Flying alone to Oz with a very active toddler - help!

[MushroomBurger]

I'll be taking my son home to Perth in November, when he'll be 13 months old. My DH will be joining us for Christmas and the three of us will fly back to the UK together. I've flown out there with DS before, but he was a newborn and just slept and fed the whole way. It's a different story now! He's constantly in the go, can't sit still, is very vocal, a terrible sleeper, won't lie still for nappy changes, throws things - is just a very active little boy. I am not at all looking forward to the flight and am seeking any advice anyone can give me. I have three months to prepare.
What toys or distraction devices have worked for you? All his favourites are noisy or bitty. He only likes books to rip them up or throw them, and things only hold his attention for short periods of time. He also throws food around a lot at meal times. Is anyone willing to assure me that I will survive 24 hours flying with him?
(Hmm, just read back what I've written above. I haven't painted him in the best light. He is just the most gorgeous, funny, loving, sweet little thing - but also very active, loud and wriggly!)

I have one of those and although lovely he can be a lot of work! I often travel to San Fran with him so I've got some experience.

I always try to make sure he's as physically active as possible before we leave for the airport and whilst we're there. No naps! I aim to have him grumpy and worn, towards the point of over tired mania. It's hard work at the airport but as a result he usually sleeps the first 3-4 hrs of the flight.

When he wakes up we usually play games up and down the isles is good (e.g. catch with a tennis ball or one of those cars that you push the "driver" down and they take off).

I buy a couple new books to read on the plane and 2-3 new toys or toys we have that he doesn't play with so they seem new.

Sticker books can also kill a good 2 hrs. I just buy some cheap ones.

Just don't bring it all out at once!

Good luck!

Have you seen those balls that light up when you throw them? We got one at a petrol station and I bring it on every flight. DS loves chasing it. Oh and do you have an iPad iPod Touch or iPhone? When I need the "big guns" I pull that out lots of apps for kids but sucks up battery so can't use it for the whole flight

Thank you. He does like balls, so I'll look into buying a variety. I was a bit worried they might roll off under other people's chairs! I do have both an iPhone and an iPad, but fear they would be rendered useless due to being filled with dribble if I gave him those to play with.

The fisher price mobile phone holder is really good. Protects the phone and gives you the option to disable the home button.

Snacks! Take lots. Raisins are really good during take-off and landing when he has to sit still on your lap. New toys - take a different one out every so often. Lots of walks up and down the aisles (if there's a second level, the stairs were great - he spent ages climbing up and down which also helped wear him out). Befriend the crew so they're nice and helpful and interact with him on your many wanderings into the galley. Take your own food - whatever his favourites are - I found Ella's pouches the best thing on flight to NZ when DS was 18 months.

Good luck!

PS forgot to add, if you haven't already booked your flights, night flights are by far the best option...at least that way you should be guaranteed at least a few hours' sleep (for him, anyway!)

Second the night flight out of London then he'll hopefully sleep half the way. Apps on the iPhone. Stickers (loads!) to be put in sticker book. Can he scribble with one of those tablet drawing things? Loads of snacks. Oh and never allow your DH to not travel with you again (my DH often suggests I take our active toddler out to NZ by myself (again) and he'd join us later. I just laugh.)