Comments on: International travel with kids

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:59:24 +0000

Good list. I always throw in a couple of favorite activity books as well. We’re also in for a long flight this summer as we’ll be heading back to the US as well for 3 months. Happy traveling!

By: Andrea @ The Train To Crazy

Andrea @ The Train To Crazy — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:38:06 +0000

I’ve never traveled 30 hours on a plane with my kids but I recently traveled 6 hours with 3 under 4 years old and here are my helpful activities that don’t take up much space in the backpack.

-stickers and paper. peeling and sticking can entertain for a while.
-suckers. they take a while to finish and feel like a special treat.
-starburst on take off and landing instead of gum because my kids just swallow it.

I’m enjoying your blog even though I am not a missionary!

By: For Missionary Moms — Missionary Blog Watch

For Missionary Moms — Missionary Blog Watch — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:37:11 +0000

[...] example: International travel with kids: some great tips. And Motherhood and Ministry: A ministry of example. And how about [...]

By: alatvala

alatvala — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:22:00 +0000

Great ideas!!! Alexis, those links are awesome. I think i’ll put them in “Helpful Resources” sidebar soon. Lisa, I love all of your ideas and especially the one about wrapping the gifts in foil! Just like Christmas and Birthdays, the wrapping often is the best part! Gina, good word of caution on the benadryl. Our daughter is one of the ones who gets hyped up on the stuff. Thankfully we weren’t on a flight when we found that out! I have heard this trick before and know that many moms swear by it though! Kim, as for the ears and stuff, well, thankfully we haven’t had any problems. I’ve either nursed (when the kiddos were at that age), or had them eat something or drink out of their sippy cups. I know sucking is supposedly the best thing for keeping ears happy, but even if you can get them to chew or just open and close their mouths a bunch, that should help. I know that for most kids it isn’t a problem unless they have a head cold. If they do, your doctor might prescribe an over-the-counter decongestant (prescribe as in tell you the correct dose), though it is best not to use cold meds on babies unless your doctor tells you to. Oh, and I definitely am no rock star at traveling with kids! You’re right that it is by necessity that we travel like this, but it is definitely a big stretch for my capacity in every way. It is definitely NOT my favorite part of our lifestyle, but it is just part of the package deal. =)

By: Gina Marie

Gina Marie — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:42:34 +0000

Those are all good ideas – I think we’ve used them all! Except the over night in a hotel. When we do that trip, I just want to get it over with! I am incapable of sleeping on planes at all so we just power through. Our kids on the other hand have done it so many times that they can sleep just about anywhere.

One word of caution about children’s Benadryl – I’ve seen it backfire severely on kids! They can get wired from it (seriously, I saw this on a plane – not fun for anyone!). If you’re going to use it, make sure they respond well to it before you go.

By: Lisa Anderson

Lisa Anderson — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:13:34 +0000

Here are some other tips I’ve stumbled upon as well…

Wrap some of the treat/toys in foil. Playing with the foil and making creations with it is almost as good as the goodie inside!

Pack some disposable rubber gloves in your carry-on. They make great balloons for a fun game of volleyball during a lay-over! Then, when it’s time to board, pop them and dispose of them!

Chewable Benadryl tablets for when it really is time to sleep!

Lots of healthy snacks. On many flights you have to pay for snacks now.

I highly recommend backpacks with wheels for each child old enough to pull them through the airport.

By: Alexis

Alexis — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:34:56 +0000

Here are some links to related lists I recently came across:

http://mightygirl.com/2008/01/23/12-travel-tips-for-flying-with-a-baby/

http://mightygirl.com/2009/03/05/traveling-with-kids/

http://mightygirl.com/2008/01/24/9-tips-for-quick-airport-security-screening-with-a-baby/

Hope these are helpful!

By: Kim

Kim — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:05:50 +0000

I have no advice as we haven’t even traveled longer than an hour by car with the girls, however, I just wanted to say what a rock star mom you are by attempting int’l travel with kids! Not that you have a choice, given your calling, but, as I think about our wimpy 2 hour flight next month, I am in awe of you guys! Thanks for these tips and sharing what you know — I love the wax paper idea and earplugs for neighbors — we may have to use that one!

I remember your daughter was about the same age as the girls will be when you guys moved there. Any tips for little ears on take off and landing? The girls will only nurse before naptime/bedtime, let alone, I can’t tandem nurse on the plane for obvious reasons. They also won’t take a binky and don’t know how to use a sippy yet. Maybe we’ll just have to pray hard!

Can’t wait to see you all!