First Plane Ride for Kids

I give my kids gummy bears instead of gum since I don't have to worry about a mess or them swallowing it but it gives the chewing they need to help the ears pop.(won't help with the 5mo old but will with the 4yr old.

We purchased a portable DVD player for our son's first trip (make sure you take headphones). Also, we bought some new little toys to help entertain. Most the time, the stewards/stewardesses are pretty attentive, but not always. We also sat in the back of the airplane, near the bathroom and in the noisy part of the plane. It will not be as bad as you think (for us, the worst part was waiting in the airport and taking off shoes for security).

Bring plenty of "stuff". Old toys, new toys, favorite toys, blankies, plush animals, etc. My friend just came back from CA and said that her life saver w/her 18 month old was a portable DVD player. She used it when her child got really, really fussy and restless. Instead of using a portable DVD player, you can also use a "Video Now". It's a tiny device (the size of a walkman or Nintendo DS), that plays PVDs. You can get it at Walmart or on-line. I just saw the players at a Tuesday Morning for $9.99 and I have seen the PVDs at Walmart and plenty of them on Ebay. Also, I would get "seabands" for both kids. These are fabric bracelets that you can get at Walgreen's that apply accupuncture pressure on the inside of your wrist to prevent motion sickness. My pediatrician took her child on their first plane trip. They thought of everything except the possibility that the little one could get air sick. They had to clean up after the 3 year old the entire plane ride. On the way back, they used the seabands and benadryl.

My oldest first plane trip was to San Diego at 5 months old and I was worried how he would do on a 6 hour flight too. I was able to nurse him during take off (since he was considered a hand held passenger at the time) and again during landing. The change in cabin pressure went so smoothly. Most of the trip he napped but when he was awake we kept him busy with his soft toys and books as well as taking his Baby Einstein on a portable DVD with headphones. When he was 2 we moved to England and traveled back and forth every 3 months for 2 1/2 years and that was an 8 1/2 hour flight each way. We got him his own backpack to carry which has a Leap pad with 5 different cartridge/books with headphones, books, portable DVD with his favorite movies, suckers (for cabin pressure changes during take off & landing) and whatever else we could find that were "quiet" toys. Everytime we landed people would comment that they didn't even know there was a child in the seat, he was so quiet. So the key is to bring things that will occupy them and respect the other travelers around you at the same time. Nothin like being on a flight with a screaming kid for 6 hours! Good luck!!

Take books,perhaps coloring items. If your 4 year old is able to chew gum take some it helps "pop" their ears to make the trip more pleasurable.
Usually bottle feeding the baby at take off will assist in helping the infant pop ears.
The stewardess told my daughter to hold her nose and blow lightly. It worked for her.
good luck it could be a great time but be prepared for boredom

K.! I'm here to help! We took my daughter on her first plane ride when she was about 3 1/2 months old.

The airport WILL let you take your stroller & carseat to the gate. If you did not buy the little bitty one their own seat, you will want to check both items at the plane. They will put a bright tag on them & put them under the plane. When you get off the plane (even with a layover) you will wait at the plane for them to bring your stuff up for you. It works like carry-on baggage but you don't fight with it. It makes life a lot easier.

I don't know if you're a breast feeder or not but if not, you can take powdered formula on the plane with you. You have to buy the water to mix it with on the opposite side of security. So, the bottles can't be pre-made.

I would recommend timing the baby to eat when the plane is ready to take off. When the plane is ready to go (taxied & everything) I would start to feed the baby. That will really help with ears popping. Same thing when you land. Even if it's just a snack bottle or a juice bottle... it's something to suck on.

For the 4 year old, I would take a book or 2. Maybe a coloring book & crayons. You have to buy him his own seat so he is allowed carry-on. Let him pack a back-pack with his favorite stuff to keep him occupied. Make sure you have gum or hard candy for him to suck on when the plane is taking off & landing as well.

I think that's about all I got. Good luck K.! I was picturing the worst when we went to Florida but it turned out to be really easy and even kinda fun!

Okay the most essential thing is a carry on with entertainment for your 4 year old i.e. toys, games, snacks, drinks..Do the same for your 5 month old and things should go smooth...

Some airlines offer movies to be played and give headphones to the passengers you can request for a childrens movie..

For my kids I bought Leapsters with different games and didn't give it to them until they really needed it on the flight. They were happily surprised and the games are learning games which parents love. Leapsters are also good for waiting in doctor's offices, at restaurants, etc. We also had a portable DVD player, and CD player on our trips. My daughter chews gum for take off and landing but my son doesn't. He drinks from a drink box. There are parents that swear by Benedryl. Not me! It can have a negative effect for some kids, mine is one. Ask your doctor first and try it at home some time BEFORE the trip to see how it effects your child if you plan to use that.

We played 'plane trip' before the actual trip to Seattle. I told my kids about going to the airport, checking in our luggage, waiting for the plane, getting in our seats, and flying. We pretended on chairs in the living room. We talked about the noises, vibrations, and sometimes "bumpies" the plane makes and how beautiful it is to look out the window. We live close to a smaller airport so we went and watched the planes take off and land. The internet has videos about plane travel too. We let our kids pick out a small carry on suitcase with wheels for the trip. They each packed their own with fun things to do, their music, movies, and a stuffed animal. The loved to wheel their own luggage through the airport. Knowing what to expect with planning is wonderful for kids and gets them looking forward to it. My kids look forward to plane trips.

Things that helped when we just flew for the first time with our 18 month old: If you're nursing, nurse a lot! It really helped us, because of the pressure on the babe's ears, etc. It went well. She got bored, but enjoyed interacting with others around us. People really do help out (most people) and it will probably go well, as long as you pack some age-appropriate things for the 4 year old. Another thing that your 4 year old might enjoy is a pack of cards. My little one loved taking them one at a time and putting them in the seat pocket in front of us. I'm sure your son is beyond that kind of thing, but it was a nice, easy thing to pack, and has lots of possiblities, sorting into black and red, counting, math games, etc...

And I love the Hyland's kids kit for calming babies and helping them stay healthy. I recommend it highly. I gave my babe a bit of chamomilla before the flight, and I think it helped. Also, if you're worried about motion sickness, you might search for some sea bands for your son.
Good luck!

Packing snacks and their favorite security items(pacifier,blanket,favorite stuffed toy) can really help. Your youngest may not be bothered by the sound but the air pressure change might bother him, sucking on a pacifier or nursing can help. Sometimes little ones get motion sick, all natural ginger candies can be helpful for upset stomachs. Also ginger ale can help, little sips at a time. If you own ear muffs you can use those for your older boy if the plane noise bothers him too much. Activity coloring books and toy cars he can "drive" in the fold out tray are good things to bring. You can even buy him a small backpack for him to pack with things he wants on the plane can help get him excited about the plane ride.

Personal experience of numerous flights as a child and car rides. Sometimes if things get to be too horrible for you and your little ones a little infant cold med to help them sleep can be a solution, but I would only consider it in extreme cases.

Good luck.

Make sure you pack a huge "bag of tricks" to keep them entertained. Pack snacks too! If you can afford it or maybe borrow from someone a small hand-held video game (like a Leapster) for your four year old. Also, and I'm sure this is controversial advice, give the four year a little liquid Benadryl. It takes the edge off of them being antsy and may take a nap. I never travelled with a baby but did when my daughter was 2 1/2 and this worked great for me. Have a safe flight!

Hi K.,

First of all don't panic! Most kids do just fine on planes my son is 4 and he has flown about 30,000 miles with me so far. I was overseas when I had him. Anyways the younger they are, the better too.....Make sure you make the 5 month old one drink(bottle or breast) taking off and landing that will help with his ear pressure.......I let my son chew gum on flights he loves that! If you don't like that idea just make sure he swallows liquids during take off and landing. I have a ipod for him as well with his favorites songs. Have a couple of new toys in your carry-on they have never seen to use when they get bored, of course small snacks to keep then busy, I think your youngest will sleep most of the way... most do on there first flights.....You may get lucky and the 4 year old will too!! Try to keep it simple use a back pack for a carry on to keep hands free, you can use a stroller all the way up to the plane door so take one, it will be waiting by the door on your arrival.... ask for help if you need it don't be shy! Make sure the airlines know you need a bassinet so you will be in the bulkhead seat ( so much more room there). If you think your 4 y/o will have an accident do yourself a favor and make him wear a pull-up but if he is good to go he will love the little airplane bathroom, kids are like that!.......if you have any more questions please dont' hesitate to ask.....I will email you if I think of something else good luck!
Cathy

Though my "babies" are 16 and 21yrs, I remember flying with them several times. The biggest things have been covered by other responses, but one or two additional items for you. Don't be stressed, upset, worried, panicky yourself. Many parents get to the airport or on the plane and are stressed and "feed" the emotion to the kids. One recent flight we were on the family in the row in front of us-two parents and two small girls-were doing well. One girl got wiggly and emotional, Mom went off on her berating her and telling her she should "shut the f--- up". All because she was stressed about a seat change. The rest of the flight was miserable for her and anyone sitting close. Also, do not be reticent to give a little "Pedialuude"-benedryl-to the small ones. About 30-60 minutes before the flight works well. I only did that once, it was just right. As a nurse and paramedic I honestly endorse it. If the 4y/o is wound up, several runs up and down the concourse at your gate works well to dissipate some energy! Have a great time!

Ring Pops work great - similar to a pacifier, and keep them sucking and swallowing during take off and landing
portable dvd players
books that keep them involved (sliding tabs, etc.)
milk and/or snacks

Good luck, expect the worst and hope for the best!

Hi K.,

I feel your pain, I felt the same way. I took my then 5 mo. old for a first plane ride in March and he did marvelous! I gave him tylenol about 1/2 before we boarded and at take off, I nursed him and then had a pacifier ready the minute he stopped sucking. He ended up falling alseep for most of the flights. Otherwise I had a few light up toys for him and some gripe water just in case as another way to try to pacify him. As far as your 4 year old, maybe prepare a treat for different stages of the travel with gifts from the dollor store, plenty of snacks and other of his favorite toys. Hope this helps!

I work for Delta....my son is 1 1/2 years old and has been to Germany 3 times, California twice and tons of other places on a plane.
You can take baby food, breast milk, juice and baby food thru security. They do not have to be in the quart size ziplock bag or under 3 ounces. Take your normal food and liquids for what you would need during the flight and a little before and after just in case -tell the TSA at security check point what you have.
As for the airport, CVG has a kiddie play area in concourse A. Make sure your 5 month old sucks on a bottle or pacifier during take-off and landing, this will help with their ears to balance out. As for your 4 year old -- take books, their fav toys, dvd player, something to keep them occupied. If you can fly during nap time, that is the best!!!!
Strollers and carseats are free of charge to checkin as baggage, I would take your stroller all the way to the gate, so much easier and you can gate check it. Strollers are not counted as carry on allowance. Good luck!!

I have a son turning 4 on June 11th. I just took my son on his first plane ride in April. I just made sure he had things to play with. I brought some dvds for him to watch n that seamed to do the trick. We went to seattle so I know how you are feeling. I was Very nervous because my son is very active also and doesn't like to sit. He did better than I thought he would do. Just have toys he can play n gum he can chew because of his little ears.

C.,

We have a 5-1/2 and a 2-1/2 year old. While we haven't flown with them yet, we have taken them on some long drives. (My parents live 2 hours away, and we've also taken the oldest to Florida before the youngest was born.)

The trick with driving was we drive until we run out of gas, or somebody needs to stop (to go potty, because they're hungry, too long in the car, whatever) - but that's with driving.

One thing we do have is what we call the "booty bag". It's a diaper bag that we take with us to restaurants, or any other "place of activity" (restaurants, outings, etc.). In it, we pack:
**Diapers and wipes, and any booty supplies (like Bag Balm or Desitin)
**Snacks (maybe peanut butter crackers, small milk cartons of goldfish crackers, graham crackers, poptarts)
**Jars of baby food; cups of applesauce (if the 4 year old wants some); a ziplock bag with some spoons
**Extra zip lock bags (we'll use one for dirty spoons, another for trash, another for stinky pants until we can get somewhere to throw it away)
**A few sippy cups
**Bottle(s) of water
**A couple small misc. toys (like toys from happy meals) or maybe a coloring book and a ziplock bag of crayons
**Bendy straws (comes in really handy if you have an "adult size drink - but sippy cups are a close "runner up")
**One change of clothes for each kid (in case someone throws up or potties in the pants or some other accident).
**Any medicines (infant tylenol, children's motrin, Advils for adults, baby orajel teething swabs, etc.)

We don't stock it like it's to last for a week - it's only stocked with enough stuff to get us through that specific trip, and then "restock" at the next destination. (After you stock it the first time, then you only need to "re-stock" after you get home from an event where you used it - then it's ready for the next outing.)

Let them bring a stuffed animal and/or blanket with them on the plane...something that smells like home that will help put them at ease (and preferably something you can put in one of the carry-ons).

My parents used to plan plane rides at night so we'd be tired. Yes, it meant putting up with cranky kids while getting "checked in" at the gate, but once we were buckled into the seats and settled down, we usually went to sleep for the trip.

Just a few ideas - for what it's worth...and good luck!

I have flown MANY times with my now 4 & 2 year old boys. I've never had a problem with the pressure but I do now let me 4 year old chew gum on the plane.
The 2 things that save me every time are the Leapster (my 4 year old will play it for hours!!) and a portable DVD player. I also try to get a couple of new movies that they aren't tired of. My 4 year old also loved a preschool activity book on our last flight. (We also just flew to San Diego from Columbus)
If you happen to be flying Southwest - they are great about telling you if there are extra seats available. If there are, you can take your infant carrier or car seat on the plane and buckle the baby in a seat.
Good luck to you! I'm sure it will go smoothly!!

Hi. I've never traveled via plane with kids, but my mom traveled from dad's Navy Base in Scotland to the U.S. twice with both me and my baby brother.

Her only advice to me was to keep kids sucking on something to keep the ears from hurting. I was nursed, so that wasn't a problem as an infant, but my brother was bottle fed and he only wanted warm liquids (she said hard to do) and never used a pacifier either, so he cried most of the trip. Poor darling. I am told that airline staff are more accomodating with formula these days.

I'm told that having older children chew gum will help.