I would really go with the "headphones or no volume" method and let it be her choice. Personally, if I had to listen to kids' shows for 6 hrs I might strangle someone. Sorry, OP.

why don't you try a different set of headphones?

Anonymous wrote:I've taken one trip by air by myself since my 18 month old was born. And on one of those segments the toddler behind me was watching videos without headphones and I could hear it clear as a bell. I almost cried.

Reading your second response I do appreciate the pickle you are in and that you are trying to find a solution. You might also want to try just leaving them laying around where she can see them and reach them if she wants to. It might make he more comfortable if they are just around casually.

LOL, I'd like to have your problems in life.

ipad with no volume only, then. She can look at the images. As for other ways to entertain, it's hard but people did this before ipads were invented! It's rude to have it on with no earphones, think of it from the passenger viewpoint. If everyone did this there would be a lot of competing noise. Your dc will just have to do without the sound. She is young enough where it should not make such a difference.

I've taken one trip by air by myself since my 18 month old was born. And on one of those segments the toddler behind me was watching videos without headphones and I could hear it clear as a bell. I almost cried.

Reading your second response I do appreciate the pickle you are in and that you are trying to find a solution. You might also want to try just leaving them laying around where she can see them and reach them if she wants to. It might make he more comfortable if they are just around casually.

Anonymous wrote:My experience has also been that ambient noise drowns out a video played at a low enough volume. We used our portable DVD without headphones when we flew a few years ago and I could barely hear it and I was sitting right next to him. Ignore the bitchy posters -- you will be fine. 18 months is a really tough age because they are not really old enough to understand why they need to stay still and quiet.

100% agree with this. Unless it is blaring then you will be fine with iPad speakers. It's a tough job with an 18mo - good luck! And bring lots of little distractions!!

My experience has also been that ambient noise drowns out a video played at a low enough volume. We used our portable DVD without headphones when we flew a few years ago and I could barely hear it and I was sitting right next to him. Ignore the bitchy posters -- you will be fine. 18 months is a really tough age because they are not really old enough to understand why they need to stay still and quiet.

P.S. for anyone who travels with more than one kid, a $7 three way splitter has been one of the best purchases I've made. That way they can all watch together with headphones, no fuss.

No way OP. That's inconsiderate to everyone on the plane, which is already loud enough as it is. Are her headphones over-ear or in-ear? Maybe they are uncomfortable for her?

When I fly with my toddler, I turn on the captions and let him read along instead.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone, for the honest replies, especially ones that wish us good travels! The problem with the headphones is not just that DD doesn't like them, but she appears to be scared of them. Starting from the first time she saw them, she kind of froze...held very still when put on...then started crying, ripping them off and running for me. I have tried multiple things-making mommy wear them, babydoll wear them, dressing them up, getting the cord out of the way so it's not dangling around her neck, etc. Positive praise does jack. I'm going to keep trying right up until plane time, but I'm preparing for the worst. For the posters who suggested giving her a treat, she's not quite at the age where she understands that yet, plus she's scared. And to the poster who said either headphones or no iPad, that would be fine, but there is no way I will be able to keep her entertained and quiet the entire 6 hour flight that way. It seems from most posters that a small amount of iPad noise (of course I'm not talking about blasting the thing at full volume) is preferable to a fussy kid.

Thanks again!

Ha! Sorry, that came out a little weird. Obviously I can entertain her w/o media, but it won't be a quiet endeavor...

Thanks everyone, for the honest replies, especially ones that wish us good travels! The problem with the headphones is not just that DD doesn't like them, but she appears to be scared of them. Starting from the first time she saw them, she kind of froze...held very still when put on...then started crying, ripping them off and running for me. I have tried multiple things-making mommy wear them, babydoll wear them, dressing them up, getting the cord out of the way so it's not dangling around her neck, etc. Positive praise does jack. I'm going to keep trying right up until plane time, but I'm preparing for the worst. For the posters who suggested giving her a treat, she's not quite at the age where she understands that yet, plus she's scared. And to the poster who said either headphones or no iPad, that would be fine, but there is no way I will be able to keep her entertained and quiet the entire 6 hour flight that way. It seems from most posters that a small amount of iPad noise (of course I'm not talking about blasting the thing at full volume) is preferable to a fussy kid.

Thanks again!

Since you clearly care enough to consider in advance how the people around you are going to be affected, you will probably do everything possible to minimize annoyances and that goes a long way, IMO. Bring lots of different distractions and fun snacks. I wish you easy travels!

We were on a long flight when DD was 20 months old. She and DH were sitting in the row behind me, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on his iphone. There was enough noise in the background to drown out the sound of the show. I couldn't hear it at all.

No, OP, I don't want to hear the IPad noise on the flight. Spend time training your child before the trip. If she screams with the headphones, no IPad. If she wants the IPad, she must have the headphones.

If she opts for no IPad, make sure that you bring books and toys and other things to keep her quiet.

It worked fine with my kid. She preferred the IPad with headphones.