tell me about flying with an 18 month old

We ar going to Florida in June and DS will be 18 months. He will be sitting on our laps, and I was wondering what you do to occupy your child while flying?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Re: tell me about flying with an 18 month old

DD is 17 months. We have flown with her many times, the last one being last month. So, not quite 18 months.

If you have a portable DVD player, bring it along with some of his favorite DVDs. We downloaded some backyardigans and sesame street. (Oh, and make sure you charge it before the flight home....unlike my DH. Let's just say 3 minutes of Elmo's world and then going blank doesn't leave a toddler happy.)

Snacks. Drinks. Books. A new small quiet toy.

Good luck

Re: tell me about flying with an 18 month old

I have flown with DS several times, last time was around 18 mos. I would recommend a DVD player if your DS will not try to destroy it, for me it wasn't practical, DS just wanted to touch it and open it up.
One thing that seemed to work for us is to try not to feed him anything for a few hours before, so that you can occupy some time giving him a meal and a snack. Also a Doodle Pro is great also great, no mess but acts as "coloring". And lots of books, watch the noisy ones, was asked to put away anything tha made noise once by flight attendant, I commented that it was the noise of a toy or the screaming of my son, their choice.

Not sure if you are flying sole but if so, try to pack orginazed, can get a little caotic if not.

And lastly if DS will nap on you, try to fly around the naptime so that can slepp on you on the plane for a while. My DS will not so we try to fly early in the AM to alleviate any tired whining and fustration.

Hope this helps.