Tips for Occupying 16 Mo. Old on Airplane

If he will watch a dvd you MUST get a dvd player or use your lap top or whatever, a hand puppet, and a couple of "I-spy" books.
If you have never medicated your child with Benadryl to make him sleepy, don't make the day of the plane ride the first time. It can have the opposite effect. It works great for my 3 y/o, but makes my friend's dtr a hyperactive mess. Do a test run. Remember - pregnant women can take benadryl as a sleep aid. I understand about not giving them something they don't "need," but you and the other people on the plane will "need" it if he's tierd, but can't sleep.
Don't forget tylenol for ear pressure pain, if you don't use the benadryl.
Special snacks, something you know he will like, but save it "special" for the trip - a (low sugar) surprise!
Don't forget your prayers that the stars align and he cooperates - nothing is foolproof! Good luck - oh, and I've found if you ask to sit in the back where it is noisiest, if fits ensue, you won't bother as many people or get as many dirty looks - coming from someone who has done lots of traveling with a toddler, and gotten her fair share of dirty looks too! Have a safe trip.

Pack a bag of new activities/small toys that your son hasn't seen yet (stickers/paper, toy animals, wiki sticks, small books, puppets, silly putty, cars, family photos, ordinary stuff too like lotion, band-aids, magazines he can rip, etc.) You can take some of his favorite toys from home, but hide them now so he doesn't see them for a few weeks before the trip ... they will seem "new" again. Snacks will also help.

Try to imagine the trip in 10-15 minute increments and have that many (plus a few more) activities/ideas/snacks ready to keep him occupied. Don't forget the power of talking/singing to him with finger-play songs, etc. If possible, sit in the seats right at the front of the cabin with the extra leg room. you'll lose the full size trays, but the extra space will be invaluable to let your toddler stretch out during the flight.

I'm also a fan of the DVD player and several Baby Einstein videos! You'll probably have to hold it for him.

You can give him his milk/juice or a pacifier if he takes one during takeoff and landing to try to relieve ear pressure, but sometimes it doesn't work. I traveled when my daughter was 15 months old and she screamed for the last 1/2 hour of the flight because of ear pain. You can buy "ear planes" ... foam ear plugs ... from Walgreens which are supposed to eliminate ear pain, but I couldn't get my daughter to keep them in her ears.

Also, let him travel in his PJs/stocking feet. He'll be more comfortable and maybe even sleep for part of the flight if you're lucky!

Have a great trip, and remember, getting there is half the fun (ha ha!!)

a agree with the other poster regarding benadryl having the opposite effect on some kids. that would be a nightmare to find this out on the plane.
the main thing is, i think you need to remember that all kids go through this stage and at some times there is nothing that you can do about it. so, if he is losing it on the plane you need to try to stay as relaxed as possible b/c he'll read your anxiety and things will get worse. know that everyone on the plane feels for you and has been there or can understand. So, take a deep breath (and maybe a drink!) you'll probably never see these people again anyhow! good luck and enjoy your trip!

I have traveled a few times alone with my 2 at different ages (they are 12 mos apart). First, hit the playground or get in some running around before hand to burn off that energy. Even walking through the airport versus riding in a stroller helps.

For the ride, have some new small toys and items and some favorite books, toys, etc. Stickers, magnets, colorforms, deck of cards, plastic beads and string, playfoam, crayons, etc., etc. I usually hit a teacher store and bookstore for some of these things. Little snacks are very handy as well. Pack a small bag of diaper and wipes so you don't have to lug the whole diaper bag into the bathroom if the need arises.

Hi J., A word of caution regarding benadryl. My daughter has the opposite reaction and taking it makes her very over excited and cranky. It does not always make a child tired. We've had it for hives and her behavior is really awful when she takes it. You wouldn't want to take a flight with a child in that state. I flew on a long international flight with my daughter around that age and I just had a bunch of things to do for her - Stickers, Paint with water books, and a ton of different snacks. I think variety is key, especially when it is something new to them. And for the ear pressure I give her a lolipop on takeoff and landing. Good luck, you'll do fine. - S.