“Kids” on a Plane

We are planning a trip to New York and I started thinking about how much traveling my daughter has done in her short life. She is five years old and has been on about 50 flights. The frightening thing is she knows what she is doing. We were on the way to the airport last month and I was listing the things I had for the plane ride to my husband … an apple, a peanut butter sandwich, 3 books, some juice boxes… when all of a sudden a voice pipes out of the back seat, “Mom what are you doing? We can’t take the juice boxes through security. They’re liquids!”

We were actually flying the day they banned all liquids on planes because of the terrorist threat in London. There were about 600 people standing out in front of La Guardia Airport in New York City and lots of drama. In the end I was able to get my makeup and hair stuff in the luggage (thank goodness) and we got on our flight. I made Charlotte drink three apple juice boxes while waiting for security. There were rumors about no drinks at all and I was worried she would get thirsty on the flight. To this day, she thinks the police with M16’s were there to make sure everyone drank all their juice.

I have done seven flights over 8 hours with Charlotte. When my daughter slept they were fine but I vividly remember doing 9 and ½ hours of hard time on a flight to London. My lovely little girl never slept once. She wanted to play! After the 15th game of Old Maid I finally said, “Do not get out of your seat. Mommy is falling asleep.” Shortly thereafter, I saw the Jodi Foster movie where her daughter gets kidnapped on a flight while she is asleep. I still feel really guilty about that nap. I remember telling a friend of my sisters this story and she looked at me like I was an idiot and said, “Didn’t you give her something to help her sleep?” The friend is a Mom and a pediatrician.

I have learned some important lessons: always, and I mean always, drug them. Now this sounds harsh but a small dose of Tylenol is a wonderful attitude adjuster. If you are traveling with an infant, make sure they nurse during take-offs and landings. It is the only way to keep their ears from hurting. I still bring a “sippy cup” for my daughter just in case. Try to find airlines that have TV’s at each seat. I like Jet Blue and Virgin Atlantic for just that reason. I should probably just invest in a portable DVD player, so bring one if you have it. NEVER let them get up and walk around on a plane because once is NEVER enough. I don’t even let Charlotte sit on the aisle because she sees other kids moving up and down. Always bring activity books and at least one new toy. I like to wrap up the toy and then give it to her once the plane is in the air. Make sure your kid knows there is a present in the carry-on. You would be amazed at how pleasant the boarding process is when your child wants their surprise.

Finally, and this is VERY important, never give your child M&M’s before a flight. This goes hand in hand with ‘bring extra clothes for your child and you.’ I give this advice from the heart and with the cold, cruel voice of experience. If you are wondering what happened, let’s just say a lot of people on Delta Flight #85 will never forget my family. Use your imagination. It was not pretty.

Comments

Oh come on! That story needs to be told!!!

Well, I for one,want thank you for sharing the great tips for traveling with the tiny people...... I FELT your pain and took note of your well earned lessons... ....I'm cooking a potential traveling monster myself (so, of course I'm in the research stage) and appreciate that even a pediatrician thinks its okay to help calm an overly lively one in the appropriate circumstances. THANK YOU!!
What does pediatrician say about baby Benedryl I wonder(is there such a thing)? It is known to calm the fully grown, so I was wondering...I'll ask mine(M.D.), will you ask yours?

THANK YOU!!

would you consider getting her to drink three waters instead of three apple juices? juice is loaded with sugar. contradicts your m&m point.