So, I’ve got this little one, just turned one, and we decided it was time for a big adventure – a plane trip! Now, I’ve heard the horror stories. Flying with a baby can be, well, let’s just say “interesting”. But I was determined to make it as smooth as possible. Here’s how I went about entertaining my 1-year-old on the plane.
Prepare for Takeoff
First things first, I packed a bag full of goodies. Not just any bag, mind you, but a carefully curated collection of things I thought would keep the little guy busy. I’m talking about new toys he’d never seen before – that’s key. A couple of small, soft books, some of those stacking cups (a classic!), and a few of those toys that make crinkly noises when you squeeze them.
Check The ID
This is a life hack! I checked the ID needed for my baby! It is a easy thing to do, but could save a lot time!
Getting Comfy
Once we got on the plane, I made sure we had everything we needed within arm’s reach. Diapers, wipes, snacks (oh, the snacks!), and of course, the entertainment arsenal. I made sure he had his favorite blanket and his little stuffed animal buddy.
Entertainment Time
Now for the main event. I started with one of the new toys, a little board book with bright pictures. We flipped through the pages, I made silly voices for the characters, you know, the usual. That held his attention for a good while. Then, when he started to get a little restless, I pulled out the stacking cups. We built towers, knocked them down, repeat. That was a hit!
Snack Break
Snacks are crucial. I had a variety of things he likes, like puffs and those little fruit pouches. They’re not just for eating; they can be a distraction, too. I’d give him one puff at a time, making a little game of it.
Walk it out
- When he got really antsy, we took walks up and down the aisle. This was great for both of us, stretching our legs and getting a change of scenery. He loved looking at all the people and waving at them. Most folks were pretty understanding and gave us smiles.
Naptime
Luckily, he did nap for a bit. I made sure he was comfy and had his blanket, and he drifted off for a while. That was a nice break for me, too! I even managed to read a few pages of my own book.
Repeat and Adapt
The rest of the flight was a rotation of these activities. We read books, played with toys, had snacks, took walks. I just followed his lead and tried to keep him engaged. And you know what? It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Sure, there were a few fussy moments, but overall, he did great.
So, if you’re planning to fly with a 1-year-old, don’t panic. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, it can be done. Just remember to pack those snacks, bring some new toys, and be ready to get up and move around. And most importantly, enjoy the adventure!
