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Original poster

Help me introduce screen time

38 replies

Hyperquiet · 11/05/2025 08:54

Hi

I am going on a 4.5 hour flight and i have an 18 month old. Doesnt really watch TV as such but very occasionally have put something on for him for about 30 mins max.

Sometimes he glances at the TV when we are watching something age appropriate.

Because im not planning on giving him an iPad or anything to use at home just yet what should I buy for the flight?

I am not fussed about lots of screen time as a one off - anything for a peaceful flight.

Do I buy a tablet if so which one? Do people download things on their phone. Not to be dim but how do I do that and do you pay to download?

Do I have to buy headphones too or will the plane noise and very low volume be ok (very empty flight).

Thanks!

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PurpleThistle7 · 12/05/2025 06:17

Honestly my kids weren’t fussed about screens until 3ish so they weren’t much help until then. It’s a short flight so just bring lots of snacks and a few small toys - you don’t have much space anyway with a lap toddler.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 12/05/2025 06:26

ACR7 · 11/05/2025 09:01

We had family in row in front and they couldn’t hear her show. The plane noise just drowns it out as long as you don’t have volume too high

You put Ms Rachel (of all things) on for your toddler, on a flight (where your neighbours were trapped), without headphones?

Words fail me.

Just because your neighbours didn't say anything does not mean they couldn't hear and didn't spend the entire flight wanting to strangle you.

@Hyperquiet Whatever you do, DO NOT DO THIS. If you are going to use screens your child needs their own headphones.

Middleagedstriker · 12/05/2025 06:32

ACR7 · 11/05/2025 08:59

I would just download some shows like ms Rachel etc onto your phone. I downloaded ms Rachel from Netflix onto mine for a recent flight and just had volume low. Worked a treat. If you don’t have Netflix just download stuff from the bbc iplayer that’s free. You literally just click download and it’ll save in the app for you.

Edited

Oh don't have the sound low that is so rude on such a long flight. Honestly get headphones. It kicked off on our plane because someone did this.
I did lots of 3.5 hour flights with my 3 from babies to teens on my own. They are teens now. We didn't have any screens as they weren't so available (but would have used them a bit just didn't own them!) Variety of distraction is key. So had a bag of books, stickers, colouring pens, favourite little toy, we had some velcro thing from Montessori that was good to. Also lots of little snacks that take a while to eat to bring out at various points. Let them have the occasional walk up the aisle but don't start doing this until you have to as can be hard to keep them in their seat.

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Middleagedstriker · 12/05/2025 06:35

SayDoWhatNow · 11/05/2025 09:56

I don't think you need headphones. Especially as your DC isn't used to watching shows they won't mind not being able to hear it. I just narrate quietly or comment on what's happening for him.

We took DS on a similar length flight aged 18mo and 2.5y. He's anxious about flying, so seeing a favourite show or something exciting and new at takeoff and landing really helps distract him from feeling scared, especially now he's too old to snuggle on my lap and has to have his own seat.

Is the flight long enough that you get an airline meal? DS loves this and it really helps to break up the flight - there's usually something like a bread roll and butter, salad, a juice and something sweet. Obviously not great for every day, but as a novelty on a long, boring and stressful flight it's another great distraction.

Another one! Yes you do need headphones. What is wrong with people to think this is ok? How did we all survive prescreens with kids do you think?
I genuinely would prefer to hear a child chatting, being a bit noisy then an endless game/TV show however quiet.

Smoronic · 12/05/2025 06:36

I'd take a ton of books but it depends on your ability to drag round the complete Dr Seuss collection

JohnWickAteMyHamster · 12/05/2025 06:38

Yes you need headphones!!

ACR7 · 12/05/2025 07:03

Middleagedstriker · 12/05/2025 06:32

Oh don't have the sound low that is so rude on such a long flight. Honestly get headphones. It kicked off on our plane because someone did this.
I did lots of 3.5 hour flights with my 3 from babies to teens on my own. They are teens now. We didn't have any screens as they weren't so available (but would have used them a bit just didn't own them!) Variety of distraction is key. So had a bag of books, stickers, colouring pens, favourite little toy, we had some velcro thing from Montessori that was good to. Also lots of little snacks that take a while to eat to bring out at various points. Let them have the occasional walk up the aisle but don't start doing this until you have to as can be hard to keep them in their seat.

Show quote history

I totally agree it would be very rude. In this instance it was very very low and I checked with family in the row in front and it couldn’t be heard. It was more the picture/colours she was looking at and even then not for long as she had her own seat and had toys etc. I definitely will get headphones though as I would hate to ruin someone else’s flight.

ACR7 · 12/05/2025 07:18

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 12/05/2025 06:26

You put Ms Rachel (of all things) on for your toddler, on a flight (where your neighbours were trapped), without headphones?

Words fail me.

Just because your neighbours didn't say anything does not mean they couldn't hear and didn't spend the entire flight wanting to strangle you.

@Hyperquiet Whatever you do, DO NOT DO THIS. If you are going to use screens your child needs their own headphones.

Edited
Show quote history

This is absolutely not what happened but ok. My neighbours were family and would have absolutely said. I take it on board for future as I would genuinely hate for people to be disturbed but I promise you it was ridiculously low and was not on for much anyway. I’m going to bow out as even this seemingly harmless thread that was intended to be supportive has turned into a bashing. Rest assured though I will buy heads phones going forward.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 12/05/2025 07:34

ACR7 · 12/05/2025 07:18

This is absolutely not what happened but ok. My neighbours were family and would have absolutely said. I take it on board for future as I would genuinely hate for people to be disturbed but I promise you it was ridiculously low and was not on for much anyway. I’m going to bow out as even this seemingly harmless thread that was intended to be supportive has turned into a bashing. Rest assured though I will buy heads phones going forward.

Edited
Show quote history

The whole plane was booked out by your family?

I doubt that.

Ms Rachel is just about the most annoying thing you could possibly have chosen to inflict on other people.

This is the reason why more and more people are calling for child free flights.

Why is it so hard to put headphones on your kid?

You are teaching your child that it's OK for everyone else around them to hear whatever it is they are listening to on an electronic device. This is incredibly antisocial behaviour.

ACR7 · 12/05/2025 08:00

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 12/05/2025 07:34

The whole plane was booked out by your family?

I doubt that.

Ms Rachel is just about the most annoying thing you could possibly have chosen to inflict on other people.

This is the reason why more and more people are calling for child free flights.

Why is it so hard to put headphones on your kid?

You are teaching your child that it's OK for everyone else around them to hear whatever it is they are listening to on an electronic device. This is incredibly antisocial behaviour.

Show quote history

Why are you so abrasive it’s unnecessary. My child is 11 months so away happy to watch the colours and the volume was barely auditable. My family was in the row in front so woupd have heard. That being said I have actually conceded your point and will buy them. What more can I say?

TheOccupier · 12/05/2025 08:25

Yes to headphones.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 12/05/2025 08:59

ACR7 · 12/05/2025 08:00

Why are you so abrasive it’s unnecessary. My child is 11 months so away happy to watch the colours and the volume was barely auditable. My family was in the row in front so woupd have heard. That being said I have actually conceded your point and will buy them. What more can I say?

Show quote history

Thank you for taking the criticism on board and I hope you find some nice headphones for your child.

Original poster
Hyperquiet · 12/05/2025 09:36

Headphones it is! Any recommendations for this age?

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