Flying Tips + Toys for 2yo

colemangal85

We are flying at the end of November and I have never done it with a toddler so I'm looking for advice from other who have done it and some ideas on good toys to keep him occupied? 

colemangal85

Also, what food or drinks are allowed now? Can you bring pouches? Or will they explode? 

Leap08

You can bring any kind of food on a plane. Pouches are fine. You can bring drinks in sippy cups, but they will make you open it and they may test it (not a  big deal). I let my kids watch movies/TV shows on my i-pad when we fly. I also bring books and usually try to bring something new (small toy, new book, new coloring book) because new things tend to hold their attention for longer.

traveltheworld

Bring lots of snacks that take time to eat - cheerios, blueberries, etc. Remember to bring an extra set of clothes and an extra shirt for yourself (my son threw up on me 2 out of the 6 times we flew). In terms of toys, don't bring anything that's too small because it's hard to retrieve those if they fall on the floor. We brought fewer and fewer toys as we did more flying - last fligh (3 hours), all DS had were crayons. He played with the cups and some ice for 20 minutes and watched some TV, we walked up and down the isle a few times and that was it.

blu-eyedwife

Yes yes yes on the snacks!  Cheerios and blueberries are our go-tos also.

I loaded up the ipad with games and movies, but he was never interested in them.

Toys that worked well - magna doodles, new books, Melissa and Doug Magnetic puzzles, stickers/sticker books, Melissa and Doug water wow books

jil1210

Another vote for lots of snacks and a change of clothes.
On our last long trip (we had 3 flights) the big hits with my 2 yo were: a travel set of "magic color" markers and a magnadoodle.

Beevol

Lots of snacks and if your kid has any, a comfort item (special blankie or stuffed animal), which can help especially if the flight happens to extend to nap time (not that my toddler has/would sleep on the plane, but having those things helps keep the too-tired-tantrums at bay). 

I also recommend one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-BAir-Toddler-Flight-Vest/dp/B000058DQA

Even if you buy a seat for your toddler, s/he'll end up in your lap a lot and those seat belts aren't made for tiny bodies especially if there is turbulence. Knowing that I didn't need to death grip my kid whenever the plane bounced definitely helped with my peace of mind. 

ASmallWonder

Please don't use that vest  If it seems turbulence is imminent, put the child back in their car seat. Attaching them to you essentially causes them to act as your air bag as your body is jostled around.  There is serious risk of the weight of an adult body crushing a child between them and the seat in front of them.