Top toys to take on a flight to NZ, ages 1 & 3

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Hello,

We are off on a holiday of a lifetime to NZ, Australia and Singapore. We're all hugely excited, though understandably worried about the flight and it's effect on our two children, who will be very nearly 3yrs and very nearly 1 year old.

I have bought a snoozeshade to use at airports/ stopovers etc, invested in the Phil & Teds travel bag for our buggy, and a ride on Trunky, all of which help make me feel somewhat prepared. I am starting to think about toys to take on the plane with us. I have bought my 3yr old a medics kit, which has loads of little bits that I think she'll live, and I'll pick up some stickers, magazines, crafty type bits too. I'm completely stuck on what to get for my little boy, he likes loud bangy type stuff, which I doubt will go down well with our fellow passengers!

Any ideas of how to make the trip a success, and toy suggestions for my little fella would be hugely welcome!

Happy New Year!

X

have done a similar trip twice before - first time DD was 9 months and second time she was 18 months.

Firstly - consider a baby bjorn type carrier to use in transfer at airport for little one, as they usually take your buggy and check it into hold. Some airlines give you free buggies to use in airport but not all. Trust me it's a long walk when you are all tired, especially when you have your own hand luggage and a trunkie to carry because darling child is fed up pulling it!
Toys - sounds like your 3 year old will be fine. some airlines will give little puppet type things/ colouring books etc, you could check beforehand what they give . As long as it is a new toy, it should work - just pull it out of the bag as soon as you get on the flight (actually wrap it up for added excitement). I was amazed that DD was entertained by the mundane headsets, watching the stewardesses etc.

Actually - the flights were good for us - surprisingly peaceful, timed well with sleeping.

Also, think about packing plenty of changes of clothes - all it takes is someone to be unwell and you will need to change yourself and kids.

Good luck, have a fab time.

Don't forget the airport at Singapore has a swimmingpool. If one of your flights is just a stopover of an hour or two pack your swimming things in your hand luggage.

Portable DVD player and or iPad. Have done Singapore to uk and back a few times now as we live in Singapore. I'd be careful with toys that have lots if 'bits' for the flight - if your 3 year old is anything like mine they wouldn't be happy if a piece was later found to be missing! Hopefully they'll sleep for a good while too. Definitely some sticker books and take some snacks in case the meal times don't fit with your dcs.

Watching with interest as we travel with 16 month old DD to NZ in 2 weeks - eek!

forget toys - go with the dvd player all the way!!!

jigsaws