2 1/2 Year Old on a Plane

I didn't use the carseat on the plane when my son was that age and he was fine. I gave him suckers and juice (both were a big treat) during take off and landing. He was fine-- and very excited. We read books about planes about 2 weeks before leaving to help get him excited and more familiar with the sights and sounds of the airport and plane.

My daughter loves PLANES!! We have never taken her car seat because she loves sitting in her big seat by the window so she can see everyting... it is her only opportunity to sit in a big seat. For naps she sits on my lap and cuddles, no one has ever made an issue of it. For take off we look out the window and "talk" the pilot up! We made an adventure out of it! She thinks that turbulance is like a ride at the fair! So make it a fun experience for him and he will have a blast! I also stock up on some new toys every time... even just a notebook from the dollar store and a pen for her to write about her trip!

You can take his car seat if you want, or he can sit in the plane seat. I ususally have my son just sit in the plane seat and check his car seat at the gate when we're boarding. I never noticed ear problems with my son who is 3 1/2 and we fly regularly - maybe buy a drink when you're about to board and have him drink it so he's swallowing? good luck

M.

I traveled with both of my children when they were toddlers. The first time, I did not bring a car seat. It was a total disaster (although she was 18 months)!! The seats are not as comfortable for little tikes "especially" if the flight happens at nap time. The second time, my little one had just turned 2. I brought the car seat and she was totally comfortable. Giving a little one's a dose of Benadryl a 1/2 hour before take off is extremely helpful too. It makes them sleepy and relaxed. I was more relaxed because she was secure and able to nod off if she wanted (which she did shortly after take off). I also packed a portable dvd player which kept my older child entertained. The trip that I had the dvd player and car seat was GREAT. I would recommend bringing the car seat. As for the ears issue...bring a sippy cup with water. If you are not allowed to bring liquids, then ask a stewardess when you board if she would fill the sippy cup with water for take off for you. If not, bring a sucker for him. When I fly with my kids, I pack really nice lunches and snacks as well. If kids have a full happy belly, they will fly better.

Have fun!!

go to CVS...buy "ear planes" they are special earplugs for children and adults to equalize the pressure during take off and landing...buy more then one pack and YES they do work I had them for my then 9 month old and my 2 1/2 yr old. My 9 month old had a harder time keeping them in only because he didn't understand...but they worked!!!!!! also a sugar free sucker during take off and landing too as a back up...... as for the car seat you first have to make sure it is approved for flights some are some are not - to find out go to the MFG web site or call them

You may have already left but I wanted to let you know that I was a flight attendant before moving back to St. Joseph. Most everyone just buckles their child in without a car seat when the child is not an infant. Also, I would bring that sippy cup and snacks in case your son has difficulty with his ears during take off and landing. Most kids are just fine though. I would just make sure to bring some activities for him to do during the flight ~coloring, books, small toy, flash cards, etc.
I hope you have a great vacation!
So are you new to St. Joseph then? If so, Welcome!! It's a great place to raise the kids!! I grew up here and moved back about 6 years ago. My kids are 9 and 4 so I have that gap between them also. My son goes to Lincoln School.
C. Bussey

We are leaving tomorrow ourselves & my daughter just turned 3! We play a game and see how wide we can open our mouths! That is enough to pop our ears! She also just started chewing gum without swallowing it, so I will let her have some this time! Otherwise before I gave her raisins or some sort of snack so she was chewing. Have a good time!

They do not require a carseat unless they are under 2 years old, HOWEVER I strongly recommend bringing it with. If you child does good with car rides, then especially take it. The first time we took my daughter we did not bring her carseat...the flight was horrible! She wanted to move everywhere and get down and walk around, but she couldn't. When we flew again just a month or so ago, we brought the carseat...no problems. I think because she knows she has no choice but to sit and wait when she's in her carseat, that she didn't fuss very much. She asked me to get out a couple times, but I just told her she has to keep her seatbelt on, and so she was good. We also had lots of activities for her...coloring books & our portable dvd player.

Whatever you choose...Good luck!

he will need his car seat. Did you call the air line to confirm. Plus you will need the car seat to travel wont you when you get to your destination. Bring a sucker or hard candy if the child can manage that.

Hi M., If you bought him his own seat you may use his car seat. It is also safest for him to be in his car seat. (do check that it is FAA approved)If hes a squirmer I would use it. For some reason children seem to fuss less when in their familiar seat, and they want to play and squirm around more when just in the plane's seat. A sippy cup, drink with a straw or a sucker will help with his ears. I am a flight attendant with Northwest and do a lot of traveling with my daughter(4yrs). When we go on a trip I bring a couple new toys, and snacks with us. The newness keeps her busy. I know I've always gotten a couple stares for this one, but her comfort ensures everyones comfort, I always let her travel in her PJs. She loves them, it's fun for her, and shes comfortable. On her car seat I was able to loosen the straps considerably and put my arms through them so that the seat was on my back like a back pack and then was easier to carry along with our other bags. Have fun!!!!