flying with very active 1 yr old

[Anonymous]

my son is pretty well behaved but he is very active- want to see and talk to everyone hated sitting in one place
any advice? Would it be cruel to give him benadryl?

[Meconbear]

I'm in the same boat as you and we've gone to Houston several times to see family (a couple of times with me solo). I go to a really good toy store a few days before the trip (we like Child's Play on CT Ave) and ask them for 3-4 cheapo toys that will keep him occupied for a while. That works for about an hour. I then try to schedule the flight for his nap time. That kills another hour, hour and a half. The last 45 minutes is spent changing diapers and walking up and down the aisle. Good luck! I've never tired the Benedryl but wouldn't blame you if you did.

[Anonymous]

My advice is don't go! I know, sometimes you just have to. First, do get him his own seat rather than keeping him on your lap. Second, make sure that you have plenty of snacks and a couple of favorite toys. Finally, hope for a smooth flight so you can walk up and down the aisle with him. I would not do the benadryl, especially as it can make some kids hyper.

Other than that, I have no advice. My dh recently told our older two that we won't fly again until the baby is at least 2. The worst age for flying is when they are so very mobile and active. You have my sympathy. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

10:48 again - wonder why it didn't put in the paragraph break??

I absolutely agree with 10:45 to travel at nap time. I should have mentioned that, too.

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

I flew to India for my son's first birthday (my husband had gone ahead of us, so I was dreading it). Lots of wrapped, small toys; lots of snacks--raisins, goldfish, and anything else you can give one at a time to keep him occupied; extra diapers and changes of clothes; lots of walking up and down the aisles. After all that activity, he should be able to sleep. The white noise on the plane helps. Be patient with the people around you, esp. those travelling without kids. I never expected anyone to be nice, but they were, particularly the guy next to me. I had a bassinet (my son was small for his age and he fit) and it was practically in the guy's lap. I thought it was poorly designed and kept apologizing, and probably as result, the guy couldn't have been nicer. Expect the worst, including delays, and hope for the best.

be sure to take an umbrella stroller or some sort of easy way to bring him through the airport. I had an excellent folding chair that straps to the rolling carry-on bags, but I can't find it on the One Step Ahead site anymore.

[Anonymous]

try to get the bulk head seat; when the seat belt light is off there is a little more room for him to stand up and stretch his legs w/o bothering anyone in front of you

[Anonymous]

I'm also in the don't go category, but I happen to have a child that is a nightmare to fly with right now. Our normally pretty calm and well behaved guy who is a great sleeper and loves his naptimes, turns into a sleepless demon child on a plane. It started at around 10 months (when he started getting really mobile) on one long and horrific flight cross country and it's been misery ever since. Finally, the last trip this past October to TX for a wedding when he was 22 months, we were so devastated when we got off the plane that we refuse to fly with him anymore until he's older. It all depends on the child. Naptimes, DVD players, new toys, favorite foods - none of that works for us - but we tried them all because I hear they do work for a lot of kids.