Flying with a 2 year old?
MyBrownEyedBoy wrote: So, Logan and I are in the air in just a few more days and I haven't flown with him in his own seat before. So here are some questions.
Logan's car seat is FAA approved. I'm sure it's better for him to be in it rather than just in the seat with the lapbelt. But what do you guys think?
What should I bring to keep him busy. I'm at a loss. I don't want noisy battery toys, but I want something that will keep him busy.
And snacks, what do you recommend?
Hillbilly Housewife replied: I'd recommend dry cereal and juice boxes (with a little plastic sippy cup or whatever), cheese, fruit like grapes, bananas, oranges, easy to eat fruit that don't require cutting. Maybe some crackers, yogurt, applesauce, in the individual containers.
As far as I'm concerned.... for me anyways, the kid is better in his own seat - mine were. I was freaked out enough with the flying without having to hang on to a kid... we had books, we had a portable dvd player, magna doodle, crayons and a coloring book.
MyBrownEyedBoy replied: Thanks, Rocky. I love those juice pouches and if you freeze them they also serve as ice packs until they thaw. So, I'll probably bring a few of those. I hadn't thought of coloring books. I'm not sure if he'll be able to reach the tray table, but it's worth a shot. His bunny is definately coming with us. I'll have to see if our DVD player will pack easily because that could be a life saver.
Our Lil' Family replied: Definitely a portable DVD...IMO it's worth the extra bag!
Boo&BugsMom replied: Does he like music? What about a portable CD player with headphones? Tanner loves his. Travel games are also something to think about if you can find any for his age.
redplaydoh replied: An Aqua Doodle... if he can't reach the tray table it can be draped across his lap or tucked into the edge of the tray table when it's locked in place.
Paint with water books
Sticker books
Nice chocolates to pass out to the surrounding passengers if he acts up. With nice chocolate people are more forgiving!
Just a tip... before take off and landing request that a flight attendant give you one of those small drink cups with a paper napkin folded into the bottom of the cup. Have them drizzle it with HOT coffee water, just enough to soak the napkin. That way if the pressure bothers him you can cup his ear with it and the warm wet napkin will create a vacuum that eases ear pain. I'm sure the flight attendant has done this a hundred times and will know what you're talking about. It's best to have it on hand and hope you don't need it rather than be stuck because the flight attendants can't get out of their seats during take off and landing.
boyohboyohboy replied: when caleb was 2 we flew for 5 hours on a plane, and he sat in the plane seat, it was to hard to carry all that stuff, and he had his own pull along suit case and was proud of it....
it was so busy on the flight with the stewards making rounds, and the take off, and all the people, that he never touched his toys, he was looking out the window, and had a blast, and then fell asleep with about an hour left to go...he also had a lunch on the plane....
we took juice boxes to suck on for the take off and landing to help with his ears popping and that seemed to work, he never had an issue with that.
he was so amazed at the plane itself that it kept him busy.
have a nice time.
ediep replied: definately a dvd player! they are a life saver on a plane
we also brought crayons, drawing paper, his favorite books to read, little action figures or other little toy that he can play with on the tray.
i am pretty sure he'll reach the tray well enough, we flew when jason was 2 and 3 and he was fine
good luck
MyBrownEyedBoy replied: Nice ideas, guys. I'm going to make my carry-on a back pack so it'll be easier to carry with the other stuff. I bought a travel size magnadoodle yesterday and I'm getting him some stickers and a paint with water book. I'm also bringing 5 or 6 of his favorite little people animals. And of course, Bunny and a blankie. Thanks for the tip about the cup with hot water for ears. I'd never have thought of that one. I'm excited, but also nervous. 
mom2my2cuties replied: As a frequent flyer lately I have been watching parents in the airports. And my girl flys with me a lot too.
Due to the FAA Regulations, YOU CAN NOT BRING JUICE FROM OUTSIDE THE AIRPORT! Liquids must be less than 3oz and all fit in ONE
quartsize ziplock bag completely with no excessive bulging. All liquids must be purchased after the security screening check point.
About the car seat, it's bulky and they are pretty safe no matter in the lap belt alone. The flight attendant told me this, "If you are in a plane crash, the rate of survival is minimal unless it's a low runway incident, that a car seat is just causing you more trouble than it's worth really in the air and to check it at the gate through to my destination.
For snacks I would pack some of his favorites. They aren't picky about food items you take on, just drink.
DVD Players are great if you can get them to keep the headphones on.
Bamamom replied:
Not to dispute but my understand is that you can bring juice so long as you are traveling with a child - but maybe that's just for kids under two. I know they didn't give us a problem with it anyway.
Here's a link that will help
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
mom2my2cuties replied: All that applies to is Breast milk and formula and actual baby food. Juices and other drinks do apply to the 3-1-1 rule
DansMom replied: The only thing I would add for traveling in any form with kids is to have some books or toys or games that are new---never seen/heard before.
gr33n3y3z replied:
since the other posts say there is a problem with Juice for the kids
Call your airport and ask them before you take it just to on the safe side.
I know here well in Phildelphia airport there is no problem with juice of some sort bc I seen many kids getting off the planes with them the past few times I was there.
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