Any tips for kid's first plane ride?

Celestrina wrote: In a few weeks Ben will be taking his first plane ride. Do you have any tips for helping to relieve ear pressure, or any other problems that might arise? How did your little ones handle it? I've heard this is a common reason why kids will have problems on planes.

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: If you are flying with him solo, Benadryl. I flew with Logan a few weeks ago, dosed him with Benadryl, with ped's approval, and he slept through the flight. Otherwise, keep him occupied and make sure he has a sippy to drink during take off and landing. Or a straw juice box. The sucking should help with his ears.

MiniMommy replied: Another thing to help the ear is to chew gum. If your child is too young for that, do what idaho_boo said.

kit_kats_mom replied: I'd go to the dollar store and get a bunch of NEW toys. flash cards, action figures, small puzzles, books etc. Wrap them individually and put them in a special bag along with some crayons, a spiral notebook, stickers, sippy or gum and a few of his favorite snacks. When he starts to get wiley, let him open a "present". that should keep him occupied for awhile.

Also, have a couple of time killing games that you can play. Real Simple magazine just had a ton of good suggestions for these. I think they are on their website now.

Good luck. I always dread flying with the girls but they always suprise me and are great.

ediep replied: to pass the time we brought paper, crayons, DVDplayer, fave movies, snacks

for the ear pressure try lollipops, sippy cup, gum, fruit snacks.

jacobsmama replied: I don't have any tips but Jacob will be flying in October first time too. Thanks for posting.

luvbug00 replied: Ditto to all above . we brought a DVD player , crayons and paper and juice boxes and gummy bears for the chew factor becase my mom hates it when mya chomps loudly on gum..LOL

Kalyne's mom replied: I also used chewing gum for the ears. Let him pack a backpack with his favorite toys and snacks and maybe a small pillow. Also, if possible let him sit by the window to give him something to look at. Good luck!

ashtonsmama replied: Some new "inexpensive" but fun for him toys wrapped up will keep him busy for a bit, and definitely yes on the water, juice, sucking on anything...I've flown with my niece and she was a baby at the time, so we just popped a bottle in her mouth and also used the pacifier...she was great mostly...good luck!!!

Brias3 replied: Gum would help if you allow him to chew it, otherwise something like a juice box to suck on. However, I never had problems with ear pressure complaints or discomfort, even when I flew with the kids as infants. Lots of new activities will help occupy the time. Depending on the time we are flying, I usually try to either skip a nap or wake them early so there's a chance of napping on the plane.

MM'sMama replied: Like the others have said new toys are the best, and juice boxes. Also Brice and I had a blast name clouds kept him busy for a long time, and everything he'd see a new one he'd get exctied. Also what they look like shapes etc. Since we were closer to them he found them so "towool momma towool" and he was 3 at the time too.

Good luck!

redplaydoh replied: We fly a lot with the boys, long distances usually between Switzerland and the US. I have a lot of experience with this...

We always tried to keep them from napping so they would sleep on the plane. Also I had Benadryl and Motrin handy. I wouldn't give it to them unless I thought they were restless from the pressure changes. It doesn't take long to work so it wasn't a problem waiting... many times they didn't need it.

If the pressure changes causes them pain ask the flight attendant for a cup, place a few napkins in it and have her pour hot water over the napkins enough to just make them damp then hold the cup over the ear and the heat will create pressure to release the ear. Works like a charm...

Activity stuff is a must. Sticker books (many have reusable stickers), DVDs are a great idea... those little etch-a-sketch things are small and can be carried easily. I have one of those Aqua doodles and I think it is a MUST HAVE. Crayola and Playdoh make these pens that have rubber stamps on one end and those are good too. I wouldn't take things like small cars or anything that rolls unless you don't mind losing it. Make sure that the kids never see these items and that it is new to them until you give it to them. There are also these magnetic boards with different themes, I have one of a zoo, farm and a Mr. Potato Head you can make funny faces with. With the zoo and farm scenes you can create fun stories as you make the pictures.

I even take the blankets provided on board and tuck into the back head rest and the front tray table and make their own personal tent/hideout.

Take chocolate kisses and hand out to the poeple sitting around you, it makes instant friends with those around you and you'll be forgiven easier for the antics your child(ren) pull on the plane.