It is final! We booked our 7 hour flight from Amsterdam to New York yesterday. We get to prepare for yet another long flight with our soon to become two year old daughter. This is our fourth flight with a baby/toddler, so you'd think we'd be pros at this... wel.. uhm.. no.
I am franticly reading other mom-blogs for advice as of how to tackle the next airplane-adventure. I want to know that I have done all I possibly can, to prevent pain, tantrums, discomfort and excessive messiness.
From past experiences I know every flight is totally different than the one before, simply because your child will develop so fast, and in a month or two will have totally different interests and abilities. So you can prepare all you want... But there is no way of knowing whether it will be a smooth or bumpy ride.
Here are some reviews of some smart products I have found at the airport and online:
Trunki
Cares system seat harness
There was one BIG disadvantage to this harness. Kids can slide out of them simply by sliding down off the chair and putting their arms up. I read in reviews other parents have had this problem. I decided to get a long piece of leftover nylon strap material, and made 3 inch loops on both ends by folding it over and sowing it. One end goes on the cares system strap that goes around the back of the airplane seat, and other loop slips on the seatbelt, before you close it. That way the nylon strap goes in between the legs, and it did prevent our daughter from being able to slide down and out of the harness.
I have to say our 18 month old did NOT like having to sit in her chair anymore at a certain point. But my adjustment succeeded, she was not able to slide out, and eventually she fell asleep.
I am sure as our daughter gets bigger, she will not need the extra strap. It's a handy small product we will bring again next time we fly, but maybe not very practical for the very little ones, unless you have sewing skills like me...
More tips on how to keep your little ones happy on the airplane:
First off, bring an empty flip-top cup you can fill up at the gate and snacks, preferrably in a snack trap (we have one by Munchkin)
Love these things, they prevent you from picking up everything off the floor. Have your child drink or eat something at take off. Swallowing will prevent painful ears.
I also brought saline solution nose spray. This prevents the nose from drying out. If administering nose spray to your child evokes a tantrum.... don't do it. Deal with the dry nose when you arrive at your destination.
I am not a fan of sticking your kid in front of the tv for hours on end... but in the airplane... go for it! We borrowed a portable dvd player, and boy did we need it. Our daughter has certain tv shows she loves, but doesn't watch movies very much. All airplanes have movies and tv shows... but baby needs more than that. We have an Ipad now... love it... don't know how we ever lived without it.
Ofcourse kids love to do things, and they will not sit and watch the screen for 7 hours. They also eat and like to move around. We let her walk down the aisle a couple of times, she entertained the flight attendants for a little bit, and I made a necklace out of cheerios. The necklace kept her busy for a while. Also brought her favourite stuffed animal, and pajamas to put on at "bedtime".
The next time we fly, I will bring the content and calm tray kit from http://www.contentandcalm.com/
We got it a few weeks ago, and looks like a very practical product which I think will be very handy for storing her toys and crayons and such. I can't wait to try it out for real. Our daughter loves to color, so this way she will be able to stay in her seat and draw, because of the extended tray table.
Hope these reviews and tips help!
