how to keep 9mo occupied on plane

**noopy** · 18-02-2011 17:20

how do you keep a 9 month old busy on long long plane trips and at the airports????

we're off to Dublin (ex PER, via dubai and manchester) soon and i've accounted for DD1 who will be just under 2.5 years old (28 months to be exact!) but i've totally forgotten to prepare myself for the little one!!!!!

i've got loads of sticker books, colouring in books, and a few other things that i've forgotten(!!) but i think she'll be fine as she'll prob just want to watch tv the whole time anyways! flying emirates so i've organised kids meals and kids puzzle mag thing that they have, and i have a bassinet for DD2 on each leg of the flights so i wont be carrying her while she's sleeping. but....... i can't believe i just totally forgot to entertain her too!!!

she LOVES noise but i know noise isn't liked on a plane. any suggestions what i could do to keep her entertained?

all suggestions, advice, ideas etc is greatly appreciated!

TIA!!

**iwantcake** · 18-02-2011 18:33

It sound like you have most things covered there.

When my little girl was under one she still used to love watching herself on my macbook "photobooth" - kept her occupied for ages..well until she fell asleep anyway. I also used to sing (quietly-ish) to her, which she loved. Most people are really nice and understanding when it comes to children and a bit if extra noise on a plane.
Good luck - lucky you going to Dublin for a trip, sounds wonderful...

**davally** · 18-02-2011 19:28

DS was a week away from turning one when we went o/s and I wasn't too stressed about the airport as in Sydney we used a luggage cart (which had a seat like a shopping trolley) to push him around which he enjoyed being high up and able to see everything. We also let him have a little crawl/walk around the window of the departure lounge. Not something I would usually do but I figured a few germs were worth it as he'd be constricted enough on the flight. On out way home we got to keep our pram to the plane door which was so much more useful.

On the plane we too had a bassinet but because we were near the toilets/galley DS only really slept in 40-60 min naps generally because of all the movement and people queuing for the toilets. On the way back we kind of rigged a wrap from the wall over which helped slightly but still felt like that flight would never end.

Entertainment wise I packed a couple of sparkly cardboard books, a small Percy train that made no noise, a small Tigger (that he usually sleeps with) a mobile play phone that made only a small amount of noise (and only when the rest of the plane was not sleeping) and I also used food (snacks) and lots and lots of breastfeeding. At that stage DS normally only had 3 breastfeeds a day but while away I let him feed as much as he wanted. We also sang a lot and on the way over we also had a lovely lady in the seat behind who use to play peek-a-boo and sang to DS.

Good luck I hope it all goes well.

**Me&MrMagoo** · 18-02-2011 21:27

Finger puppets were my saviour for my 7 month old, and then also just before he turned one ... He loves them!!!

**Girl X** · 18-02-2011 22:10

We've travelled with DD a few times from 4mths through to almost 8mths. We've packed toys each time, but to be honest each time she has been massively entertained by people watching - more so than by her toys! She's a big one for smiling at random strangers and trying to initiate contact, so that helped. Any situation where there are lots of people she seems to go on charm offensive, and entertain herself that way!

Good luck, and have a great time in Ireland!

**noopy** · 19-02-2011 18:13

Originally Posted by Me&MrMagoo

Finger puppets were my saviour for my 7 month old, and then also just before he turned one ... He loves them!!!

are these home made? if not, where can i get them from?? and how much?
thanks!

**Me&MrMagoo** · 19-02-2011 18:38

Originally Posted by noopy

are these home made? if not, where can i get them from?? and how much?
thanks!

I got them from ikea for $10 and there's 15 or 20 in the pack ... All different animals ... I think you can get them online ...

**BabelFish** · 19-02-2011 18:41

Phernegan for her and Scotch for you?

**NancyBlackett** · 19-02-2011 18:44

New things are always helpful - excitement factor adds some extra time to the attention they pay them!

Do you have an iPad? They're handy as you can download videos to them and ensure gave shows and games available.

**noopy** · 21-02-2011 15:58

Thank Me&Mr Magoo - i went on the website but unfortunately they dont sell them online. i sent an email to my folks since they work 5 misn from IKEA so hopefully they get me some. they look cool!

no, no ipad.... and dont drink scotch!!

maybe i should start!!