Tips For Toting Toddlers

I'm currently visiting my mom in Texas, and in just a couple days I will be making a flight out to Charlotte to visit some family. My plane route to get out there is a little crazy. And flying with a two year old just makes everything more complicated. I've traveled with my son many times by plane and I've figured out some wonderful ways to keep him amused while cruising at maximum altitude. Don't get me wrong, no matter what I give him, the plane ride will be a little stressful, what toddler wants to sit still for several hours? Here are a few tips I have learned to keep me, him, and the other passengers as sane as possible:

1. BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS. My son loves to sit and look at books, especially the touch and feel books. These can be found anywhere from Barnes and Noble to your local dollar store.
2. SNACKS AND JUICE. Nothing quiets a kid faster than their favorite snack and drink. My son shuts right up when I give him some gummy snacks and apple juice.
3. TALK IT OUT. My little boy is a very vocal child, and he enjoys having things he sees explained to him. Open the window at take-off and tell them what everything is/does.
4. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, MAKE SOME NOISE. You might think this one is a little insensitive to the passengers surrounding you and your little tike, but what you've got to realize is that airplanes are so very noisy. Once those engines get rolling, it is LOUD in there. If you are speaking at a normal level, aside from the person right next to you, nobody can hear what you are saying, as long as you aren't being exceptionally loud. This last one took me a while to feel comfortable with, but you finally get to the point where you just don't care. The other passengers (unless they are douche bags; See blog entry Crime and Punishment) they really don't mind your kid making some noise as long as they aren't being obnoxious about it. On just about every flight I have been on, I have been seated next to some grandparents that are itching for the company of little ones, so they have been happy to make silly faces and tell stories to my toddler to keep him entertained.
The main thing you have to remember when you are traveling with your kids, is to remain confident. Don't let them see you are stressed out that they are acting like they've lost their minds because they will hop on that like a hungry hyena. I once spent half of a flight curled on the bathroom floor of an airplane bathroom crying my eyes out because my son was freaking nuts. And he ate it up. He happily bounced on my lifeless frame giggling merrily because he was in control. As long as you can control your kids, don't let them see you sweat, and give them plenty of things to occupy their time, the flight won't be so bad. And the flight attendants usually give your kids free loot from their over priced menu too. So chin up buttercup, that six hour flight across the country will be cake. Xanex never hurt anybody did it ;)