I’ve embarked on several trips via the air with my kids (as infants and toddlers) and have found it most helpful to 1.) take favored small toys, 2.) bring new, surprising, small toys (magna doodles, slinkeys, etc…), 3.)pack some children’s magazines (which are thinner than most books) like BabyBug, 4.) baggy-up a variety of treats; both the “usual” snacks and some new, special ones and 5.) suit up your energy and be prepared to pour your energy into her for those 14 hours. Best of luck! Enjoy that one-on-one time with your daughter.
Comment by Laura-Resident Mom and Dental Hygienist on Jan 18 2010 11:55:48:
I, too, travel by air a lot with my kids, and Kate’s answers are great ones! I’d also recommend bringing crayons and coloring book, MP3 player loaded with kids songs, and a creative mind. We sometimes play ’still’ games like “I spy”, “Statues” (where one person makes a face or body movement and the other one copies it), “Name that tune”, etc… or just make up songs or stories. You can tell the beginning then ask her what happened next, then swap back and forth telling the story. Even retelling the plot of a favorite movie or book will entertain them. Remember to bring nap/bedtime stuff in a carry on if you want her to sleep. Good Luck!
Comment by Nicole Abbott – Resident Mom on Jan 31 2010 02:33:14:
Both Laura and Kate have provided excellent ideas.
I’m not big on TV but my daughter loves Dora. I brought my fully charged laptop and tons of DVDs like Baby Einstein and Dora.
Comment by Jennifer–Resident Mom on Feb 05 2010 08:30:19:
Wow! You’ve gotten some great ideas already. I would echo the idea of taking some old stand-bys for toys and treats while including some new treats and goodies. If you have any books that came with CDs be sure to download those CDs to an MP3 or laptop so your child can listen to favorite stories as well. Taking some gum may be wise to help your child with popping ears. Fruit snacks or other gummy candy do the same trick. I would also suggest making sure your child wears ultra comfy clothes. Have a great trip!
Comment by Gaile Gonzales on Feb 28 2010 05:45:10:
I love all of the suggestions listed above! The only thing I would add -my favorite mom trick for almost anything- is to wear something with lots of big, easy access pockets (think cargo pants, etc) so you can have little things within reach without having to continually dig through a purse or diaper bag.
Oh, and be prepared to smile at your fellow passengers! They will be more likely to react with sympathy rather than anger if your daughter becomes disruptive on the flight.
Comment by Tamika-Resident Mom on Apr 21 2010 03:46:02:
I have taken that trip with my young daughter plenty of times. Make sure to bring something that makes her feel secure such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Also take your laptop with a backup battery so she can watch her favorite DVDs. She will also need snacks for the flight but also for the take off and landing. It may not be easy to take this trip so just remember if she is comfortable she will be more patient and manageable.
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Comment by Kate on Jan 14 2010 04:38:50:
I’ve embarked on several trips via the air with my kids (as infants and toddlers) and have found it most helpful to 1.) take favored small toys, 2.) bring new, surprising, small toys (magna doodles, slinkeys, etc…), 3.)pack some children’s magazines (which are thinner than most books) like BabyBug, 4.) baggy-up a variety of treats; both the “usual” snacks and some new, special ones and 5.) suit up your energy and be prepared to pour your energy into her for those 14 hours. Best of luck! Enjoy that one-on-one time with your daughter.
Comment by Laura-Resident Mom and Dental Hygienist on Jan 18 2010 11:55:48:
I, too, travel by air a lot with my kids, and Kate’s answers are great ones! I’d also recommend bringing crayons and coloring book, MP3 player loaded with kids songs, and a creative mind. We sometimes play ’still’ games like “I spy”, “Statues” (where one person makes a face or body movement and the other one copies it), “Name that tune”, etc… or just make up songs or stories. You can tell the beginning then ask her what happened next, then swap back and forth telling the story. Even retelling the plot of a favorite movie or book will entertain them. Remember to bring nap/bedtime stuff in a carry on if you want her to sleep. Good Luck!
Comment by Nicole Abbott – Resident Mom on Jan 31 2010 02:33:14:
Both Laura and Kate have provided excellent ideas.
I’m not big on TV but my daughter loves Dora. I brought my fully charged laptop and tons of DVDs like Baby Einstein and Dora.
Comment by Jennifer–Resident Mom on Feb 05 2010 08:30:19:
Wow! You’ve gotten some great ideas already. I would echo the idea of taking some old stand-bys for toys and treats while including some new treats and goodies. If you have any books that came with CDs be sure to download those CDs to an MP3 or laptop so your child can listen to favorite stories as well. Taking some gum may be wise to help your child with popping ears. Fruit snacks or other gummy candy do the same trick. I would also suggest making sure your child wears ultra comfy clothes. Have a great trip!
Comment by Gaile Gonzales on Feb 28 2010 05:45:10:
I love all of the suggestions listed above! The only thing I would add -my favorite mom trick for almost anything- is to wear something with lots of big, easy access pockets (think cargo pants, etc) so you can have little things within reach without having to continually dig through a purse or diaper bag.
Oh, and be prepared to smile at your fellow passengers! They will be more likely to react with sympathy rather than anger if your daughter becomes disruptive on the flight.
Comment by Tamika-Resident Mom on Apr 21 2010 03:46:02:
I have taken that trip with my young daughter plenty of times. Make sure to bring something that makes her feel secure such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Also take your laptop with a backup battery so she can watch her favorite DVDs. She will also need snacks for the flight but also for the take off and landing. It may not be easy to take this trip so just remember if she is comfortable she will be more patient and manageable.