Travel Basics|Travel Basics
Sing, Sing a Song|Sing, Sing a Song
Toddlers love to sing, which makes song time a safe bet on board, notes Bowers. "An aptly chosen song can stop a meltdown in its tracks or make a difficult transition a little easier," she says. Just remember to choose a song (and at low volume) that won't disturb all those potentially grumpy passengers who want a quiet ride.
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Toddlers love to sing, which makes song time a safe bet on board, notes Bowers. "An aptly chosen song can stop a meltdown in its tracks or make a difficult transition a little easier," she says. Just remember to choose a song (and at low volume) that won't disturb all those potentially grumpy passengers who want a quiet ride.
When the Going Gets Tough|When the Going Gets Tough
Your best defense against up-in-the-air meltdowns and temper tantrums is a great sense of humor, Bowers says. "The sheer exhaustion of traveling with a 2-year-old can make even the sunniest parent lose their smile," she points out. "A little game of peek-a-boo or tickles can cheer up both of you in an instant."
Relax Your Standards
A long flight with your little tyke is definitely not the time to enforce strict rules as you do at home, says Bowers. "Even if you banish movies and candy at home, these little treats can be your best friend while traveling," she explains. "A portable movie player, iPad filled with games or a lollipop can be just what you need to get through the flight."
Let 'Em Eat
It sounds obvious, but the best thing you can do to ensure a smooth takeoff and landing is to feed your little one a full pre-flight meal. "Full bellies make happy travelers," notes Bowers. She also recommends having a stash of snacks to curb your toddler's appetite, especially in case of a flight delay. Nothing worse than a hungry toddler holed up in a grounded plane.
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Don't Rush
While beating the stampede of passengers onto the jetway and pre-boarding with your toddler sounds like a great idea, it actually means more time on the plane to entertain your little busybody, Bowers points out. "Instead, wait until the last minute to board and stay in the terminal to get the wiggles out," she suggests.
Under Pressure
Sometimes little ears just can’t adjust to the altitude changes as easily as adults can, which can result in excruciating ear pain for a toddler. "If drinking or eating doesn’t help, ask the flight attendant for a small cup with paper towel soaked in hot water at the bottom," Bowers suggests. "Place the cup over your child’s ear and the steam will help relieve the pressure."
