Air Travel with Tots

Flying with children is an unpredictable experience. One child may sit quietly on an airplane and observe everything going on, while another may cry or want to run up and down the aisle. Your child may sleep through the flight or demand nonstop entertainment. Here are some tips for flying with toddlers, whatever their disposition.

Ear care.

Consult your child’s doctor before planning a trip if your child has an ear infection . The extra pressure exerted during take off may pose problems. If your child has a congested or runny nose or allergies, your doctor may recommend administering Benedryl or a similar product prior to the flight to ensure a fully opened airway. Have your child suck or chew during the take off and landing to help clear the pressure in his ears. Pack some juice boxes or have a bottle ready to go rather than depending on flight staff to get you what you need.

Choose your flight.

Midweek, middle of the day flights are least crowded and allow extra room if your child wants to nap. Children two and older are required to purchase a ticket and are entitled to a seat. Bring along the child's car seat. Some booster seats are not approved for airplanes. Check with the airline ahead of time to find out if your seat is approved for airplane use.

Try to book non stop flights whenever possible to avoid extra take offs and landings, as well as the inconvenience of locating and reboarding another plane. If a nonstop flight isn't available, request that an electric cart meet you and help you transfer your child and belongings to your next flight.

Meals.

Special order a child's meal when booking your flight or take along food for your child. He may not eat airline food. Take extra snacks and juice in case he is hungry before the meal is served. Pack a child-sized spoon, cup, and bibs. Carry a damp washcloth in a plastic bag or disposable wipes for easy cleanup.

Pack extra.

Carry a bag with extra outfits for everyone in the family. Include two extras for your toddler--one for spills and one in case your luggage doesn't arrive with you. Dress your child in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes such as a sweatsuit or sleeper.

Provide your child with a bag of toys chosen for the flight. Include toys with lots of knobs and buttons to keep little hands busy. Tie them to the carseat so you aren't hunting under the seats for toys during the flight.

Try to keep your child awake and active before the flight so he will nap on the plane.

If your child tends to get motion sickness, special medicine is available in liquid form and should be given a half-hour before the flight. Pack extra washcloths if you foresee air sickness. Some children get diarrhea on air flights so you may want to pack extra diapers.

Prepare ahead.

Talk about what he will experience at the airport and during the flight. Visit the airport a week before your trip if possible. Point out the boarding gates, luggage area and so on.

Finally, prepare to be pleasantly surprised when you and your toddler take off -- because with planning, there may be less turbulance in the skies than you expected.

Read one or more of these books to acquaint your child with air travel.

Going on an Airplane by Fred Rogers. Packing, checking in, negotiating the airport, security checks, boarding the plane and eating are some of the things Rogers introduces in this book. Children will get an overview of the people and activities involved in an airplane trip.

Jamie Goes on an Airplane by Jill Krementz, Great Big Board Books. Color photographs shows Jamie packing, going through a security check, boarding the plane, following safety procedures, eating, deplaning and collecting his luggage as he travels with his parents to his grandparents’ house.

We’re Taking an Airplane Trip by Dinah L. Moche. Elizabeth and Jimmy are traveling without their parents, in the care of a stewardess. The book follows them as they check in their luggage, hear the safety talk, and eat. It introduces children to the parts of a plane and flight activities.