My daughter (27 months old) and I will be traveling to Mexico. I need suggestions on what kind of toys I can take for her to play with in the airplane that won’t disturb other passengers.
Why haven’t I ever had the good fortune of sitting beside you and your daughter on an airplane? Although I adore kids, I don’t adore some of the toys they (or rather their parents) drag on board: those that squeak and beep or fall into a gazillion pieces or fly about and bop sleeping passengers on the head. You deserve a shiny medal for your sensitive and sensible planning.
A bit of imaginative role-playing would probably occupy your daughter and take her mind off such constrictions as seat belts and almost non-existent play space. Some ideas: Playmobil 123, manufactured in Germany, features sets of plastic figurines, including one set with a farm theme. There’s Farmer John and his daughter and a pig and cow or two and tractor. You get the picture. They’re safe — no sharp edges, non-breakable, too large to be swallowed — and colorful and can be set up on the stage, that is, the tray table.
Another idea: Writer Sandra Boynton has come out with indestructible board books, including “The Going to Bed Book,” that are engaging and easy to pack. (It would be great if you could find an imaginative little Spanish word book and get your daughter started on her bilingual education.)
Of course, there are good old-fashioned crayons and a pad of construction paper. And don’t forget your little one’s favorite blanket, fuzzy monkey and special treat to munch.
For your return trip, bring a wrapped gift on board to create some suspense during the flight. Allow your daughter to rip it open just as you notice her restlessness setting in. She will most likely be so absorbed with her gift that she won’t be tempted to tear up and down the aisles with every kid on the plane whose parents were far less thoughtful than you.
Have a happy and peaceful flight.