3 Year old on an airplane

VickiLynn · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 11:30 AM

Any thoughts on how to keep Ethan busy/safe/quiet for the 4-hour flight (plus airport time)? We're going to San Diego to visit his big brother, who is stationed there. That's a long time for him to sit still!

bbkimberly · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 10:37 PM

quiet toys, books, and something to nibble or drink during tthe take-off and landing to ease the air pressure on the ears=)

Nchilada5 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 06:33 AM

VickyLynn~

I've made this trip many times over the last 15 years with my kids at various ages. I live in NYC but am from San Diego and most of my family is still there so we make the 6 hour flight at least once a year. bbkimberly's right, at take off and landing their little ears are more suseptable to the pressure so it's best to keep them distracted at that time. Finger snacks work good at that time since the chewing will help equilize the pressure. I also brought a walkman with their favorite music. Try to avoid toys with small pieces or you will be bending over the whole flight to retreave them from the floor

Etch a sketch or toys like that are great cause they can draw without pens or crayons. On our last trip, DD Lici was 2 and was happy with her favorite stuffed animal and her blanket and wound up sleeping for 3 hours. Have a great time in San Diego, it's beautiful there and if you have time, be sure to go to the Zoo & or the Wild Animal Park as it's the best in country.

Hugs ....

VickiLynn · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 08:45 AM

Lots of good ideas! Thank you both!
Nchildad5, do you know off hand what the child safety seat regulations are in CAL? He's around 40#, so only needs a booster seat in Wisconsin.

Caronamy · #5 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 09:30 AM

Thanks for the useful info. Like the idea of the etch-a-sketch.

We're flying from Syr to NYC then to Sacramento mid-April. First time for our 2 1/2 yr old.

Thanks!

Nchilada5 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by VickiLynn
Lots of good ideas! Thank you both!
Nchildad5, do you know off hand what the child safety seat regulations are in CAL? He's around 40#, so only needs a booster seat in Wisconsin.

I believe it's 40 #'s for a booster but I'll ask my sister and find out for you for sure.

gwtw-mom · #7 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 03:34 PM

I also want to thank you for the ideas. My DH and I are taking trip to DisneyWorld in 8 eights (Thanks, Uncle Sam!) and I have a 5 1/2-year-old DS and a 3-year-old DS and was wondering the same thing.

That's also an excellent thought about small toys-- that never would have crossed my mind until we were crossing Ohio!!

bbkimberly · #8 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 10:16 PM

out here in ca you will need a booster seat=)

VickiLynn · #9 (**permalink**) 03-15-2005, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbkimberly
out here in ca you will need a booster seat=)

Thanks, Wendy. I'll bring one along on the plane. I haven't been to California in 4 years. I can't wait to see the ocean again!

bbkimberly · #10 (**permalink**) 03-18-2005, 11:27 PM

sure.........the ocean....more like the hot guys laying on the sand!