Screens on the plane for 2.5yo

[Anonymous]

Posting it here to also benefit from the wisdom of parents whose kids are older now.

Our twins are 2.5yo and we have been taking trips to the west coast twice a year since they were 3mo. Although they do not watch TV at home, we got them tablets to take on the plane. Last time we flew with them, they were just over 2yo, we gave them the tablets, but that only entertained them for about 20min. I am not planning on letting them use the tables at home, but I would like a more successful flight experience on our upcoming trip. Any suggestions on what may entertain them? Do you think it's better to have many short episodes, like Masha and the Bear or should I (also/instead) try some longer movies?

TYIA

[Anonymous]

Took my DS to India when he was almost 3. We tried to put on movies, but he could only watch for 25 minutes. I would say short episodes of something, rather than a movie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Took my DS to India when he was almost 3. We tried to put on movies, but he could only watch for 25 minutes. I would say short episodes of something, rather than a movie.

+1

Water Wow might keep them entertained for a bit too.

[Anonymous]

At that age my DD enjoyed apps more than shows.

[Anonymous]

we've never done apps with our kids. at that age they were happy with videos of themselves, daniel tiger, dora, and some other teletubby-type baby shows.

[Anonymous]

Little Baby Bum. I swear my kids can watch it for hours, it's hypnotizing. Netflix has three 1-hour long "episodes" which are really just like 25 nursery rhymes back to back.

[Anonymous]

Plot and movies are hard for under 3. My 2 year old likes TV, but does not like movies because he can't follow them very well.

I wouldn't expect to get more than about 30 minutes at a time out of a 2 year old on a tablet. So do 30 minutes tablet, 30 minutes something else.

A box of band aids is also a great way to entertain a little one. It takes awhile to open each one and they can stick them anywhere and they come off easily.

[Anonymous]

Youtube--Blippi. My 3yo can watch it for hours.

[Anonymous]

20 minutes seems about right. Our kids had unlimited screen time but would never watch for more than 15 minutes or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:20 minutes seems about right. Our kids had unlimited screen time but would never watch for more than 15 minutes or so.

OP here. Good to know. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Took my DS to India when he was almost 3. We tried to put on movies, but he could only watch for 25 minutes. I would say short episodes of something, rather than a movie.

+1

Water Wow might keep them entertained for a bit too.

OP here. Thank you. We have other entertainment with us as well: books, new toys, water wow, tegu blocks...

[Anonymous]

I think kids aren't really entertained by screens unless they're already used to them (i.e. they are already familiar with the characters, story lines, etc.)

If you don't have TV at home, they would probably be more entertained by activities that they're already used to. So instead of trying to get them interested in a tablet, couldn't they just color, read, etc. (or whatever they usually do in their leisure time at home)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Little Baby Bum. I swear my kids can watch it for hours, it's hypnotizing. Netflix has three 1-hour long "episodes" which are really just like 25 nursery rhymes back to back.

Oh God yes. My 2 year old will not sit still for anything except this.

[Anonymous]

2.5 is too young for movie-length.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Little Baby Bum. I swear my kids can watch it for hours, it's hypnotizing. Netflix has three 1-hour long "episodes" which are really just like 25 nursery rhymes back to back.

Oh God yes. My 2 year old will not sit still for anything except this.

Thirding. My DS loved this when he was 2. Crack for toddlers. Not great for everyday but a life saver on a plane.