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Heading back home (Nz) solo from Ireland. Tips and tricks to survive long haul with 18month old and 3 year old

8 replies

Tory9 · 27/12/2024 20:32

Just like the title says; leaving Ireland and heading back home with the kids solo in the new year. I am flying with Singapore Airlines as I have always travelled with them so I am more comfortable being solo parent knowing terminals etc.
just wondering if anyone has any useful tips and tricks?
these are the small things I have done/ going to do.
feedback appreciated.

  1. i have booked an overnight flight for the 13 hour haul. Hoping they might sleep a few hours. Will bring sleep sac and night their teddies etc for comfort and for the 10 hour flight which will be Irish daytime bringing activities to help pass time…..I hope
  2. i have a baby carrier for the 18month old and have got the wrist band for my adventurous 3 year old just incase
  3. going to carry a lot of food and nappies and milk etc in a carry on suitcase, have some more food and other things accessible in the travel bag and some things in my DD backpack.
  4. Even tho 3 year old toilet trained going to have her protected with Dry Nights just incase!
  5. going in with a “what will be will be” mindset. If I go in thinking things will be bad and they turn out good then I’ll only be delighted.
  6. will board when absolutely necessary not before hand.
  7. Screen and kids earphones and toys/activities to use.

anything else I’m missing or need?
happy new year all :)

OP posts:
SueblueNZ · 28/12/2024 01:11

Hi there Tory. Just a thought. Will it be more stressful for you hoping the children will sleep while most nearby passengers will also be trying to sleep. If the kids don't sleep, will you feel pressured to keep them quiet; I'm not even meaning not crying, but even chattering? And if you need to get up to take older child to the loo or just for a walk down the aisle to amuse/settle ...? I think passengers might be more tolerant/kind/helpful during a daytime flight

skkyelark · 28/12/2024 01:26

Have a plan for how you are going to manage toilet trips/nappies on board - the toilets are small for an adult and toddler, never mind two little ones.

Have at least one full change of clothes for everyone, including you!

See if they will serve food to the children first, as it's easier if you can help them open stuff, eat, clear up before eating yourself. See if you can book children's meals for them. Mine eat a broad range of stuff, but when flying, the kids meal is still worth it. And sometimes it also gets them extra snacks.

Check if the airports have a children or family area. Sometimes there's somewhere for them to play, even a mini soft play. If not, try to find somewhere with a good view and watch planes taking off and landing, luggage loading, etc.

Sunseeker83 · 28/12/2024 01:32

I have done this recently with similar ages albeit not solo. It really wasn't as bad as I thought.

Agree with everything you said except:

  • I would board early. We wanted our stuff above us and lots of people didn't get that. Even on an A380
  • I would try and time your big flight for night as you said. But try and do it so you don't have to wake them in what will be the middle of their night. We had to do that and the 3 year old was almost impossible to wake. Also don't anticipate a 'day flight' will be that. Our cabin they made dark with stars on the roof. In the cabin in front of us they kept it daylight. No idea why!
  • on Singapore airlines you can use the inflatable foot rests that extend the seat so kids can lie down. Absolute game changer. Assuming both kids have seats buy two.
  • I'd take a buggy on board for the 18 month old, you can use it for either child if one is tired and refuse to walk
Cormoran · 30/12/2024 05:16

Yes to bringing a change for you too. It is so easy to spill a drink on someone.

Don't worry about other passengers, we don't care about children fussing or crying, we are in your company for a few hours and you will never see us again. As long as you are not letting them run wild up and down, it is fine and part of travel.

Do board early, not last minute. You need to be able to organise your stuff above your head and it might be full by the time you board and you would have to squeeze your bags here and there.

The special meals are served first, but it also means, you will have to deal with the trays for ages. The kids meals are quite disgusting in my opinion. If Singapore has introduced them, the fruit platters on the other hands are nice and fresh.

Wipes. Bring double the wipes you think you need and a few plastic plastic bags in case there are accidents of any sorts, from juice knocked on legs to vomit. I used to bring two changes for the kids, and one for me.

It can get very cold on board. So have a extra comfy layer for everyone, A nice, soft and baggy jumper or a big wide scarf that can become an extra blanket.

Sleep sacs might be difficult to handle in tight spaces. Are blankets an option? At home, the kids will get in and out of the sacs once per night, on a flight it might be a dozen times per flight. I have done the solo trip with my DC for ages from when they were very little. A blanket is more versatile if they want to sleep in odd shapes, folding legs. The bulkhead seats armrests are fixed, you can't lift them, so kids can't sleep on your legs. The only way to lie down is forward for them, so since they are allowed, the inflatable foot rest is a must. I have attached a picture. I hope you booked a seat for the 18 months old.

It will be fine. And you are going home, every minute on board is a minute closer to home.

Heading back home (Nz) solo from Ireland. Tips and tricks to survive long haul with 18month old and 3 year old
PreferMyAnimals · 30/12/2024 05:29

Try the wrist thing out beforehand. I found them useless as my child could just take it off. It's only velcro.

Tory9 · 01/01/2025 10:57

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I appreciate the feedback

OP posts:
LetsNCagain · 01/01/2025 11:10

I agree about declining the kids meals because then you're stuck with the dirty trays. The trays are so annoying when the kids just want to play. Depending on appetite you could decline any trays at all for the kids and just share yours, and have crackers and cheese in your bag.

Buy snacks at the airport after security because sometimes they don't let you take your own, depending what it is. Eg drinks.

If you haven't booked a seat for your 18mo, don't worry - it could make the difference of a thousand pounds for such a long journey.

I recently did long haul with 11mo and 4yo (with my dh) and I'm not going to lie, it was horrific. You'd kick yourself if you fork out £1000 for a seat for your younger one and still have a horrendous journey. At least, it came to an end at last.

Keeping expectations low is a good idea! And remember it's only 24h of your life.

My other tip is, make sure you pack/ask for some treats for yourself. Take a spill proof mug for coffee. Your favourite snacks. Comfy clothes.

Take a tablet with pre-downloaded kids films on, making sure it's something you'd like to watch too.

Something you can read one handed (eg magazine) on the off chance the kids are asleep but you can't. Magazines double up as brightly coloured paper for origami etc

LetsNCagain · 01/01/2025 11:13

At some point early on in the flight, get the kids changed into pyjamas and brush their teeth. It's hugely bothersome in those tiny loos but it really makes a difference for signalling it's time to sleep. Then change them back into daytime clothes in the destination airport before security

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