Flying with a 2 yr old...

[Jennygirl]

I am flying across country with DS in a few months. Can you give me suggestions to keep him calm and not get upset?

We are going to get him some new color wonder stuff, but im at a loss.

[Jennygirl]

[ImNoOliveOyl]

We flew with DD when she was around 16 months old... she LOVED her doodle pro thing (it's that magnetic drawing board thing.. small ones are less than $10.)... we took a backpack as one of our carry ons, and inside was stuff JUST for her.. coloring books with crayons, some toys that she hadn't seen before (think dollar store type stuff like toy cars and such) some snacks, diapers and other stuff we needed just for her.

[Imagineyouandme]

I thought that it was going to be hard flying with 3 kids. But the kids were so amazed at being in the air. I had to let them take turns sitting by the window so that they could stare out.
I did get them color wonder books and all of that fun stuff!

[leftover]

Small frequent doses of Benadryl.

Works great, it's the active ingredient in Dramamine..

He's a lap sitter, right? I'd ask for front row seating, RIGHT behind business class. There's usually more legroom in those front seats, sometimes they'll accommodate for small kids.

[Navylove10]

Stickers, new toys, snacks, books, portable dvd player

I flew to Scotland with DD when she was 1 1/2 and stickers were my savior, benadryl has the opposite effect on her so it wakes her up and gives her more energy. Learned that the hard way! LOL

[Marley]

Sticker books are good as well as books that you can read to her. I flew with db a lot when she was young and those things worked well at 2. Crayons for scribbling. Get big paper so that it covers up the

And if its a long flight be sure to reveal the options and treats slowly and in stages. I never let her know that getting up and pacing the aisle was an option until the last moment. That was my big gun because once she was up, she was up. I just tried to keep her seated as long as possible. Then let her stand in front of me. Let her look out the window. Do activities, etc. And when it's time for potty or she gets too antsy then we start the aisle thing. Bring lots of babywipes in case of spills.

[Jennygirl]

Thanks gals!! I will ask when we get to the gate if the first row is open!! It depends sometimes he likes to be held and other times dont touch!

Im nervous! Seattle to Pittsburgh better go quickly LOL

[lea]

If at all possible put him in a carseat. It's not only alot safer but it will be easier all around for both of you if he can't get up and want to run around. Then bring a bag of new toys...like stuff from the dollar store, a sippy cup to help with his ears, and some snacks.

[Jilly]

My son hated sitting in my lap when I flew home to see my family with dh and our two kids. Ds was 23 months and dd was almost 3. But I had an empty seat next to me at one point and when I sat him in it...he calmed down and was a happy camper. We made sure to wear them out so they would sleep on the way back. We found at the airport we got stuck at on our layover had an indoor playground where the kids could run around while we killed time waiting for our flight. I loved that place! My ds just passed out on the flight home, it was great!