Long haul flight looming - should I get her a handheld?

[LookingForward]

And if so,  which one?

I always said I would resist getting her a gameboy, or whatever the equivilant is these days, until she was much older but I am wondering now.

She's 4 years old and DOES NOT STOP talking unless plugged into a new DVD or similar.  We have a 10 hour flight and then a long afternoon/evening for the actual wedding.

Whilst I don't want her to be locked into a computer game and oblivious to her surroundings,  I would like to be able to stop her becoming bored and creating a fuss.  I want to enjoy the wedding too!

Any suggestions and what sort of prices am I looking at here?

TIA
Sarah

[The Naughtiest Girl]

Ninetendo DS s are about 100 quid athough they may have come down in price as there is a newer model on the market,You could probably get a deal and get one with a game for  aset price

At her age the games will be cheaper also as she wont want the main stream Avatar /Hollywood nonsense ones

My kids have them and are not on them ALL the time, we ration it

I think its a fab idea to get her one if you an afford
r
x

[bones]

Definitely a good idea!

I imagine that there would be some in-flight movies, games, stories etc too. And don't forget that a colouring book and pass a huge amount of time too.

[jodieh12]

I would agree with the colouring book etc.  I always have a new backpack with some cheap (£1) toys and some new books in for any flight no matter how long but after being on a recent emirates flight with over 100 moviies, tv programmes and games I wouldn't bother with a handheld. 

Who are you flying with and where and when and I'l see if I can let you know about the entertainment etc.

Good luck

Jo

[LookingForward]

thanks both.

tbh funds aren't up to £100+.

have been chatting with the guys at work and have decided to invest in a good set of headphones:  http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jvc-tiny-phones-childrenÂ’s-headphones-in-pink-hakd10pe-prodid-1994.html

and download some kids movies/tv etc onto my 5th gen ipod and some little games onto my iphone.

combine that with some colouring stuff and the card games she got for xmas plus the inflight entertainment (please god don't let it fail !!) and we should be right.

we're flying Virgin from Gatwick to Vegas - I know inflight ent should be excellent but have read reports about it failing and not being fixed thru the flight!

just hope those headphones will fit on the plane and my ipod/iphone.  also just wish MY headphones were better lol.

[bones]

Aeroplane headphone sockets are sometimes a little unusual (often two headphone sockets for one set of headphones). You can usually buy an adapter onboard. Or just plug the headphones into one of the sockets. It'll work, but only through one of your two speakers.

[jodieh12]

You can usually pick up the adaptor thing with 2 prongs at Dixons, currys etc.

Jo

[elliefreya]

Could you not borrow a DS or something similar for a week? Might be worth putting a little message up on here or fb and see if anyone is nice enough to lend one!! 

[LookingForward]

I did think of that but actually the guys in work have all said the batteries will go way before the flight is even half way thru 

Same could be said of my iPhone actually but the iPod 5th generation should last a bit longer.

[jodieh12]

When I was on Emirates they did announce that people could use the galley to recharge laptops etc. but I would htink this was risky leaving a DS in a galley??

Jo

[Mia]

I reckon that generally that she;s too young but I'm sure for things like flights and long journeys etc that one would be a fab idea.

Why don't you look 2nd hand hun, you must have Free Ads or Friday Ads etc your way?  Or similar?  I get lots of G's stuff from those ads, brilliant bargains...

A x

[LCSS]

You should be fine for the flight with what you have suggested and hopefully at the wedding there will be other kids she can play with, so she doesn't need entertaining.  The last wedding I went to, the couple had thoughtfully laid on a childminder for the reception to take care of all the kids, entertain them, they had their own table to sit at and had a great time.  I didn't see them until it was time to go !

The DS is a mixed blessing.  It keeps my kids occupied when I want them to be but it transforms them into zombies.  It's the first thing to get confiscated if there is a punishment coming their way.

[LookingForward]

Yes I pretty much don't want her to have a ds at such a young age tbh.
The wedding is very small and T will be the only child there. The ceremony will be okay I'm sure as it's being conducted by Elvis in a 50s diner lol.
The meal afterwards is in our hotel so if she starts flagging it won't be too much of a mission to get her to bed.
All the guests are childless tho so am just slightly worried they won't be too tolerant of a fractious or over excited 4yr old!

It's the over excited mania I'm most concerned about so a bit of zombie might be good lol.

Hoping iPod and iPhone combo will be sufficient at wedding!

[Helloyou]

Hi Lookingforward,

I've flown with Virgin Atlantic on a few occasions and must say they have lots for the children to do, last few times I had FOUR children with me, all were kept well occupied, they hand out backpacks to the children,  filled with lots of kiddie stuff, which where a hit with my 3 youngest    (it maybe an idea to ask at check in about these)?

The DSi's are very good if you want to make an investment, they have a camera on them which would be good for your daughter to document her trip, but maybe 4 is too young, suppose its a personal thing, but would highly reccommend them for a bit of peace nd quiet!!

Either way, have a great trip and rest assured Virgin Atlantic are very child friendly.

J.x

[angelbrooke]

DS is a great idea, or see if anyone ou know has a portable dvd player (charging can be an issue) try ebay for second DS or cheap offers. Ebay saved my christmas. Also your local library should have a selection of ds games that are available to rent usually for £1.00 -£2.00 per week.

Again ebay for an old Game Boy, try a Game store for second hand consoles of different varieties. That plus a book, colouring (usually available in-flight) should fit the bill.

Hope that helps

Angel

[Helloyou]

Hi Looking Forward,

Sorry didnt read your previous post regarding not wanting to go over £100.

I would say not to worry too much about your little girl getting over excited etc at the wedding.  I would imagine if she is the only child there she will be treated like a little princess and I think the majority of children when surrounded by adults generally tend to behave very well. 

Hoping you both have a great trip and just enjoy the wedding day itself - lots of lovely memories for you, your little girl and loved ones to make.

J.x

[JustRuby]

C was a bridesmaid at my friends wedding the week after she turned 5, she was the only child there and had a ball! She was spoilt rotten by everyone there and her behaviour was fab, all things considered! I don't think you'll have any trouble with T at all on that score (famous last words!!!)

My mate theresa used to fly between here and the Falklands when her kids were 3 and 5. To keep them occupied for the mammoth flight she used to go to the pound shop and buy enough stuff to last the duration of the flight. So they would open the 1st thing in the 1st hour, the next thing in the second hour so they never got bored of the stuff within 5 mins of taking off! This was in the days before Ipods and DS's!! And of course by the time you take into account eating, a nap etc it'll literally fly by!

Whatever u decide hope u both have a fab time xxxx

[Run DM&C]

Before my 2 got their DS's I got them a gameboy each off ebay.Think they were only about £20 each including a few games and other accessories.

Might be worth a look and won't break the bank even if it only gets used for this trip.

Gameboys use normal AA batteries too, so you can always take a few spare

[scatily]

We went to usa when j was 4 and i got him a leapster, it has been brilliant and you can get them on ebay for under £20 often. 4 x AA batteries needed and one lot lasted the trip there and back for j.

Games are cheap and educational too avaliable on ebay as well. I would highly recommend. J is still using his for car journeys etc (i limit use at other times) and has just started asking for a DSI which i may give into for his 7th bday in the summer.

Have a good trip!

[Silver Lining]

Nothing to add ref hand held, but hope you have a really good time!!!!!!

C xx

[The Naughtiest Girl]

Have just remembered that Erin has one of those littelest pet shops electronic games, it was baout ten unds in Asda

I could always post it to you on loan but it does make some annoying noises!
r
x

[gypsy]

i would have a look at debs idea and have a look on ebay for old gameboy - these are fab for short plays for T........... i flew to cuba 2 years ago with the kids to get married lol!!............. and the flight attendants were fab - kept the kids amused well esp noah - and aside from that after the first couple of hours he fell asleep!!

so by the time your flight comes around you will be well prepared and just relax and have a ball
xxx

[LookingForward]

Thanks everyone.  Had a couple of offers via PM so very grateful and think we are sorted now!

 

[bones]

Might be worth getting one of those "emergency chargers" that take AA batteries. They're quite cheap.

Your iPhone battery will last a surprisingly long time when in "flight mode".