Traveling With Kids ~ Surviving The Plane

The thought of a plane ride with kids, especially babies and toddlers, can be scary for most parents. But if you plan wisely, you'll have no issues.

The first thing you'll want to do is be respectful other the other passengers. Here are some tips to ensuring both you and your child are happiest and that the other passengers on the plane won't want to throw you out while up in the air.
1. Make sure you and your child are well fed before getting on the plane. Full tummy = happiness.
2. Pack to entertain. But on that note, be respectful by leaving noisy toys at home.
3. Try to keep your child seated. Things like kicking the back of the seat in front of them, jumping up and down on the seat, screaming and running up and down the isles will only gain your enemies.
4. While making trips up and down the isles (stretching legs or potty trips) keep little arms and hands down to avoid bumping and pushing other passengers.
5. Save naptime for the plane. The trip will be much more enjoyable for everyone, including you.
6. Break out every trick you have up your sleeve in order to make the flight as peaceful for everyone as you can.

Here are a few of the entertaining-toddler-activity ideas I've found that are tried, tested and true:
•With the In-Flight Magazine: Play “I Spy” and “Peek-a-boo”.
•Put lots of pictures and videos on your phone or tablet. Kids especially love seeing photos and videos of themselves.
• Save the cups you get with your drink on the plane. Kids love to stack them and put things in them.
•Lots of snacks for kids and parents! Well fed kids and parents make for happy kids and parents.
•Decorate the puke bag with stickers or make a puppet.
•Bring their favorite stuffed toy. They can cuddle, sing together, pretend to feed it, etc.
•Wrap toys and snacks in gift wrap so it's exciting every time you bring something new out and takes time to open.
•Paperback books or books on your phone or tablet.
•Kids games on phone or tablet.
•Kids movies on phone or tablet.
•Play-doh to make fun things.
•Magna doodle.
•Sticker books.
•Field trip to the bathroom or up and down the isles. Just don't disrupt other passengers!
•Toy car. Can bring masking tape to make roads on the tray or on the seat.
•Masking tape. Can make roads for cars, stick to nose, roll into a ball, stick to anything without wrecking anything.
•Activity sheets in a plastic bag with a dry eraser marker. Can erase to do over and over.
•Mr. Potato Head
•Finger puppets and a creative mind to make up plays.
•Puzzles
•Felt shapes on a felt background. Learn colors & shapes, dress-up dolls, put nose/eyes/ears on face, etc. Easy to create at home.
The ideas are endless and these are just a few. I know I'll collect more as the time goes on.

 A few of the things we need to pack for Brielle for the flight include:
•Sippy Cup. We really don't want spills on the plane.
•Extra change of clothes.
•Pull ups (she's daytime potty trained but pull ups might be our lifesaver on a long flight), underwear (if she's doing good with no accidents), wipes and rash cream (for a bum that will be sitting for long periods of time).
•Backpack her size so she can carry a few of her own things.
•Bib.
•Mini first-aid kit.
•Headphones.
•Light blanket.
•Patience.
•Sense of humor.

If you plan ahead for the plane ride, you should have very few issues. Be mindful of others, play with your little one and just relax. You're on your way to an awesome vacation!

Interested in knowing how I'm going to be able to work while on vacation in Maui? Want a sweet gig like this for yourself? Visit my website at www.discover-possibilities.com or email me at crystaldyck@gmail.com.