Plane ride with a toddler

We are going to NC this week and although it is a short plane ride, it will be DS's 1st ride on a plane. I am nervous he won't want to sit down the entire flight b/c he is very curious and loves to explore and walk around.

What should I bring on the plane with me to keep him occupied? I think it is about a 1 1/2 hr. flight not including take off and landing.

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

For a short flight, the best thing to bring is a portable DVD player. Otherwise, stock up on new, small toys - wrap in wrapping paper, and give them to him throughout the flight.

And, of course, snacks.

We're flying this week too, to Italy on Thursday, which is an 8 hour flight, but we've flown numerous times before with Alex, the longest being a 12 hour flight to Israel. It's not so bad, particularly if they nap/sleep for part of the flight.

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

I agree with Beth...

Bring one or two NEW toys that he's never seen before - small things you think will capture his interest (if he has a favorite character??) but not annoy the heck out of everyone else on the plane.

Lots of his favorite snacks and a DVD player with 2 of his favorite DVD's...

And a bottle / sippy cup for take off / landing. I've found that if DD drinks during take off/landing, it doesn't bother her ears...

Good luck!

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

Do you have a seat for him? I think that will make it easier for him especially if you bring his car seat which he is familiar with and comfortable in.

We leave this week for WDW and I'm nervous too - DD never sits still.

But this is our plan. We are bringing her car seat with us so she can't just get up and run around.

So far I have:
Books
DVD player
puppets
magnet farm set
melissa & Doug puzzle maze (the pieces don't come off so they won't be all over)
Snacks
drinks
travel doodle (she likes to scribble on it and it isn't messy)

I would try to bring some new toys, books, and other things to keep him occupied. If you are by the window he might enjoy looking out.

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

By all means bring the carseat if you've purchased a seat for him!

Also- just an FYI. If you bring a DVD player, BRING HEADPHONES. One thing I hated when I was a flight attendant was telling parents they had to turn off their DVD player because it was disturbing other passengers.

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

I agree with all the suggestions posted.

Oh and maybe you could bring some coloring books too...

Message edited 9/22/2008 1:08:22 PM.

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

We usually go to FL and that ride is about 3hours. DD does pretty well, we just bring the DVD player and lots of coloring books. I also pick up snacks in the airport after security.

After the first 2 times I stopped bringing a lot because it was usually me flying with DD alone and it was hard to carry everything.

Re: Plane ride with a toddler

I don't know if anyone mentioned it but Stickers keep Charlie occupied for a good while on a plane. New toys and snacks help too.