Toddlers and Transatlantic Flights

In My Humble Opinion
1

This summer, we’ll be taking our 2 year old toddler to the States for a month. We’ll be flying out at 10:30am Paris time, but will have to get her up at 6am to make the train to the airport, in time for the 3hr-prior check-in.

The flight is about 7-8 hours and once we arrive to Philadelphia, we have to pick up our luggage, get our rental car and drive about 1 hour to my mom’s. We’d be arriving there at about 8pm our time (her bedtime is usually 8:30pm).

Here are some questions for all you experienced folks:

  1. Would you sedate? If so, what drugs and what dosage? And when would you administer them? (I know that sometimes drugs used for this purpose have the opposite effect and make the child hyper and that you have to try out the drugs prior to the trip to see how they work for your child)

  2. Would you encourage her to sleep on the plane (see #1) or stay awake?

  3. Any other pearls of wisdom? Please share your success or horror story with me.

We have flown transatlantic and transpacific with her several times, but she wasn’t walking yet. I am sure this will be a whole new experience.

:slight_smile:

2

Hi Anahita,

  1. Sedate: probably not.

  2. At that age, if they’re going to sleep they’re going to sleep.

  3. She should have her own seat. It may be helpful to bring a carseat on the plane and that way you can strap her in when you don’t want her getting about. Bring lots of dummy little toys. Suckers or chewable things, including sippy cups, particularly for ascent and descent. Read to her a lot. Take her for walks to the back service area when the flight attendants are not working. Let her flirt with the nearby passengers, then they’ll think she’s adorable and not a pain.

On my flight back I was behind a 2 year old and his seven month old sister. Both were very acceptable co-travellers. The teenages nearby were much more a pain. And everybody near by, even the Germans found them nice to play with.

Good luck!

3

Ooh, Anahita, we’ll be doing the same thing with totnak! We’ve travelled with flodjunior before, though not transatlantic at exactly age 2, but it still we’ve got some idea what to expect.

No sedation. What’s usually recommended are antihistamines. They can make a kid just sleepy enough to be unable to adjust to a strange environment. So instead of a normally active toddler, you’ve got an over-tired, grumpy and possibly frightened toddler. Not a good trade-off.

I don’t think it’s possible to dictate when a two-year-old sleeps. But if you can, I’d encourage your daughter to take a long nap on the plane going west (and to try to sleep normally home again).

Other advice: Obviously, if she’s got some security object, bring it. Let her use a pacifier if it comforts her. If she’s just potty trained, consider letting her use diapers again just for the trip - airplane toilets can frighten much older children, what must they be like for toddlers? Start picking up cheap, suitable toys now, to dole out one at a time as surprises on the plane. If she likes to rip paper, wrap them up; they’ll be like presents, and the fun will last longer. Pack some snacks she’ll like, too, and a few favorite toys and books of course. And a sippy cup and child-sized silverware; airlines don’t usually have those, even in the kiddy meals. Don’t forget a change of clothing. Accidents will happen on airplanes!

Let her exercise every chance you get. If she’s awake when the flight attendants aren’t pushing carts through the aisles, walk up and down with her. If you’re lucky, there will be a secluded place near your gate just before boarding begins, where one of you can chase her around a bit to let her burn off some energy.

Good luck!!

4

Shibb has got it right with the separate seat and with using a car seat - that has been a lifesaver for us.

As for the sedative, frankly, I am all for it. As I have said in previous posts related to this (can’t remember the titles) Benedryl is your friend. Don’t know if you have that brand in Paris, but Benedryl is an over-the-counter allergy antihistimine/decongestant - basically the stuff that makes one drowsy if they take it. You should test it once before you go on the plane, in case it does make your child hyper, but in my experience, our two kids went to sleep easily.

Shibb is also right with the sippy cups - critical for take off and landing to help keep their ear pressure equalized - very painful for them otherwise (do NOT let them drink all of their juice before landing - make sure you have a full cup at hand; also, we have found that apple juice is not all that great if it gets warm - combined with motion sickness it can be a recipe for vomit). Packing a lot of their favorite munchies and books is also key. Other than that - best of luck!

5

I’m not a parent. And I’m not a frequent flier. And I don’t get annoyed by kids on planes. But I do have an idea.

Would it be possible to get a seat either by the front bulkhead or the way back? By doing so, you are reducing the amount of people directly surrounding you who might be bothered by any noise. Also, there may be enough room to put the kid on the floor to play for a bit.

IMHO, the kids who’s parents come prepared, and who understand that a long flight is difficult for the kid are usually the best behaved. (You obviously fall into that category). The “annoying” kids are the ones who’s parents just yell at them to shut up and be still. Yeah, like that’ll work on an 8 hour flight!

p.s. I once had a great time with a kid on a plane. I made a puppet out of a barf bag, and the kid loved it.

6

Great suggestions!

Thanks a ton. There’s nothing like someone else’s opinions to make you question your own.

Here’s the thing: I’m presently nursing her (keep your rude comments to yourself, please) and she may or may not choose to wean by that time. If she does, we’ll go for the sippy cups (she never has taken a pacifier). If she doesn’t, I know that she’ll relax if I nurse her.

We are planning on taking a car seat that turns into a stroller, so that’ll work out fine. The thing about taking all this stufff is carrying it to the station near our house, then through the airport, etc. But we’ll manage. Mainly, I just don’t want her to disturb her fellow passengers.

Thanks for the advice re: the sedation. I’m still unsure what to do, though. I think I might just bring it along, just in case. You never know when a little knock-out liquid will work. Though, like Shibb and others said, it sometimes doesn’t work.

I also plan on taking Play-do, markers, tape (she loves to stick tape onto things), any other suggestions of toys to take? We’ll also be taking about half a dozen books she isn’t yet familiar with as well as old favorites.

Wish us luck!
Good luck to you, too, flodnak!

7

Um, I would check with a pediatritian on the sedative/anti-histamine thing. And I would definately do a trial run first to see if they actually work or have a nasty surprise. You don’t want a surprise on the plane.

Take along the baby seat, as it will be required for driving in the US.

I travelled wearing cargo pants. Pockets were stuffed with wet wipes, extra diapers, a couple of pacifiers, snacks, etc. You never know when you need to quick draw one, so pack several with both you and your SO taking more than one of everything.

Food, juice, water, etc. Take at least 24 hours worth as a backup. Not that you expect to be diverted, but when you get in at 10 pm after being delayed, you probably don’t want to be forced to go out shopping. Pack a little extra and use it on the return flight if there;s too much

Make sure you bring the baby tylenol or whatever it us you use. Pedalyte or some rehydration. You don’t want a sudden temperature when you get on the plane and no way to treat for many hours. Of course, we do more of a 20-24 hour transit thing.

I don’t have experience yet with a 2 year old, but my understanding and personal experience is that 1 year olds do not get jet lag. They sleep when it’s dark. Maybe wake up 1-2 times more than normal during the night, but will sleep through until daylight. China bambina was the quickest 16 hour time zone change I’ve ever seen.

Oh yes, if possible make sure that you and/or SO are well rested. Don’t be so exhausted before starting the trip that you can’t keep awake on the transit, much less look after the little one.

Good luck and enjoy the trip.

8

Her French pediatrician was totally against it, and her US Family Practioner said she herself sedated her twins (age 2) on a cross-Atlantic flight.

I’m sure a trial run, if we give it to her sort of near the time of departure, and about the same time of day will be interesting. She’ll either be hyper or pass out. Either way, we’ll worry, and go on worrying until she grows up and turns 30.

:wink:

9

Of course you’ll bring extra clothes; if you don’t she will surely spill her lunch all over both of you. I would also suggest a crib-sized blanket. It can serve as a pillow if she naps, warm her if she finds the plane chilly (I always do) and give her a place to hide under if she gets overwhelmed by the closeness of the other passengers. Along that line, an oversized, hooded sweatshirt can be useful. She can pull the hood up if she wants to feel “alone” for a bit, sort of like putting blinders on a horse. (It may sound silly, but it’s what saved our son-who hates crowds-when we flew from Boston to San Francisco.)

If you have a tape-player and headphones, you can bring stories on tape. They will give your voice a rest and, if she doesn’t use them at home, have the novelty factor going for them. Quiet, soothing music might be nice, too.

Personally, I wouldn’t use Benadryl, but I might come prepared with warm milk, chamomile tea or some other soothing beverage if there is one she likes.

10

We didn’t do the sedation thing flying to Ireland, and I don’t think I would feel comfortable.

If you don’t, I would highly recommend giving the tyke a dose of whatever pain reliever you use before you get on the plane. If their ears don’t pop, they could be really uncomfortable for a long time. Depending on the type, I would give some to her 30 minutes before you start your descent too.

Let the kid sleep whenever she wants on the plane. It will also give you some much needed rest.

Sounds like you have a pretty good grip on what to take. Sippy cups, finger foods, snacks (save some of her Special Treats for when she is really cranky.) I would also bring some juice, incase she doesn’t like the kind on the plane or in the airport.

11

Have you ever heard of “Ear Planes” I think they’re called? THey are soft ear plugs that you gently twist in the ear - it helps equalize pressure. I’ve used them and they have helped me tremendously. They are also sold in baby and kid sizes. Just be careful if she pulls them out on her own - they could be a choking hazard.

12

I commend you on still breastfeeding your toddler - no snarky comments here.

I’d caution though that you may not be permitted to have her out of safety restraints during take-off and landing, so nursing her during those times to help relieve the pressure in her ears may not be an option. Looking for some other way to help her ears pop or to relieve the pain probably would be a good idea.

Good luck!

Twiddle

13

Thanks, I’m not sure if I can get those earplugs in France. She’s the sort who won’t even let me put barrettes into her ears, but we’ll try anything at this point.

I think you may be right, Twiddler, about the restraint during take off. Some flights have these belts that you can wrap around you and the child, which I’ve used before and can nurse her in.

Thank you all for the brilliant advice. I’ll print this up and check back on it periodically before the trip when I’m packing.

14

Smart kid.

15

LOL. See, kids’ll make you say the darndest things!

16

We have travelled with our kids several times across the US. Never a flight as long as 7 to 8 hours, but sometimes as many as 5.

Along with the suggestions already mentioned, I’d recommend a couple of other things. First, wrap up a bunch of stuff. In that way, things become much more of an event rather than just something else to play with or eat. Also, I’d get some new toys for the trip so they are novel. Make sure she doesn’t see them before hand. Wrap the new toys!

Extra diapers/food/water are a must. Just ask the passengers on that Northwest flight stranded for 8 hours on the tarmac.

We had great success with books and an etch-a-sketch.

I would also suggest you get her a little carry on bag of her own and let her pack her own bag. It will definitely help.

Drugging them was never something I considered.

17

We were not allowed to have China bambina age 14 months restrained with a seat belt. Either with or without a parent. (If you want to avoid paying for an extra seat, check with the airline as to how full the flight usually is. Get to the airport early, and the check in people are usually extremely helpful in blocking off an extra seat. No guarantee, and if the flight is a 100% full you’re out of luck. We got a seat 3 out of 4 flights, but that 4th flight was a real long one. I stood for most of those 14 hours). This was my experience on United, for both International and Domestic flights.

18

You sound really organised, which is great. A couple of things I’d like to add.

  • Don’t expect anything. Don’t expect her to be good. Don’t expect her to sleep. Don’t expect her to not annoy the neighbours.
    When I flew back to Australia last November with my kids (4 and 6) I had no expectations of good behaviour…and they were ANGELS! Even though our flight was delayed 12 hours and we had to go and stay in a hotel. Even though four of those 12 hours were stuck on the plane doing nothing. What made it doubly pleasant was the fact that I didn’t expect them to be good, so it was a bonus!

  • request a bulkhead seat. If there’s none left, get an aisle seat (unless the rows near the windows only have two seats). You want to be able to get in and out quickly and easily.

Whatever you do, DON’T request to be boosted to business class. I know some people who do this with kids, and I think its the ultimate in inconsideration. People in business/first class have paid a heap extra to fly in comfort, and I don’t think its fair to dump a possibly noisy toddler on them.

And have a great flight!

19

Thanks a lot.

ChinaGuy, we did have to pay 80% of the adult price for her seat, because she’ll be 2 years old and one month when we fly.

I’ll definately try for the bulkhead. With this much advanced warning, it shouldn’t be a problem. It’ll also prevent her from annoying people in front of us by kicking their seat. This is a particular pet peeve of mine (having my seat kicked from behind) so I will not do it to anyone else.

We’re going with the only expectation of getting there.

Now, the new security stuff will be interesting, as I hold a US passport but my birthplace is Tehran, Iran. In the past (way before 9/11), I’ve been pulled out and interrogated for more than 2 hours. I dare thiem to do this when an angry toddler is screaming for me! Pfft, no racial profiling my left foot!

20

We do long flights with our daughter way too frequently - about 8 overseas trips (and uncountable domestic ones) before she was 5, and from Australia, any o’seas trip is a long one! I think the one to the Bahamas took about 22 hours all up, what with the connections and all, and it was worse on the way back. (About 28 hours. We try not to mention it anymore!)

We’ve never sedated MameBabe, but that is just our personal antipathy towards unnecessary medication. We keep her awake till the flight takes off then let her sleep when the plane darkens.

Take infant paracetamol and a measuring device, plus regular medications, her thermometer, and whatever baby health book you use, onto the plane with you. This is the voice of bitter experience. MameBabe spiked a 40C fever just out of New Zealand one trip, and there was no infant panadol on the plane.

A syringe without the needle is really good for liquid medicine, 'cos you can’t spill the stuff once you’ve dispensed it, but it needs to fit down the neck of the bottle (you think that sounds obvious? Ha!).

We take healthyish munchies for the flight, not lollies. No point in adding a sugar high to her already high level of activity.

Like everyone else, I strongly recommend a sippy cup with water in it even if you are still breast feeding, to help pop her ears for takeoff and landing. Some extra drinks (juice and/or water) are well worth it too, particularly if the plane is delayed or you are stranded on the tarmac for a few hours. Or both! (I loathe United.)

For toys, others have covered the old/new bit already, but let me add a couple of things. First is a glove puppet - walk it along the back of the seat, up her arm, hide, make silly voices, help read a book, let her try it out…etc. Second forget pencils and pencil sharpener in air, take scratch paper and retractable crayons (less likely to break in little hands) and/or a write on/wipe off board and dry erase markers. Crayola make a good zip-up one and you can shove the paper and crayons in the pouch too.

I wouldn’t take PlayDoh on the plane - a pest to get off the floor, off the shirt of the person in front of you, out of the seat covers, out of her hair, or maybe yours is less messy than mine?

For books, the Fisher-Price activity books are worth a look to see if any are age appropriate for your girl. We also have a couple of game books suitable for non-readers which we used to keep just for travel. Think “Where’s Wally” for the 2 - 6 set. One is called “Can you spot the spotty dog” by John Rowe (http://www.realbooks.co.uk/rbn/rbn_5.htm and scroll down for a description), the other is a Winnie the Pooh one called (I think) “Pooh’s look and find”. I can’t check as I have just lent them to frends travelling to England with their 2 year old!

If you’re likely to do a lot of long trips, check the convenience stores at the airports for novelty items while you are waiting. Parents travelling with bored kids are their target market! Look for stuff for the next trip or the one after. I’ve found things like magic ink maze books which MameBabe adored. Never seen them anywhere else.

Finally, I suggest you let her select a particular toy to take onto the plane to cuddle and to look after. We’ve gotten MameBabe involved in the preparations since she was about 2 - picking clothes, selecting familiar books and toys to take and so on. Participating has made it easier for her to adapt.

Have fun!