Travelling abroad with DC (4 under 7)

[smallwonder]

Travelling alone next month with my DC ages 17 weeks, 4, 5 and 6 years. We'll be flying from Heathrow, 5 hour flight.
I have just bought 2 large hard shell cases and am hoping all our things will fit in to just two as I really don't know how I'd manage anymore including pram!
What can you recommend for the older children and for myself on the plane please? I'm thinking that they will need some snacks, colouring/activity book, travel game and should I give each of them a small backpack to look after saving me having to faff around in my own bag for things.
As for me, I imagine a backpack is preferable? Something that I can take in and out of the loo to change baby, grab bottle etc..
All recommendations for travel and travel bags appreciated :) Thanks

Phew!. Sorry, no advice from me, but unless you are flying in a jumbo or large Airbus you do realise that you can't be all seated together because of the seating configuration of the plane?

I flew to Lanzarote with my 2 year old DS a couple of months back, and he slept for most of it. The backpack idea is brilliant, maybe try getting them to pack their toys/games/books etc themselves? Make them feel involved, plus then it will all be things they want to play with.

And don't forget drinks to sip when you land. I did, and got a lot of filthy looks when DS screamed his head off because of the changes in pressure.

Thank you.
I'll be front row with baby and others behind me.
Good idea to have them packing own bags. Hopefully no losses on way (of bags and not kids)