What to Do on a Long Flight.

I took a flight to Alaska with my then 2 1/2 year old and 7 month old. DVD players work the best, but that's no help if he won't watch. We took an overnight flight and got them to sleep a good portion of it. Flash cards worked well at that age. Believe it or not, toothbrushes seem to work wonders. Kids love them and will play or chew them for a long time. Snacks are great and take up a lot of time. And, if all else fails, lollipops take forever to eat and keep children quite occupied.

Good luck!

I've flown with my daughter twice but on 4-hour flights, and she surprised me with being so good! She is an EXTREMELY active little girl, and I NEVER thought she'd make it. I packed several little baggies of treats I don't usually give her (like Circus Peanuts, those orange spongy things) and bought some Color Wonder markers and paper for her to play with. I also bought flash cards from the dollar store so we could go through and name the pictures, which is something we hadn't done before (usually just through books at home). Check out the dollar stores. They usually have small toys like that which you can stuff in a bag to keep your little one occupied. Chances are that he will sleep as I never thought that my daughter would and actually did!

give him some benedryl. It is a motion sickness mediclne, keeps his ears from hurting on the flight and will put him to sleep (at leat for part of it). Hey, it worked for us! good luck!

I just took a trip with my 1 year old. I was terrified, but it wasn't so bad. I found a playroom at the airport that made the waiting go by fast. For the flight, on the way there I kept her entertained with toys (music toys that aren't very loud, books) and snacks. I would bring lots of snacks, you never know if there will be delays. My 2 year old nephew did really well with a travel magna doodle if your son likes to draw yet.
If the flight is short enough, try to sleep deprive him and maybe he will sleep. If you are going to try benadryl, I would use the "strips" that will dissolve in his mouth so you don't have to mess around with the liquid rules.

Make sure you trial the Benadryl before--it does react differently sometimes in children.
Sleep deprivation may not work either, it seems much harder to put a child to sleep if they are 'over-tired'.
Allow him to walk around the seat area frequently if your not planning on using the carseat.
Make sure you dress him in layers because planes are always too hot or too cold and it might make him irritable either way.
Bring a lollipop (or pacifier if he uses it) or just some liquid to drink especially during the descent of the flight for his ears.
Don't pack too many toys, they just become burdensome with the walking in the airport. A few small things will do (box of picture cards, book, his blanket)

I've traveled extensively with my now 3 and 4.5 year olds and they have always done well. .

We went overseas with our one year old last year & we asked rite away if there were any empty seats in a row if we could move, it worked every time. A good time to whisper is when they come to tell you the safety stuff for kids.
We gave him benadryl rite away & it kicked in in about 1/2 hour 45 min, when the flight became boring & he was antsy already. Keep some toys in reserve for that last torturous hour. The headphones are a hit, unplug, plug in etc. The only other thing I would say is to not let him run up & down the isles. I found that once I let him & couldn't stop him & the flight attendants weren't too keen on my child constantly in their way. All else fails make a rattle with a penny & an empty water bottle. GOod luck, just remember, almost everyone has had to travel with a little one, just give a quick shrug of the shoulders to observers & push on through. L., mom of one out & one in, madison, WI

Well, We flew about 4 hours over thanksgiving with my 13 month old. I was so so so nervous, I looked into the benedryl thing and others. Actually You are not supposed to give benedryl to children under 2. And on the box it says under 6 to ask a dr. I asked the Pharmasyst. He said not under 2. I would recomend some children's ear plugs. It helped with the pressure when landing. Taking off he did fine, but landing was painful for both him and me. We also took several new toys, and that did keep him occupied for quite a while. I would highly recommend a plastic slinky. He loved that. And, as I am sure others have already told you, a window seat works well because he can play with the window, and also the tray on the back of the seat. I know you are expecting the worst, I was when I went, but my son did so well. ... And people are very understanding. Good luck.

We flew with our daughter who was a bit younger but an active little girl as well, it was a 9 hour flight and a lay over andn then another 2.5 h our flight. She too suprised me very much with how well she behaved. I think the change of environment did a lot and there were a lot of people to look at. Just try to pack a lot of different snacks and drink (they easily become dehydrated due to the dry air) and little toys and things to do. Just keep changing it around as soon as he gets bored with one thing take out another.. Take walks up and down the aisles there are usually other kids around to go and play with those parents welcome some visitors to their children as well. As far as the Benadryl make sure you have tested it before hand some kids can become more hyper from it instead of tired. I was told to give them some nasal decongestant for sinus pressure due to pressure change and some Tylenol about a half an hour before take off and landing. I'm sure you will be writing a folow up saying how well it really went.. just try and see if you can get an extra seat if you havent paid for one.. that was really nice when we got an extra so they could sit in their own seat. Good luck.

does he like music? if he does how about a cd player with headphones and some kid's music. or even soft lullabies too!!

I just flew with an 11 month old boy who normally doesn't sit still. My advise is to wait until the last possible minute to board the plane. Let him walk or crawl all over the waiting area beforehand (without bothering others) and even try to hook up with other parents who are on the same plane. You might be able to swap seats and sit next to other parents who are more understanding.

If you have a layover, check the airport for a play area.

Finally, just remember that you will never see those people on the plane again.

take a red eye. give him something to suck on during take off and landing. my daughter did great with this.

Its hard to fly with a one year old. I did a 23 hour flight with my daughter when she was 1 1/2. You just have to let them fuss it out. Dont worry about the other people on the plane. Focus on your son. Let him get up and walk up and down the isle, when you have a lay over let him get up and run around follow him. It will help to get some energy out. My doc had also told me I could give my little one a 1/4 of a dramimine 30 mins before we took off. It helped her get a little sleepy and it was easier to fly. Hope you have a great flight.

This is always a challange, I asked the airline if I could have the first row of seats because they usually have alittle more room. I was able to put my son down on a blanket and let him play and he could walk around. My doctor recommended the Benadryl also but I suggest you try it a home first, my little guy became hyper when he takes Benadryl so may yours.The red eye flight is also a good idea! I also took a small cd player and he and I could listen to music and sing along together. Good luck!

If he's not one to put things in his mouth much, you could take play dough--with strict supervision this will be fine. My son and daughter loved this on trips! They have those small ones that are perfect!

Make sure you give him a pacifier or a sippy cup during take off and landing or his ear will pop and you will really be miserable! Does he have a favorite blanket and or pillow that he likes and maybe you can encourage him to nap for part of the way!

I have never flown with my children before, but I would go with what you have already done. And just be prepared to give him lots of attention, and praise for being good. May be bring some snacks or some special treats he doesn't usually get.

Have you ever given him Benadryl before? It can cause excitability in some children. Just a thought.

Hope this helps and good luck!