Three Hub Circus

Imagine being in a full airplane, with your cranky toddler seated next to you. Other passengers stare and give you dirty looks. You count the minutes until the flight ends. Now imagine a happy, entertained child sitting next to you while you have time to read a magazine or book. Compliments on your little one’s behavior come from other passengers though out the flight.
 
 With a little planning and energy, the second scenario can be your flight experience.

• Pack little toys to keep your child entertained throughout the flight.  Divide these toys up and give a new one to your child at regular intervals. You can even tell your child when he will receive the next one, if and only if he behaves well.  Bribes are always good.  Wrapping each one like a present would be great, but security issues make this a bad idea.
• If your child is old enough, playing cards offer a chance to connect in an old-fashioned way. Go Fish and Old Maid are still great games. For little hands, a card holder from a toy store works well.
• Books are always a hit. Enjoy some peaceful time with your child by reading them a story.
• Do not allow your child to get up and walk the aisles of the plane unless going to the bathroom. A little freedom on an airplane can often be too much. If a child thinks that they are allowed to leave their seat, they will squirm more, and expect to get up often.
• Consider foregoing the carseat in the airplane if your child old enough to kick the seat in front of them. This can make for a very stressful flight, as you constantly tell your child “Don’t kick the seat” and apologize to the passenger in front of them. Instead, opt for the CARES restraint harness.
• Always have drinks on hand. A toddler is not likely to be able to wait for in-flight drink service. With new security rules, be sure to buy a bottle of water or juice after coming through security. Bring an empty sippy-cup for each child and pour the drinks into it for the flight. These can later be used for spill-proof drinks at your destination.
• Food is great entertainment.  Be sure to pack lots of healthy goodies for the flight. Fruit, popcorn and crackers are all easy.  Consider using Ziplocs instead of hard plastic containers because they take up less room and are more malleable.  Avoid sugary foods unless desperate. A child will be much less likely to stay quietly in their seat if they’re on a sugar high.  If you’ve tried everything else, a lollipop at the end of the flight will take keep a child busy and happy for a long while.

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