snacks!! Bring snacks. Now is not the time to deal with the typical toddler eating issues. Pack along some of their favorite snacks, but try to make sure they've eaten a good meal before getting on board or if the airline is serving a meal, check to see if they serve special kids meals.
The snacks should also be a good fill up food in the event you are delayed. I find peanut butter crackers work well for this.
- Remember that the airlines (TSA) have limited the amount of liquids and other items you may bring on a plane. I would educate yourself before you fly. Link below.
- Baby wipes, washcloth, change of clothes.
- Most airlines require that you purchase a child that is 3 years old, their own plane ticket, which gives them their own seat. I would suggest bringing their car seat along on the plane. They are used to sitting in it when you're driving and are more apt to sit still while in it (it's also safer, just in case). An alternative would be using the CARES System Instead of Carseat.
-Try to get bulkhead seating. This leaves no one sitting in front of you to be bothered by their seat getting kicked and less people to be bothered by a grumpy 3 year old. It also gives the little one more room to play.
- Let your child run around the airport and expend some energy before getting on board.
- Bring enough food, diapers, etc. in the event of a delay.
- Flight attendants will sometimes help if you have to go potty or your child is sleeping and you want to walk around. Ask, but don't expect.
- Don't forget blankie or their favorite teddy bear. ***Just a hint, go buy another of those essential comfort items and pack in your luggage. I cannot tell you how many times my daughter's Fluffy, got lost while travelling and we had to deal with an unhappy kid the rest of the trip.
- Pack all toddler's essentials in a backpack that is comfortable for you to wear, but is stow able as carry on luggage. You will probably have to carry the little one and trying to do so while lugging around a suitcase isn't easy.
- If possible, bring someone to help you. Mom, dad, sister, cousin. It's easier to have two adults to entertain a child.

If your child gets fussy and you're permitted to leave your seats, take the child to the bathroom to play in the water. One of the sources below also gives an idea of other things to do in the bathroom to keep your child occupied.

Use seatguru.com to figure out which seats are best. Avoid seats in front of or behind exit rows as they might make you move using a carseat.

Be prepared for delays and know that it is becoming more frequent that airlines are kicking fussy children off planes. Consider the possibility and try to avoid triggers that might set your child off. I am all for discipline and being consistent with your child, but if they want a cookie and you have one, give it to them. It will save your sanity for the flight. Try to plan for your child's needs.

Good luck! Try to enjoy yourself!

Maggie

Well,
Keep him/her busy and bring toys, books, and coloring books so she/he won't you know... cry.
So good luck!
God Bless You,
~Maggie~

if your child enjoys books, bring a few books to read. coloring books and sticker books are always good. snacks are helpful too. it helps if you have a flight during/around their nap time, so they can sleep on the plane. if you have a portible dvd player, you can always bring their favorite dvds and headphones.

fitzpimlings

We had to keep my four year old occupied on the five hour flight to Hawaii. Get a portable dvd player. Go to the dollar store and buy as many toys as you can with her favorite characters on it. They even have books with pens that you fill with water and then the kid colors the pages. I found those at bed bath and beyond. Every time your baby gets bored you pull out something else...works every time.

Matt W

a pair of socks.

blkhawk1000

drugs lots of them. and ear plugs for the whole plane

nic

Pack a bag full of toys that you know they love, books they like to listen to, audio tapes some food like sultanas, rice crackers. Chewing gum is good too it will help their ears pop so they aren't uncomfortable. If you have a portable DVD player that could help. A deck of cards to play snap.. Thats all I can think of!
Good Luck!

Rebekah

Dramamine. Ask your pediatrician for the correct dosing. Your flight is very long for a child of that age to do well with. Play games and look out the window for the first hour or so until the child gets bored or fussy, then use dramamine.

debbie_956

i was on a plane for 4 hours with a 5, 4, 1 yr old alone with no husband no friend no nothing and i was fine they fell asleep after they ate man looking back i got lucky =)

arRiva La RaZa!!!

Simon

6 hour game of peek-a-boo?

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