Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Worried to take 4 year old on a flight

28 replies

Iwanttogoonhols · 20/03/2023 10:16

My Dd is four and a half and very active (hyper at times) not diagnosed yet, but we are starting the process to see if she has adhd.
She can sit for around 20 minutes in a cafe sometimes, with a colouring book, ice cream etc. We haven’t been with her on a plane yet, due to covid before etc, pre Dd, we travelled quite extensively.
I can’t imagine her sat on a plane for 2.5 hrs, even with all the entertainment given.
How have others managed? I just imagine it being a stressful experience, she’ll be very excited, which is great, but with this, it will possibly be hard to calm her down.

OP posts:
addictedtotheflats · 20/03/2023 17:17

I took my hyperactive 3.5 year old on a 4.5 hour flight last year and because was SO hyper and excited for hours before he actually slept for 2.5 hours of it. He hasnt napped since he turned 2. Might not be as bad as you think

gawditswindy · 20/03/2023 19:23

When I've taken mine on a plane they've been fine. A few small toys, a tablet and some snacks and you're sorted. Don't worry too much about it.

And don't drive to Spain ffs

maryberryslayers · 20/03/2023 21:30

I travel with our 2&4yo DC. Sometimes they are great, sometimes not. Same as at home really. But the way I see it is it's literally 2.5 hours. Who cares if they don't behave perfectly. As long as they sit when the seatbelt signs are on (large box of favourite snacks) and don't kick or encroach other peoples space, then it doesn't matter if they can't sit still for the whole flight. Kids make noise, they just do. Try your best to keep her occupied, that's all you can do.

I use the iPad, then wrap small presents, enough for 1 every 20 mins or so- stickers, window clings, play dough, puzzles, match/snap cards, books, colouring books, sparkly pens, phonics flash cards, plastic tat, things that come in eggs, fidget toys etc.
Limit sugar if it makes her hyper but constant snacks is the way. They have their own backpack filled with presents and snacks plus a new soft toy for comfort.

We always book a table in a restaurant before we fly so they are well fed with a hot meal. Mine act up more if they are hungry, plus it passes time. Then we go and have a long walk and choose a magazine (with more plastic tat attached).

We've done several 10+ hour flights now and I hope for the best, but know it's soon over if not.

My 4yo has the energy of 10 children and selective hearing,but is actually a pretty good traveller so you might be surprised.

If she's under 20 kg you could maybe use a cares harness. Just check with the airline.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page