plane travel/jet lag with toddlers

[Bonnie Garmisa]

Posted by Bonnie Garmisa on August 18, 1999 at 08:36:54:

My 3.5 & 19 mth old have been on many plane trips, but not for more than 3 hours. Any suggestions on how to entertain the 19 mth old on an overseas flight (other than Benadryl!)??? Any suggestions on jet lag?

[FTF]

Posted by FTF on September 07, 1999 at 06:36:21:

In Reply to: plane travel/jet lag with toddlers posted by Bonnie Garmisa on August 18, 1999 at 08:36:54:

Bonnie,
If you check out the Sea, Air and Land Tips & Trips section of the FTF archives at http://www.familytravelforum.com/archives_seal.html you'll find many ideas, and a special article called "Baby on Board: 20 Tips for Taking your Baby Aloft". We're always looking for new ideas and welcome you to share any you receive, but the key to plane travel is remembering one parent is always on duty! Don't think you're going to read a lot of magazines and drink coffee - if you imagine playing a lot in a new environment, turning on and off the overhead light, strolling the aisles, opening and closing the toilet doors, lowering and lifting the seat-back table, you'll begin to get the idea. Don't forget something for her to chew or sip while taking off and descending, to avoid any ear aches from the change in air pressure. If your overseas flight spans your child's usual nap or sleep hours, it's very likely that she will also fall asleep for a similar or longer period in flight. Enjoy your trip!