ideas on what will entertain a 16 month old on a flight...

[tiredlookingmummy]

my almost 4 year old can be entertained with his dvd player, a bit of drawing, books, snacks etc... but 16 month old is a different matter. going on hols soon and would like to reduce stress if at all possible on the flight if this is actually possible!!

so looking for any ideas of specific fantastic toys that would keep a demanding, cant sit still, 16 month old ds entertained for at least 10-15 min blocks would be mucha appreciated!

TIA!

Does he like In the Night Garden? The magazines go down brilliantly here. The novelty factor works, plus they come with little toys.

We have just travelled to Oz with 16mo DD. We found she watched a little telly for 10mins or so, she loved stickers to stick on her, me, DH and anyone who stood still ong enough. Crayons and paper also worked well as did some little finger puppets. Lots of snacks like humzingers, raisins and fruit flakes.

We rotated them and she also slept quite a bit, wandered about and was entertained by the cabincrew. They were also very generous with their toy packs.

DD was 18 mo when we flew with her. Stickers, lots, saved the day. And Pringles I also brought some small new toys to play with that had a novelty factor, can't remember what though sorry.

Washable felt tips and some paper?

Still felt like forever though, planning to make them nap would be good

We took our 17 month old and 3.5 year old on a 8 hour flight in January, and I put a thread on the travel section,asking for tips on how to entertain my youngest DS. I had some great suggestions, but the best one was to go to somewhere like Poundland, pick up some party bags and small toys/stickers/sweets etc and fill a number of bags with these goodies. Then periodically throughtout the flight, bring out a new bag for the children to explore. Both my children loved this, as the things were all new to them, kept them v happily entertained ! I must admit I went on the flight, expecting it to be a nightmare, but actually it was much better than I could ever have hoped. Hope the same goes for you too.

You will probably need a list of all the ideas posted on this thread, and then repeat them on a loop. I found that about this age, the entertaining things were:

• turning the seat light on and off
• looking for someone you are travelling to see: up the aisle, then down the aisle, then up the aisle , then down the aisle (obviously just leaning, most of the time, but a walk would also be a good idea)
• picture dictionaries are fantastic. Or take photographs (again, of the people you are going to see, so the DC doesn't get frightened when s/he sees them)
• The Where's Wally series is brilliant for keeping a child entertained, as the pictures are so detailed.
• Songs such as the Wheels on the Bus can be sung quietly (under the hum of the engine), and can be repeated ad nauseam, with actions, which will be a bit more satisfying for an active child.
• If you have a digital camera, take some mini films and replay them for both your children.
• Can the big child be "grown up" and read to the 16 month old?

how long is the flight?

Remember that you can do some things to avoid them get into an activity freenzy, my rules are: no drinks other than milk/water, no sweets, and no tickling under any circumstances during or before the trip.

Ask, if possible, for seats in the bulkhead if traveling long haul. As you board, apologise in advance as baby has been awake/sick all night and might be a bit of a handful, you wouldn't believe how many people volunteer to move to the empty spaces and leave you with the extra space you need . It is just half a lie, the child will get a "bit of handul" at some point... that's guaranteed!.

And dress him well, the cutter they look the more volunteers and good will you get to help you around while you are traveling. This so far has been the best tip I have got, which is particularly important when you are on your own and need to go to the toilet or need someone to hold baby so you eat if baby doesn't have his own seat.