It is the Boy Scout's motto and it would serve parents to adopt it themselves.
My first trip ever alone with a child happened when Nicholas was 2 months old. Even if I develop Alzheimer's later in life, that is one memory that will be hard to erase. I packed what I needed for a short 2.5 hour flight to DC from FLL I scheduled the trip in the early afternoon to coincide with Nicholas' nap. But, the universe had scheduled a blizzard moving through VA the same afternoon. We were delayed for 3 hours. After boarding we were stuck on the tarmac about and hour longer. Nicholas screamed for at least a good hour and nothing I did helped. I tried feeding him, changing his diaper, and the crew members even tried walking him up and down the aisle. Nothing worked. He was obviously experiencing discomfort. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I was to have packed all that I had. I brought Mylicon and Tylenol with me just in case and I ended up using both. I got several pats on the back from passengers for managing the situation and allowing them to have a good flight once we took off.
If you are going to be traveling, count how many diapers your child usually goes through on any given day. Average that and double it. That's what you need to pack. Same goes for formula, snacks, etc. Pack Tylenol and Mylicon even if your child is perfectly healthy. Ear pain is common and the cabin pressure can lead to discomfort and headaches.
The crew really does not have extra diapers or food. In fact the most help I have received from the crew since that episode with Nicholas has been offers to warm formula and offers to watch one child while I take the other to the lavatory. While some kids will try plane food, many do not. Don't assume they will! Pack meals for your kids (see previous post for more info).
When you get to your seat and settle everyone in, take out the small box of wipes, 2-3 diapers, a sippy cup or bottle of water and any snacks you want to start out with and stuff them into your front seat pocket. This was you don't have to be inconvenienced rummaging through the different backpacks for what ever each kid wants.
If your child has a special toy or blanket or is a pacifier addict, pack it in your backpack or diaper bag. You may think they won't notice, but they will remember it and if it is not there, may the Force be with you!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Airplane Lavatory
I generally hate public toilets, but none more than the nasty cubicle known as the plane "lavatory." It is no more than a port-a-potty on a plane.
I try to avoid using them at all cost, but on long flights you will eventually use it at least once. Most planes have only one lavatory with a changing table and usually, it is only big enough for an infant. The other problem is that everyone uses that lavatory as much as the others and are not very considerate of people waiting in line (especially with small children). I once had a woman spend a good 20 minutes in there putting on make up while I waited to change Mikayla's diapers. Even the flight attendant commented on the time she was in there. Honey, if you haven't slept well in 24 hours, no amount of make up is going to help. Give up or opt to put it on in your seat. Has anyone forgotten about compact mirrors? Needless to say, I gave her the dirtiest look when she came out and I don't generally do that.
My best advice is that you have children use the bathroom at the airports within 30 minutes of departure. Even if they say they don't have to go, make them. In addition to being extremely cramped, the flush of an airplane toilet is traumatizing to many small children. I once flushed while Nicholas, about 3 at the time, was still in the bathroom and he was terrified. He still insists on me flushing after he has left the bathroom and he is almost 6.
I try to avoid using them at all cost, but on long flights you will eventually use it at least once. Most planes have only one lavatory with a changing table and usually, it is only big enough for an infant. The other problem is that everyone uses that lavatory as much as the others and are not very considerate of people waiting in line (especially with small children). I once had a woman spend a good 20 minutes in there putting on make up while I waited to change Mikayla's diapers. Even the flight attendant commented on the time she was in there. Honey, if you haven't slept well in 24 hours, no amount of make up is going to help. Give up or opt to put it on in your seat. Has anyone forgotten about compact mirrors? Needless to say, I gave her the dirtiest look when she came out and I don't generally do that.
My best advice is that you have children use the bathroom at the airports within 30 minutes of departure. Even if they say they don't have to go, make them. In addition to being extremely cramped, the flush of an airplane toilet is traumatizing to many small children. I once flushed while Nicholas, about 3 at the time, was still in the bathroom and he was terrified. He still insists on me flushing after he has left the bathroom and he is almost 6.
Sleeping with small children on a plane
Believe it or not, children sleep real well on planes. Mikayla slept for 6 hours of our 7.5 hour flight to Munich. Nicholas slept for 5. Mikayla also napped on the flight to Dulles and on the flight from Munich to Warsaw. Planes are equipped for good albeit uncomfortable sleep due to the white noise produced by the engine and the cabin pressure. It knocks them out.
Some people swear by Benadryl, but not all kids respond the same way to Benadryl. If you try it, make sure you test it out before flying. A doctor can give you the adequate dose by weight.
Sleeping is generally not a problem for the kids, but it can be for us parents. Let's face it, the seat itself is uncomfortable. There is barely any legroom to stretch your legs and on some flights, if the person in front of you reclines their chair, you may end up with someone's head on your lap.
With all of that, I ask you to heed this warning: Do not opt to carry your under 2 year old on your lap for no charge. This is a lose-lose situation. With an infant/toddler on your lap, forget about sleeping, even eating. The only time I opted for a lap instead of a seat were on commuter flight around Europe. Long haul flights beckon a seat for your child and despite the expense you will be glad you bought it once you take off. If you buy the seat and your child is under 2, bring a car seat. Yes, it's yet another thing to carry, but car seats have harnesses to keep your child seated and kids are generally more comfortable in their familiar seat.
Some people swear by Benadryl, but not all kids respond the same way to Benadryl. If you try it, make sure you test it out before flying. A doctor can give you the adequate dose by weight.
Sleeping is generally not a problem for the kids, but it can be for us parents. Let's face it, the seat itself is uncomfortable. There is barely any legroom to stretch your legs and on some flights, if the person in front of you reclines their chair, you may end up with someone's head on your lap.
With all of that, I ask you to heed this warning: Do not opt to carry your under 2 year old on your lap for no charge. This is a lose-lose situation. With an infant/toddler on your lap, forget about sleeping, even eating. The only time I opted for a lap instead of a seat were on commuter flight around Europe. Long haul flights beckon a seat for your child and despite the expense you will be glad you bought it once you take off. If you buy the seat and your child is under 2, bring a car seat. Yes, it's yet another thing to carry, but car seats have harnesses to keep your child seated and kids are generally more comfortable in their familiar seat.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
In-Flight, In-Car or On-Train Entertainment
Don't expect an airline/train to provide anything other than a seat. It is truly all up to you. Sure, long flights do have some movies, but the majority are for adults with the rare children's film thrown in to make you think they care. Case in point, the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian played on our most recent flight. My son loved it. My daughter could not care less. So, as in any catastrophe, being prepared is best.
What to Bring
My most recent flight was about about 14 hours travel time. This however does not factor in time between check in and departure and the dreaded delay. On my most recent flight, we left the house at 11am for the airport and after check in and security at our departing airport, Miami, we only had to wait about 20 minutes to board. However, at my connecting airport, Dulles, there was a sudden 3 hour delay, making me miss my connection in Munich. We arrived to our home in Warsaw at 5pm (11am Miami time). So our travel turned into a 24 hour marathon.
Never pack just for travel time because sh** happens. Since everyone is allowed a carry-on (some of us push those limits), I allow each child to bring a backpack. Of course, I usually end up carrying one of those, but the crew doesn't need to know that. In each backpack, there is paper or a coloring book with colors, small puzzles and small Legos (in a zip-loc) for my oldest, books (usually new ones), one or two inexpensive new toys, and some toys that I set aside weeks before, so they seem like new to them when they open their bag. It also includes a large zip-loc bag with all their snacks (see previous entry for more on snacks).
In our early family travel days, we used to bring a DVD player with DVD's. However, after leaving it on the plane on two separate occasions in Cologne and in Chicago, we had to find another method of entertainment. Enter the I-pod! My husband and I both had the 30 GB I-pod video devices, we eventually downgraded to the Nano. What to do with extra Ipods? Why turn them into a child friendly I-pod that I am not likely to forget under the seat of a plane! And so this is what we did.
I-Tunes does not allow you to copy your DVD's onto your I-pod, but if there is a technical problem someone out there has come up with a solution. Enter IM Too DVD Ripper Software that turns your DVD movie into an .mp4 file for the Ipod. Since downloading this software, I have transferred all my children's DVD's into a hard drive where I go through programming and add it to the kid's I-pods when we travel. The entertainment also includes music. On my last trip, I put "It's a small world" on repeat for my daughter who happily listened (and sang it at the top of her lungs) until she drifted off to sleep. For headphones, I found a small pair in Poland that hooks around their ear so it doesn't fall off. Works like a charm!
When it comes to toys, activities and DVD viewing, try your best not to break out the entertainment if it isn't necessary. If your toddler is perfectly entertained climbing up and down a seat at the airport and isn't bothering anyone (other than you), don't pull out a toy. You don't know when you will need to pull out a toy from the arsenal. Pick your battles!
By the way, food can also be a delightful distraction even if it is plane food. Children don't expect others to bring them food on a plane so they are as happy as they get about a toy when a tray appears before them. Exploring the plane food alone will buy you more time.
I have yet to run out of entertainment and usually if the kids are not interested, they are usually close to going to sleep anyway.
What to Bring
My most recent flight was about about 14 hours travel time. This however does not factor in time between check in and departure and the dreaded delay. On my most recent flight, we left the house at 11am for the airport and after check in and security at our departing airport, Miami, we only had to wait about 20 minutes to board. However, at my connecting airport, Dulles, there was a sudden 3 hour delay, making me miss my connection in Munich. We arrived to our home in Warsaw at 5pm (11am Miami time). So our travel turned into a 24 hour marathon.
Never pack just for travel time because sh** happens. Since everyone is allowed a carry-on (some of us push those limits), I allow each child to bring a backpack. Of course, I usually end up carrying one of those, but the crew doesn't need to know that. In each backpack, there is paper or a coloring book with colors, small puzzles and small Legos (in a zip-loc) for my oldest, books (usually new ones), one or two inexpensive new toys, and some toys that I set aside weeks before, so they seem like new to them when they open their bag. It also includes a large zip-loc bag with all their snacks (see previous entry for more on snacks).
In our early family travel days, we used to bring a DVD player with DVD's. However, after leaving it on the plane on two separate occasions in Cologne and in Chicago, we had to find another method of entertainment. Enter the I-pod! My husband and I both had the 30 GB I-pod video devices, we eventually downgraded to the Nano. What to do with extra Ipods? Why turn them into a child friendly I-pod that I am not likely to forget under the seat of a plane! And so this is what we did.
I-Tunes does not allow you to copy your DVD's onto your I-pod, but if there is a technical problem someone out there has come up with a solution. Enter IM Too DVD Ripper Software that turns your DVD movie into an .mp4 file for the Ipod. Since downloading this software, I have transferred all my children's DVD's into a hard drive where I go through programming and add it to the kid's I-pods when we travel. The entertainment also includes music. On my last trip, I put "It's a small world" on repeat for my daughter who happily listened (and sang it at the top of her lungs) until she drifted off to sleep. For headphones, I found a small pair in Poland that hooks around their ear so it doesn't fall off. Works like a charm!
When it comes to toys, activities and DVD viewing, try your best not to break out the entertainment if it isn't necessary. If your toddler is perfectly entertained climbing up and down a seat at the airport and isn't bothering anyone (other than you), don't pull out a toy. You don't know when you will need to pull out a toy from the arsenal. Pick your battles!
By the way, food can also be a delightful distraction even if it is plane food. Children don't expect others to bring them food on a plane so they are as happy as they get about a toy when a tray appears before them. Exploring the plane food alone will buy you more time.
I have yet to run out of entertainment and usually if the kids are not interested, they are usually close to going to sleep anyway.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Importance of Food
Having traveled with children at varying ages, one thing is clear: having nourishment on hand is a must. Just because the kids are off the bottle does not mean you can neglect this area. Sure there is food for purchase everywhere you go, but that doesn't mean your little one will eat it.
Kids enjoy routines and their own comfort zone. Bed time routines along with mealtime rituals/familiar foods are at the core of that comfort zone. Take a child out of there usual environment and you have to find a way to provide some stability. So, it is with food. Mikayla, my good eater, tends to enjoy reliable favorites on trips. While she still tries new things, the familiar foods are comforting while away from home. For my picky eater, Nicholas, familiar foods is all there is.
The best products for good portable snacks are those small Glad snack bags, half the size of those sandwich bags. You can fill them with just about anything. I usually pack animal crackers or graham crackers, pretzels, chex mix, etc. Granola bars and raisins are also great snacks to have on hand. But, what I feel is a great portable meal for kids is the Uncrustables. If you are not familiar, these are round crust-less sandwiches pressed at the edges and filled with peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly, and cheese for a grilled cheese. They are frozen. I pop them into my backpack before any trip and by lunch, they thaw out and are ready to eat.
If your kids have outgrown the bottle and sippy cups, water bottles are great alternatives to make sure they stay hydrated. And even if they don't drink, you don't want to get caught without a drink on hand if there is not a water fountain to be found. Just make sure the water bottles are empty prior to going through security. After that, just buy bottled water and fill them up.
And if you have food, there is likely to be a mess somewhere, so make sure you have enough wipes for both diaper changes and clean up, a bib if appropriate, and a change of clothes as a bonus.
Bon Apetit!
Kids enjoy routines and their own comfort zone. Bed time routines along with mealtime rituals/familiar foods are at the core of that comfort zone. Take a child out of there usual environment and you have to find a way to provide some stability. So, it is with food. Mikayla, my good eater, tends to enjoy reliable favorites on trips. While she still tries new things, the familiar foods are comforting while away from home. For my picky eater, Nicholas, familiar foods is all there is.
The best products for good portable snacks are those small Glad snack bags, half the size of those sandwich bags. You can fill them with just about anything. I usually pack animal crackers or graham crackers, pretzels, chex mix, etc. Granola bars and raisins are also great snacks to have on hand. But, what I feel is a great portable meal for kids is the Uncrustables. If you are not familiar, these are round crust-less sandwiches pressed at the edges and filled with peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly, and cheese for a grilled cheese. They are frozen. I pop them into my backpack before any trip and by lunch, they thaw out and are ready to eat.
If your kids have outgrown the bottle and sippy cups, water bottles are great alternatives to make sure they stay hydrated. And even if they don't drink, you don't want to get caught without a drink on hand if there is not a water fountain to be found. Just make sure the water bottles are empty prior to going through security. After that, just buy bottled water and fill them up.
And if you have food, there is likely to be a mess somewhere, so make sure you have enough wipes for both diaper changes and clean up, a bib if appropriate, and a change of clothes as a bonus.
Bon Apetit!
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