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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Help needed for stressed parents plllllease!!!

19 replies

shedevil · 02/09/2006 22:07

Hi I am new to MN and need a bit of advice, we're taking my son on his first holiday abroad to Greece on Thursday, which my dad booked before he was even born! Anyway, my little boy (will be 1 on Wednesday) is what you might call a NIGHTMARE to travel with, he won't sit still, is not amused by toys at all and moans/cries most of the time.

How on earth do I entertain him for over four hours with such a restricted list of what we can/can't take in handluggage, and when he has to sit still for some of the time, and stop him driving the rest of the plane (and us!) mad?!

AAARRRGGHH!!!!

I have been 'lurking' round some threads for a while and found some sterling advice so am hoping you have some for me!!!

OP posts:

bramblina · 02/09/2006 22:22

There's mention on here of a drug you can get which calms them, or maybe makes them sleep.
Have you checked your airline for restrictions? I called mine today (we fly to canada in 12 days) and there are no more than the norm.
As for him driving the whole plane mad- why will he? If he's anything like most 1 yr olds (feel better now?!) then he will be inquisitive, want to meet everyone and climb under the seats, but why not? It's what kids do. Don't stop him if you don't have to. And if anyone complains, remind them that we were all 1 at some point.

laundrylover · 02/09/2006 22:27

Welcome to MN shedevil.
I think that most airlines are back to normal on hand luggage now but you can still only take a small bag on board.
The key is to take lots of small things (he must have some fave toys!) and lots of snacks. You could try giving him antihistamine to dope him a bit and be sure to take his sleep blanket/cuddly/comforter in the hope of inducing sleep! We did 2 long hauls and 3 shorts when DD1 was the same age and on one we forgot Pink Bunny and all hell broke loose!!! The rest were fine...

Donk · 02/09/2006 22:34

We went to Australia when ds was 2.10yrs - and far from driving the other passengers up the wall, our frequent promenades up and down the plane saying hello seemed to be part of the in-flight entertainment!
On one flight there were loads of kids and the small open area near the doors was like a mini toddler group.......
HAve fun!

bramblina · 02/09/2006 22:53

I've been advised to take new toys so ds is bound to be interested. Try little stocking filler types.

Original poster

shedevil · 02/09/2006 22:54

Hi all, thanks for that I feel a bit better now!! Think I will go 'small toy' shopping tomorrow - had a look most of his current ones they seem to be either too big or very noisy!! Will have fun choosing some new ones with him. Am prepared to pace the aisles for four hours if thats what it takes to keep him amused!

I'm not sure what the sedative-type drug is, has anyone else used it and what is it exactly? Someone told me to give calpol just before the flight but would this make any difference?

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Peridot30 · 02/09/2006 23:40

hi shedevil Dont worry bout baby on plane. we went to greece when our ds2.10 and dd 10mths. plane got diverted and a 4hr flight took 9hrs. both kids were great. def would recommend calpol. good luck x

hermykne · 03/09/2006 08:38

shedevil, i would feed him nothing (or as near to nothing as possible) in the 3 hrs prior to the plane so he is hungry when u get on it, and give him treats as well as his normal food to lenghten it out. when does he normally nap ? and what time is the flight, get there earlier to ensure he will nap on the plane if its not a really early or late afternoon flight.

Original poster

shedevil · 03/09/2006 11:41

we're flying at 8am, have to be at airport 3 hours before so hopefully he'll sleep all the way in the car and be ready for a sleep by the time we get on the plane. Will prob give him some milk before we get on plane then try and give breakfast on the plane, unless of course he can't wait that long!

Off new toy shopping this afternoon!

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Original poster

shedevil · 03/09/2006 21:53

night time bump!

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foxinsocks · 03/09/2006 21:58

would give him milk on take off and landing so his ears pop nicely (rather than hurting)

I can't really give much advice because we flew with ds when he was 15 months to Joburg (11 hours) and he was complete and utter hell for the entire flight.

I would try and get seats near the back so you can wander around the back bit of the plane (also, you are near the loo then in case of nappy disasters - just check where they are on the plane in case you are on a smaller plane with the loos in the middle). I wouldn't give him calpol if he doesn't need it but take a sachet on the plane in case his ears hurt and he gets a bit screamy.

Original poster

shedevil · 03/09/2006 22:02

Thanks fox, I'm dreading the flight I really am. Rang my sister last night (who's also coming with us so will be a few of us to help keep him occupied) and she just thought it was funny - I couldn't laugh I felt more like crying!

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foxinsocks · 03/09/2006 22:04

oh at least you will have other adults with you - that's a good thing! I think your sister is probably right (though I imagine she is childless!!) - sometimes keeping a sense of humour about it is the only way to go!

Just think - it's only 4 hours of your life and you'll probably never have to see the other people on the plane ever again. Besides, it sounds like you are expecting the worst and it can only be better than your expectations!

Original poster

shedevil · 03/09/2006 22:05

yes i decided if i expected the worst then I could only be pleasantly surprised!!!

Sis has one DS who is 2.5 and an angel!!!

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wantbitty · 04/09/2006 17:07

I have just returned from a two week hoiday in spain, it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. my 2.1 dd was worse when she was only 5 months old as we couldnt entertain her much then. we couldnt take much out there with us because of restrictions, but we managed a couple of things, and the treats help. the only real problem was trying to keep her in her seatbelt during take off and landing, sweets came in handy then! its good that you have other family members so you can pass him round for distraction. off to usa in march when she will be 2.7 and i am dreading that so my sympathies!!

Original poster

shedevil · 04/09/2006 22:45

Well I am now armed with my handluggage bag full of little plastic toy cars, stacking cups, cow & gate biscuits, toddler juice cup (with water in), and some breakfast for him on the plane, and blankie. Any other suggestions and does anyone know if I can even take all this on the plane cos of the restrictions?

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laundrylover · 04/09/2006 22:56

You sound well prepared now! You'll have to phone your airline about any restrictions as they are all different I think.
Have a good flight!!

wantbitty · 05/09/2006 08:19

having travelled last week I know you can take books, toys, dummies etc basically not liquids except one you can test yourself. juice and milk is ok.

Original poster

shedevil · 05/09/2006 21:12

Thanks all, i'll report when I get back on how it went!!

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Original poster

shedevil · 25/09/2006 21:20

Hey all, back from my hols with a pathetic excuse for a tan but hey no time to sunbathe!

Well plane trip wasn't as bad as I predicted, which was what most of you said! DS slept for two hours both there and back, (DH's arm was completely dead but never mind...) and when he woke up was ok for about half an hour then started to get bored and restless, he then thought trying to throw his toys on the poor bloke's head in front of us was a good game! But all in all it was ok and i'd even consider doing it again (I must be mad!)

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