728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Traveling › On an Airplane with a 9- to 18-Month-Old

On an Airplane with a 9- to 18-Month-Old

Taming Toddler Turbulence

By Alexandria Powell

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

  • Choose a middle or window seat for your child whenever possible – this keeps her safely out of aisle traffic.
  • Use the lavatory for all diaper changes, and don't forget to bag dirty diapers before throwing them away.
  • Don't allow your little one to stand on the tray table or pull on seat backs.
  • Do your best to stay out of the aisle until food and beverage service is done. "Our view while pushing the cart up and down the aisle is limited, and we don't want to accidentally bump any little ones," Sussdorf says. "We know children can't sit for hours, so take them for a little walk around the aisle, but do try to plan around food and beverage service."
  • Help your child to keep her voice low by modeling calm and quiet behavior. Low voices from parents will encourage low voices from children, Corder says.

    • Coping with other passengers can sometimes be difficult. "If they have made a point to let us know they don't want to be sitting near us (and oh, they will!), then I try to keep the kids away from them as much as possible," Blondell says. "I've heard of people bringing candy and ear plugs for the other passengers, which is a cute idea but I haven't actually tried it myself."

    Try to make friends with the flight attendants and anyone sitting near you, but keep in mind that some people are just not going to like you – or your adorable kid – and you can't take it personally, Conko says.

    Despite your best efforts, no toddler is ever perfect, no travel plans are ever perfect and upsets are inevitable. "You have no control over delays, but you can control your attitude," Nelson says. "Children are intuitive and will pick up on a frustrated parent. Accept your circumstances by staying in the present moment, smiling and speaking softly to your child. Focus on their needs and don't worry about what other people are thinking."

    * Last name withheld to protect privacy.

    Pages:  1  2  3  4  

    Want to see more?

    Comments

    There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

    Post As:
    Enter your comment below:
    Title
    Comment Text
    CAPTCHA
    Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.