Is a portable DVD player necessary for traveling with a 2 year old?
by admin on Jul.23, 2010, under Packing & Preparation
Fido A asked:
I will be traveling with my 2 year old son soon. I don’t have a portable DVD player yet but am thinking of buying one. Also what other toys or things should I take with me. The flight will be a 9 hour flight.
Sally
I will be traveling with my 2 year old son soon. I don’t have a portable DVD player yet but am thinking of buying one. Also what other toys or things should I take with me. The flight will be a 9 hour flight.
Sally
July 25th, 2010 on 4:54 pm
Jane
totally…Dora the Exploror and Baby Einstein are the best for kids that are two years old…it really entertains you.
July 28th, 2010 on 4:16 pm
Rick
We didn’t have portable DVD players when we were kids…you don’t need that. Finger foods, small QUIET toys, books. These should take care of your needs.
July 28th, 2010 on 5:41 pm
Wayne
u can but most children probably will sleep near the whole way he will probably only be awake at the start of the flight
July 31st, 2010 on 5:33 pm
Jill
Absolutely. I would also try and take some other toys that he is familiar with.
August 4th, 2010 on 5:08 am
Darren
I think that he will be sleeping most of it. I’d bring some teething rings for sure, maybe a few childrens books to read to him, his blankey, favorite stuffed aminal and just little things babys like, his pretend keys, nothing that is too noisey that will irritate other people and I would not suggest running out to purchase an expensive portable DVD player for your son, unless you are going to use it for yourself.
August 6th, 2010 on 6:20 am
Russell
5 hours!?! Wow, and I thought 2 1/2 was bad! We recently learned that our 2 year old LOVES to watch movies on our lap-top. I think a portable DVD player would be perfect! Also take some coloring books and crayons and a small set of “Lego’s”. Be sure to take some books to read to him!
Good Luck and enjoy you trip!
August 8th, 2010 on 2:00 am
Benjamin
Oh, you are brave! Nine hours in a car I could do with a two year old. I couldn’t do a nine hour flight by myself. I would get the DVD player if he likes that sort of thing…and lots of eye catching videos for children. The Baby Einstein videos for kids is what my daughter uses for her small ones. Picture books are always good. Big pictures – few words. A favorite stuffed toy – the one he drags around all the time not a new one. The one he loves. Provides security – or a favorite small blanket or both. Good Luck!
August 9th, 2010 on 11:49 pm
Edgar
I know this seems ridiculous but bring bubble gum! Whenever I am on a flight and a small child is bing a grouch I start blowing bubbles and they think it is crazy. Infants just stare and toddlers try to grab it and mimmick you with their tongue and if they are old enough to count you can have them count down to popping it.
It won’t last all 9hrs (your jaw would be pretty tired too) but it works for those on-the-brink-of-tantrum moments.
Good luck with the flight!
August 13th, 2010 on 5:34 am
Charlie
No – it is NOT necessary to have a portable DVD player – but if you are going to get one – then there is nothing to stop you.
People have travelled with children for decades without them and seem to have survived ok. Don’t let “keeping up with the Jones” and what other people expectation of what you SHOULD have dictate you. You are in control of the child – NOT the other way around. Plan for the trip. Young children need more than just movies. Remember that their attention span is very short. Do some research. There is plenty of resources about this issue. Snacks, drinks, toys are good ideas. Have a few special toys or activity packed away – things to keep them occupied but don’t let the children see what they are. Introduce each thing one at a time every hour or so.
I have flown 8-9 hours flights many times and have noticed people with young children seem to survive ok without a protable DVD player.
The flight attendants should have some goodies to keep them occpupied on board. Also, as people have answered above, more than likely the child will sleep a lot during the flight.
So, you got the pros and cons. The decision is up to you.
Have a great flight.
August 14th, 2010 on 11:01 am
Judy
Yes, DVD player, DVD, the kid’s own toys, favorite snacks and bottles with both milk and water, extra diapers and clothes for change.
For flying, you need the usual portion plus 2 more for take-off and landing, because your ears pop as the plane elevates in the air. And swallowing lessen it for adults as well as children. Older kids can suck on candy, or chew gum, but babies should drink something to mimic that effect.
For babies, make them drink milk or water can lessen the effect of ear pain. So, the kid won’t cry hysterically and not knowing how to say to you — pain, a lot of pain in ear. For landing, one more. Do time it perfectly, so the bottle won’t run out before the pilot stabilize at certain altitude.
Hope this helps.
August 17th, 2010 on 4:47 pm
Kelly
I would suggest that you purchase a portable DVD player. You should also bring whatever his favorite toys are and also his favorite blanket (if he has one) you want your son to be comfortable on the flight.