Connecting moms in Polk County, Fla.

Travel Help - ASAP

Hey Moms -- need some help. Going to visit family with a 2 1/2 year old and infant, next week. Want to ensure my toddler is occupied - we're flying directly. I was thinking a backpack full of goodies, but wanted some ideas. Or other travel tips. I've already made sure that the car seat is compliant for airplanes; i'll be checking the babies and holding her and then the stroller i'll gate check.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alicia (Alsan) on June 6, 2011 at 2:33pm

I've never flown with mine, but... does the toddler like to color? I LOVE the Color Wonder markers and coloring books (or paper) since there's no risk of mess on the seats, walls, etc. I bring those to Dr appt or school meetings. Some kind of snack for take off and landing to help with the pressure in ears - she's a bit young for gum maybe, but if she still uses a sippy cup or a straw - that could help or gummy snacks? Depending on when you're leaving, if there's time to meet - I have a Video Now you could borrow - it's like a mini dvd player but it only plays videonow discs, my kids wouldn't miss it for a bit - I have an Oswald and Thomas disc...don't remember if there's any others. The screen is small but it has helped keep mine occupied in the past. That's all I can come up with, I'll keep my thinking cap on...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sue K on June 6, 2011 at 2:35pm

I did this every weekend when my husband started a new job in NC and we were still living in MI. I always gate checked the carseat too, my son got a kick out of having his own seat. He felt like a big boy and he also loved that he got his own tray. I just made sure I had snacks, books, crayons and coloring book each time. Or I would schedule our flight during his nap time (he's a heavy sleeper so nothing woke him up).

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Just Jen on June 6, 2011 at 11:44pm

We have flown out west twice a year since Joey was 7 month he's 2 1/2 now. I find bringing small quiet toys he knows plus a couple small things that are new help keep him happy and occupied. I take a couple small books like little golden books and a small lap version aqua doodle. Snacks like gerber gummy fruit, goldfish crackers. We still use a binky normally that's only for naps or bedtime but that or a drink in a sippy cup at takeoff will help the little ones ears. (I doubt the binky will work thus coming trip for us, when he's awake he chew it more than sucking on it.) Anything you gate check I would suggest bagging. Our first trip we had a cheap nylon bag we put our stroller in when we arrived the stroller was fine but the bag was covered in black grease. Check on your airlines boarding policy find out if you can board early in the que. We find it helps to get seated early and get situated before the crowd pours in. I think watching everyone else getting settled keeps Joey amused which helps too. Good luck hope you have a good trip.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stacie (Paco10778) on June 7, 2011 at 3:38pm

Thanks moms! I went and bought Alexis her own roller backpack along with some goodies (i.e. snacks, activities) which i'll give her when we get to the airport so she can be a big girl and have some fun traveling with her own bag. I have the snugli carrier for Harleigh and she's a binky baby so that'll be good. I'll also have my itouch and plan to download some new games/flashcards for her so that'll be another surprise that I hope to keep her occupied with.

Alsan - I may take you up on your offer about the video now. I'm leaving Monday the 13th, so if we can meet up this weekend, that would be awesome!! :) i'll pm you my number.