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Happy Fami
I will be flying from Melbourne, Australia to London UK with my baby daughter who will be 14 months. I have flown between the two cities before but never with baby. Will be flying Singapore Airlines (love them and apparently they are good for babies) and plan on going for three weeks (that's all the time off we can afford).
Things to consider:
1) Dont really want to give her sedatives
2) She is usually breastfed to sleep (which can be handy but also...tricky!)
3) I will be bringing portable DVD player, lots of nappies, plastic bags, small toys and get them out one at a time, will be using a baby carrier, books, wipes - that's all the advice I have so far...
Please share your experience and offer some helpful tips.
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot of long-haul flights with my three children.
I have never used sedatives. I'm allergic to a lot of them myself so I can't risk it with my kids, especially at 30,000ft. without an emergency room nearby. These are not harmless drugs and while I don't diss parents who use them on long journeys, it's not something that systematically should be done. There can be side effects. I've survived without. You can too.
Besides, on such a long flight, she'll sleep at some points anyway (10 minutes before landing lol!)
Sounds like you have had some good advice. All three of mine were breastfed and this actually will make your trip easier (the oldest did have some bottles but they're harder to travel with). It's a great way to calm them down when they get overtired, which often happens in airports.
Remember that you do NOT have to breastfeed her or make her drink on take-off and landing. This is an common myth. If you are using a car seat, be sure she's strapped in during those times. Mine flew in car seats and didn't take pacifiers and they never had any problems with their ears. Please don't wake your child unnecessarily and/or force her to drink when she doesn't want to.
The best way to avoid ear problems is to schedule a "well baby" visit right before leaving. Her ears will be checked to be sure that she doesn't have an ear infection or other blockage. Flying with something like that is painful. No amount of sucking will help and it can actually be damaging to the ears. These are problems that are easy to avoid and fix.
Speaking of car seats, I really recommend using one at this age. It really wasn't a big deal to bring it on board on a wire foldable luggage cart. I saw both my passengers and my own children were calmer and more settled in their familiar seat. If she doesn't have a seat, ask nicely at check-in if it's possible to get an extra place. Take it to the gate regardless and if you are not success, have your seat "gate-checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is no guarantee but better than checking it at the desk. NEVER check a car seat as luggage. Airlines lose and break checked car seats all the time.
Here's the children's page from Singapore Airlines;
http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/plan/specialneeds.jsp
If you don't need a car seat in London, you might want to look into the CARES harness, which is easy to bring and accepted on Singapore.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Practice changing her standing up before leaving. You'll love this tip in London too where baby changers aren't that common. The changing tables on airplanes are really small and if you can change her in this position, you can use the roomier handicapped lav instead.
Don't forget to pack a couple of changes of clothes and be sure you have enough diapers. She'll go through more on this trip than she would in the same time frame at home. Often, you'll find yourself changing her when you can, rather than when it's necessary, such as right before boarding and landing. Wrap all this stuff in plastic and bind with rubber bands to make more room in your bag.
This is the bib I liked when travelling. It rinses out easily and dries quickly. I found taking this beat a bunch of disposable bibs, especially because it really kept mine clean. It really covers them up because kids get messy on planes. This company makes really bad baby carriers but this bib is great!
http://www.babycity.co.uk/baby-gifts/mealtimes-cutlery-highchairs-baby-bibs/baby-bjorn/baby-bjorn-eat-play-smock-pd-1155.html
Skip a purse and diaper bag and use a big backpack and a small purse around your neck with the essentials. Keep your hands free. I get a bigger backpack that goes up to my knee when placed on the floor. Both of you carry one, one with the extra supplies, and one with what you need. I also take a small cloth bag so that when I took them to change them, I didn't have to drag the whole bag along.
Are you sure she'll watch DVD's? Mine were way too active at that age to watch a screen and no way would they have worn the headsets. She absolutely has to wear them. Playing it over the speakers would be annoying to other passengers. Be really sure that she'll wear them before leaving. Otherwise, the new toys are a good idea. One right before the plane pushes back because that's a really bad time for toddlers to stay seated. Hopefully, it'll distract her and you can't use any electrical items during that time.
For more information, ten years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
It's a tricky age and a long flight but if you're organized, it'll be much easier.
Have a good visit to London!
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot of long-haul flights with my three children.
I have never used sedatives. I'm allergic to a lot of them myself so I can't risk it with my kids, especially at 30,000ft. without an emergency room nearby. These are not harmless drugs and while I don't diss parents who use them on long journeys, it's not something that systematically should be done. There can be side effects. I've survived without. You can too.
Besides, on such a long flight, she'll sleep at some points anyway (10 minutes before landing lol!)
Sounds like you have had some good advice. All three of mine were breastfed and this actually will make your trip easier (the oldest did have some bottles but they're harder to travel with). It's a great way to calm them down when they get overtired, which often happens in airports.
Remember that you do NOT have to breastfeed her or make her drink on take-off and landing. This is an common myth. If you are using a car seat, be sure she's strapped in during those times. Mine flew in car seats and didn't take pacifiers and they never had any problems with their ears. Please don't wake your child unnecessarily and/or force her to drink when she doesn't want to.
The best way to avoid ear problems is to schedule a "well baby" visit right before leaving. Her ears will be checked to be sure that she doesn't have an ear infection or other blockage. Flying with something like that is painful. No amount of sucking will help and it can actually be damaging to the ears. These are problems that are easy to avoid and fix.
Speaking of car seats, I really recommend using one at this age. It really wasn't a big deal to bring it on board on a wire foldable luggage cart. I saw both my passengers and my own children were calmer and more settled in their familiar seat. If she doesn't have a seat, ask nicely at check-in if it's possible to get an extra place. Take it to the gate regardless and if you are not success, have your seat "gate-checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is no guarantee but better than checking it at the desk. NEVER check a car seat as luggage. Airlines lose and break checked car seats all the time.
Here's the children's page from Singapore Airlines;
http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/plan/specialneeds.jsp
If you don't need a car seat in London, you might want to look into the CARES harness, which is easy to bring and accepted on Singapore.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Practice changing her standing up before leaving. You'll love this tip in London too where baby changers aren't that common. The changing tables on airplanes are really small and if you can change her in this position, you can use the roomier handicapped lav instead.
Don't forget to pack a couple of changes of clothes and be sure you have enough diapers. She'll go through more on this trip than she would in the same time frame at home. Often, you'll find yourself changing her when you can, rather than when it's necessary, such as right before boarding and landing. Wrap all this stuff in plastic and bind with rubber bands to make more room in your bag.
This is the bib I liked when travelling. It rinses out easily and dries quickly. I found taking this beat a bunch of disposable bibs, especially because it really kept mine clean. It really covers them up because kids get messy on planes. This company makes really bad baby carriers but this bib is great!
http://www.babycity.co.uk/baby-gifts/mealtimes-cutlery-highchairs-baby-bibs/baby-bjorn/baby-bjorn-eat-play-smock-pd-1155.html
Skip a purse and diaper bag and use a big backpack and a small purse around your neck with the essentials. Keep your hands free. I get a bigger backpack that goes up to my knee when placed on the floor. Both of you carry one, one with the extra supplies, and one with what you need. I also take a small cloth bag so that when I took them to change them, I didn't have to drag the whole bag along.
Are you sure she'll watch DVD's? Mine were way too active at that age to watch a screen and no way would they have worn the headsets. She absolutely has to wear them. Playing it over the speakers would be annoying to other passengers. Be really sure that she'll wear them before leaving. Otherwise, the new toys are a good idea. One right before the plane pushes back because that's a really bad time for toddlers to stay seated. Hopefully, it'll distract her and you can't use any electrical items during that time.
For more information, ten years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
It's a tricky age and a long flight but if you're organized, it'll be much easier.
Have a good visit to London!
Advice for taking our 19 month old son on a long-haul flight (30+ hours)?
Steven Jen
Hi, later this year my partner and I are taking our son who will be 19 months old on his first ever flight but I for one am dreading it as it is a long-haul flight going from New Zealand to the UK (via Australia/Singapore and possibly Dubai - depending on which airline we finally decide to book with) for a 3 week stay.
As most boys probably are, our son is very energetic, won't stay still very long at all and gets very bored easily so needs lots of entertaining.
The trip will be well worth it when we do get to the UK as our son has never met any of my side of the family who are all over there. So knowing that alone will help us cope somewhat with any stresses of flying with a young child.
Any advice/tip's/experiences shared etc to help ease the journey will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly transatlantics alone a lot with my three children.
This is a long flight and you're going to need to be organized. I wont lie to you and I have to admit that this was probably the worst age for air travel. They love to move but don't have the reasoning to talk about the fact that sometimes they have to be seated, etc.
I recommend that instead of a diaper bag, purse, etc. you opt for a large backpack. Mine goes up to my knee when placed on the ground. Bring at least two changes of clothes and way more diapers than he usually goes through in the same time frame. He will need more than usual. Take out packs of 10, straight from the pack so that they're really flat and put in a plastic bag, Bind with rubber bands and this will make space. Clothes are rolled, placed in plastic and also bound with rubber bands. Split the supplies between both of you in case you're separated or just so that one can take him somewhere without having to fuss with the gear.
My kids at that age were too active for portable DVD players, although they were useful later. You actually have a number of options as far as gadgets that play movies so find out what works for you and if you think it'll keep him occupied. One tip I got was to burn the movies on to your hard drive if you're bringing a computer to save battery time while watching. Make sure he wears the headphones. Practice at home if necessary.
I found simple toys worked best; toy trucks, toy cars, plastic animals, coloring things (magadoodles as well as old fashioned pens and paper), chunky books with openable flaps, pinwheels, plastic rings that click together, pipe cleaners, play dough, etc. Nothing that makes noise. Even a quiet noise played 10,000 will drive your fellow passengers batty. Make sure some of the toys are new (or at least never seen before) so you can "present" them at critical times, like to offset a tantrum and after the plane pulls away from the gate and everyone is supposed to be seated.
Try to get him off of bottles and on to a sippy cup if possible. But if he's like my son, good luck! Chances are he wont so opt for the bottles with disposable plastic liners. Get the flat liners (not "pop-ins"), premeasure the powder in each, roll it up and put in a ziplock.
I really recommend that he have his own seat. This is a LONG time to be on your laps and he's going to be big and heavy. If you opt to save money, try to get an empty seat on the plane beside you. They often do this for families. Be really nice at check-in.
I always fly with a car seat. This is a whole, big subject. Babies are quieter and more comfortable in their own familiar car seat, as well as much, much safer. It's not that big a deal to take it along. I simply strapped mine to a metal luggage cart and pulled it behind me with the carry-on bags. You do want to check your car seat's compatibility, before you book. Make sure you can use it on board. Different airlines have different rules.
Be sure not to check it as luggage. They often get lost and/or broken en route so either use it on board or gate-check it. You may want to arrange a car seat at your destination but please never use one from a rental car company. Have relatives ask around and make sure it's not too old.
I really recommend a good baby carrier. It is the secret to successfully flying with children. He's far too big for one of those dire "front packs" (like the Bjorn) but something comfortable and perhaps with a back carry is good. If you don't already use a sling or wrap, you may want to get a Mei Tai, Ergo, Beco or similar carrier. They're soft, easy to take along and are magic for calming overtired babies on flights (experience speaking!) Also, in big scary airports, toddlers don't always sit nicely in their strollers and want to be held. As a Flight Attendant, I saw far too many parents trying to get through airports with clingy and sleeping babies over their shoulders. Don't be one of them!
Please don't fret over ears. It's actually a myth that babies have to suck on something for take-off and landing. Sure, if you want to offer a cup to drink, not on landing but at the top of descent (landing is too late) when everyone's ears have to reverse pressure, do so. This is about an hour before. What I do recommend is that you schedule a doctor's visit and make sure he doesn't have any ear blockages or infections. These are dangerous and painful to fly with so just have someone look in his ears. We "caught" one in my toddler son once. But on the flight itself, there is no reason to unnecessarily wake up your child or force him to drink if he doesn't want to.
For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
Have a great tr
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly transatlantics alone a lot with my three children.
This is a long flight and you're going to need to be organized. I wont lie to you and I have to admit that this was probably the worst age for air travel. They love to move but don't have the reasoning to talk about the fact that sometimes they have to be seated, etc.
I recommend that instead of a diaper bag, purse, etc. you opt for a large backpack. Mine goes up to my knee when placed on the ground. Bring at least two changes of clothes and way more diapers than he usually goes through in the same time frame. He will need more than usual. Take out packs of 10, straight from the pack so that they're really flat and put in a plastic bag, Bind with rubber bands and this will make space. Clothes are rolled, placed in plastic and also bound with rubber bands. Split the supplies between both of you in case you're separated or just so that one can take him somewhere without having to fuss with the gear.
My kids at that age were too active for portable DVD players, although they were useful later. You actually have a number of options as far as gadgets that play movies so find out what works for you and if you think it'll keep him occupied. One tip I got was to burn the movies on to your hard drive if you're bringing a computer to save battery time while watching. Make sure he wears the headphones. Practice at home if necessary.
I found simple toys worked best; toy trucks, toy cars, plastic animals, coloring things (magadoodles as well as old fashioned pens and paper), chunky books with openable flaps, pinwheels, plastic rings that click together, pipe cleaners, play dough, etc. Nothing that makes noise. Even a quiet noise played 10,000 will drive your fellow passengers batty. Make sure some of the toys are new (or at least never seen before) so you can "present" them at critical times, like to offset a tantrum and after the plane pulls away from the gate and everyone is supposed to be seated.
Try to get him off of bottles and on to a sippy cup if possible. But if he's like my son, good luck! Chances are he wont so opt for the bottles with disposable plastic liners. Get the flat liners (not "pop-ins"), premeasure the powder in each, roll it up and put in a ziplock.
I really recommend that he have his own seat. This is a LONG time to be on your laps and he's going to be big and heavy. If you opt to save money, try to get an empty seat on the plane beside you. They often do this for families. Be really nice at check-in.
I always fly with a car seat. This is a whole, big subject. Babies are quieter and more comfortable in their own familiar car seat, as well as much, much safer. It's not that big a deal to take it along. I simply strapped mine to a metal luggage cart and pulled it behind me with the carry-on bags. You do want to check your car seat's compatibility, before you book. Make sure you can use it on board. Different airlines have different rules.
Be sure not to check it as luggage. They often get lost and/or broken en route so either use it on board or gate-check it. You may want to arrange a car seat at your destination but please never use one from a rental car company. Have relatives ask around and make sure it's not too old.
I really recommend a good baby carrier. It is the secret to successfully flying with children. He's far too big for one of those dire "front packs" (like the Bjorn) but something comfortable and perhaps with a back carry is good. If you don't already use a sling or wrap, you may want to get a Mei Tai, Ergo, Beco or similar carrier. They're soft, easy to take along and are magic for calming overtired babies on flights (experience speaking!) Also, in big scary airports, toddlers don't always sit nicely in their strollers and want to be held. As a Flight Attendant, I saw far too many parents trying to get through airports with clingy and sleeping babies over their shoulders. Don't be one of them!
Please don't fret over ears. It's actually a myth that babies have to suck on something for take-off and landing. Sure, if you want to offer a cup to drink, not on landing but at the top of descent (landing is too late) when everyone's ears have to reverse pressure, do so. This is about an hour before. What I do recommend is that you schedule a doctor's visit and make sure he doesn't have any ear blockages or infections. These are dangerous and painful to fly with so just have someone look in his ears. We "caught" one in my toddler son once. But on the flight itself, there is no reason to unnecessarily wake up your child or force him to drink if he doesn't want to.
For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
Have a great tr
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Title Post: Tips on flying long haul with 14mth baby. Any advice?
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