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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Travel advice for toddlers?
Dh and I are taking Alex to Israel next week. It's an 11 hour flight - any advice on how to handle Alex? What to bring? ANYTHING???
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Posted 1/2/07 10:57 AM  |
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steph4777
**************
Member since 5/05 11726 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
The farthest we've gone is NY, which is just a 2 hour flight. Since it's a long flight I would pack a few things that she likes - favorite food, blanket and comfy clothes. But I bring snacks, sippy cup, buy milk after security check in and toys that don't make a lot of noise. Not sure if Alex still uses a pacifer, but we usually bring 2 or 3 extra just in case. Once Nate threw his and it was stuck between the window and seat. It was the longest 30 min to get him to fall asleep.
Good Luck!
Message edited 1/2/2007 11:13:34 AM.
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| Posted 1/2/07 11:13 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by steph4777
The farthest we've gone is NY, which is just a 2 hour flight. Since it's a long flight I would pack a few things that she likes - favorite food, blanket and comfy clothes. But I bring snacks, sippy cup, buy milk after security check in and toys that don't make a lot of noise. Not sure if Alex still uses a pacifer, but we usually bring 2 or 3 extra just in case. Once Nate threw his and it was stuck between the window and seat. It was the longest 30 min to get him to fall asleep.
Good Luck!
Ohhh yes, we're bringing about 15 paci's. We toyed with the idea of weaning her a few weeks ago, but decided instead, we'll probably tape that sucker onto her mouth for the whole flight (JOKE!) and deal with weaning when we get back 
Wait, so I can't bring our milk with us? I have to buy it at the airport after the security check-in?
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| Posted 1/2/07 11:14 AM |
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BabyAvocado
Happy New Year
Member since 5/05 17334 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Oh boy...what can I say....
Well, we flew to FL for Christmas this year which is only a 2.5 hr flight and on the way there...well...it was almost unbearable... sorry to say...
At the security line at the airport we were "those people" ...you know the ones with the child SCREAMING his head off that everyone gives dirty looks to and asks stupid questions like "Maybe he needs a diaper change?" or "Awww... Is he hungry?"
To which you snottily reply "NO, he's not hungry or dirty, he's P!SSED because he has to stand on this line, can't move, has to take his shoes off, his jacket off, only to put them back on, can't sit in his stroller, can't be put down and allowed to run around, and is surrounded by strange people giving him dirty looks... he's just expressing what EVERYONE on this line is feeling in the only way he knows how!"
Uh...where was I? Oh yeah... we gave him Tylenol for the flight but it really did not help on the way there because I don't think we got him early enough. If you are going to drug her (and I'm sorry, I don't care what anyone says, I highly recommend drugging your child before flying- EVERY mom that I ran into and talked to at the airport told me they did it too and Jake is teething so it was totally justified  ) get her about 1/2 hr before boarding. On the way back the Tylenol worked great.
An early flight seems to be better than an afternoon flight...of course you can't change that now.
Oh - PSP was a LIFESAVER!!! If you have a portable DVD player - that'll buy you at LEAST 1 hr of peace on the plane. All depends on how many times she can stand to watch her favorite video.
Plenty of snacks is a good idea, books (if she likes to "read" or be read to). A new toy that she's never seen before is also a good idea.
Did you buy her a seat? If she'll be in her seat and she's a good car sleeper, she'll probably do just fine. This was the 2nd and last time I would EVER again fly with a toddler on my lap. If you can, bring something familiar from her crib or something that signals naptime to her - it may help her fall asleep sooner.
Also - all "rules" are off on a trip for us. We banished the binky over a month ago but believe you me it made a comeback for this trip (even though it didn't really help - he just took it out of his mouth and handed it back to me like "what the hell is this?"  ) The only rule for us was - "WHATEVER it takes so that he does not cry and if he is not crying - don't do anything!"
Other than that - I wish you lots and lots and lots and lots of LUCK!!!! Let me know how it goes!!! 
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| Posted 1/2/07 11:15 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by BabyAvocado
Oh boy...what can I say....
Well, we flew to FL for Christmas this year which is only a 2.5 hr flight and on the way there...well...it was almost unbearable... sorry to say...
At the security line at the airport we were "those people" ...you know the ones with the child SCREAMING his head off that everyone gives dirty looks to and asks stupid questions like "Maybe he needs a diaper change?" or "Awww... Is he hungry?"
To which you snottily reply "NO, he's not hungry or dirty, he's P!SSED because he has to stand on this line, can't move, has to take his shoes off, his jacket off, only to put them back on, can't sit in his stroller, can't be put down and allowed to run around, and is surrounded by strange people giving him dirty looks... he's just expressing what EVERYONE on this line is feeling in the only way he knows how!"
Uh...where was I? Oh yeah... we gave him Tylenol for the flight but it really did not help on the way there because I don't think we got him early enough. If you are going to drug her (and I'm sorry, I don't care what anyone says, I highly recommend drugging your child before flying- EVERY mom that I ran into and talked to at the airport told me they did it too and Jake is teething so it was totally justified ) get her about 1/2 hr before boarding. On the way back the Tylenol worked great.
An early flight seems to be better than an afternoon flight...of course you can't change that now.
Oh - PSP was a LIFESAVER!!! If you have a portable DVD player - that'll buy you at LEAST 1 hr of peace on the plane. All depends on how many times she can stand to watch her favorite video.
Plenty of snacks is a good idea, books (if she likes to "read" or be read to). A new toy that she's never seen before is also a good idea.
Did you buy her a seat? If she'll be in her seat and she's a good car sleeper, she'll probably do just fine. This was the 2nd and last time I would EVER again fly with a toddler on my lap. If you can, bring something familiar from her crib or something that signals naptime to her - it may help her fall asleep sooner.
Also - all "rules" are off on a trip for us. We banished the binky over a month ago but believe you me it made a comeback for this trip (even though it didn't really help - he just took it out of his mouth and handed it back to me like "what the hell is this?" ) The only rule for us was - "WHATEVER it takes so that he does not cry and if he is not crying - don't do anything!"
Other than that - I wish you lots and lots and lots and lots of LUCK!!!! Let me know how it goes!!!
OMG, this is exactly what I fear.
Thank you!!!
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| Posted 1/2/07 11:17 AM |
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steph4777
**************
Member since 5/05 11726 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by Bxgell2
Wait, so I can't bring our milk with us? I have to buy it at the airport after the security check-in?
I know they allow a certain amount of milk for babies... I would check with the airlines on how many ounces or bottles you can bring with you.
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| Posted 1/2/07 11:51 AM |
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JRG71
*****************
Member since 5/05 5025 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
I flew with DD to Florida over Christmas, and they let us bring all of her formula, juice and foods on the plane. They just checked it more thoroughly.
I would also suggest buying a seat. I will never do a lap child again. They are just too wiggly - and once they have some wiggle room - that's it. lol
I bought Emma a new toy plus brought some of her favorites - including her blankie. And a millions binkies - even though she only uses one for bedtime now.
I suggest night flights - and lots of patience. Flying with kids isn't easy, but it's worth it. I found DD did better on the night flight because she slept alot.
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| Posted 1/2/07 12:43 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by JRG71
I flew with DD to Florida over Christmas, and they let us bring all of her formula, juice and foods on the plane. They just checked it more thoroughly.
I would also suggest buying a seat. I will never do a lap child again. They are just too wiggly - and once they have some wiggle room - that's it. lol
I bought Emma a new toy plus brought some of her favorites - including her blankie. And a millions binkies - even though she only uses one for bedtime now.
I suggest night flights - and lots of patience. Flying with kids isn't easy, but it's worth it. I found DD did better on the night flight because she slept alot.
Well, we did a few things right - we did buy her a seat so she doesn't have to stay on my lap for the 12 hours, and the flight over is a red-eye flight so hopefully she'll sleep. My concern is the flight back, which is an afternoon flight, and top that with her complete disarray from the time difference for the whole week, I have a feeling I'm going to have one disturbed and cranky baby on my hands 
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| Posted 1/2/07 1:18 PM |
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baghag
:P
Member since 5/05 10278 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
When you check in, ask if you can have the bulkhead seats. Those are first row, with no seats in the front. Sometimes they are kept for families with young kids, so they have some extra room to move around.
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| Posted 1/2/07 1:28 PM |
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steph4777
**************
Member since 5/05 11726 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by baghag
When you check in, ask if you can have the bulkhead seats. Those are first row, with no seats in the front. Sometimes they are kept for families with young kids, so they have some extra room to move around.
I didn't like these seats at all....The drawback is that you have to put your carry on in the overhead compartment. I thought it was a PITA having to get up everytime I needed something. I prefer having a bag under the seat in front of me. On a 2 hour flight, you'll be surprised how many times I needed to go in the bag.
Message edited 1/2/2007 1:35:30 PM.
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| Posted 1/2/07 1:35 PM |
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JRG71
*****************
Member since 5/05 5025 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by steph4777
Posted by baghag
When you check in, ask if you can have the bulkhead seats. Those are first row, with no seats in the front. Sometimes they are kept for families with young kids, so they have some extra room to move around.
I didn't like these seats at all....The drawback is that you have to put your carry on in the overhead compartment. I thought it was a PITA having to get up everytime I needed something. I prefer having a bag under the seat in front of me. On a 2 hour flight, you'll be surprised how many times I needed to go in the bag.
I agree - I didn't like the bulk head seats either - For the same reasons.
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| Posted 1/2/07 1:47 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by steph4777
Posted by baghag
When you check in, ask if you can have the bulkhead seats. Those are first row, with no seats in the front. Sometimes they are kept for families with young kids, so they have some extra room to move around.
I didn't like these seats at all....The drawback is that you have to put your carry on in the overhead compartment. I thought it was a PITA having to get up everytime I needed something. I prefer having a bag under the seat in front of me. On a 2 hour flight, you'll be surprised how many times I needed to go in the bag.
Good to know! DH and I were going to ask for them, but if that means I have to constantly get up for my diaper bag, NO WAY!
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| Posted 1/2/07 1:49 PM |
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steph4777
**************
Member since 5/05 11726 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
I just thought of a few more things....
- little disposable bags - good for poopy diapers and other messy stuff.
- disposable changing pads - I just find these a little more sanitary when going to public bathrooms, I just toss them after 2 uses. Also great for spills.
- little bottle of hand sanitizer - good for those times when you can't get up out of your seat
I'll add more if I think of any
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| Posted 1/2/07 1:58 PM |
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DML
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 567 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
[
Posted by baghag
When you check in, ask if you can have the bulkhead seats. Those are first row, with no seats in the front. Sometimes they are kept for families with young kids, so they have some extra room to move around.
I didn't like these seats at all....The drawback is that you have to put your carry on in the overhead compartment. I thought it was a PITA having to get up everytime I needed something. I prefer having a bag under the seat in front of me. On a 2 hour flight, you'll be surprised how many times I needed to go in the bag.
You only have to keep your bag in the overhead for the going up and coming down - during the flight you can keep the bag with you.
For liquids, I flew over christmas - I had a pump with me, and about 4 bottles, no one asked me about it at all..........it probably all depends on the screener.
Also, if you are traveling with a baby, they will let you go in the first class line for security!
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| Posted 1/2/07 2:05 PM |
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dee7772
My Loves
Member since 5/05 4852 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
what about a portable DVD player with some of her favorite movies and shows to watch.
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| Posted 1/2/07 2:18 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by dee7772
what about a portable DVD player with some of her favorite movies and shows to watch.
We're going to do this, but the problem is the battery only lasts about 2-3 hours and the flight is about 12 
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| Posted 1/2/07 2:19 PM |
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MrsR
My love.
Member since 5/05 6247 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
TRUST me....bring benadryl - even if you dont PLAN on using it - it might save your life!!!! They have milk on the plane -they will even wash your bottles for you (at least they did on EL AL - are you flying el al?)
If she is like Talia she will be very jet lagged and will probably sleep whenever and wherever she can.
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| Posted 1/2/07 7:21 PM |
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JRG71
*****************
Member since 5/05 5025 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by dee7772
what about a portable DVD player with some of her favorite movies and shows to watch.
We're going to do this, but the problem is the battery only lasts about 2-3 hours and the flight is about 12
There are outlets on the plane.... The current isn't stable, but it may be enough to charge your battery for the DVD player. You'll find them either in front of, or behind the flight attendant jumpseats.
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| Posted 1/2/07 8:11 PM |
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JRG71
*****************
Member since 5/05 5025 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by JRG71
I flew with DD to Florida over Christmas, and they let us bring all of her formula, juice and foods on the plane. They just checked it more thoroughly.
I would also suggest buying a seat. I will never do a lap child again. They are just too wiggly - and once they have some wiggle room - that's it. lol
I bought Emma a new toy plus brought some of her favorites - including her blankie. And a millions binkies - even though she only uses one for bedtime now.
I suggest night flights - and lots of patience. Flying with kids isn't easy, but it's worth it. I found DD did better on the night flight because she slept alot.
Well, we did a few things right - we did buy her a seat so she doesn't have to stay on my lap for the 12 hours, and the flight over is a red-eye flight so hopefully she'll sleep. My concern is the flight back, which is an afternoon flight, and top that with her complete disarray from the time difference for the whole week, I have a feeling I'm going to have one disturbed and cranky baby on my hands
- Hopefully she'll be totally jetlagged and sleep.
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| Posted 1/2/07 8:13 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Travel advice for toddlers?
Posted by MrsR
TRUST me....bring benadryl - even if you dont PLAN on using it - it might save your life!!!! They have milk on the plane -they will even wash your bottles for you (at least they did on EL AL - are you flying el al?)
If she is like Talia she will be very jet lagged and will probably sleep whenever and wherever she can.
I plan on bringing a secret stash of Benadryl... just in case  Yup, we're flying El Al. I only hope we're not in the back because if someone wakes my darling child by praying over her head, I'm going to hand her to them!
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| Posted 1/2/07 10:53 PM |
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