In the not-too-distant future (really, it's approaching rather rapidly), the 'bee family will be going on a trip... on a plane... to Disney World.
It's been quite some time since we traveled as a family by plane.
We haven't gone on any trips at all with our current (and final) number of children. Thank goodness A's family will be there to help us.
The kids are over the moon (of course) about the trip. A and I vacillate between excitement and fear. That's where you, my ten loyal readers, come in. I have several questions and you get to provide your expertise!
We have a portable DVD player, which we will bring, along with various movies to entertain and appease small people. But I need ideas on other fun things to keep the kids (and adults) from climbing the walls of the airplane. All three of the older kids will probably bring their own backpacks to store individual items in. Help me out with any cool—and cheap—items that have helped you out on past trips.
I'm currently rather nervous about weight restrictions on luggage, and the fact that two babies have a lot of stuff they need to travel with. Help me figure out if certain items are really worth packing: umbrella, snacks for the park (to have one less expensive food item to buy—please suggest good ones to take), and jackets for everyone.
We can't decide on whether or not to rent a stroller at D-world ($27 a day for the double stroller, multi-day option) or just take ours. If we have ours, we'll have it in the airport and other non D-world locations, but if we leave ours at home (and carry the babies in snugli carriers in the airport), we'll have one less bulky thing to haul around everywhere. I'm leaning more toward just taking ours, but A is leaning the other way.
And finally, please give me your thoughts (and no judgment, thank you) on giving Benadryl to nine-month old babies. Yes, I would test it out on them before we go. If it doesn't make them zippy, that added aspect of calmness might just save our lives on two long flights.
Thank you, thank you.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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7 comments:
Wow, looks like you've got a big trip ahead of you. I'm not sure where you are flying from (west?) but I have flown a few times with my 3 year old and twins from Maryland to Utah. That is one long flight, let me tell you. To answer your questions, take your older kids to the dollar store and let them pick out a few things they would like to have in their back packs. Also, have them pick out a favorite treat. I love things like skittles because you can have the kids "draw" pictures with them on the tray. Also, those color wonder markers and papers are great. If your older kids are into mazes or crosswords, get them each a new book.
Luggage is tricky...now even more so because most airlines make you PAY to check ANY bag. Check with your airline about that. Pack only what can't be replaced, such as clothes/lovies. Take only enough diapers for the day of travel. When you get to Florida, go to Target or Walmart or something and buy everything you are going to need there...diapers, wipes, shampoos, and snacks. (Good ones: grapes, fruit snacks, granola bars, bananas, jelly beans, etc.) Honestly are you going to need jackets in Florida this time of year? Probably not. And if you do...consider budgeting for some matching jackets from Disneyworld for the whole family. (Maybe a size bigger for the kids, then they can wear them next season too.)
I know I've written a book (and you probably don't know me but hi!), but you had a lot of questions. TAKE YOUR STROLLER. It will be a life saver in the airport for nothing else but hauling everyone's bags that they don't want to carry anymore. Take the snuglis as well so you have the option of wearing them on the plane after you gate check your stroller. My last trip to Utah I left my stroller behind because the boys were small and I could carry them both. I regretted it every day I was there.
As for the Benadryl, I wouldn't do it but that's just my personal opinion. I don't like using medicine other than when it's medically needed.
Do realize that you won't be able to sit in the same row as both the babies if they are riding on your laps. Only one lap baby per row because of air masks. If your plane does not have a changing table in the bathroom (some do not) you might as the steward if you can use one of their big food trays...works great. Are you taking car seats? Sometimes you can check them without it counting towards your bag #.
Anyway, I'll shut up now. Good luck!
I say take the stroller on the plane, we did when Ethan and Brooklyn were little and it was awesome to stroll them right on to the plane. I've never given any of my kids benadryl but melatonin is more natural and works WONDERS :) Have a Great Trip!
I love medicine and my kids (except for Gemma - ugh) respond well to Benadryl, USUALLY. On a plane, once, was the only time it did NOT work. So, I would say no to that.
Buy snacks there - are you renting a car? Make a quick run to the grocery store and buy exactly what you would have brought. You don't want to haul extra stuff.
We always have "surprise time." Go to the dollar spot at Target (or whatever) and get a couple new small things for each child (also pack some of their more favorite toys). About an hour and a half into the flight when they are getting restless, say, "Surprise time!" and pull out the new toy/coloring book/trinket.
Do not underestimate the entertainment of stickers, pipe cleaners, and yarn. Bring notepads for the older kids and have them draw pictures of what they've done/seen so far - a travel journal, of sorts. These are hilarious. They can also write, but drawing is awesome.
Also, pack more candy than you would ever actually let them eat. You'll end up eating some and they'll be occupied. Small pieces that take a while, like unwrapping starburst, are great.
Bring chocolate for you. Have fun!
I won't repeat because everyone else said what I was going to. Except--forget the jackets and buy everyone a rain poncho! It's a must at Disney World and if you buy the cheapies for $2-3 now, you'll save a lot of money at the park. I'd forego the benadryl, but that's just me.
Have so much fun! I love Florida & I loved DisneyWorld.
I highly recommend you take your own stroller, at least if its comfortable and the kids can nap in it. Those molded plastic ones are nearly impossible for good napping, and the double almost are worse than the singles that way (unless you're using a double for only one child). I share this from my own experience.
I also don't recommend packing snacks - buy those in Florida (unless that's what you already planned and I just misread that).
As far as the plane, I traveled with kids about the twins age - I think I introduced them to suckers on that trip? :) My kids LOVED and were immensely entertained by books with the buttons they could push for songs or sounds. They're a little pricier than other things, but well worth it IMHO for the hours of entertainment they provided.
My kids now adore and have hours of fun with Color Wonder books/markers. I love them because they don't get on their clothes, hands or anything else. Plus all the usual stuff you can probably already think of, including cheap travel games for the older kids (maybe teach them a card game now before the trip so they can play it then - like slapjack or war).
HTH - have fun!!! :)
I am so excited for you guys. You deserve the fun.
We gave the triplets benedryl at 8 months and it worked like a charm, not so well for Katelyn at 14 months. I think it depends on the kid.
I am a big fan of lots of treats especially the ones that don't stain too much on the plane. We love twizzlers and starburts. You can always buy more treats when you get there before you go to the park.
I say take the stroller. I am big fan of having your stroller in the airport because you can put all your stuff on it along with pushing the kids.
I will keep thinking of what the kids would love to keep them busy.
I sure love you and admire your strength as a mother.
You have great advice here, but I'm gonna list a couple of other things that might help.
I say take your own stroller too, it's so easy to just roll it up to the gate... but be prepared for them to make you fold it up to put through the x-ray machine at security check. I've only had one time where they didn't make us do that.
Also, I suggest you have your kids wearing some type of slip on shoe or flip flops. Going through security check with tie up shoes and the kids is a PAIN. However, if you have them wear sandals, you might want to slip a pair of socks into their backpacks. The airplane can get cold and my kids feet were cold. We learned that the hard way one trip and were much smarter the next time. You might also want to talk to you kids about what they will need to do at security, so they are ready and it will help it go smoother.
We also have had our kids take their own backpacks with their own stuff on the plane and it was great to keep all of them occupied. You already have great suggestions on here for what to take. I don't know if your older kids like Tamagotchi's or not, but having those for my older 2 was a life saver. They were new for the trip and they provided hours of entertainment, but they are about $15.00 each.
I hope you have a great time!!
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