Posts Tagged ‘toddler’
10 Tips for Easing Air Travel with Toddlers this Holiday Season
November 27th, 2010 | 
Author: By Signe, Staff Writer, My Baby Clothes Boutique
Are you planning to travel by air this holiday season? ‘Tis the season for traveling with toddlers. Whether your child is a born traveler or just bored and complaining, “Are we there yet?” before the journey even begins, here are ten tips for easing airline travel with little ones.
Arrive Early
Airports are crowded, weather delays flights and security lines are extra-long; airports are usually anything but cheery during the holiday season. Do what you can to avoid the extra stress of missing a flight by allowing yourself plenty of time to arrive, park, check bags and stand in lines.
Consider Flip-Flops
In most areas of the US, it’s too cold in November and December for actual flip-flops. But I suggest selecting shoes for every member of your party that are easy to slip on and off in the security lines.
Let the Kids Run
The long hallways and moving sidewalks in many airports are irresistible for kids, especially those who have been cooped up in car and plane seats. When you have time before and between flights, find a safe, relatively open space and let your kids run around in it. They’ll burn off energy and be more willing to settle down later within the confines of the airplane.
Pack Snacks
Ahhh, snacks a mom’s best friend. Airline security regulations specify that not more than a thimble-full of liquids can go through security, but non-drinkable snack items for kids are just fine. A good stash of yummy snacks always goes a long way in regulating blood sugar, satisfying bellies and passing downtime. Gummy Bears, Trail mixes, dry cereal packed in small snack bags and even fruit are great choices for a trip.
Lollipops for Medicinal Purposes
Take off and landing can be especially hard on little eardrums. To avoid painful ear-popping, be sure to have a supply of lollipops, hard candy, gum or other treats that kids can suck on or chew on during the beginning and end of each flight.
Dress in Layers
Call me fussy, but I always find airplanes to be hot and stuffy before take-off and cool and breezy during the flights. I manage to keep my complaints to myself, but for my kids, who don’t filter their discomfort as well, I make sure to dress them in layers that can be shed and added as the plane temperature dictates.
The Thrill of Newness
Prior to long flights, make solo trips to dollar stores and craft aisles and stock up on simple games and craft items. Pack them in private and pull them out one by one when the air travel has begun. The “newness” factor inspires kids to spend more time than usual on old activities like coloring or Bingo, which makes long flights literally “fly” by.
The Rules of the Skies
Before you begin a trip, remind kids about the rules of traveling by air and how flying differs from driving. Emphasize all of the things they can do, as opposed to harping on the “no-no’s” but also make clear that safety is a priority and good behavior is an expectation.
Practice Patience
You’ve packed the snacks, the activities, the layers and the candy in your carry-on. You have a week’s worth of clothing—both casual and dressy—for every member of your family. Did you remember to bring along your patience? If there’s one thing that can make all of the difference in holiday travel with little ones, it is going into it with an attitude of gratitude and patience. Remember the mantra: it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.
You’re Not Alone
If all else fails and your meticulous planning and preparation still net you a child in tears, just remember: a plane full of parents have been in your shoes; you are not alone. Ignore the looks (and keep in mind that most of them are empathic smiles, not angry glares) and keep on doing the best you can. That’s all that any fellow passenger could ask for and it’s more than good enough.
Smooth & Happy Travels, Mamas!
By Signe Whitson, LSW. Signe is a mom of two girls, a child therapist, a writer, and a solver of all disputes. She shares funny and helpful antidotes to passive aggressive relations in life. She co-authored “The Angry Smile: The Psychology of Passive Aggressive Behavior in Families, Schools and Workplaces”. Her advice is brought to you by My Baby Clothes Boutique – the perfect place to find unique baby clothes, beautiful baby headbands and even cuddly newborn hats all at a uniquely low price.
What are your tips for traveling with little ones during the holiday season? Share them in the forum!
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Turkeys and Toddlers
By Melissa, Contributor, Confessions of a Doctor Mom (@Melissa_DrMom)
Does the thought of Thanksgiving dinner at your in-laws fill you with warm, fuzzy thoughts about spending time with family? Or, are you outright dreading this Thanksgiving holiday because it means not only packing for and traveling with a toddler, but also being on high alert the whole time in order to ensure your toddler’s safety?
Visiting a relative’s home with a toddler in tow for any extended period of time can be exhausting if that home is not toddler proofed. For the last five and half years, I’ve spent many Thanksgiving dinners unable to hold a decent conversation, playing chase the toddler and essentially not relaxing at all. You can bet once that toddler was finally conked out in bed, I was ready to dive in to my lonely glass of wine.
What can you do to lessen your anxiety, actually complete a coherent sentence and perhaps sit down and enjoy some turkey and wine? I’ve put together some Thanksgiving Dinner Tips for you in the hopes you’ll be able to enjoy some of the festivities.
Bring Safety Gear
It may seem like a hassle at first but well worth it in the end. If stairs are involved, bring one of those pressure mounted safety gates. They work and will save you the constant back and forth of having to pry your little tyke off that step yet again. Outlet covers are easy to transport and at the very least you won’t have to worry about him sticking something in there and getting electrocuted.
Rearrange Some Furniture
I’m not talking major redecorating here; just some minor tweeks to make it more kid friendly. Hopefully everyone else will be on board with this one. Pointy edged coffee table? Why not move it to an area the kids won’t be playing? I’m telling you, I’ve had my heart jump out of my chest on more than one occasion after watching my child fall and his head barely missing the edge of the table. Not fun. If furniture rearranging is not well received, offer to place one of those ever fashionable and, not at all eye sore, bumper guards around said coffee table.
Place Choking Hazards Out of Reach
This goes for toys and food. Older children often have toys that can be dangerous for children under three. Enlist the older children to help place tiny choking hazards out of reach. Those tiny Legos and marbles need to be put away. Also, be sure those hard candies, flavored popcorn and peanuts stay out of reach as well. While they may be popular appetizers at parties, these can be downright dangerous for toddlers.
Is There a Pool in the Backyard?
If there is, it should be properly fenced in and childproofed. If not, I would seriously consider not going. I’m not kidding; parties can be chaotic, it’s easy to lose track of a toddler, even for a minute. If that pool isn’t fenced in, I would not risk it. I’ve been to parties where there were pools in the backyard and not fenced in. I did not enjoy myself at all because I was glued to my child, worrying the whole time. Seriously, I have nightmares about this.
Toddlers and Dogs Don’t Mix
If your child knows this dog and the dog knows your child and is good around children then you may be just fine. However, even dogs accustomed to children can be pushed to the limit with a toddler constantly in their face. And, believe me; they will be. Better to be safe than sorry. My son was bit by a dog proclaimed to be “nice” by his owner and I was told to just “relax and have a drink”. My glass barely touched my lips when I heard the screams, just when I let my guard down.
Play Tag Team
Enlist your husband’s or significant other’s help. Be specific; unfortunately, this may need to be spelled out for them. My husband was slow on the uptake with child number 1, but now he knows better. It may mean eating in shifts, but at least you both get to enjoy some dinner and conversation.
*Side note to husband: If you catch sight of your lovely wife in the middle of her toddler wrangling and you blissfully assume she his looking lovingly into your eyes; you’re wrong. She is glaring at you, wondering when you’re going to take the hint, put down that drink, and realize it’s your turn to play chase the toddler.*
These tips may seem a bit cumbersome but I believe with a little preparation upfront, you will be able to enjoy a more peaceful and safe Thanksgiving Dinner. It sure beats having to wrap your little tyke up in bubble wrap and strapping him to your hip.
Do you have any safety tips or stories to share about toddlers and Thanksgiving? Come share them in the forum!
Melissa is a pediatrician on hiatus, taking care of two rambunctious children who are her on the job training in more ways than one. She is a wife, mother, blogger, writer, and coffee lover in no particular order. She is (mostly) enjoying this journey through Motherhood and all the laughter and tears that comes along with it. You can read more from Melissa at Confessions of a Dr. Mom
Picky Eaters…Do You Have One?
By Shandal, Contributor, My Life in 3D (@Shandal)
PB&J, chicken nuggets, toast with jelly, french fries, bananas, apples, pizza, pancakes, fruit snacks, and nachos.
Sound familiar?
Surely my 3 year old isn’t the only stubborn toddler out there who will not budge off of this short, precise menu. He is so unwilling to try other foods and it drives me crazy!
I feel so guilty that he eats like this. I mean, I think that most toddlers are picky eaters, right? Am I supposed to force him to eat something healthier?
I think I feel even more guilty because I’m pretty strict with what I eat. My husband and I eat pretty healthy most of the time. But then we sit at dinner, my husband and I eating a nice balanced healthy meal, and our 3 year old eating a PB&J sandwich.
I tried to trick him the other day. I usually buy him Eggo frozen pancakes, so I thought I’d try to buy the pancake mix and make them myself. I figured it would be a little more healthy that way.
I got away without him noticing that I made them; he sat down to eat them and didn’t say a word, so they at least looked the same to him.
But then he took a bite.
HE WAS PISSED!
He got so mad at me and proclaimed that I bought the wrong pancakes! He thought they were gross and refused to eat them.
I tried a bite myself to see if it was a cooking error, but no, they tasted great! So fine, I made him the dang frozen pancakes that are loaded with high fructose corn syrup. Mother of the year award!
Happiest Toddler on the Block {A Mom’s Review}
By Shandal, Contributor, My Life in 3D (@Shandal)
My oldest is 3 and half years old. Needless to say, things aren’t always so peachy with him. He’s like a moody teenager when he doesn’t get his way, and I was really getting frustrated with his same old tantrums every.single.day.
Someone recommended a book to me called, The Happiest Toddler on the Block
Dr. Karp explains that it’s all about the way you communicate with your child. He teaches a few techniques to parents on how to approach your child and handle typical toddler situations.
One of the first situations he explained is actually an issue that I have with my 18 month old daughter. She freaks out at every bath-time when I pour water on her head to rinse out her hair. She stands up, starts screaming and crying, and tries to climb out of the tub to safety.
How do I normally handle this situation? Probably like most of you. I repeat “It’s okay, it’s okay!” to her.
WRONG!
My sympathy has never calmed her down. She would either get over it in time by herself or she would cry until we were all done with her bath.
According to Dr. Karp, I was supposed to communicate to her that I understood why she was upset by using one of his wording techniques. Then she should calm down once she sees that I understand, and that’s when I can be sympathetic.
So I gave it a try at the next bath-time. I poured the water over her head. She started to panic and scream like usual. I said, “Water! Water! You’ve got water in your eyes!”.
Silence. Dead silence.
She looked right into my eyes and I swear if she could talk, she would’ve said, “You get it, you really get it!”
Then I said, “You don’t like water in your eyes, but we have to rinse your hair. Water is out of your eyes now, so it’s okay.” She just went about playing after that, and I was so shocked that it actually worked!
So is everything all peachy with my spirited 3 year old? No. It’s better. Not peachy all the time, but definitely better.
I have learned how to prevent some tantrums from even happening. The language techniques that he suggests you use feel a little awkward, and it takes some practice and getting used to. I do think that it’s helped and I would definitely recommend the book!
I wish I knew about Dr. Karp’s The Happiest Baby on the Block when my kids were babies! My 18 month old had colic from 3 weeks to 3 months old, every single night. I’m sure that book could’ve helped us cope with her colic.
Have you read The Happiest Toddler/Baby on the Block? Did it help you and your child?
Inexpensive Toddler Activities
By Betsy, Contributor, Funky Mama Bird (@funkymamabird)
It’s a hot summer day and the toddler has run you into sweaty circles. He’s bored, you’re bored and you’ve run out of things to do.
Never fear; in your house this minute are some inexpensive supplies that you can use to create some fun, outdoor activities for your toddler. Some will need some preparation; others can be done in minutes. Intrigued? You should be. Now, head into your kitchen and gather up the following supplies:
· Food coloring – or, if you have it and your kids are past the eating it stage, liquid water color paint works well, too.
· Several large bowls filled with water
· Scoops and measuring cups
· Ice cube trays
· Paper
· Paint brushes, sponges or q-tips – whatever’s on hand
· Shaving cream
· Rice
· The foam trays meat comes packaged on (washed and dried first, natch)
· Any plastic bakery or salad container marked with a recycling symbol “6″
· Markers
· Scissors
· Your microwave (OK, you can just leave that where it is, and go find it when you get to that point)
Got all that? OK. Mix up some water with food coloring and fill the ice cube trays with different colors, freeze for later.
Mix up some more food coloring and water with a different color in each bowl. Head outside where your toddler is unlikely to stain things. Now, you have several options for colored water play:
1. Dump one color of water into another to watch the color change
2. Paint or sponge the colored water onto the paper
3. “Draw” with a frozen colored cube
4. Place a frozen colored cube into a different color of water and watch the reaction as it melts – have your toddler swirl to see the effects
Next, mix up some food coloring with some dry rice and hide small toys in it – you have an instant, colorful “sand box” that can be used to mix colors, hide objects or just play in.
You can also add food coloring to shaving cream – either let the kids just plunge their hands in, or put it in large plastic bags they can squish to watch the colors change and mix.
When you’ve run out of food coloring, or your kids are older, make some homemade shrinky dinks. Cut some shapes out of the foam trays and plastic containers. Have your toddler color them in with markers. Foam trays go in the microwave for a few seconds, while the plastic goes in an oven heated to 200 degrees for 3 – 5 minutes. For best results, cut the shapes really large so your toddler can get the full effect of the shrinking.
If your toddler is old enough and has fun engaging in water play, he or she is old enough to add some color to the mix. I’ve found that a plastic art smock aimed at a 5 year old keeps my 1 year old clean from the splashes, and his hands clean up with just a little scrubbing. Raid your cabinets the next time you’re looking for something cheap and fun to do and bring some color to your day.
