Transatlantic flight with toddler

[Leo35]

Hi,

We will be travelling with a 19 month old from the US to the UK in Jan/Feb and given the new security rules how have other MNers coped with food/milk drinks in this situation.

We would be on an overnight flight and DS likes his bedtime and first-thing in the morning milk (still from the bottle - oh the shame, will have to own up to the paed in Jan). The other passengers and crew will want him to have his milk as well once the wailing and gnashing of teeth starts (he eats like a horse and loves his milk drink first and last thing).

I've scanned a lot of the threads for ideas on travelling with a toddler, but no-one has specifically mentioned this topic. He may have given these drinks up by then, but I am trying to marshall my thoughts and get organised for the move home. TIA.

I assume he is drinking cow's milk now
They will have plenty on board

I found the child's meal wasn't great but he ate a bit of it. I took plenty of snacks anyway

If you want to take a cup or bottle of his milk through security they might make you have a swig

Shamefacedly I am only just getting around to thanking you TheBlonde. Just fixing up flights now and think that we will fly overnight transatlantic as maybe we will get a small amount of sleep somehow.

Guessed that the meal wouldn't be great, the adult ones are pretty ropey really!

Thanks again and happy new year.

You should be able to buy milk in Starbucks or somewhere after security (so long as it's cow's milk you are after). Otherwise, the airlines generally carry small cartons of milk and these are usually given with the children's meals - although I've only found this on the US to UK route, not the other way around, but that is OK for you. If your DC is small enough, certainly pre-book a basinette or similar (it is usually a positionable car-seat type contraption for the 6mnth - 2yo). This will not only ensure a nice roomy bulkhead seat, but will also mean your LO gets to lie down and sleep better than on a seat. Make sure too that you pack comfy PJs or sleeping bag for both comfort and familiarity. Done it many times with a very naughty girl, so hope you have a smooth passage. Good luck!

Leo, how did you get on. Will be flying to US with DD in the summer and she needs hot cows milk when she wakes up or else....very noisy crying.
Seems like I'll be able to get hold of the milk, anyone know if the airline will be able to heat it for me? Do they have microwaves on board?

When we travelled we took a bottle of cows milk and my husband was asked to taste it in front of a security official and there were no problems at all - not sure what the current ruls are but milk was not a problem.

In terms of distracting a toddler take as many toys as you can carry crayons etc and when all else fails you can have a trip to the loo for distraction.

Good luck

PS Airlines can heat milk for you

I've just returned from Australia with my toddler (and newborn - crazy idea I know) and it wasn't a problem at all for the airline to provide milk (we where however flying Singapore Airlines and they provided everything down to nappies and wipes). I'm sure the airline will provide milk, and heat it, just call them beforehand to make sure if you are worried.

Failing that, security are pretty good if you are travelling with kids. At worst, they will make you try the milk in front of them but they have never done that with us and we fly quite a lot.

Good luck with the flight. Take lots of books and I recommend taking a portable DVD player, it was a god send for us.