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Jenn Sal
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| Posted: Jan 18 2008 at 9:05am | IP Logged
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Any suggestions on flying with kids? I'v flown with a 3yo and 6mo. That was Easy. I now have 6yo, 3yo, and a busy 11mo. It's a 5hr flight. I'm hoping the 11mo will nap some, but I know it won't be the whole flight. I've got a sling and she nurses!  I know that will help. Toy suggestions, snacks, ect... I don't want to buy things that will fall all over, loose pieces ect...
Help!
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Jennifer, Texas
Wife to Mark, Mom to Cora 13,Kade 10, Sarah in Heaven 12/05, Colette 7, Corin 5, & Kieran 2
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Fuzzy
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Books (look and find, read aloud, doors to open), coloring books and crayons for the older ones (limit crayons to 4 each or something). There are fun books that have magnetic pieces, that are really helpful. I always think that if it's NEW and different, it will keep them occupied better.
This is what comes to mind first, and I know some of the ladies will have better suggestions.
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 Fuzzy
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Fe2h2o
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| Posted: Jan 18 2008 at 9:53am | IP Logged
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One thing (I've read, not had opportunity to use as yet) is to start putting aside little things (even 'current' toys, certainly would still work for the 3 yo and 11 mo, especially if they had been 'rotated' out sufficiently in advance), and to wrap them individually—just in newspaper. Try to have enough to dole them out at regular intervals. The unwrapping (although possibly messy!) should help contribute to the time they help occupy:-)
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PDyer
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Travel-sized magnadoodles!
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Patty
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Jenn Sal
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| Posted: Jan 18 2008 at 4:58pm | IP Logged
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Has anyone ever used magnetic tins? I'm thinking that if they make a clanging , clicking sound, it will drive me crazy!  I see them suggested a lot for traveling.
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CAgirl4God
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| Posted: Jan 18 2008 at 5:43pm | IP Logged
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PDyer wrote:
| Travel-sized magnadoodles! |
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we love these! not the teeny tiny ones but the next size up.
a small note pad with a few crayons...
mini coloring books,
a couple of new books for the kids. and for the little ones I love those books with the little doors that open! mine love those.
when we flew here to PR Judy was almost 3. we have the above items.
snacks, sippy cups. her favorite little dolly (very small) and her blanket (also very small).
and the thing that saved us???
we got a dvd player with splitters so all four could watch a movie together. they each had a set of head phones. and I had one cd player. this also distracted them from the movie on the plane! yikes lol!
we flew from CA to Chicago to San Juan.. it was a LLLOONNNGGG day lol. but they made it.
the snack really help Judy (and all of them). I brought gogurts, crackers, dry cereal, bananas (for early morning) granola bars, apples, sandwiches, trail mix, dried fruit, etc.. we bought several water bottles after going through security.
next time though, I am bringing my empty bottle adn filling at the drinking fountain! lol too much $$ to buy new water lol.
good luck and have a fun trip!
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Jan 18 2008 at 7:53pm | IP Logged
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Keep a surprise toy in reserve for that meltdown moment.
Also, explain several times to your children (even the youngest) how things will go. Add a few details each time...we'll wait in a line to go through security, we'll get on the plane, taking off will feel weird, there will be food, we'll go potty on the plane...it sounds weird but even young children can understand some of this.
Be sure to get to the airport early so you can check in and remind the airline people that you all really really have to sit together.
Extra undies and pants for everyone. Just in case. Board early, then take the children to the restroom on board before everyone else gets on the plane. Make sure you visit the restroom again about 40 minutes before your landing time.
I Spy or similar books can keep your 6yo occupied for a long time. I definitely agree, magnadoodles are the absolute best.
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ann@home
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| Posted: Jan 21 2008 at 12:48pm | IP Logged
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Ditto all the above-esp the magnadoodle!
We splurged on the travel DVD player a few yrs ago when we knew we'd be flying 2x per yr with similar ages as yours. It's been a lifesaver on those 4 hr flights!!
I tried the toys, books, drawing, etc but that only cut it for about an hour total for the 2 yr old. The other times they were fidgeting and saying they were hungry, etc....
The DVD player cured that. I know some don't want to rely on TV but when you're trapped in a 2x2space for 4-5 hrs it's worth it 
And I always bring more snacks than I think I need since they are always hungry! The plastic banana holders are great too so you don't get squished bananas! We had 1 mess too many and learned the hard way
And thank goodness you're still nursing, that may save you all! 
Good luck
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Jenn Sal
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| Posted: Jan 21 2008 at 4:19pm | IP Logged
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Thank you for all the ideas. My husband remeinded me that we have a portable DVD player. I have NO problem using it for long trips.  And I'm sure the passengers around us will be really pleased!
I'll have to look up plastic banna holder....not sure what that is!
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ann@home
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| Posted: Jan 21 2008 at 4:31pm | IP Logged
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Jenn Sal wrote:
I'll have to look up plastic banna holder....not sure what that is! |
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It's just a plastic container shaped like a banana. Check your wal-mart or Target.
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Ann, Full-time Mama of a 10yr old Lego master, 7yr old DIVA, 4yr old King of the Mountain and one more in June '09!
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crusermom
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| Posted: Jan 21 2008 at 7:14pm | IP Logged
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Hi - I used the portable DVD player with a headset. I usually put one plug in my ear and kind of hold the other near the toddler's ear. That is enough to keep the little one happy and not disturb our fellow passengers. I flew recently and my 17 month old danced along to "Signing Times" the whole trip. Good Luck!!
Mary
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SallyT
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I third the Magna-Doodle! Nothing to drop or roll under the seat. That was consistently our best "plane toy" for many, many long hauls back and forth over the Atlantic with littles who didn't sleep. Ever.
Some kind of magnetic travel game (checkers, battleship, etc) might be fun for the 6yo, if you can manage to look away from the baby to play.
Regular snacks are a great help, too, especially since they don't feel you on the plane any more.
I ALWAYS packed an entire change of clothes for each child under 5.
HTH.
Sally
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