how to get DD to nap on the plane?

aggieoj · July 2011

So DD is used to us putting her in her crib and she puts herself to sleep for naps. If we're out and about during her nap time she's good and grouchy until she can lay down to sleep. there's no rocking, consoling, compromising, nope, nada.

We have our first flight with her this Friday. We have to get her up at 4:30 am to head to the airport (oh boy!) I imagine on the plane is when she'll be begging for a nap screaming her head off on top of the flight experience.

What can I do, give her to console her? I'm imagining a full out tantrum trying to keep her on my lap and not throw herself on to the innocent person next to me. Ugh. Ideas? Help!

kellenickle · July 2011

Benedryl?

christym0606 · July 2011

The only thing that has worked for us is nursing to sleep (and some praying, ha!). I will say that we have had a couple really early flights, and by the time that we actually get on the plane, she is good and ready to pass out (she also prefers to be laying down when she goes to sleep). GL!

L L CG · July 2011

MrsRosie:
I recommend bringing cash to buy drinks for the surrounding passengers. Other than a bottle or nursing, I'm not sure there's much you can do other than hope and pray.

F the other passengers. Self-medicate, baby.

L L CG · July 2011

MrsRosie:
I recommend bringing cash to buy drinks for the surrounding passengers. Other than a bottle or nursing, I'm not sure there's much you can do other than hope and pray.

F the other passengers. Self-medicate, baby. If they didn't want to sit next to an over-tired toddler they should have paid for first class.

bluestreet · July 2011

ditto nursing/bottle. gl!

L L CG · July 2011

MrsRosie:
L L CG:

MrsRosie:
I recommend bringing cash to buy drinks for the surrounding passengers. Other than a bottle or nursing, I'm not sure there's much you can do other than hope and pray.
F the other passengers. Self-medicate, baby. If they didn't want to sit next to an over-tired toddler they should have paid for first class.
It was a joke.

So was mine.

Duckie07 · July 2011

Your DD might surprise you and just fall asleep. We've been on early morning flights with DD too and while she's wide awake once we get to the airport, she's ready to sleep once the plane takes off. One time all it took was the plane taxiing before take off for her to fall asleep. I think the key is trying to stay as relaxed as possible and a pacifier, if you use one.

Good luck!

MrsMillerTime · July 2011

My DD is a lot like yours (re: naps). We went on vacay last month and had the same wake-up time you did...DD stayed awake the ENTIRE day and didn't fall asleep for a "nap" until 8pm (long story - we had flight issues and were still in transit). I'll be honest - she only had a couple minor meltdowns and did MUCH better than I would have ever imagined.

We had the Ergo (didn't bring a stroller) and carried her as much as possible to avoid her pitching a fit and thrashing about when we were in the airports. I downloaded a shiit-ton of videos & games/apps onto my phone so she could play and keep herself occupied on the plane. We brought plenty of snacks - including new stuff she had never had before. I think the newness of the entire experience really helped her chill out more than she would have if we were at home in her regular environment, KWIM?

If all else fails - give her Benadryl.

L L CG · July 2011

I also wanted to say that, although my kid is not as old as yours, she surprises me every time we travel. I always brace myself for the worst and she does better than I expect. So, remember that its just a couple of days of travel, there and back, and even if it goes bad, you'll be home soon. But, I bet she'll surprise you! Good luck!

thethomps · July 2011

I was really worried about DD on the plane but, honestly, other than the people right around you, no one can hear babies crying. Also, DD didn't want to sleep much but there were plenty of people moving around to keep her entertained. Definitely bring some new toys and other things to keep her amused if she doesn't sleep, but hopefully the noise of the engines (sit more toward the back) will lull her to sleep if she's already tired.

thethomps · July 2011

MrsRosie:
I recommend bringing cash to buy drinks for the surrounding passengers.

I totally brought extra drink coupons and offered them to the people around us. They turned them down. Drinks

mrs.wildman · July 2011

I have no good suggestions. Just wanted to chime in and say that I'm dreading my travels next week for the same reason. Add to that the fact that MIL will be traveling with me : And that it's probably too early to drink at 7 am?

brooke152 · July 2011

mrs.wildman:

And that it's probably too early to drink at 7 am?

7 am is why someone invented the Bloody Mary. Wink

labbielover07 · July 2011

We flew in May with DD. Our flight left Austin at 6am. As soon as we got on the plane she had a massive melt down and I almost started crying myself. It was so early, she was pissed, I still wasn't 100% over the flu, and I have plane anxiety. It was awesome. As soon as we took off, she chilled. We made sure to have plenty of stuff to make bottles, some fun little toys, a few apps on the phone, snacks. It was a three hour flight. She took 3 short naps, only got upset a couple times but calmed down quickly, and made lots of new friends on the flight. I'm sure it won't be as bad as you think!

Jess.O · July 2011

brooke152:
mrs.wildman:

And that it's probably too early to drink at 7 am?

7 am is why someone invented the Bloody Mary.

and mimosas and Irish coffee...

mrs.wildman · July 2011

Jess.O:
brooke152:
mrs.wildman:

And that it's probably too early to drink at 7 am?

7 am is why someone invented the Bloody Mary.
and mimosas and Irish coffee...

I don't do mimosas and they don't have champagne at airports and planes, so I usually go for the screwdriver, but not while carrying my mom card. this might necessitate that. Never thought about baileys. Do they have that on planes?

aggieoj · July 2011

" but not while carrying my mom card"

Screwdriver definitely called for when flying with MIL.

mlf625 · July 2011

My kids are awesome sleepers at home. They go in their crib/bed wide awake, they go to sleep. This doesn't transition well to planes where they're being held and there's lots of noise/distraction, so they do NOT sleep on planes well, if at all. I've just learned not to expect it and that I'll have crabby kids on travel days. I'd say go in expecting the worst.

And do NOT try Benadryl for the first time before flying. It backfires for some kids and makes them hyper.

JLKillion · July 2011

Ditto PP about not trying Benadryl - it made my DD insanely hyper, to the point that she was screaming because she couldn't go to sleep. I'm glad you posted this - I have some anxiety about traveling alone with mine next month. Does everyone just hold LOs in their laps? The only reason I'm tempted to buy another seat (and money is seriously tight) is so that no one has to sit next to us.

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