Hello

We would like to travel down to Aruba with our 2 year old, I'm not sure how she will do on the plane. We love Aruba and want to share the wonderful experience with her.
Do you need a carseat on the plane? She is very tall(as tall as a 4yr old). We are from Chicago so we would fly to Miami and Miami to Aruba. She is full of energy and I'm afraid she will not like flying. We have a mini dvd player that we can bring with us also anything we could give her to calm her during the flight. I would like to hear from other parents about their traveling experience w/ a toddler. I want to make the trip a wonderful one. Thanks in advance for any suggestions

kam

I've flown with my children and grandchildren and never had a problem. What I've done is to prepare them for the flight by treating it as an adventure. Just as important is to keep them busy with toys or DVD's. Also, the flight attendants might be able to present the child with First Flight Wings. Don't worry too much about it as I'm sure you will be okay.

Bring a few toys try to schedule flight at nap time. They do not need a carseat on the plane but I would bring one and check it that way you don't have to rent one from the rental car place. Bring a variety of snacks.
I started bringing my daughter to Aruba at 2 months old and has gone every year since she loves it and askes when it is time to go.
I alway pay a little more and get a direct flight less worries.
Have a great trip.

We've always stayed at the Marriott Stellaris. I don't think they do all inclusive though. We always stay there because they have the absolute BEST views of the sunsets. We stayed one night at the Renaissance and there happened to be a cruise ship come in that night so it was blocking the view...pictures aren't the same with a big cruise ship in the middle of it. I've got great pictures of nothing but ocean and sunset...with the occasional sailboat... that were taken from the Marriott Stellaris! I think it's got a great beach also. The people who work there are very helpful and have always been very friendly. Wherever you stay ...YOU'LL ABSOLUTELY LOVE ARUBA!!! It's our "heaven on earth!"

We took our daughter when she was 4. She too is very active and I worried about the same stuff. I think the key to keeping them entertained is having new stuff to play with. I always buy things and stuff her backpack full of new things that I won't show her until we're on the plane and she's getting antsy...the old stuff "gets old" haha! The new stuff she wants to play with over and over and usually wears herself out and falls asleep. Of course, a dose of Benadryl helps! Just joking! Good luck and have fun!

I would not bring a toddler to Aruba . Too hot and not a place for little ones . Wait until she is older and can enjoy it , and you with her . Just a suggestion from a Mom and G-Mom .

My grandchildren come to Aruba every year with me. My 3 year old granddaughter just made her 4th trip. I took her, her 5 year old brother and my 80 year old mother by myself. (my husband was already there) I had no problems. Just be sure you have a headset for the DVD. The flight attendants would not let her use the DVD without one. We had crayons and coloring books, a doll and lots of snacks. We also made sure it we were flying a a time when she would need a nap. If I can do it, and Skylar is VERY active, I'm sure you can too.

I began taking my kids to Aruba when they were 18 months, they are not 11 and 8 and we are heading back in 3 weeks. I agree with all of those individuals who told you to bring toys and alot of snacks. Usually on the longer flights there are movies which will help as well. They do get tired and mine always seem to fall asleep. One thing that I would suggest is right before traveling make an appointment with your doctor to have your childs ears checked and also talk to your doctor about giving you samples of antibiotics just in case. As for the sun it is strong but if you keep the sun screen on and a hat on they should be okay. A wet white tee shirt is always good to cool them down as well.

The Bendryl is not that bad of an idea for 2 reasons. If for any reason that the up and down motion of the plane hurts her ears, that would help keep them free of any fluid that would acccumulate. I learned this lesson from my doctor after we flew with 4 kids for the first time. He had me give them childrens Dimetapp. Not only was the flight more pleasant for them but for eveyone around them. Between some new toys for them, the dimetapp, flights from then on went well - we even made it to Hawaii with all 4 of them! As far as taking a small child to Aruba - be careful - that sun is intense and there is not much for them to do so be prepared to be busy! Good luck!!