Group Discussions

Travel with and without small children

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  any advice from mothers that travel often:
  A. How do you deal with long flight with a 2 yr old?
  B. How do you deal with travel alone when you have to leave the 2 yr old behind for up to two weeks?

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by oceanne on 10th July 2008
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  We just flew with a 2-yr old and a 4-month old. Here's what I recommend:
  
  - bring their carseats up to the gate with you. My toddler would sit in hers whenever we had to stop, just to rest or hang out, and kids know what their carseat is and what the expectations are for sitting in it.
  - do whatever it takes. You know what I mean: bring that only-for-night-night pacifier, the blankie, and a few small new toys (quiet ones!). When things head for meltdown, bring out one thing. Hoard these resources, i.e., don't show your hand all at once.
  - bring a sippy cup, a hand towel, and plenty of wipes
  - bring a change of clothes, including a little jacket in case they get cold on the plane
  - if they start to go nuts, head to the rear of the plane and chill out
  - get seats at the rear if possible, or at least near a bathroom

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by MDiskin on 10th July 2008
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  Okay, for those who know me, I'm all for planning ahead and taking the "road of least opposition" when it comes to parenting. I don't like to be stressed. We don't fly often, but the few times we did, I would try my best to schedule flights during times that would be our normal " Mom & me" times.
  We had regularly afternoon times where we would do outings, or play games, and even read stories. I utilized the time in the airport as an "outing",- playing it up as a big adventure, talking about the planes, and letting them know we were going to get on one of those planes and fly in the air. That we're taking a plane instead of a car because we can get there faster. I explained every thing we were doing and why. When at the ticket counter, I'd talk to them the entire time. "We're checking in to let them know we're here, - we're giving our luggage to them to carry so we won't have to carry it around with us", we get to walk through this door and try not to make it beep, etc.
  We'd have a snack in the diner at the airport, and once on the plane, we'd read stories, etc.
  One thing I would say, is that this is a big event in your child's life. It's new and different, and being connected with them emotionally during this time is important to how they will perceive the experience. Most kids "act out" in situations like this because they are afraid
  of the unknown. It's a new experience, and they don't know what to expect. By staying emotionally connected with your child during new experiences like this, they will feel stable and grounded, even if you are several thousand feet in the air.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Naturalsoycandles on 10th July 2008
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  Make sure you pack M&Ms. A little baggie of M&Ms can buy you 10 minutes of utter peace. And you can eat them too.
  
  Oh, and bring cash to buy yourself a drink on the plane if all else fails....
  
  When my kids melt down, I try to remember that a lot of the people on the plane around me have traveled with kids and are probably just glad they are not me. And if they haven't, they probably will at some point.
  
  We are about to fly from Virginia to Seattle and then drive down the Coast to San Diego with our kids. The youngest just turned 3.
  
  Amy
  Mom to 3
  www.sofiabean.com

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by AmyE on 10th July 2008
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  I travel all the time with my kids due to the nature of my job as well as where our family are. My husband is English and my family lives in Puerto Rico so our trips tend to be at least 5 hours. Last time (about a month ago) it took us 12 hours to make it home. I have come up with few strategies that work very nicely. The most important thing is to keep them busy!
  
  
  - When you come in. Stop and visit the captain. In my experience this put a nice note on the beginning of the trip. My children now even look and examine the emergency procedure cards because they want to know so much more that the card and wings that the Captain gives them. This keeps them busy and in place for take off. -- They so want to be like the captain!
  
  - Bring your crayons and paper. My children are now older (they are 6 and 4) and simply love to draw. With mine it always works that they are drawing a picture for the captain and his crew. That keeps them entertained on an off for two hours.
  
  - Bring a story and read it with them. This can buy you one hour.
  
  - Bring your portable DVD Player! Technology is a wonderful thing, and two year olds love Calliou and other child appropiate TV programs. That will buy you at least one hour.
  
  - Bring healthy snacks. That always calms them down and keep them busy.
  
  - Bring a positive attitude. Keep it happy, and keep yourself engaged. After all you are a Mom travelling with kids!
  
  Edda

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by EddaG on 10th July 2008
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  We have been traveling with my 3 yr old son since he was 2 months old - for 5 hr car rides to visits the in-laws and by plane since 6 months old - Last December we went to London & Paris - I bought him a small suit case on wheels when he was around 1 ½. I take out the toys/puzzles he can bring - he picks what he wants and packs them himself - he walks with his little suitcase feeling all grown up and it makes him feel he was in on the planning. I also make sure that he has toys once we arrive so he has something different to play with - I go to the $1.00 stores and buy cars/sand toys/puzzles and leave them where are we go - they are cheap it keeps him busy and I have more room in our luggage on our return trips. Make sure you take extra clothes, diapers, blanket (air plane are not that clean)food/drinks/fruit/snacks for the trip

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Older Mom on 10th July 2008
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  I often travel for work. When my daughter was younger than 3 and I'd bring her on trips here's what I found worked well:
  1) bring someone that can help - mother, sister-in-law, babysitter, nanny.
  2) time the flight so that it coincides with the typical nap-time. (This can be tricky. Particularly since my daughter would get grouchy right BEFORE nap-time.
  3) bring a carry on packed just for the little one. Snacks, games, favorite toy, etc. I'd often get a little surprise goodie. That way my daughter would be delighted with her new coloring book, puzzle or game.
  
  

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by HeatherSocks on 10th July 2008
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  I've always viewed traveling with my son as sacred time. The airplane is one of the few places where you can't use your cell phone or access email or the Internet. Some of the best "quality time" with him has been during our travels. I've flown thousands of miles with him since he was 10 months old (now 6) and ne'er a bad experience. If you can keep your kids comfortable, occupied and well-fed, you will significantly improve your chances of having an enjoyable flight. Here are just a few tips:
  
  1) Pre-board with little ones (I know, some will disagree and say wait till the last possible minute, let your kids run around near the gate, and then settle in). With a baby and/or toddler, it's a lot to get your child, carseat and carry-ons on board. It's far less stressful without a line of impatient people behind you.
  
  2) Pack a spare set of clothes and twice as many diapers as you think you'll need. Unfortunately, a delay (and quite possibly a signifcant one) is likely. You may find yourself in the airport or on the tarmac for hours longer than anticipated.
  
  3) Pack snacks (low sodium), or if a longer flight, a sandwich for your little one. Most airlines have either eliminated all food service, offer only peanuts, or charge for food and drink. Even if food is served, you'll probably want to skip it.
  
  4) Bring a blanket and travel pillow, or squishy stuffed friend (or a Zoobie Pet 3-in-1 travel blanket, pillow and stuffed animal).
  
  5) Pack plenty of in-flight entertainment. Always having a supply of fun, creativie and interactive games, toys and arts and crafts is what really has made traveling with my son so easy and enjoyable, and delays at the airport tolerable. Children 3+ are old enough, and eager to, pack their own carry-on. Easily fits under seat in front, giving them full access to what they want and need without your having to constantly go into your own bag. Plus, with airlines now (or within next few months) charging $15/checked bag each way, you'll probably want to avoid checking bags where possible.
  
  If you dread packing, or are just pressed for time, check out www.littlejetset.com for tons of great kids' travel accessories, toys, games, arts and crafts and activity books.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by jshoremom on 10th July 2008
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  As your kids get older, involve them in the trip. We had our daughter reading maps when she was in kindergarten. We showed her the route, then had her find out what the next crossroads or next town would be. Then she watched out the window for the signs. It gave her purpose - a purpose other than "Leave your little brother alone!"

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Daisy on 10th July 2008
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  Does anyone have kids who get motion sickness in the car? Our daughter has it really bad, we have to give her Dramamine or she will throw up within 10 minutes on the highway. We've not yet taken a plane trip -- she is 4, I know! -- and I am wondering if she is likely to also have motion sickness on the plane...

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nataly on 10th July 2008